044: The Dangers Of Spiritual Fathers, Church Red Flags, & Manipulative Spiritual Language

In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran is joined by Chris and Tori Custer, who share their experience of spiritual abuse and cultish behavior. They break down common red flags and warning signs of toxic church environments, emphasize the need for humility and self-reflection in church leadership, and discuss what biblical forgiveness really looks like. They also take a hard look at the dangers of spiritual fathers and other often weaponized spiritual language. Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign Learn more about Flame Keepers: - YT CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMFhmr401NHxTyqM2JBbGfQ - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/flame_keepers_podcast/ THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/. Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters 00:00 Recognizing Red Flags and Warning Signs 09:09 The Paradox of Christianity: Humility and Self-Reflection 32:59 The Power of Prophetic Words and Intimacy with God 37:48 The Awakening: Recognizing Abuse and Manipulation 40:38 Seeking Outside Perspective and Finding Freedom 41:37 Seeking Outside Counsel and Therapy 43:57 Red Flags of an Unsafe Church 46:12 The Dangers of Idolizing Spiritual Fathers and Mothers 50:30 Power Dynamics in Spiritual Relationships 01:23:21 The Role of Spiritual Fathers and Mothers 01:31:51 The Warped View of Discipleship 01:44:00 The Daily Practice of Forgiveness 01:48:46 Navigating Forgiveness After Abuse 01:59:21 Flamekeepers: Purifying and Reforming the Church