When Narcissism Comes to Church: A Conversation with Chuck DeGroat

Many of us have been touched by narcissism.

Up close or from the sidelines, we have experienced its effects from a teacher, our parents, or from the leaders in our lives.

Often this narcissism surprises us and comes from the most unexpected of places where we feel safe to let our guard down and allow ourselves to be vulnerable.

One of these places is the Church.

Typically we don’t relate narcissism to the Church. But, even though it is rarely talked about, narcissism is often experienced in the Church today. Many of us have experienced disappointment and heartache as a result.

Today’s guest has been studying and working with narcissism for decades as a pastor, therapist, and spiritual director. Chuck DeGroat is the Professor of Pastoral Care and Christian Spirituality at Western Theological Seminary and senior fellow at Newbigin House of Studies, San Francisco. Chuck is also an author, speaker, consultant, and therapist.

In today's show we talk about his most recent book, When Narcissism Comes To Church: Healing Your Community From Emotional and Spiritual Abuse.

I love how Chuck speaks truth into narcissism and gaslighting and calls out church leaders who are playing out this phenomenon in our world today.

If you've been the victim of spiritual abuse, my prayer is that this episode provides hope, healing and deeper insight into why you were harmed.

As Chuck so eloquently writes in his book: Healing requires radical honesty with ourselves and the courage to follow through on the wilderness path to healing.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• What has contributed to the rise in systemic narcissism in church
• How to identify a narcissistic pastor and better understand the inner life of a narcissistic pastor
• Why we are attracted to narcissistic leaders
• And what we can do to protect ourselves without losing our faith

Click here for resources.