Episode 262 - Laura Barringer, "The Ripple Effects of Toxic Church Culture"

"I still have friendships, friends that still will not speak to me because what I publicly said about Willow Creek." - Laura Barringer

Laura Beringer, co-author of "A Church Called Tove," shares her experience with toxic church culture and explores the patterns and habits of toxicity, including a narcissist culture, fear culture, resistance to justice, celebrity culture, and leadership culture. She emphasizes the need to create a culture of goodness that resists abuses of power and promotes healing.

Key Points
1. Toxic church cultures prioritize the institution over individuals and often operate from a place of fear and control.
2. Individuals may experience a loss of innocence and disillusionment when a trusted leader falls from grace, leading to a crisis of faith and disorientation.
3. Healing and restoration are possible through confession, forgiveness, and receiving grace.
4. The congregation and the leader must create a culture of goodness.
5. Healing from spiritual abuse requires finding a safe counselor and telling your story.
6. Safe counseling provides a supportive, non-judgmental space to address trauma.
7. Recovery from trauma is a journey and can be aided by professional support.
 
HELPFUL RESOURCES:

• A Church Called Tov: Forming a Goodness Culture That Resists Abuses of Power and Promotes Healing

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