Church Disrupted

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

In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran, Leann Reece, and Corey Laster explore the question of when it's time to leave a church environment, especially when there are signs of spiritual abuse or toxicity. The hosts discuss their personal experiences and offer insights on recognizing red flags and setting boundaries. They emphasize the importance of healing and finding safe people to talk to. In this conversation, Jeff and the crew discuss the process of deciding whether it's time to leave a church. They provide guidance on how to navigate this decision, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, seeking counsel, and setting boundaries. They also discuss the different scenarios that may arise, such as staying too long, needing to leave immediately, or trying to make a change within the church. Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign 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 Introduction: When is it time to leave a church? 02:18 Recognizing Red Flags and Setting Boundaries 11:55 Leaving a Church without Villainizing 16:30 Healing and Verbalizing the Truth 31:09 Seeking Input and Making the Decision 34:58 Importance of Healing in the Decision 35:26 Trusting Your Gut: Knowing When to Leave a Church 37:50 Having Civil, Helpful, and Loving Conversations 41:01 Assessing Your Feelings: A Key Indicator for Leaving 46:46 Leaving in a Healthy and Honoring Way 57:33 Acknowledging Hurt and Finding a Safe Place to Land 01:10:29 Deciding to Leave for a New Season 01:11:57 Setting a Firm End Date 01:13:23 Having the Conversation and Leaving 01:14:20 Setting a Date and Making Arrangements 01:17:43 Protecting the Most Vulnerable Person 01:19:38 Empathy and Healing in the Body 01:21:02 Empathy and Healing in Relationships 01:27:14 Healing Faster and Helping Others 01:30:36 Empathy as a Sign of Healing 01:34:02 Prioritizing Safety and Leaving

Casanova Green, a dedicated lead pastor and overseer of the Vision House, dives into the pressing issues facing today’s churches. He discusses the dangers of narcissistic leadership and performance-driven preaching, urging a return to community and supportive ministry. The conversation highlights the need for accountability amidst scandals, advocating for transparency in church governance. Green passionately stresses the importance of genuine pastoral care and the healing impact of addressing spiritual abuse, making the case for a church built on love and service.

In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran interviews Natalie Runion, the author of 'Raised to Stay' and the upcoming book 'The House that Jesus Built.' They discuss staying in a relationship with Jesus in the face of things like church hurt and spiritual abuse, and the importance of balance in addressing hard church issues. Natalie shares her personal experience of church hurt and how it led her to create a safe space for others to wrestle with their faith. They also touch on the topic of forgiveness and how it can be weaponized, the process of healing from church hurt, and the need for churches to create safe environments and address unhealthy systems. They offer advice for individuals who are hesitant to re-engage with the church and encourage pastors and church leaders to be a safe haven for those who have been hurt. Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign Find out more about Natali e'swork here: - https://www.instagram.com/raisedtostay/?hl=en - https://natalierunion.com/ - https://tinyurl.com/526vaaj2 - https://www.amazon.com/Raised-Stay-Persevering-Ministry-Million/dp/0830784608 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 Introduction to Natalie Runion and the Topic of Church Hurt 03:04 Healing from Church Hurt and Spiritual Abuse 07:41 Creating Safe Environments in Churches 13:41 Staying Connected to Jesus in Difficult Seasons 28:28 Navigating Church Relationships with Discernment 40:41 Supporting Church Staff Members in Abusive Situations 43:07 The Importance of Forgiveness and Healing 45:01 The Power of Empathy 49:39 Revival: A Heart Transformation 54:16 Addressing Issues in Church Systems

What happens when a mega church pastor gets honest about spiritual abuse in the church? We're about to find out. In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran is joined by a current pastor on a mega church staff. They discuss how spiritual abuse can happen in smaller churches as well as the systems that contribute to it. This pastor shares his personal experience of spiritual abuse in small churches, where narcissism, arrogance, and nepotism were prevalent. They also discuss the importance of accountability in church leadership and the need for external oversight to prevent abuse, as well as how churches can decide upfront how they will honestly and openly investigate any and all spiritual abuse allegations. Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign 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 our podcast partners here: https://www.disrupted.church/sponsors. 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 Introduction and Overview 06:09 Loren's Experience of Spiritual Abuse in Small Churches 13:47 The Presence of Narcissism, Arrogance, and Nepotism in Church Systems 28:26 The Need for External Oversight to Prevent Spiritual Abuse 33:12 The Risk of Standing Up Against Spiritual Abuse 37:32 Creating Safe Spaces for Staff 46:15 Prioritizing Family Care as a Pastor 50:08 The Importance of Independent Investigations 57:47 Listening and Caring for Those Who Have Experienced Hurt

In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran and Lori Morrison (host of the Unlovely Truth Podcast & Author) discuss the importance of addressing spiritual abuse and safety within the church. They explore the need for holistic care, the role of independent investigations, and the significance of effective communication in handling abuse allegations. The conversation also delves into the impact of spiritual abuse on people and the church's responsibility in addressing and preventing it. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to church communication, transparency, accountability, spiritual abuse, and the importance of justice. We also discuss red flags and the need for safe and healthy church environments. Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign Find out more about Lori's work here: - https://theunlovelytruth.com/ 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 our podcast partners here: https://www.disrupted.church/sponsors. 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 Introduction and Guest Introduction 03:00 The Importance of Holistic Care and Safety in the Church 10:04 The Role of Independent Investigations in Addressing Spiritual Abuse 34:14 Establishing a Church Safe Process and External Support 44:17 The Importance of Truth and Transparency in Church Communication 49:33 Prioritizing Character Over Titles in Church Staff Evaluation 01:21:26 Creating a Safe and Welcoming Church Environment 01:25:47 Addressing Issues of Spiritual and Emotional Abuse in the Church

In this episode of the Church Disrupted podcast, Jeff Cochran interviews Scott McKnight, a theologian and advocate for spiritual abuse victims. They discuss the complexities of spiritual abuse, the power dynamics involved, and the impact on individuals and communities. Scott shares his journey of advocating for spiritual abuse victims and teaching churches to build a Tove culture. They also explore the challenges of recognizing and responding to spiritual abuse within the church. The conversation covers various aspects of spiritual abuse, including realistic expectations, time limits, and the impact of church systems. It also delves into the evolution of pastoral roles, the impact of mega-churches, and the modern-day church playbook for addressing the scandal. Additionally, it explores the trauma experienced by pastors and the need for a trauma-informed approach in the church. Want to support Church Disrupted financially? https://www.disrupted.church/give Find out more about Scot's work here: - https://x.com/scotmcknight - https://scotmcknight.substack.com/ - https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001IQZDNO 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 our podcast partners here: https://www.disrupted.church/sponsors. Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/. Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters 00:00 Understanding Spiritual Abuse: A Complex Journey 09:30 The Definition and Impact of Spiritual Abuse 24:00 Navigating Power Dynamics and Healing 27:43 Navigating Spiritual Abuse: Realistic Expectations and Time Limits 31:33 Evolution of Pastoral Roles and the Impact of Mega Churches 48:59 The Modern-Day Church Playbook for Addressing Scandal 52:19 Trauma-Informed Approach in the Church

This episode of the Church Disrupted podcast explores the topic of volunteer exploitation in churches. Host Jeff Cochran, joined by Nick Flores, discusses the damaging effects of volunteering gone wrong and how churches can better protect their volunteers. They share personal experiences of volunteer exploitation and highlight the importance of setting boundaries and providing support for volunteers. The conversation emphasizes the need for churches to slow down and prioritize the well-being of their volunteers. They also discuss the power of meaningful conversations and the impact they can have on volunteers' lives. In this conversation, Jeff and Nick also discuss the concept of spiritual bypassing, where faith is used as an excuse to avoid taking action or addressing real issues. They emphasize the need for open dialogue, asking deeper questions, and creating safe spaces within the church community. They also touch on the impact of language and labels, such as the 'dream team,' and how it can create an in-crowd versus out-crowd mentality. Want to support Church Disrupted financially? https://www.disrupted.church/give Find out more about Nic's work with the Collision podcast here: https://www.instagram.com/collisionpodcast/ 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 our podcast partners here: https://www.disrupted.church/sponsors. Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/. Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Exploring Volunteer Exploitation in Churches 02:35 The Damaging Effects of Volunteer Exploitation 08:07 Personal Experiences of Volunteer Exploitation 14:38 The Power of Meaningful Conversations with Volunteers 31:38 The Importance of Slowing Down and Being Inclusive in Volunteer Culture 38:26 The Impact of Boundaries and Support on Volunteer Engagement 43:47 The Need for Resources and Conversations on Volunteer Well-being 45:01 Income Disparity and Exploitation 50:46 Addressing Spiritual Bypassing 57:36 Taking Care of Pastors 01:10:33 The Impact of Language and Labels

In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jef Cochran is joined by Tim Whitaker of The New Evangelicals to talk about the state of the church, why people are leaving the evangelical church and deconstructing, how political entanglement has played a role, and ways we can stop spiritual abuse in churches. This was a fantastic conversation between Tim and Jeff, and while everyone won't agree with everything said, we can and should all learn something. Want to support Church Disrupted financially?https://www.disrupted.church/giveFind out more about Tim's work with TNE here: https://www.thenewevangelicals.com/ 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 our podcast partners here: https://www.disrupted.church/sponsors.Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/.Please Subscribe and Share!

With the recent launch of the Spiritual Abuse Institute (SAI,) Jeff Cochran takes this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast to answer listener questions about SAI, discuss how we'll help people heal from spiritual abuse and church hurt, and our plan to build healthier churches. If you have ever experienced spiritual abuse, church hurt, or religious trauma, then this episode (and SAI) is for you. Will you become a disruptor and help us fight to end spiritual abuse and the toxic systems that cause it? Want to support Church Disrupted and SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign 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 our podcast partners here: https://www.disrupted.church/sponsors. Find out more about SAI at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/. Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/. Please Subscribe and Share!