Bully Pulpit

Confronting the Problem of Spiritual Abuse in the Church

By: Michael J. Kruger

Narrated by: Tom Parks

Length: 5 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

Are churches looking for the wrong kind of leaders? The last decade has witnessed a rising number of churches wrecked by spiritual abuse—harsh, heavy-handed, domineering behavior from those in a position of spiritual authority. And high-profile cases are only a small portion of this widespread problem. Behind the scenes are many more cases of spiritual abuse that we will never hear about. Victims suffer in silence, not knowing where to turn.

Of course, most pastors and leaders are godly, wonderful people who don't abuse their sheep. They shepherd their flocks gently and patiently. But we can't ignore the growing number who do not. We have tolerated and even celebrated the kind of leaders Jesus warned us against.

We need gentle shepherds now more than ever, and in Bully Pulpit, seminary president and biblical scholar Michael J. Kruger offers a unique perspective for both church leaders and church members on the problem of spiritual abuse, how to spot it, and how to handle it in the church.

"Every Christian from pulpit to pew needs to read this wise and timely work."—Karen Swallow Prior

"Both urgent and timely."—Sam Storms

"Thoughtful, wise, and biblical."—Mark Vroegop

©2022 Michael J. Kruger (P)2022 Zondervan

How to recognize when someone it’s bullying

Very interesting book about when someone it’s been bully. Highly recommended to leaders and anyone who has people under you.

A must read and adress

So much truth, the idea that it’s only in other peoples churches and not in mine is ridiculous, Has anyone shared the letters to the church is in the book of Revelation?. - I will be purchasing the paperback for the footnotes and the reading other writings on the subject. This book is a must read! The fact is God’s sovereignty Rev 22:12

Well written!

Bravo to Kruger for tackling such an intimidating topic. It may be hard to admit, but spiritual abuse does exist, and it's an issue that needs to be addressed.
I love that this book is not taking a jab at The Church, but it acknowledges the humanity of leaders and that the potential for abuse exists. Kruger brings attention to spiritual abuse and he suggests some possible solutions.
Emotionally healthy discipleship is key and in my opinion this book serves as a great training tool for anyone in ministry. It can serve as a way to self-check and avoid becoming a spiritual bully.
Well-written and Kruger's desire to edify and build up are evident. Great read!

Stopping Abuse in Church Starts Here!

This book is the place to start when it comes to stopping abuse in church. The author covers the important aspects of the topic in a clear and easy-to-understand manner. Not only does he define spiritual abuse accurately, which is very important, he also shows the dynamics that exist within abusive churches that create such cultures. And he discusses the mindsets and fears that are common among abusive pastors. His advice on what to do about abuse shows that he is well informed on the issue. It takes courage and strength to overcome abuse. But it also takes wisdom and understanding and this book provides both of those things.

Challenge

It was a book that provoked some self reflection in my own ministry. It is unsettling how a pastor can easily fall into bully a church and using the Bible as his weapon. Truly scary.

Good info and Excellent presentation

I am on my 6th church in 44 years of life. Even the good ones, I wish the leaders and really all church members had this book as a guide.

Best book on spiritual abuse

Well articulated with biblical references, this book can save a lot of victim and preventing many people turning into a spiritual abuser.

Helpful Book for Any Church Leader

Lots of helpful information and advice. But nothing too advanced. The stories were not very in-depth, and the data was not too technical. So it’s an easy listen.

Excellent

It felt like the book was written about me.

The only thing I think, lost focus or discussion was that Paul says one of the ways we discover a good pastor is by how he manages his household

Also, another thing that has lost is that Jesus, the apostles, and the early church always gave example of home church
Once a church and grows and gets a staff it will start to draw abusive pastors naturally
And normally you can never learn what they are like with their family

Insightful & Impactful

Deep insight into a problem that is so destructive. Impactful analysis and practical recommendations. Should be required reading for everyone who is a pastor, elder or other church leader.