When Narcissism Comes to Church

Healing Your Community from Emotional and Spiritual Abuse

By: Chuck DeGroat, Richard J. Mouw - foreword

Narrated by: Jim Denison

Length: 6 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

Why does narcissism seem to thrive in our churches?

We've seen the news stories and heard the rumors. Maybe we ourselves have been hurt by a narcissistic church leader. It's easy to throw the term around and diagnose others from afar. But what is narcissism, really? And how does it infiltrate the church?

Chuck DeGroat has been counseling pastors with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, as well as those wounded by narcissistic leaders and systems, for over 20 years. He knows firsthand the devastation narcissism leaves in its wake and how insidious and painful it is. In When Narcissism Comes to Church, DeGroat takes a close look at narcissism, not only in ministry leaders but also in church systems. He offers compassion and hope for those affected by its destructive power and imparts wise counsel for churches looking to heal from its systemic effects.

DeGroat also offers hope for narcissists themselves - not by any shortcut, but by the long, slow road of genuine recovery, possible only through repentance and trust in the humble gospel of Jesus.

©2020 Charles R. DeGroat (P)2020 eChristian

Great information

So many levels to NPD; it truly is relatable to every person that you come in contact with.

Great Book

Enjoyed the content and the narrator. Great read of toxic behavior and culture within the church. How to spot it, how to heal, how to see it in yourself. Great resource.

Becareful if you're a victim of abuse

I struggled at points with this book. I do believe people can change with God's help. I would caution a person who is in an abusive situation, not to think that they are in the appropriate position to help their narcissist. Otherwise, I appreciate the hope that Chuck has and his compassion for a discarded group of people.

Believer Must Read

Must read for all who 'say' they are followers of Jesus Christ. I challenge us all to read with a the thought of possibly seeing ourselves. If we each do this, The Church would begin to heal and get back to where it is supposed to be

Confirmation & Explanation Of Everything I Was F

Excellent listen! Not like any other book ok I’ve read.
Educated in not only secular psychology (BS)have also finished 2 post graduate, 2 year studies at The AACC( American Assoc of Christian Counselors), titled, “Caring for people God’s Way”, & “Extraordinary Women”, I believe this book is an must read for all Christians. Jesus picked Luke as a disciple, I believe to let us know that medicine & science are things God works thru. If you go to the Doctor then you shouldn’t be against “ psychology as it is a social science. This will open many people eyes as to why they felt hurt by church & Pastors.

Mmhmm

I found myself understanding and agreeing with much of what was said after having been in two previous churches with narcissistic leaders. Such a shame they’re allowed to continue their ways. The book was very enlightening and worth the time.

Very eye opening.

After having experienced this myself, listening to this book was one revelation after the other. There were so many red flags I ignored. I'm going to be more aware the next time a narcissist comes to church.

The etiology of a narcissist system

This is an excellent book. I learned so much about narcissism and that this looks like in a church structure.

Great read

This was a great read from a psychological and theological perspective.
I Highly recommend adding it to your reading list.

Very good and informative book

Overall I enjoyed listening to this book. It is both thorough and holistic in its approach to narcissism. The author does his due diligence to not only characterize this issue, both as a cautionary tale and tool for hope. He also provides advice to not only victims but systems/churches and even perpetrator/narcissists themselves (since we are not merely our symptoms), all while referencing the gospel. My only negative criticism is his use of the enneagram and giving it its own dedicated chapter. It’s a highly debated tool with questionable at best origins. But other than that the other chapters are solid. Highly recommended with that one caveat