Be watchful for those who are only in it for the money and are always trying to get increases in salary or take up special offerings for themselves, for those who try to rule the church with an iron fist, those who redefine salvation, those who say that we are the only true church and all others are headed for hell, and finally, those who are so full of themselves that God cannot ever fill them up…they feel superior to everyone else and believe they are above correction. These are all very serious signs of spiritual abuse by a pastor, elder, deacon, or any other church leader.

What are 5 warning signs of spiritual abuse that pastors or church leaders might inflict upon the church?  What signs would you include or see as a threat to the Body of Christ?

Spiritual Abuse from Whom?

We know that we are not battling against flesh and blood but as Paul wrote, against wicked spirits in high places or places of prominence we could say but could they be from church leaders?  Read the way Paul puts it in Ephesians 6:12 “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”  We might have a chance if it were against flesh and blood but against the evil spirits?  No, we wouldn’t have a chance…not without God’s Spirit and armoring up with the Word of God and prayer. Remember when Jacob wrestled with God?  It was no contest and although Satan and his minions are no match for God, we are no match for wicked spirits.  We are still in a battle today, although Jesus’ work at Calvary sealed the enemies fate (John 12:31) he and his evil army is yet to be completely vanquished.  Today we fight a spiritual battle every time we share the gospel and we pray the Holy Spirit will “open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me” (Acts 26:18). Isn’t that every Christian’s call (Matt 28:18-20; Acts 1:8)?  We can know for sure that when we are laboring in the fields for the Lord’s glory, we will be opposed at every step for we are entering into enemy territory every time we proclaim Christ as the only way to be saved (Acts 4:12) so we shouldn’t be surprised and we must expect it but what are some of the warning signs of spiritual abuse from those who are church leaders and even the pastor?

Persecution from Other Believers

Have you noticed that persecution has stepped up in this world?  Have you noticed the enemy has ramped up attacks around the world and even in your own world?  Sadly, some of the greatest persecution that I get is from other believers over things that are non-essentials.  No believer can be demon possessed but they can be influenced and sometimes the enemy loves to use other believers to attack other believers.  Can you imagine anything more delightful for Satan? He must laugh with joy over these things because it discourages believers and destroys our testimony with unbelievers.

Pastors or Church Leaders Spiritual Abuse of the Church

I am not ranking these but trying to show which might be the most obvious or flagrant spiritual abuse that pastors or church leaders might involuntarily or even with intention launch against the church.  Pastors and church leaders are not immune to spiritually abusing members of Christ’s Body but when we do we are actually hurting Jesus’ own Body, as Jesus told Paul that he was persecuting Him and not necessarily the Christians so when pastors, elders, deacons or any other church leader spiritually abuse members of the church they are literally persecuting or attacking Jesus’ Himself (Acts 9:4).  This is most certainly a very serious matter and it is one that is a touchy, albeit necessary subject.

Defining Spiritual Abuse

Spiritual abuse could be defined as someone in a position of authority or leadership in the church taking advantage of such a position by misusing such a position that God has placed them in to try and manipulate, undermine, control, abuse, or coerce them into something unbiblical and ungodly.  I counseled with one young man who said that the pastor had been pressuring a couple of the single women in the church to go with him alone on “evangelism training” short-term missions and by their refusing, they were going against the will of God. I couldn’t believe my ears!  Apparently this had recently happened and one of the women came to him in fear of this man using his position of authority to try and coerce her into being alone with him. Spiritual abuse might be someone in authority trying to make it seem like it’s a work of God when really they are serving their own (sometimes evil) purposes or agenda. This was confirmed by at least two other women that were perplexed by being put in this position and felt that if they didn’t do what he asked them to do; they would lose their credibility with God.  I about fell out of my chair when I heard this.  At least two of these women were starting to question their own relationship with God.  That is an extreme case I realize but here are 5 spiritual abuse signs that you need to be aware of as a pastor, church leader or even a member of the church.

Spiritual Abuse Sign #1 Fleecing the Flock

Today, there is no shortage of pastors who are fleecing the sheep for their own gain.  These men “are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach” (Titus 1:11)….

Spiritual Abuse Sign #2  Dictatorial Leadership

A pastor should have a shepherd’s heart…a tender heart like Christ does Who is the Chief Shepherd. Pastors are simply under-shepherds to the Great Shepherd.  Christ is not harsh with us…He does beat us over the head with the shepherds staff; He doesn’t force Himself on anyone….

Spiritual Abuse Sign #3  Subtle Salvific Changes

I know today that many are starting to change or redefine the way someone can be saved.

that anyone could be saved….

Spiritual Abuse Sign #4 Denominational Exclusivity

If your pastor, church leader and in fact, any denomination teaches that theirs is the only true church and all other denominational members are destined for hell, that is a serious sign of spiritual abuse….

Spiritual Abuse Sign #5  Prideful Arrogance

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