In this season of exposure, I’m tackling spiritual abuse. Could you be a victim?
Victims of abusive church authority structures may not even realize what they are enduring until they escape its grip. Spiritual abuse is often subtle. Christian cult leaders don’t always operate like Jim Jones. Controlling ministries tend to hide behind the guise of spiritual coverings. And far too many outsiders are not willing to even question the messages and practices of such churches. It takes lovers of truth with spiritual discernment to recognize the sometimes-subtle signs of abusive churches. And it takes courage to confront it.
Spiritual abuse is hardly a new phenomenon. You can find instances in the Bible of spiritual leaders exploiting people to build their kingdoms. In Jeremiah 8:11 (NIV) the Lord called out the abuse of prophets and priests, saying, “They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious.”
Watch this video for a strong teaching on spiritual abuse, and a prayer to break free, in Jesus’ name.
Joyce Meyer 
Stephen Strang 
Charisma Media Staff 
