(For a foundation on this topic, if you haven't already read them, I would recommend starting with the following two articles before reading this one: " Narcissism & the Church " and " Narcissism & the Church | Checking for Red Flags ".) If you find yourself in a narcissistic church, how do you respond? Here are a few thoughts. First , God will use this difficult time . He uses everything, working it together for your good and his glory (Rom. 8:28). I know it can be difficult

A narcissistic church leader is toxic . A narcissistic system is toxic . A narcissistic church is toxic . Sadly, many people within these environments will end up wounded. Surely, it grieves the heart of God to see people injured by the very people who are representing him. Surely, it grieves the heart of God to see people injured by the very people who are representing him. Some may suspect that they are in a narcissistic church in environment with a narcissistic church lead

If you've experienced the bite from a narcissist, then you know firsthand that it can be painful and disorienting. For many of you, sadly, you have experienced this in the church, which can make this bite spiritually disorienting and confusing. And, for those of you who have experienced the bite of a narcissistic pastor or spiritual leader, you have likely gone through profound and prolonged periods of confusion, denial, wrestling, pain, and have found yourself in need of hea

What is plagiarism? Plagiarism, at its core, means to use someone's idea without credit. According to Merriam-Webster , to plagiarize means "to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own : use (another's production) without crediting the source."[1] What is the history of plagiarism? The English word "plagiarize" likely dates back to the 1600s.[2] However, the term comes from French, Greek, and Latin influences dating centuries before.[3] Ideas which are

Picture this: You are standing in the mountains, and in the distance, you can see a shepherd with his flock. At first, you are amazed at the scenery. But, as you look closer, you are shocked. You discover that the shepherd is beating his flock with a staff. He will not allow them to eat, drink, or rest. He is abusing them and driving them hard. He won't allow them to sit down, but instead, he is making them move at a pace that they cannot sustain. What would you think? What w

Type of Doctrine: Usually Secondary "But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit...

Recently, a book that I was reading referred to a particular Hebrew word that shows up quite a few times in the Old Testament. The word...

This past week many tragedies were witnessed in the news. People on social media quickly exploded into outrage offering many different...

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" . . . for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity." -Proverbs 24:16 ESV Have you...

Type of Doctrine: Typically secondary or tertiary "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." -2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV Why Does It Matter? We believe that Scripture is inerrant and inspired in the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek writings by the original authors. However, many of us don't know these languages so we need t

"He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him." -John 1:11 ESV "Church hurt" are two words that I wish were never put...

15 "'I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and...

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary...

" . . . and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." -Ephesians 4:24 ESV Sometimes...

" . . . set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." -1 Peter 1:13b ESV You need...

". . . that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being ....

Type of Doctrine: Tertiary "It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to...

Type of Doctrine: Debated "This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is...

Have you ever felt guilt rise up inside as you hear someone say a phrase like this: "God has done so much for you; what will you do for...