It's Hard to Believe Abuse Could Happen in the Church | 2 Peter 2:1-14
Aaron Gray | May 2, 2021
Abuse is a horrible and all-too-common problem in the world, but what are we to do when we learn that abuse happens in the very place where healing is supposed to happen: the church? As followers of Jesus, we need to learn about this important topic so that we can live out the protection, wisdom, and healing of our savior.
Resources
Discussion Questions
Why is it important to know the distinction between hurt and abuse? How can we grow in our understanding and clear thinking on this subject?
Why does unhealthy treatment from an abusive person often feel like (get mistaken for) love? What about our fallen condition as humans makes it so that we are drawn to harmful people at times?
How did Jesus face misuse of power and abuse at the hands of earthly authority? How does his death offer us healing and protection?
What practical steps can you take to help abuse-proof your family, your neighborhood, your small group, our church, etc.?
Prayer Points
Pray for those who have experienced abuse to experience the love and healing of Jesus.
Pray our church to be wise and protected against any and all abuse.
Pray that non Christians in our region would be drawn to Jesus and the healing that he
offers.
Additional Reading
Michael J. Kruger has done a helpful series of blog posts on abusive leaders in the church. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5.
Christian psychologist and author Diane Langberg has written a very helpful book called Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church. You can also hear her interviewed on the Worthy podcast with Elyse Fitzpatrick and Eric Schumacher.
Andy Crouch has also written two helpful books on the subject of power, one longer and the other shorter. Playing God: Redeeming the Gift of Power (longer), and Strong and Weak: Embracing a Life of Love, Risk, and True Flourishing (shorter).