CHALLENGING LEADERS:
Preventing pastoral malpractice and
investigating allegations
Edited by Graham Nicholls
Contributors Colin Berg, Jen Charteris,
Ralph Cunnington, Paul Harrison,
Sue Harrison, Dr David Hilborn, Elinor
Magowan, Graham Nicholls, Philip
Swann, Phil Topham.
Christian Focus, 152 pages, £11.99
ISBN 978 1 527 110 281
Sadly, in the wake of recent abuses in the evangelical church, a book like this is both necessary and timely.
It particularly needs to be read by church leaders, staff teams, PCCs, etc. Edited by Graham Nicholls, it includes contributions from several authors.
The first chapter attempts to define what we mean by the term ‘spiritual abuse’, preferring, for reasons that are explained, alternative terms like ‘pastoral malpractice’ and ‘abuse of power’. The book helpfully points out that the term ‘spiritual abuse’ is quite narrow and so can be used to discriminate against people of faith. Also, that the term ‘abuse of power’ is a two-way street, taking place against those in positions of leadership as well as perpetrated by them.
Eye-opening
There are three chapters that helpfully examine healthy church cultures. The seven elements of a ‘goodness culture’ are worth reflecting on. As are the easy mistakes churches can make. For example, among others, the misconception that, because it has a good reputation, regular Bible ministry and an orthodox statement of faith, a church is safe from having an abusive culture.
The chapter on trauma I personally found eye-opening. The chapter on developing healthy procedures was heavy going, however it helpfully highlighted the need to have various policies in place in the life of our churches. The last chapter on media and particularly new media was sobering to say the least.
A necessary read because, to quote the end of the book, ‘the reputation you want to preserve should be Christ’s’.
