The following, which are embodied by Hope Christian Church ASU, are described by Shawn Nelson in his word Spiritual Abuse: Unspoken Crisis as “signs of a spiritually abusive system”.
NOTE: It is important to note that none of the behaviors epitomized by Hope Christian Church ASU here are considered “normal” for Christian ministries or faith-based groups to engage in. Any ideas such as “that is just how Church-groups operate” would be egregiously in error.
NOTE: It is important to note that none of the behaviors epitomized by Hope Christian Church ASU here are considered “normal” for Christian ministries or faith-based groups to engage in. Any ideas such as “that is just how Church-groups operate” would be egregiously in error.
Dozens of experience reports were collected from former members which demonstrate these violations by Hope Christian Church ASU.
1. People being used: “The people’s needs go unmet; the church’s needs are more important. The majority of activity is related to the expansion and operation of “the ministry.”... People feel manipulated into serving in greater and greater capacities within the church. The bulk of energy is given to retain new families (or members) while older families (or members) are ignored.”
2. Power-Posturing: “Pastors who powerposture put a heavy emphasis on submitting to their authority… There might also be a heavy top-down hierarchal structure where average churchgoers are required to submit to those placed over them… Those aspiring to lead may need to climb this ladder by ‘[proving] one’s commitment to the organization.’”
3. Selective Service: “The church is overly concerned about portraying ‘excellence.’” People who do not fit a certain “mold” or criteria, are barred from certain elements of service or leadership in the ministry
4. Elitist Attitude:“A church with an elitist attitude believes ‘no one else’ is really preaching the gospel—except that church. Or at least, no one is preaching it as effectively as they are! Their mission is the most important of any in the area. People are discouraged from participating in activities or ministries that support other churches.”
1. People being used: “The people’s needs go unmet; the church’s needs are more important. The majority of activity is related to the expansion and operation of “the ministry.”... People feel manipulated into serving in greater and greater capacities within the church. The bulk of energy is given to retain new families (or members) while older families (or members) are ignored.”
2. Power-Posturing: “Pastors who powerposture put a heavy emphasis on submitting to their authority… There might also be a heavy top-down hierarchal structure where average churchgoers are required to submit to those placed over them… Those aspiring to lead may need to climb this ladder by ‘[proving] one’s commitment to the organization.’”
3. Selective Service: “The church is overly concerned about portraying ‘excellence.’” People who do not fit a certain “mold” or criteria, are barred from certain elements of service or leadership in the ministry
4. Elitist Attitude:“A church with an elitist attitude believes ‘no one else’ is really preaching the gospel—except that church. Or at least, no one is preaching it as effectively as they are! Their mission is the most important of any in the area. People are discouraged from participating in activities or ministries that support other churches.”
5. Inability to Discuss Concerns: “There is an atmosphere where people do not/cannot question the pastor or the leadership structure—even regarding the spiritual abuse itself.”
6. Labeling People as Divisive: “People who do raise valid concerns are labeled ‘divisive.’ The church has a practice of “shunning” or putting people ‘under discipline.’”
7. In this work, Nelson also delivers some chilling words which eerily describe and explain the success of a spiritually abusive group like Hope Christian Church with young college students, saying, quote:
Leaders aren’t the only ones who want their lives to count. People (especially young people) are drawn to a cause. They want to feel like they are on an important mission for God… In this way, followers derive a sense of self-worth from their involvement. Their lives have purpose because they are “on mission” with the leader. If and when a leader shows signs of abuse, people who derive their sense of worth from the mission may willingly overlook the red flags. They may rationalize blatant inconsistencies in conduct and even excuse sins directly committed against them by the leader. They may choose to remain and be compliant victims over speaking up and being part of nothing important at all. Campus pastor Bill Clem admitted that with the booming success of Mars Hill (a spiritually abusive campus church he worked for) he was “caught up in the buzz.” This, he said, was why he and the other pastors “could put up with a lot of crap—a lot of egotism, a management-by-objective leadership in the church.” People coming to salvation “became our legitimizing story. (i.e., the success of the Church in bringing people to Christ excused their abusive nature)
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