Spiritual Abuse Recovery: Dynamic Research on Finding a Place of Wholeness
About the Book
This BOOK can show those who have recently faced similar losses how they can grow through this devastating experience. They will be able to learn from the spiritual journey of those who have experienced wounding at the hands of church leaders.
This BOOK will inform church ministry leaders about the complex nature of this issue and provide insights how to help individuals who come to them for help.
This BOOK will provide information and guidance for pastors, ministry leaders, denominational overseers, church consultants, seminary and Bible college professors, scholars, researchers, and congregants about spiritual abuse and how people can recover from it.
This BOOK presents a thoughtful look at the topic of spiritual recovery from clergy abuse through the eyes of those who have experienced it and invites church leaders to consider this very real dysfunction in the church today. This book aims to demonstrate a path forward to greater freedom in Christ after a season of disillusionment with harmful church leadership.
The Gap That This Book is Seeking to Fill
Spiritual abuse, the misuse of spiritual authority to maltreat followers, in the Christian church, is a complex issue.
This doctoral study focused on how people processed their grief after experiencing spiritual abuse in their local church and how they rediscovered spiritual harmony.
The topic of spiritual abuse has instant appeal to countless people since so many have experienced it. People have suffered a range of abuse under church leaders, which can be measured from mild to severe.
Every year dedicated Christian people leave churches because of spiritual abuse. What factors contribute to dedicated and active believers leaving their church and becoming exiting statistics?
The stories of people who left their home church because of a negative and hurtful experience paint a picture of a widespread occurrence, which beckons consideration by church leaders and church congregants alike.
The purpose of this doctoral research was to understand how Christians had gone from a devastating experience at a local church setting to a condition of spiritual restoration. It aimed to demonstrate how people, who had experienced grief and loss in their Christian lives at the hands of church leaders, had over time regained spiritual equilibrium.
Dr. Barb Orlowski’s book can show those who have recently faced similar losses how they can grow through this devastating experience. They will be able to learn from the spiritual journey of those who have experienced wounding at the hands of church leaders.
Spiritual Abuse Recovery will inform church ministry leaders about the complex nature of this issue and provide insights how to help individuals who come to them for help.
This helpful resource will provide information and guidance for pastors, ministry leaders, denominational overseers, church consultants, seminary and Bible college professors, scholars, researchers, and congregants about spiritual abuse and how people can recover from it.
This book presents a thoughtful look at the topic of spiritual recovery from clergy abuse through the eyes of those who have experienced it and invites Christians to consider this very real dysfunction in the church today.
This book aims to demonstrate a path forward to greater freedom in Christ after a season of disillusionment with harmful church leadership.
“In the Church today many people have had distressing and demeaning encounters with authoritarian and controlling Christian leadership that creates severe personal anxiety and emotional pain.
As a consequence, many leave their local fellowship. They go from enthusiastic and joyful voluntary participation in their local church to a state of deep emotional distress and disaffiliation. Sadly they are removed from their regular place of worship, service, and fellowship. Such devastation requires a path forward to stimulate spiritual restoration and renewed hope.”
Excerpt from the Book: Spiritual Abuse Recovery, Chapter 3, p. 179.
What do others say about the book
“In an age of increasing calls for strong church leadership, this book is a gift to church leaders and those who have been severely hurt and abused in our churches. Through careful research and an insider’s perspective, Barb has opened up both pathways for healing from church abuse and insights for leadership to ensure that potential future abuse is stopped.”
-Alan Jamieson, author of A Churchless Faith
“What we refer to as spiritual abuse was a concern for Jesus in his earthly ministry and it is a common problem today. It is, therefore, surprising that more attention is not given to it by today’s Christian community. Barb Orlowski, however, does take it seriously as she offers insight into the causes of bad church experiences and how to recover from them. Her counsel alerts people to the dangers of spiritual abuse, and if leaders hear her, they will be less likely to become part of the problem . . . I encourage you to read it.”
-Ken Blue, author of Healing Spiritual Abuse
“Dr. Orlowski’s research has provided a balance for various perspectives on the experience of woundedness. She listens to the voices of the wounded and lets them inform us of their reality of feeling disappointment and disenfranchisement, tragedy and turbulence in the Church . . . For recovery, Dr. Orlowski gives an excellent starting point-the voice of the wounded-and follows that with the grace of God demonstrated through hearing the voice of God and basing recovery on the Word of God.”
-Kirk E. Farnsworth, author of Wounded Workers
How to Order a Copy of the Book
Here’s how to purchase copies of the book.
I am delighted to have BOOKS AVAILABLE!
Prices below include postage and packaging.
Books mailed to the U.S. are $29 each.
Books mailed in Canada $28.
International $36 (U.S. Funds).
People interested in a copy of this book can follow these easy steps:
- Email your request to: info@churchexiters.com and I will give you my address.
- Multiply copies wanted by $28 CDN / $29 U.S./ $36 International.
- Enclose a bank check or postal money order in CDN/US funds to cover.
- Let me know if you would like your copy signed.
When your letter arrives, a book will be on its way!
OK, there you have it. If you have any questions, just email me. info@churchexiters.com
Hoping to hear from you soon.
Dr. Barb
Publisher’s Description (Summary)
What factors contribute to active Christians in ministry leaving their church and becoming exiting statistics? Every year dedicated Christian people leave churches because of spiritual abuse. The stories of people who left their home church because of a negative and hurtful experience paint a picture of a widespread occurrence which beckons consideration by church leaders and church congregants alike.
Spiritual abuse, the misuse of spiritual authority to maltreat followers in the Christian Church, is a complex issue. This book shows how people processed their grief after experiencing spiritual abuse in their local church and how they rediscovered spiritual harmony. Their spiritual journey shows how one may grow through this devastating experience.
This book offers a thoughtful look at the topic of spiritual recovery from clergy abuse through the eyes of those who have experienced it. It invites church leaders to consider this very real dysfunction in the Church today and aims to demonstrate a path forward to greater freedom in Christ after a season of disillusionment with church leadership.
Detailed Contents of Book: Spiritual Abuse Recovery
Chapter 1 What’s Going On?
The Problem Introduced
Church Issue and Ministry Problem
The Context of the Study
Purpose and Research Question
How Participants Were Recruited
Size of People Sample
Limiting Conditions
Internet Factor
Summary
Chapter 2 What Do Other People Say?
Introduction to the Literature Reviewed
Church Leaving and Spiritual Abuse
Grace, Identity, and Community
Pentecostal and Charismatic Issues
Summary
Chapter 3 What Does the Bible Say?
The Mar Factors
The Inaccuracy of Legalism
Description of the Hierarchical/Authoritarian Model
Origin of the Hierarchical/Authoritarian Model
Critique of the Hierarchical/Authoritarian Model
Leadership from a New Testament Perspective
The Journey Towards Restoration
Chapter 4 What Does This Research Say?
Description of the Research Project
Analysis of the Surveys
Analysis of the Pastor’s Surveys
Summary and Conclusions
Chapter 5 What Can We Do About It?
Summary and Implications for the Church
Review By: Kelly Stern – http://dtsbookcenter.wordpress.com/2010/09/24/498/
Spiritual abuse by the clergy happens in churches. It shouldn’t. But it does. And people leave their home church in grief and anger over it. What happens to these Christians? Where do they go, and why should church leaders care?
Barbara M. Orlowski’s doctoral research into the problem of disenfranchised believers is presented in her book, Spiritual Abuse Recovery. She defines spiritual abuse as “the misuse of spiritual authority to maltreat followers in the Christian Church.” Orlowski focuses on dedicated Christians who have served in their churches for years before making the difficult decision to leave after experiencing spiritual abuse. She follows them on their journey to find healing and wholeness.
Some victims of clergy abuse are reluctant to return to church—any church. They ask, “Why can’t I just be a Christian and not bother to go church?” Most do return, according to Orlowski, after a process of healing and a cautious exploration of other churches. Even some good comes out of these experiences: a greater appreciation of God’s work in their lives; forgiveness; more gentleness and humility when serving others.
The strength of Spiritual Abuse Recovery lies in the positive outcomes Orlowski presents. Rather than dwelling on the tragic abuse perpetuated by a narcissistic light on the path to wholeness. Her four steps to healing: allowing sufficient time to grieve; forgiving and releasing the situation to God; finding a healthy faith community; and moving forward in Christ with the help of the Holy Spirit, provides hope.
Church leadership must address this issue, so the abuse will stop and those who have come to their church for healing will be understood. The abusive patterns such as hierarchical leadership style focused on power and control, insincerity, hypocrisy, kingdom building, heavy handedness, and an inability to handle criticism must be recognized and avoided.
The author also provides an excellent bibliography of literature and websites for further interaction on this topic. I recommend this title for church leaders and for those who have suffered spiritual injury in the Church.
Church Exiters 