Recovering From Emotional Abuse

Why would those to whom we have ministered, sacrificed, prayed, counseled, and encouraged turn against us?

By Don Detrick

Maybe abuse is too strong a term; then again, maybe not. Perhaps you have been force-fed the bitter pills of caustic comments and behaviors from those whom you trusted to protect you from them. Perhaps these encounters left you feeling debilitated, disheartened, and disillusioned with ministry in general, and certain people in particular. You are not alone.

Emotional abuse happens too often in the church. Leaders abuse their position or power, sometimes unintentionally or even unknowingly. They make remarks that irritate and infect resentment in those God has called them to serve. Even more appalling are those who intentionally inflict sarcastic or critical poison on their victims — poison that eventually drains enthusiasm and vision from a person who has potential. At other times laypersons seeking position and power attack leaders who stand in their way. Others try to bolster their own insecurities by destroying the self-image of others. If you have suffered such abuse, you know it does not feel good.

Click here to read the rest of this article and obtain a downloadable PDF of the spring 2009 issue of Enrichment journal.