Concepts of Healing from Spiritual Abuse

A Companion Resource Guide from Mind and Faith Matters

Key Takeaways

Healing Is Not Linear
Recovery from spiritual abuse takes time. There is no formula or deadline. Be gentle with your process. It’s valid, even when it feels messy.

Reclaiming Safety Comes First
Before healing can begin, we need to feel safe. That may mean stepping away from triggering environments, rethinking spiritual routines, or creating emotional boundaries.

It’s Okay to Have Questions
Wrestling with doubt or disillusionment is not rebellion. It’s a natural response to betrayal. God is not intimidated by your questions, and He’s still with you in the uncertainty.

Spiritual Abuse Is a Distortion of Power
This isn’t just a "bad church experience." It’s a real form of trauma often due to misused authority. Naming it is a vital part of healing.

Supporting Others Matters
If someone you love has experienced spiritual abuse, your steady presence means more than perfect advice. Show up, listen well, and let their pace guide the process.

Recommended Reading

Here are some powerful resources to deepen your understanding of spiritual abuse and trauma-informed healing:

  • Redeeming Power by Dr. Diane Langberg
    Explores how power can be misused in faith spaces and how we can seek healing.

  • The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse by David Johnson & Jeff VanVonderen
    A classic resource that helps name and unpack harmful church dynamics.

  • When Narcissism Comes to Church by Chuck DeGroat
    Offers insight into narcissistic leadership and how it affects communities.

  • A Church Called Tov by Scot McKnight & Laura Barringer
    Explores how to cultivate goodness and health in church culture.

Listen Again

Revisit this episode anytime at:
👉 mindandfaithmatters.com
Or on your favorite podcast platform.

Also check out our related episode (#9):
“Toxic Leadership in and out of the Church”

Scriptures for Reflection

  • Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

  • Isaiah 42:3 – “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.”

  • Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

These verses remind us that God draws near in our pain, not away.

For Those Supporting Others

If you’re walking alongside someone who has been hurt by the church or spiritual leaders, here are a few encouragements:

  • Resist the urge to fix. Listening matters more than lecturing. They don’t need your answers, they need your presence.

  • Allow space for honest questions. Grief and anger are not signs of rebellion. They are often part of spiritual healing.

  • Avoid pushing them “back to church.” Even well-meant nudges can feel like pressure. Let their journey be their own.

  • Learn about spiritual abuse. Books like Redeeming Power and The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse can equip you to better understand what they’re facing.

  • Pray for compassion without control. Ask God for the grace to walk beside them gently and faithfully.

Being a safe person for someone who’s experienced spiritual abuse is sacred work.

Stay Connected

Visit the full episode library, explore written reflections, and discover other resources at:
🌐 mindandfaithmatters.com

Follow the journey on social media:
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @mindandfaithmatters