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Spiritual Abuse - Lesson 1

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Description of Spiritual Abuse

Spiritual abuse exists when a person or group of people with religious authority use their position of spiritual power to control or dominate another person in the name of God, church faith, etc., taking advantage of the person’s vulnerability to gratify their own needs in areas like power, intimacy, prosperity, sexual gratification, etc.

Gerry Breshears
Gerry Breshears
Spiritual Abuse
Lesson 1
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Description of Spiritual Abuse

Description of Spiritual Abuse

I. Definition of Spiritual Abuse

A. Situational example

B. Additional examples

II. Different Levels of Spiritual Abuse

A. Intent to control and dominate with malice

B. Betrayal of confidentiality

C. Personal relationships

D. Elders

E. Example of a pastor

F. Cultic abuse

G. Conclusion


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  • 1. Description of Spiritual Abuse

    Spiritual abuse exists when a person or group of people with religious authority use their position of spiritual power to control or dominate another person in the name of God, church faith, etc., taking advantage of the person’s vulnerability to gratify their own needs in areas like power, intimacy, prosperity, sexual gratification, etc.

  • 2. Symptoms of Spiritual Abuse

    It can be difficult to recognize spiritual abuse because you often don’t realize that it's happening. One sign of possible spiritual abuse is a change of personality in a negative direction. Many abusive situations will undermine and devalue family relationships of the members to exploit them and increase control over them in the group. They will emphasize church loyalty to the exclusion of family loyalty. 

  • 3. Shepherding Insights: 7 Things to Do

    When you are encouraging someone as a friend who has experience spiritual abuse, there are specific elements of your relationship that can be helpful.

  • 4. Shepherding Insights: 10 Things to Not Do

    When you are encouraging someone as a friend who has experienced spiritual abuse, there are 6 elements of your relationship that will be helpful to avoid. 

  • 5. How You as a Spiritual Leader Can Help

    Untwist Scripture passages and model a healthy relationship.

  • 6. Question and Answer

    Dr. Breshears responds to questions that are commonly asked about the subject of spiritual abuse.

How to recognize spiritual abuse, important steps to take to recover and what you can do to walk with someone as they recover.