A Cycle of Abuse In The Church

I received this comment in response to the blog "Do Not Sound A Trumpet Before You Saints!" from one of the saints in Australia, and felt it necessary to post in the open as some may not read the comments section.

"I noticed a pattern amongst pastors from a church group I used to attend. I likened it to the 'cycle of abuse', in that, the pastor would point out the person's faults, tearing them down and 'counselling' them. This made the poor, debased person then dependent upon the pastor as the only one who could build them up. Power and control.

The pastors and elders are warned not to exercise this type of control in the church by Paul, but power is craved by natural man, and sadly there are many unsaved men leading the sheep (to the slaughterhouse). I agree with you strongly, sis! "

Thank you sister Bonnie for your timely comment. I also have seen this behaviour exhibited in a church i used to attend. It is that spirit of control, the spirit of witchcraft. These people generally have intimidating personalities and portray themselves as being "All knowing", with a putrid air of superiority, which by the way saints is a stench in the nosrils of God.

I would like to hear from more people who have experienced or witnessed this type of ritualistic abuse from pastors.

Mark 10:42-45

But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, "Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.

43But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:

44And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.

45For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."

1 Peter 5:1-4

1The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

2Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

3Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

4And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Constraint, Constrain(Miriam Websters Dictionary): To force, or to compel, or to confine, to embarrass, to repress, to restrain, to restrict.

As Lords: not as arrogant, dictatorial and overbearing persons domineering over those in your charge. (Amplified Bible)