evangelical church culture

In a church sanctuary with vaulted ceiling, the carpeted center aisle runs past rows of empty wooden pews, toward a tall stained-glass window at the center front and an elaborate drum set on the platform.

Nat Arnett / freeimages.com

Beware the illusion of refuge: Abuse in the church

Post published:December 12, 2022
Post category:Healing from Toxic Church
Post last modified:June 7, 2025

Leaders in our church systems can create an illusion that refuge for the abused exists, where it does not. How can we recognize when this is happening?

"We are better than this!" says a sign held high by a blonde woman in a cream coat and pink gloves. She stands near the rear of a crowd that has gathered under gray skies and leafless trees. Some others hold signs we cannot read.

Four questions – about Trump, Evangelicals, self-deception and the Civil War

Post published:January 6, 2021
Post category:From: We Confess!Healing from Toxic Church
Post last modified:May 21, 2025

A true story from the past it seems important to tell. Four questions about the present it seems important to ask.

Heart-shaped water drop surrounded by swirling blood-red water

Spiritual schizophrenia and the two-headed snake

Post published:January 23, 2019
Post category:Healing from Toxic Church
Post last modified:October 24, 2024

"How long will you try to go both ways?" Elijah cried. Where people identified with God cling to deep double-mindedness, they empower a two-headed snake.

Shhh. Closeup of woman's index finger raised to her mouth in silencing gesture.

#SilenceIsNotSpiritual – except when it is

Post published:March 7, 2018
Post category:Healing from Toxic Church
Post last modified:March 16, 2024

I believe in breaking the silence of secrecy that abusers impose. I also believe that, for a survivor, silence is sometimes the most spiritual choice.