Does Independency Enable Abuse?
Are the convictions we hold about Independency a weakness when it comes to diagnosing and dealing with abuse? Do they allow abusers to thrive through a lack of external accountability? Is there any place for intra-dependence to guard against abuse?
Watch/Listen on:
In this episode, Adrian Reynolds (Head of National Ministries) and John Stevens (National Director) discuss the definitions of Independency, how that works out in practice, and whether there is an inherent weakness of Independency to allow abusers to thrive.
00:00 - Introduction
00:55 - Definitions of 'fellowship' and 'Independency'
05:26 - Does Independency allow abuse to take place more easily?
10:54 - The pros and cons of a plurality of elders
13:38 - How can leaders generate self-awareness in leadership?
15:26 - Is following a majority decision abusive?
19:28 - Should church members have a right to disagree with their elders?
21:33 - Churches investigating themselves
24:06 - External investigating bodies
26:47 - How does FIEC function in dealing with abuse?
Show notes
- The Plurality Principle, Dave Harvey.
- Abuse & Pastoral Malpractice (fiec.org.uk).
In:Dependence is FIEC’s official podcast, where you’ll hear teaching and resources for church leaders from the FIEC Ministry Team and guests from FIEC churches and partners.
You can subscribe by searching for “In:Dependence” on your favourite podcast app or by subscribing to the FIEC YouTube channel.
