When Use of Power Becomes Abuse of Power
Are evangelical churches like those in FIEC particularly prone to abusive leaders? Why or why not? What are some of the particular challenges for evangelicals that arise from what we believe? What are some of the warning signs that abuse may be happening?
Watch/Listen on:
In this episode, Adrian Reynolds, FIEC Head of National Ministries, and John Stevens, FIEC National Director, discuss the temptations of abusing power in the church, how to discern if a leader is becoming abusive, and what to do about it.
00:00 - Introduction
01:00 - How do we discern when use of power has become abuse of power?
03:33 - Is there a difference between one-off abuse acts and a pattern of abusive behaviour?
06:27 - What are some of the signs that a leaders has become self-serving?
09:25 - Is it possible to be abusive without realising it?
11:57 - Are there particular temptations to abuse for evangelicals?
16:34 - How do we spot when a leaders is abusive?
22:54 - The importance of reporting abuse
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.
Adrian Reynolds
Adrian is FIEC's Head of National Ministries. He previously served as Associate Minister of East London Tabernacle Baptist Church and is currently an elder at Christchurch Harborough.
John Stevens
John has been FIEC's National Director since 2010. He also serves on the Affinity Council and teaches on courses at Bible colleges across the country.
Read more:
-
Do Churches Need a Complaints Policy?
Do Churches Need a Complaints Policy?
Phil Topham, Adrian Reynolds, Paul Harrison
Having a clear complaints policy helps people in churches to listen to each other well and deal with problems that come along.
Watch Now
-
Eastern European Churches, Abuse in the SBC, and the Fear of Marriage
Eastern European Churches, Abuse in the SBC, and the Fear of Marriage
Phil Topham, Adrian Reynolds, John Stevens
How have churches across wider Europe responded to Ukraine? What do we do with the news of abuse in the US? Why are people afraid of getting married?
Watch Now
-
Does Independency Enable Abuse?
Does Independency Enable Abuse?
Adrian Reynolds, John Stevens
Does Independency have a weakness when it comes to dealing with abuse? Does it allow abusers to thrive through a lack of external accountability?
Watch Now
-
Is Complementarianism Abusive?
Is Complementarianism Abusive?
Adrian Reynolds, John Stevens
What is complementarianism? Is it inherently abusive?
Watch Now