Episode 262 - Laura Barringer, "The Ripple Effects of Toxic Church Culture"

"I still have friendships, friends that still will not speak to me because what I publicly said about Willow Creek." - Laura BarringerLaura Beringer, co-author of "A Church Called Tove," shares her experience with toxic church culture and explores the patterns and habits of toxicity, including a narcissist culture, fear culture, resistance to justice, celebrity culture, and leadership culture. She emphasizes the need to create a culture of goodness that resists abuses of power and promotes healing.Key Points1. Toxic church cultures prioritize the institution over individuals and often operate from a place of fear and control.2. Individuals may experience a loss of innocence and disillusionment when a trusted leader falls from grace, leading to a crisis of faith and disorientation.3. Healing and restoration are possible through confession, forgiveness, and receiving grace.4. The congregation and the leader must create a culture of goodness.5. Healing from spiritual abuse requires finding a safe counselor and telling your story.6. Safe counseling provides a supportive, non-judgmental space to address trauma.7. Recovery from trauma is a journey and can be aided by professional support. HELPFUL RESOURCES:A Church Called Tov: Forming a Goodness Culture That Resists Abuses of Power and Promotes HealingSupport the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at [email protected] Thanks for listening!