Podcast wisdom

Welcome to De-Commissioned, a place for former members of the Great Commission movement (aka GCM, GCC, GCAC, GCI, the Blitz) to discuss problems they've experienced in the association's practices and theology.

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[margaret]

A friend introduced me to a podcast called "The Place We Find Ourselves".  Episode 89, released on May 12, is titled "Spiritual Abuse" and is accurately descriptive of my experience with the Great Commission groups I was involved with. The host interviews Rachael Clinton Chen, who actually never names the group/s she was abused by, but the story sounds so familiar.

Then, knowing how difficult it has been for me to reconnect with God since my departure from Great Commission, my friend referred me back to Episode 38 of the same podcast, entitled "The Process of Learning to Hear from God." Also very good.

[Janet Easson Martin]

Thank you so much, Margaret, for sharing this.  Sounds wonderful.  I am looking forward to listening to in next couple of days.  Will get back with you.  Thanks again for sharing this and your story on this site.  

[Janet Easson Martin]

Margaret, I noticed that Saddleback Church has a mental health community ministry which includes The Allender Center and Rachel Clinton Chen as a resource. Dr. Allender’s Center seems to have a wonderful and much needed ministry. I agree with their definition and description of spiritual abuse which are:

“we define spiritual abuse as the use of religious or spiritual power and authority to control, coerce, or perpetrate harm.”

“In many ways, spiritual abuse is a distortion or exploitation of God’s power and authority to manipulate or control others’ bodies, personhood, relationships, and autonomy through shame and fear. Spiritually abusive systems and organizations and spiritually abusive people use religious texts, theologies, and practices to harm relationally, emotionally, and physically.”  
-Allender Center

(Emphasis mine)


Here is the link to Episode 89 on Spiritual Abuse that Margaret told us about.

https://theplacewefindourselves.libsyn.com/89-spiritual-abuse

[Janet Easson Martin]

I listened to this podcast some time ago. Dr. Langberg is GIFTED with wisdom. It was so good that I took notes. Honestly don’t remember if I posted on it before. From the podcast:

“Healthy communities are ruled by faith and support with allowance for autonomy
versus fear, control and forms of gaslighting...”



042: Signs of Spiritual Abuse & Beginning Recovery with Dr. Diane Langberg  (Brittany Moses)

https://youtu.be/fIYOBlfUId4