Michael J Kruger - Bully Pulpit: Confronting the Problem of Spiritual Abuse in the Church

Spiritual abuse is one of the greatest stains on the bride of Christ today. Too few with pulpits and platforms are willing to recognize the basic truths that Michael Kruger addresses clearly, convincingly, and biblically. I thought Bully Pulpit would be a book every pastor and Christian leader ought to read. But I changed my mind: every Christian from pulpit to pew needs to read this wise and timely workfor the sake of the church and her people.

KAREN SWALLOW PRIOR, research professor of English and Christianity & Culture at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and author of On Reading Well

Who would ever have thought we would reach a point in the life of the church where the adjective bully would modify the noun pulpit? Yet, sadly, we have arrived. This book is both urgent and timely, as the presence of domineering and abusive church leaders continues to make headlines. This book is not only for pastors and elders but should be read by all Christians who care about the life and health of the body of Christ. I highly recommend it.

SAM STORMS, lead pastor for preaching and vision at Bridgeway Church and author of Understanding Spiritual Gifts

With prophetic courage and pastoral compassion, Mike Kruger has written an important book on a difficult subject. No one likes to think or talk about spiritual abuse, especially in the church, but if we neglect and ignore this very real problem and dont find the right ways to confront it, woe to us. So if youre a church leader who wants to shepherd the precious flock of God in the paradigm, pattern, and posture of the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ, pick up this must-read book, then listen and learn.

JULIUS J. KIM, PhD, president of the Gospel Coalition

The apostle Paul tells us the overseer of Gods people is not to be a bully, but gentle (1 Tim. 3:3, CSB), and yet we too often overlook significant character issues or actions that should be disqualifying for ministry because of how God seems to be using an individual or growing a church. Bully Pulpit provides wise and measured reflections on the reality of shepherds who reject Christs vision of leadership and leave spiritual destruction in the wake of their sin. I hope this important book prompts serious discussion among Gods people.

TREVIN WAX, vice president of research and resource development at the North American Mission Board and visiting professor at Cedarville University, author of The Thrill of Orthodoxy

Learned and wise, urgent and timely, biblical and hopefulthis book deals with a sensitive topic with enormous skill and care. I can think of no better book on the subject and hope it will be read widely.

SAM ALLBERRY, pastor and author of Why Bother with Church?

This book is not a reaction but a response. Reactions to spiritual abuse are understandably passionate, but often without constructive insight. Dr. Kruger responds with both passion and constructive insight into both how leadership dynamics often deny the character of our Lord Jesus and how building new dynamics will put that very character on vibrant display.

JEREMY PIERRE, Lawrence & Charlotte Hoover Professor of Biblical Counseling Chair, Department of Biblical Counseling and Family Ministry at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and author of When Home Hurts

The topic of spiritual abuse needs careful attention and sober reflection, so Im thankful for this thoughtful, wise, and biblical book. Dr. Kruger provides helpful clarity on a controversial subject while courageously cautioning ministry leaders about the kind of leadership that doesnt reflect the heart of Christ. Anyone who serves the spiritual needs of people should read this timely book.

MARK VROEGOP, lead pastor of College Park Church and author of Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy

I have been waiting for a book like this that I can assign for my seminary courses on abuse. Michael has brought much needed clarity and wisdom to the devastating reality of spiritual abuse. Michaels perspective as a Bible scholar and seminary president is invaluable. He brings church leaders face-to-face with the destruction abusers cause. He does this to help us take spiritual abuse seriously, to foster the motivation to enact real change, and to fill us with compassion for those who suffer from abusive leaders.

JUSTIN S. HOLCOMB, Episcopal priest, seminary professor, and coauthor of God Made All of Me

While exposing spiritual abuse has become commonplace in American Christianity, few offer constructive solutions or practical wisdom. In this book Michael Kruger diagnoses the problem of spiritual abuse, describes what it is (and is not), and equips leaders to prevent abuse as well as respond appropriately when it happens. I hope every pastor reads this book and that it leads to faithfully representing our Lord, who used his power to serve.

JEREMY TREAT, pastor for preaching and vision at Reality LA and author of Seek First

Michael has written a courageous book for such a time as this. I pray he is a prophet who is accepted and welcomed in his own country, particularly within a Reformed and Presbyterian community not immune to this pervasive plague within the church.

REV. CHUCK DEGROAT, PhD, professor of pastoral care and Christian spirituality at Western Theological Seminary

ZONDERVAN REFLECTIVE

Bully Pulpit

Copyright 2022 by Michael J. Kruger

Requests for information should be addressed to:

Zondervan, 3900 Sparks Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546

Zondervan titles may be purchased in bulk for educational, business, fundraising, or sales promotional use. For information, please email SpecialMarkets@Zondervan.com.

ePub Edition September 2022 : ISBN 978-0-310-13639-2

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Kruger, Michael J., author.

Title: Bully pulpit : confronting the problem of spiritual abuse in the church / Michael J. Kruger.

Description: Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 2022.

Identifiers: LCCN 2022021311 (print) | LCCN 2022021312 (ebook) | ISBN 9780310136385 (hardcover) | ISBN 9780310136392 (ebook)

Subjects: LCSH: Christian leadership. | ChristianityPsychology. | Psychological abuseReligious aspectsChristianity. | BISAC: RELIGION / Christian Living / Leadership & Mentoring | RELIGION / Christian Living / Social Issues

Classification: LCC BV652.1 .K78 2022 (print) | LCC BV652.1 (ebook) | DDC 261.8/327dc23/ eng/20220705

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2022021311

LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2022021312

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