The book of Job highlights misguided counseling of abuse victims rooted in black-and-white beliefs, instead of comprehensive biblical theology. Abuse victims are never at fault. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kelly-dehnert/support

Zechariah warns of punishment for wicked leaders, calling them to repentance. God ultimately brings judgment and restoration through Jesus. Toxic leaders need to be warned. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kelly-dehnert/support

It is a sin to fail to act against abuse. Unfortunately, it is all too common for bystanders in the workplace to stand by the toxic boss. Rather, standing up for the victims is essential, despite fears and pressures. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kelly-dehnert/support

Over twenty years ago, my wife and I began considering how we could be used in the cross-cultural mission field. We made the move. It was our first experience with toxic leadership. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kelly-dehnert/support

Peter's words for those struggling with abusive or controlling tendencies emphasize the need for inner transformation and repentance. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kelly-dehnert/support

The Bible may not include the term "abuse" in some translations, but it uses various words that convey the concept, emphasizing the seriousness and destructive nature of abuse. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kelly-dehnert/support

We receive grace through criticism. Sixteen-year-old Uzziah ascended to the leadership of Judah after his father’s demise and reigned righteously for much of his 52-year rule. However, his arrogance led to his ruin. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kelly-dehnert/support

What happens down, deep within you when your subordinates, or even friends, begin to praise your holy name? Does your heart rise up and meet their praises with praises of its own? Does your heart congratulate itself and take on new proportions? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kelly-dehnert/support

The dangers of ego and hypocrisy often come into play when titles are a means of image control. It takes the self-examination of motives to avoid toxic leadership and maintain genuine integrity and character within all our spheres of influence. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kelly-dehnert/support

Jesus, after performing the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead, gained followers, threatening the authority of the chief priests and Pharisees. These abusive leaders plotted to both kill Lazarus and defame Jesus to maintain their control. They, like other abusive leaders, used a variety of tactics to suppress the truth and protect their image. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kelly-dehnert/support

Christian leaders struggle maintaining their faith and integrity and King Asa of Judah is a good case study. Asa's godly leadership devolved into toxicity when he refused to trust God, instead depending on human support. Leaders need to constantly rely on God, acknowledge His paramount role, and heed advice from subordinates for continuous growth and strong leadership. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kelly-dehnert/support

"The Toxic Boss Survival Guide" provides strategies for dealing with a malicious employer. The book presents a simplified approach to handling a hostile work environment, especially when faced with an abusive boss, but cautioning that hunkering down is not a long-term solution. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kelly-dehnert/support

John 9 narrates the story of Jesus healing a man born blind on a Sabbath, challenging the rules of the Pharisees. The Pharisees' refuse to acknowledge their sin and Jesus makes clear their guilt remains as long as they think they see but don't. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kelly-dehnert/support

The book, "The Toxic Boss Survival Guide," by Chappelow, Ronayne, and Adams, offers strategies for dealing with harmful bosses. It distinguishes between merely "bad" bosses and genuinely "toxic" ones who intentionally cause excessive harm serving their own agenda. The impact of toxic bosses includes increased staff turnover, loss of productivity, and stifling of creativity. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kelly-dehnert/support

Abuse Trauma creates significant neurological disorder. The Church needs to be a place of safety and healing. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kelly-dehnert/support

Those who make themselves complicit with toxic leadership will often do so due to fear of loss of prominence or privilage. A great example is found in Esther's story. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kelly-dehnert/support

Mary's experiences with spiritual abuse in a mission organization and her marriage. In the mission, she faced sexual harassment and the mission's cover up. In her marriage, emotional and psychological abuse, which church elders blamed on her lack of submission to her husband. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kelly-dehnert/support

Imprecatory Praying: It is a hard topic for Christians to wrap their heads around. When I normally speak of "imprecatory praying" I give qualifications. But Nehemiah, in a display of raw emotion, simply asks the Lord to destroy this enemy of God's people. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kelly-dehnert/support

Read Mary's experiences with spiritual abuse in a mission organization and her marriage. In the mission, she faced sexual harassment and the mission's cover up. In her marriage, emotional and psychological abuse, which church elders blamed on her lack of submission to her husband. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kelly-dehnert/support

TAKE TWO: A blogger argues that the focus on bad pastors and their abusive leadership in the Christian community might have been overdone and could overshadow the more common existence of good pastors. I disagree. Churches and Christians are called to judge inside their ranks and expose pastoral abuse when it occurs. The Bible calls for greater accountability for church leaders and warns against tolerating abusive practices in leadership. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kelly-dehnert/support