Bullying In The Church

Do bullies have free rein in our churches? Who are the bullies? What is scapegoating? Is it possible to practice the mercy and forgiveness demanded by Gospel ethics while also protecting people from emotional and professional damage? These are some of the questions that Stephen Finlan seeks to answer, looking for an ethic of behavior that is both spiritually valid and psychologically wise. He seeks responses to bullying that are both "wise" and "harmless" (Matt 10:16), that do not leave people helpless against the cruelty of church bullies. Bullying has become a major concern in schools and workplaces, but the church sometimes lags behind the secular workplace in its ethics.

Is the world better off without Christianity? Combining narrative with keen critique of contemporary debates, author and historian John Dickson gives an honest account of 2,000 years of Christian history that helps us understand what Christianity is and what it's meant to be. To say that the Christian Church has an "image problem" doesn't quite capture it. From the Crusades and the Inquisition to the racism and abuse present in today's Church--both in Catholic and Protestant traditions--the institution that Christ established on earth has a lot to answer for. But the Church has also had moments throughout history when it has been in tune with Jesus' teachings--from the rise of charity to the invention of hospitals. For defenders of the faith, it's important to be able to recognize the good and bad in the church's history and be inspired to live aligned with Christ. For skeptics, this book is a thought-provoking introduction to the idea that Christianity is, despite all, an essential foundation of our civilization. Bullies and Saints will take you on a big-picture journey from the Sermon on the Mount to the modern church: Giving contextual accounts of infamous chapters of Christian history, such as the Crusades, and acknowledging their darkness. Outlining the great movements of the faith and defending its heroes and saints, some of whom are not commonly recognized. Examining the Church beside the teachings and life of Jesus and how it has succeeded in its mission to imitate Christ.

Bullying is a reality in our churches. It has devastated many people's lives. "Bullying in the Church: Addressing a Hidden Problem in Christianity" calls God's people to understand what bullying is, how we may be guilty of bullying others in the church, and how imperative it is to relate to one another in love. Endorsements: "It has been said the church is the only army that shoots its wounded. Too often, it's also the one doing the wounding. Mike Sarkissian explores the reality of bullying in the church and points us back to the one solution to this and every problem, that we would repent and believe the gospel." -R.C. Sproul Jr. "In Mike Sarkissian's book, he discusses what God's word says about sin, gossip, slander and other related evils. And he presents a clear and helpful analysis of how our postmodern culture has robbed us of the resources to deal with the situation. All of this within a strong gospel-centered appeal. I recommend this book and hope that it will receive a broad hearing." -Dr. John Frame Professor of Systematic Theology & Philosophy Reformed Theological Seminary "Mike Sarkissian courageously and openly exposes the sin problem behind bullying as well as its satanic character and the dreadful havoc it reaps. Masterfully he unfolds God's solution for this minimized sin: to live out of the person, the cross, and the words of Jesus Christ." -Dr. Joel R. Beeke President, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary "This book by Mike Sarkissian is rigorously biblical, both in exposing the problem and providing the solution. I am happy to commend this book, the first I've ever read of its kind, to pastors and all of God's people as a biblical response to the evil sin of bullying." -Dr. Mark Jones "Mike addresses this neglected and timely topic. He exposes relational sins that underlie and promote bullying: gossip, slander, and favoritism. Mike is convinced that God's amazing grace should affect all our relationships, including those inside and outside of the church. He is zealous that Christians live for God not only in word but also in deed to brighten our witness to the world. His manuscript, addressed primarily to laypersons and secondarily to church leaders, is informative, engaging, and edifying." -Dr. Robert A. Peterson Drew University "I was gripped by the first sentence of Mike Sarkissian's book "Bullying in the Church." -Trisha Ramos WayofTheMaster.com, WretchedRadio.com "Pastor Mike has rendered the church a great service in addressing an issue that many Christians turn a blind eye to or are unaware of." -Lee Enochs Princeton Theological Seminary

We’re familiar with the Jesus portrayed in the New Testament, but many people are surprised to learn that a wealth of stories and traditions about Jesus have always existed alongside the usual Biblical sources. Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism—among other religions—have created their own tales about Jesus, sometimes out of necessary self-preservation and reaction to the claims of the church, but more often through thoughtful and artistic adaptation. The Other Jesus explores these varied traditions and offers a fresh exploration of Jesus—new perspectives that challenge long-accepted beliefs about his place in history and his impact on other religions.

Bullying is not something confined to school children. It is a widespread abuse found in families, workplaces, organizations (including churches), and beyond. Confronting the Demon focuses on the nature and types of contemporary bullying and what the Christian Scriptures advise to prevent it. Bullying is a quality of most forms of violence, including racial, religious, and sex-based discrimination; sexual, physical, and psychological abuse; persecution and terrorism. This book focuses on such contemporary examples as the 2001 terrorist attacks, hate crimes around the world, sexual abuse, particularly among the churches, and cultures which promote bullying. Questions at the end of each chapter help people examine their own vulnerability to the vice of bullying and relate the context of its nature, meaning, and power to their own lives. Chapters are Adult Bullying: Definition and Types," *Bullies and Victims, - *Cultures of Bullying, - and *A Gospel Response. - Gerald A. Arbuckle, SM, PhD, is the co-director of Refounding and Pastoral Research Unit, Sydney, Australia. He is the author of From Chaos to Mission: Refounding Religious Life Formation, Healthcare Ministry: Refounding the Mission in Tumultuous Times and Violence, Society, and the Church published by Liturgical Press. "

Christian Book Award® program Outreach Resource of the Year Why does narcissism seem to thrive in our churches? We've seen the news stories. Maybe we ourselves have been hurt by a narcissistic church leader. But what is narcissism, really? And how does it infiltrate the church? Chuck DeGroat has been counseling pastors with narcissistic personality disorder, as well as those wounded by narcissistic leaders and systems, for over twenty years. He knows firsthand the devastation narcissism leaves in its wake and how insidious and painful it is. In When Narcissism Comes to Church, DeGroat takes a close look at narcissism, not only in ministry leaders but also in church systems. He offers compassion and hope for those affected by its destructive power and imparts wise counsel for churches looking to heal from its systemic effects. DeGroat also offers hope for narcissists themselves—not by any shortcut, but by the long, slow road of genuine recovery through repentance and trust in the gospel of Jesus.

The healthy Christian life is one of continuing spiritual, emotional, and relational growth. But so many of us feel stuck or stagnated at one stage of the journey. It's not always clear to us where or why we are stuck, making it difficult to take the next step on our journey of the soul. That's where Bill and Kristi Gaultiere come in. After decades in private practice as counselors and therapists, they have developed a unique model for growing in grace. In Journey of the Soul, they draw on more than 70,000 hours of providing therapy and spiritual direction to show you how to identify your current stage of faith and the next steps to take based on your unique needs and struggles. With Scripture, self-assessments, and soul care practices to support your progress along the way, this insightful and inspiring book will be a treasured companion on your journey no matter where you are or how long you've been following Jesus.

Bullying. It's an issue that has taken on renewed emphasis in our electronically-connected, social media world. We're more aware than ever that bullying happens in many places: in the workplace, on professional sports teams, in schools and on social media. Everyone from supermodels to students and CEOs to celebrities is taking a stand against bullying in all its forms. Finding solutions to the problem has become an important part of our cultural conversation. However, there's one place in society where bullying continues unchecked, where it is rarely confronted and often covertly rewarded. The church. Pastors, staff, and church members experience bullying with alarming regularity. It does as much damage as bullying anywhere else. It's a prime reason why many churches remain ineffective, in decline or dying. Using the letter of 1st Corinthians as a guide and the church in Corinth as an example, Bullied! takes a blunt, unflinching look at six internal reasons why our churches are in trouble, and offers avenues of renewal and hope. With this resource you can help your church address what's holding it back and be part of a solution that brings new life and vitality.