What if the way we "do church" today isn’t actually biblical?In this eye-opening episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran sits down with Dr. Tom Wadsworth, a biblical scholar, to explore how the early church functioned—and why modern worship services may have more to do with tradition than Scripture. From worship and leadership to buildings and Sunday routines, we’re asking: What did Jesus really have in mind for His church?Whether you're a church leader, a curious believer, or someone burned out by organized religion, this conversation will challenge assumptions and invite you to look at the Church with fresh eyes.🧠 Subscribe for more conversations that challenge toxic systems and reimagine church with Jesus at the center.👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments: Is today’s church structure biblical—or broken?Please Subscribe and Share!Check out Tom's channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@tomwadsworthJoin the disrupt campaign by giving here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/about/disruptgivingcampaignFind out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/.Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6ZLearn more about the Safe Church Pledge Here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledgeCheck out our Awareness Apparel HERE: https://church-disrupted.sellfy.storeWant to support SAI financially?https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaignFair Use Disclaimer:This video may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. All clips used are protected by the Fair Use Doctrine within Title 17 of the United States Code. This doctrine safeguards the use of copyrighted material for transformative purposes, such as commentary, criticism, review and news reporting. Under Title 17 U.S.C. § 512(f), any person who makes a false, bad faith, or misleading copyright claim or uses a copyright takedown to infringe on free speech, criticism, or commentary can be held liable for damages to the content creator.Hosseinzadeh v. Klein, 276 F.Supp.3d 34 (S.D.N.Y. 2017); Equals Three, LLC v. Jukin Media, Inc., 139 F. Supp. 3d 1094 (C.D. Cal. 2015).

What if I told you that church scandals aren’t random? The biggest church failures, cover-ups, and abuses all follow a repeatable, predictable pattern. In this episode, we’re breaking down groundbreaking research that exposes the hidden warning signs of toxic leadership and church misconduct.The Building Safer Churches Report analyzed 100 churches that faced public scandal and uncovered shocking insights. If churches don’t change, the next scandal is already brewing.This isn’t about tearing down the church—it’s about saving it from itself. We’re exposing the three-step pattern that fuels church corruption and giving practical steps to break the cycle before the next scandal hits. It all starts with radical transparency, real accountability, and committed protective measures.💡 WATCH NOW to uncover the data that could prevent the next big church scandal.📖 Read the full research report: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/about/researchprojects📌 Sign the Safe Church Pledge: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledge💙 Support This Work With a Financial Gift: https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaignFind out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/Want to support SAI financially?https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaignJoin the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6ZCheck out our Awareness Apparel HERE: https://church-disrupted.sellfy.storePlease Subscribe and Share!Fair Use Disclaimer:This video may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. All clips used are protected by the Fair Use Doctrine within Title 17 of the United States Code. This doctrine safeguards the use of copyrighted material for transformative purposes, such as commentary, criticism, review and news reporting. Under Title 17 U.S.C. § 512(f), any person who makes a false, bad faith, or misleading copyright claim or uses a copyright takedown to infringe on free speech, criticism, or commentary can be held liable for damages to the content creator.Hosseinzadeh v. Klein, 276 F.Supp.3d 34 (S.D.N.Y. 2017); Equals Three, LLC v. Jukin Media, Inc., 139 F. Supp. 3d 1094 (C.D. Cal. 2015).

What is spiritual abuse? How do we stop it and protect people? In this episode of the Church Disrupted podcast, Jeff Cochran answers these questions and delves into the complex and often insidious nature of spiritual abuse within church environments. Join Spiritual Abuse Awareness Weekend HERE: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/about/saawarenessmonth Learn more about the Safe Church Pledge Here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledge Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/. Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters 00:00 Understanding Spiritual Abuse 06:55 Identifying the Signs of Spiritual Abuse 29:49 The Dangers of Secrecy in Spiritual Communities 39:15 Recognizing Spiritual Abuse: Key Indicators 41:09 Resources for Identifying Spiritual Abuse 42:08 Disrupting the Cycle of Spiritual Abuse 55:29 Pursuing Healing and Accountability

How do we stop the seemingly endless line of moral failures, church scandals, and spiritual abuse cases in the Church? That's a question Christians everywhere should be asking.

In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran introduces the Safe Church Pledge from the Spiritual Abuse Institute and shares how this resource gives everyday Christians a voice in this conversation and puts accountability in all of our hands.

Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign

Find out more about the Spiritual

Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/.

Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z

Learn more about the Safe Church Pledge Here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledge

Please Subscribe and Share!

Chapters:

00:00 The Urgency of Addressing Spiritual Abuse

02:55 Introducing the Safe Church Pledge

05:49 Understanding the Safe Church Pledge Framework

09:10 The Pillars of Safe Churches: Transparency, Accountability, and Protection

11:58 Implementing Financial Transparency in Churches

14:48 Conflict of Interest Policies and Their Importance

18:08 The Role of NDAs and Non-Compete Clauses in Churches

37:39 The Impact of Non-Compete Agreements in Churches

44:59 Understanding Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) in Ministry

52:36 The Importance of Transparency in Church Affiliations

01:00:50 Establishing Accountability in Church Governance

01:06:07 Creating Effective Leave Policies for Church Leaders

01:12:25 Implementing Protective Measures for Trauma-Informed Care

01:15:41 Protecting Victims: The Importance of Whistleblower Policies

01:18:59 Independent Investigations: Ensuring Accountability

01:22:24 Staff Care: Supporting Church Employees

01:25:20 Counseling for Pastors: Prioritizing Mental Health

01:28:34 Protection Policies: Safeguarding All Ages

01:32:59 The Safe Church Pledge: A Call to Action

01:41:34 Building Trust: The Future of Safe Churches

In the final episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast for 2024, we re-stream part of episode 1 as a reminder of where we've been and where we are going. Narcissism, hush money, NDAs, and spiritual abuse in churches are all on the docket for this round table conversation.

Want to support SAI financially?https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/about/endofyeargiving

Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/.

Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z

Please Subscribe and Share!

In the final new episode of the Church Disrupted podcast for 2024, host Jeff Cochran welcomes back Rebecca Davis, author of the Untwisting Scriptures book series. They discuss the journey of unlearning misconceptions about scripture, particularly the controversial concept of 'dying to self.' Rebecca emphasizes the importance of returning to the Word of God for understanding and encourages listeners to engage in conversations about faith and theology, even when they disagree. The conversation also touches on the role of faith in understanding scripture, the importance of living in freedom rather than striving for holiness, and the importance of empathy in healing trauma, particularly within the church context.

Want to support SAI financially?https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/about/endofyeargiving

Get Rebecca's books and FREE resources here: https://heresthejoy.com/

Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/.

Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z

Please Subscribe and Share!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Untwisting Scriptures

02:54 The Journey of Unlearning and Understanding Scripture

06:05 Dying to Self: A Controversial Concept

08:51 Exploring Misunderstandings in Scripture

12:07 The Role of Faith and Trust in Understanding

14:59 Living in Freedom: The Final Part of the Journey

27:27 The Role of Suffering and Empathy in Healing

30:45 Understanding Trauma and the Church's Response

34:35 Misrepresentation of God and Scripture

39:44 Debunking Myths: Dying to Self vs. Following Christ

49:22 Resources for Spiritual Growth and Understanding

We've had so many Church Scandals in 2024 that people are starting to get scandal fatigue... with the CHURCH!!! This should NEVER BE! If christians want to stop this madness and see real change in the Church, then we HAVE TO LEARN some key lessons from recent scandals like the one at Daystar TV. So, in this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran shares 20 lessons that churches can learn, and SHOULD learn, to return to being above reproach and above scandal.

Want to support SAI financially?https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/about/endofyeargiving

Roys Report Articles on Daystar Scandal;

- https://julieroys.com/former-daystar-tv-executive-wife-accuse-joni-lamb-covering-up-daughters-sexual-abuse/

- https://julieroys.com/podcast/full-audio-of-daystar-meeting/

- https://julieroys.com/suzy-lamb-says-she-was-pressured-to-hide-her-sexual-assault/

Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/.

Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6ZPlease Subscribe and Share!

Chapters

00:00 Learning from Scandals: The Need for Reform

03:18 Addressing Celebrity Culture in the Church

05:08 Expecting Higher Standards in the Church

07:03 Defining the Church Beyond IRS Labels

08:31 The Church as a Body, Not a Business

10:00 The Power of Community Action

11:27 Disqualification of Leaders through Intimidation

12:53 The Importance of Documentation

16:18 Standing Against Spiritual Bullies

18:41 Severance Policies and Church Staff Rights

22:05 Whistleblower Protection in Churches

23:33 Proactive Policies for Investigations

25:56 Ethics of Tithes and Legal Fees

27:49 The Dangers of Nepotism

30:13 The Harm of NDAs in Churches

31:13 The Need for Independent Church Boards

33:07 Transparency and Accountability as Non-Negotiables

34:34 Understanding Leadership Accountability

35:58 Recognizing and Preventing Spiritual Abuse

37:55 Setting the Standard: Above Reproach

On today's episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran reveals the actual NDA that Daystar TV tried to force Jonathan Lamb to sign. In this video, Jeff compares the NDA to what Joni said about it, and breaks down where things don't line up with her statement, the red flags of the NDA, and what christians can learn from this document about NDA use and its dangers in the Church! Roys Report Articles on Daystar Scandal; - https://julieroys.com/former-daystar-tv-executive-wife-accuse-joni-lamb-covering-up-daughters-sexual-abuse/ - https://julieroys.com/podcast/full-audio-of-daystar-meeting/ - https://julieroys.com/suzy-lamb-says-she-was-pressured-to-hide-her-sexual-assault/ Boz Tchividjian Video- https://youtu.be/A2wtT6s3qqg?si=LoFsMFa9aiMv21Qq John Ferrell Video - https://youtu.be/VgPRPxriwm4?si=g9mBFhEqlKBpH0Hi Chapters 00:00 Unpacking the Daystar TV Scandal 02:58 Understanding NDAs in Church Contexts 06:06 The Pressure to Sign: A Closer Look at the NDA 08:57 Legal Perspectives on NDAs 11:47 Analyzing the Daystar NDA 15:11 Red Flags in Non-Disclosure Agreements 18:04 The Dangers of Non-Disparagement Clauses 20:57 Trade Secrets vs. Confidentiality in Churches 36:31 Understanding Confidential Information 39:50 Evaluating the NDA's Structure 41:15 Identifying Red Flags in the NDA 46:32 Analyzing Non-Disparagement and Non-Compete Clauses 52:51 Assessing the Reasonableness of Confidentiality Definitions 01:00:25 Concluding Thoughts on NDAs in Church Contexts

Should Joni Lamb be removed or resign from leadership at Daystar? We think so, and in this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran shares a long list of reasons why. 22 reasons, to be exact. Roys Report Articles on Daystar Scandal; - https://julieroys.com/former-daystar-tv-executive-wife-accuse-joni-lamb-covering-up-daughters-sexual-abuse/ - https://julieroys.com/podcast/full-audio-of-daystar-meeting/ - https://julieroys.com/suzy-lamb-says-she-was-pressured-to-hide-her-sexual-assault/ Chapters 00:00 The Daystar TV Scandal Unfolds 03:11 Reasons for Joni Lamb's Removal 05:58 Concerns Over NDAs and Legal Threats 08:46 The Use of Darvo and Lack of Transparency 12:08 Investigations and Accountability Issues 14:55 Behavioral Concerns and Spiritual Abuse 17:48 Celebrity Culture and Leadership Integrity 21:09 The Impact of Allegations on Family Dynamics 23:57 Character Concerns and Public Perception 27:01 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Accountability

Just when you thought the Daystar scandal couldn't get any worse, Joni Lamb made a statement that made it worse. In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran breaks down the DARVO like responses in Joni Lamb's official statement and in a recent Daystar TV interview. And sadly, just like many church scandals this year, DARVO reared its ugly head. DARVO is deeply damaging and is the worst response ministries and faith leaders could make to allegations of sin and abuse, yet it seems to be the go to response. We talk about why and how to recognize it in this episode. Roys Report Articles on Daystar Scandal;- https://julieroys.com/former-daystar-tv-executive-wife-accuse-joni-lamb-covering-up-daughters-sexual-abuse/- https://julieroys.com/podcast/full-audio-of-daystar-meeting/- https://julieroys.com/suzy-lamb-says-she-was-pressured-to-hide-her-sexual-assault/Chapters00:00 Allegations Against Daystar TV and Initial Reactions02:52 The Importance of Independent Investigations06:12 Analyzing Joni Lamb's Response09:01 Understanding DARVO in Church Responses11:48 The Role of Tone and Language in Responses15:04 The Impact of Spiritual Abuse Allegations17:52 The Need for Transparency and Accountability21:03 Examining the Interview Dynamics24:12 The Consequences of Denial and Attacks26:59 Final Thoughts on Trust and Credibility42:56 Discrediting and Dehumanization in Media Responses49:03 Family Dynamics and Allegations of Control56:04 The Ethics of Recording Conversations01:01:14 Authority and Accountability in Leadership01:07:43 The Impact of Darvo on Credibility01:13:45 The Role of NDAs in Church Organizations01:20:20 Concluding Thoughts on Transparency and Trust

For this week's episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, we are re-airing our docu-style expose on miracle offering season (episode 13) in churches from 2023. Miracle offering season in the mega-church ramps up every Fall as celebrity pastors and their churches manipulate people into giving millions of dollars in a single weekend. Under the guise of "missions" and "outreach," big churches scam people out of more money to expand their existing ministries, grow their revenue, and get even bigger. In this video, we expose the common money manipulation tactics of churches and the playbook churches use to pull off miracle offerings every year. We also discuss the selling of miracles and the strategies toxic churches use to get church members to give sacrificially beyond what they can afford. We also arm you with questions to ask to know whether your church can be trusted financially and to help you know whether an offering is legit or a scam. IWant to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/. Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Miracle Offering Season 06:08 C3 Church Case Study 11:53 Manipulative Tactics in Miracle Offerings 18:04 Stories of Sacrificial Giving 24:09 The Broader Evangelical Landscape 41:31 Miracle Offering Season: Timing and Strategy 47:43 Subtle Manipulation: Elevation Church's Approach 53:28 Legacy and Generosity: The Church of the Highlands 01:01:17 The Pressure to Give: Guilt and Fear Tactics 01:21:24 The Role of Prayer in Church Offerings 01:27:34 Understanding the Prosperity Gospel 01:33:39 The Modern Church's Approach to Offerings 01:42:58 Biblical Theology of Offerings 01:49:39 Red Flags in Modern Church Offerings 02:02:51 The Financial Goals of Modern Churches 02:12:05 The Revenue and Assets of Mega Churches 02:22:28 Manipulative Money Systems in Church Offerings 02:30:39 Celebrity Preaching and Financial Scandals 02:41:20 Questions to Consider About Church Offerings

In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran interviews author and pastor Tommy Preson Phillips about his new book "Invisible Jesus." They ask the question, what if people aren't deconstructing and leaving the church because they don't want Jesus? But what if they are leaving the church to find Him? This conversation will challenge what you think you know about the church, following Jesus, and the deconstruction movement. It's a can't miss conversation for Christians in the moment in time we find ourselves in today. Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign Get Tommy's NEW BOOK, "Invisible Jesus," here: https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Jesus-Leaving-Church-Looking-ebook/dp/B0CW1MS88W THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/. Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:04 Deconstruction: A Prophetic Movement 05:57 The Role of Pastors in Deconstruction 08:50 Power Dynamics in the Church 12:12 Rummage Sale: Reassessing Church Practices 15:06 The Impact of Technology on Faith 18:02 Love as the Foundation of Faith 21:09 Navigating Differences in Beliefs 24:00 The Future of the Church: Embracing Change 30:34 Transformative Love and Acceptance 35:10 Navigating Differences in Faith 40:54 The Role of the Church: From Performance to Community 54:17 Deconstruction and the Journey Back to Faith

Is this mega church pastor biblically qualified to lead their church? According to Scripture, pastors and church leaders must meet clear biblical standards—but does this pastor's leadership align with those qualifications?

In this video, we break down:

✅ The biblical requirements for pastors and elders (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, James 3:1)

✅ Where this pastor fails the biblical test for leadership

✅ How this church's leadership model raises serious concerns

✅ Why biblical accountability is necessary for church leaders today

Many churches today prioritize influence over integrity—but true biblical leadership is about servanthood, accountability, and godly character. This isn’t just about one pastor—it’s a conversation about how the church should handle leaders who fail biblical qualifications.

💬 Do you believe this pastor should step down? Does your church hold leaders accountable? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments.

Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/.

Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign

Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z

Learn more about the Safe Church Pledge Here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledge

Check out our Awareness Apparel HERE: https://church-disrupted.sellfy.store

Please Subscribe and Share!

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction: The Need to Address Dangerous Pastors

00:16 Identifying the Dangerous Pastor

00:57 The Good and Bad News

02:09 The Importance of Early Intervention

03:24 Zero Tolerance for Spiritual Abuse

4:04 Seven Charges Against Landon Schott

07:29 Biblical Case for Disqualification

14:20 Misuse of Scripture and False Teachings

20:17 The Accuser of the Brethren

34:32 The Importance of Elders' Reputation

36:22 Misuse of Scripture and Image Repair Tactics

37:56 Examples of Abusive Pastors

40:44 Accusations and the Abusers' Playbook

46:15 Landon Schott's Disqualification and Public Backing of Dr. Michael Brown

56:57 The Call for Repentance and Accountability

01:03:17 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Fair Use Disclaimer:This video may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. All clips used are protected by the Fair Use Doctrine within Title 17 of the United States Code. This doctrine safeguards the use of copyrighted material for transformative purposes, such as commentary, criticism, review and news reporting. Under Title 17 U.S.C. § 512(f), any person who makes a false, bad faith, or misleading copyright claim or uses a copyright takedown to infringe on free speech, criticism, or commentary can be held liable for damages to the content creator.Hosseinzadeh v. Klein, 276 F.Supp.3d 34 (S.D.N.Y. 2017); Equals Three, LLC v. Jukin Media, Inc., 139 F. Supp. 3d 1094 (C.D. Cal. 2015).

In this episode of the Church Disrupted podcast, host Jeff Cochran talks with author and theologian Scott McKnight about his new book 'Invisible Jesus.' They explore the concept of deconstruction within the church, discussing its prophetic nature and the reasons behind people seeking a more authentic connection with Jesus. The conversation emphasizes the importance of rebuilding trust in the church and understanding the painful journey many face during deconstruction. What if deconstruction is not merely a trend but a necessary process for many believers seeking truth and authenticity in their faith.

Want to support SAI financially?https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign

THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ .

TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners.

Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/.

Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z

Please Subscribe and Share!

Finding a church after experiencing church hurt or spiritual abuse can be really difficult, Because if you've been through that, the last thing you want is to be hurt again. But what if you could learn a lot about how safe a church is just by looking at their publicly available information?In this episode of the Church Disrupted podcast, host Jeff Cochran introduces red flag reviews, and he reviews two mega churches from the lens of a religious trauma survivor who is looking for a safe church to re-engage with.Practical and transparent, red flag reviews will help you learn what to watch out for and good questions to ask before attending a church.

Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/. Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters: 00:01 - INTRO 02:26 - Introducing Red Flag Reviews 17:14 - Reviewing First Baptist Church, Tifton, GA 01:10:01 - The Verdict on FBC 01:13:03 - Reviewing Daystar Church, Cullman, AL 02:05:29 - The Verdict on Daystar 02:10:01 - Comparing the two churches and what we can learn from them.

Arresting Dissenters, removing critics, threatening whistleblowers, and trying to silence critics and destroy their reputations. This sounds like mob-type behavior... but what if we told you this all describes large and well-known CHURCHES?!? That's right, in unsafe and unhealthy churches, questions, criticism, and any allegations of sin and immoral behavior are met with bully tactics like these. While this is not the case at all churches, it should NOT be the case in ANY CHURCH. In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran takes a look at concerning mob style behavior by four large church bodies in recent months. As well as how to recognize the red flags that lead up to this type of behavior. Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/. Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters: 00:01 - When churches act like mobsters 02:53 - Fellowship Church & Pastor Ed Young ARRESTS film-maker and donor for asking financial questions. 29:13 - Immanuel Baptist Church Revises its BYLAWS to RESTRICT FREE SPEECH and SILENCE DETRACTORS. 37:21 - Troll Account Uses DECEASED MAN’S Obituary Picture on Account Used to Silence Detractors, Former Staff Members, and Former Congregants of Faith Promise Church. 57:22 - D.C. Area Mega Church With Celebrity Pastor ARRESTS and EXCOMMUNICATES Members Who Ask Questions!!!

In this episode of the Church Disrupted podcast, host Jeff Cochran and best-selling author and narcissism expert Chelsea Brooke Cole delve into the complexities of narcissism, particularly within church settings. From how forgiveness is weaponized by narcissists to the dangers of DARVO (you need to know what this is,) they talk about how to recognize narcissistic behaviors in church leaders and how you can respond in healthy and effective ways. If you have ever been on the other side of narcissism in the church, this is a must watch episode! Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign Get Chelsey's book here and find out more about her work here: https://www.chelseybrookecole.com/ THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/. Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Narcissism in the Church 02:54 The Weaponization of Forgiveness 05:47 Understanding DARVO: Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender 11:51 The Impact of Narcissism on Relationships 18:00 Systemic Responses to Abuse Allegations 23:49 The Role of Churches in Addressing Abuse 29:55 Forgiveness and Boundaries in Healing 41:51 Navigating Forgiveness and Boundaries 49:25 Understanding Narcissistic Behaviors 57:53 Recognizing Projection and Baiting 01:11:42 Addressing Faux Apologies and Fairness 01:16:27 Creating Safe Church Environments

In this episode of the Church Disrupted podcast, Jeff Cochran is joined by Tim Ross of the Basement podcast to talk about accountability within the church, why there have been so many church scandals and fallen pastors recently, and how transparency is the antidote to it all. Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign Find out more about Tim's podcast and the B-Side App Here: - https://www.youtube.com/@UCqzgGwRrOLH20OIc8bM_VAg - https://www.bsideapp.com/ Follow Tim Ross on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upsetthegram/ THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/. Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters 00:00 Podcast OPENER 03:13 Introducing Tim Ross 07:41 The Basement Vision15:54 How to be Un-Cancellable 25:40 NDAs in the Church 29:25 When Churches Run Like Big Business 33:11 Above Reproach & Protecting People 48:22 Where's Your Anchor? 49:35 Transparency in the Church, Especially with finances 53:58 Finding Freedom in Transparency55:35 Embracing Accountability 01:04:03 Let's STOP Calling it Moral Failure 01:09:42 Church Elders Make BAD PR People01:11:49 Are you complicit?01:15:13 Are Pastors staying too long, stuck, or both? 01:20:02 Tim's Advice for Hurt people in the church and church staff.01:29:03 - How to follow Tim's work

In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran, Shawn Reece, and Corey Laster talk about how unlearning cultural Christianity can actually lead us closer to Jesus. But its definitely not easy!!! Unlearning the traditions and systems we have known comes with painful cognitive dissonance. This unlearning is painful but worth it. So, if you are brave enough to check your preconceived notions at the door, press play, and let's dive into this conversation together. Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/. Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters 00:00 Unlearning Cultural Christianity 05:56 Cognitive Dissonance in Faith 12:03 The Nature of Church and Community 18:03 The Impact of Financial Structures on Ministry 24:14 The Evolution of Pastoral Roles 29:52 Redefining Church and Community Engagement 54:32 Understanding God's Love and Acceptance 58:34 Navigating Church Dynamics and Questions 01:00:02 The Role of Pastors and Church Staff 01:01:27 The Complexity of Theological Teachings 01:02:25 The Fear of Being Wrong in Teaching 01:04:49 The Misconception of Defending the Gospel 01:06:13 The Nuance of Paul's Teachings 01:08:05 The Prophetic Nature of Deconstruction 01:10:00 Rethinking Salvation and Baptism 01:12:48 The Importance of Discipleship 01:14:17 The Church's Response to Deconstruction 01:16:41 Creating Safe Spaces for Questions 01:18:33 The Role of the Holy Spirit in Understanding 01:20:54 The Importance of Different Perspectives 01:22:22 God's Sovereignty in Our Mistakes 01:24:18 The Fear of Man vs. Fear of God 01:26:35 The Foundation of Our Faith 01:28:27 Encouragement for Questioning Faith 01:30:18 The Journey of Faith and Certainty 01:32:11 The Importance of Solidifying Beliefs 01:34:37 The Need for Empathy in Faith Discussions 01:36:28 The Simplicity of Faith 01:38:49 Building on the Foundation of Christ 01:40:18 The Importance of Care in Building Faith 01:42:17 Remodeling Faith vs. Deconstructing 01:44:07 Encouragement for Big Questions in Faith

In this episode of the Church Disrupted podcast, host Jeff Cochran talks with pastor Melody Winderweedle about rethinking church structures and practices. They explore the early church's simplicity, the role of pastors, the importance of discipleship, and the impact of consumerism on modern church dynamics. Melody shares insights on creating gatherings that look more like the early church and emphasizes the need for community involvement in decision-making. The discussion encourages listeners to reflect on their own church experiences and consider the potential for change within their communities. Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/. Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters 00:00 Rethinking Church Structures 09:25 Exploring Early Church Practices 17:10 The Role of Pastors and Leadership 25:17 Discipleship: A Slow and Organic Process 33:21 Navigating Church Growth and Community 41:51 The Impact of Consumerism on Church 49:46 Creating Inclusive Gatherings 58:15 Final Thoughts and Encouragements

In this episode of the Church Disrupted podcast, Jeff Cochran, Abby Fleming, and Buck Fleming delve into a controversial church system that is extremely popular today but can also be extremely damaging. They dive deep into the Growth Track model, discussing its implications for discipleship and community involvement, and emphasize the need for reform in church practices to prioritize genuine discipleship over assimilation into church systems. The conversation also explores the historical context of early church practices and the balance between the business side of church and its spiritual mission.Want to support SAI financially?https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaignTHANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners.Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/.Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6ZPlease Subscribe and Share!Chapters00:00 Introduction to Controversial Church Systems03:06 Narcissistic Church Systems and Their Impact06:10 Historical Context of Early Church Practices09:00 Critique of Growth Track Systems11:51 The Dangers of Assimilation in Church15:13 The Role of Systems in Church Growth18:02 The Balance Between Business and Ministry20:53 The Need for Reform in Church Systems24:06 Understanding Membership and Purpose26:52 The Factory Model of Church Involvement30:07 The Call to Discipleship vs. Assimilation32:48 The Importance of Individual Purpose36:05 The Role of Community in Church38:56 The Dangers of Manipulation in Church Systems41:51 Conclusion: The Future of Church Systems01:04:00 Being the Church in Everyday Life01:07:51 Discovering Purpose and Design01:10:42 The Limitations of Personality Assessments01:13:31 The Role of Spiritual Gifts01:16:10 Scriptural Integrity and Context01:19:24 The Danger of Self-Righteousness01:22:43 Simplifying the Spiritual Journey01:25:14 The Problem with Church Systems01:28:03 The Call to Authentic Church Planting01:31:20 The Burden of Professional Christianity01:34:11 Reforming Church Systems01:37:34 The Messiness of Ministry01:40:52 The True Meaning of Leadership01:43:10 The Leadership Honor Code01:46:59 The Issue of Giving in the Church01:51:18 The Pursuit of Excellence vs. Anointing01:54:10 The Need for Reform in the Church

In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran and Rebecca Davis (Author of the Untwisting Scripture book series) discuss the misuse and abuse of scriptures in spiritual contexts. They highlight the importance of understanding the true meaning of scriptures and the dangers of twisting them to manipulate and control people. They talk about topics like loyalty, sin leveling, the misuse of the terms 'root of bitterness' and 'spirit of offense', and the idea of tearing down the body of Christ. Rebecca emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing abuse, as well as the need for biblical literacy and listening to the experiences of abuse survivors. The conversation concludes with hope for survivors and a call for church leaders to listen and learn. Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign Get Rebecca's books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001K8GE7O?ingress=0&visitId=281658ae-f8e0-4b2a-8ef4-1c0dc64fbd0c&ref_=ap_rdr THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/. Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The Misuse of Scriptures and Control 24:41 Loyalty vs. Faithfulness 32:44 The Dynamics of Bullying in the Church 41:12 Silence is Complicity 43:43 Restoration and Accountability 45:08 Recognizing Wickedness and Righteousness 46:05 The Spiritual Abuser's Playbook: Loyalty 47:31 The Misuse of 'Root of Bitterness' and 'Spirit of Offense' 52:30 Understanding the Root of Bitterness 56:18 The Danger of Misinterpreting Hebrews 01:07:02 Exposing Sin vs. Tearing Down the Body of Christ 01:13:50 Rejecting the Notion of Victim Mentality 01:21:15 Words of Hope and Listening

In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran, Leann Reece, and Vicki May discuss the impact of celebrity culture in the church, specifically the green room mentality in a lot of churches. They highlight the contradiction between the call to be servants and the pursuit of celebrity status in modern Christianity. This conversation explores the negative side of the church green room, particularly in relation to volunteer exploitation and the pressures of celebrity culture, as well as what we can do about it to build healthier environments in our churches. Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/. Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The Contradiction of Celebrity Culture 02:18 The Impact of Green Room Mentality 10:33 Finding Balance: Serving and Resting 19:30 The Benefits and Challenges of Green Rooms 25:12 Addressing the Root Issue: Volunteer Shortage 35:12 Conclusion: Prioritizing Volunteer Well-being 36:10 The Negative Side of the Green Room: Volunteer Exploitation and Disconnect 39:59 Unpaid Professionals: The Disparity in Treatment 43:39 Staff Members: Balancing Responsibilities and Burnout 50:32 Setting Boundaries and Treating Volunteers with Respect 01:12:33 The Negative Effects of the Green Room Mentality 01:14:18 Separation and Unapproachability in the Green Room 01:17:42 Exploitation of Volunteers and the Importance of Boundaries 01:20:02 Transparency and Open Communication about the Green Room 01:33:33 Leading by Example to Create a Healthy Environment

What if everything you thought you knew about church discipline was wrong? Many pastors avoid talking about the truth behind church discipline, leaving Christians confused, misinformed, or even spiritually harmed when it’s applied incorrectly.In this video, we’re uncovering what most pastors won’t tell you—the real purpose of church discipline, where churches get it wrong, and how the Bible actually teaches us to handle sin, correction, and accountability in a way that restores and protects, not destroys.🚨 We’ll cover:✅ Why church discipline often fails—and how it should actually work✅ The biggest church discipline mistakes pastors make✅ What the Bible REALLY says about church discipline ✅ How to recognize when church discipline is being misused💬 Have you ever seen church discipline done well? Or have you experienced it being abused? Let’s talk in the comments!Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/.Want to support SAI financially?https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaignJoin the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6ZLearn more about the Safe Church Pledge Here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledgePlease Subscribe and Share!Chapters:00:00 Introduction: The Misunderstood Biblical Teaching00:47 The Importance of Church Discipline01:16 Jesus' Warning in Matthew 18:603:13 The Biblical Guide to Church Discipline03:31 Misconceptions About Church Discipline04:17 Understanding Matthew 18:15-2007:21 The Role of Witnesses in Church Discipline08:37 Public Correction and Its Implications15:33 Paul's Approach to Church Discipline15:46 The Case of the Corinthian Church20:12 The Broader Impact of Sin in the Church21:35 Paul's Instructions on Handling Sin26:10 Restoration After Discipline29:28 Rebuking Church Elders30:14 Establishing Credibility Before Accusing Elders31:09 Public Reprimand as a Deterrent31:45 Historical Context of Elders in the Church33:11 Case Studies and Modern Examples34:07 The Importance of Public Rebuke35:16 Scriptural Basis for Public Rebuke39:06 Misinterpretations and Correcting Divisions42:12 Examples of Public Rebuke in Scripture51:28 Practical Takeaways for Modern Church Discipline58:23 Final Thoughts and Viewer EngagementFair Use Disclaimer:This video may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. All clips used are protected by the Fair Use Doctrine within Title 17 of the United States Code. This doctrine safeguards the use of copyrighted material for transformative purposes, such as commentary, criticism, review and news reporting. Under Title 17 U.S.C. § 512(f), any person who makes a false, bad faith, or misleading copyright claim or uses a copyright takedown to infringe on free speech, criticism, or commentary can be held liable for damages to the content creator.Hosseinzadeh v. Klein, 276 F.Supp.3d 34 (S.D.N.Y. 2017); Equals Three, LLC v. Jukin Media, Inc., 139 F. Supp. 3d 1094 (C.D. Cal. 2015).

In this episode of the Church Disrupted podcast, Jeff Cochran, Shawn Reece, and Vicki May discuss the formula for spiritual abuse and how to recognize it before damage is done in churches. Spiritual abuse and church scandals can be prevented if the formula is identified early and addressed. They also introduce the Safe Church Pledge as a step towards preventing spiritual abuse. Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/. Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The Formula for Spiritual Abuse 02:14 The Formula: Power Plus Deception 09:27 Recognizing Concentrated and Unchecked Power 23:25 The Importance of Balanced Power and Stewardship 32:13 The Danger of Over-Spiritualizing Power 39:23 Questioning Leaders: A Sign of Accountability, Not Dishonor 40:22 The Role of Deception in Spiritual Abuse 53:13 Power Plus Deception: The Formula for Spiritual Abuse 56:02 Manipulating Narratives: Deception in Church Announcements 01:05:41 The Ego Factor: How Deception Arises from a Desire to Look Good 01:19:05 Using Individuals for Appearance: Deception in Diversity 01:20:51 The Connection Between Power and Deception in Spiritual Abuse 01:21:20 Manipulative Practices in Churches: Spontaneous Baptisms and Altar Calls 01:24:12 Deception in Altar Calls and Salvation Numbers 01:27:03 Deception and Self-Deception in Spiritual Abuse 01:47:27 Protecting Yourself: Asking Questions and Recognizing Signs of Power Abuse and Deception 01:49:23 Pastors: Surrounding Yourself with Accountability and Committing to Being Above Reproach 01:57:23 Introducing the Safe Church Pledge: Preventing Spiritual Abuse

In this episode of the Church Disrupted podcast, Jeff Cochran and Natalie Runion have an honest conversation about nepotism in the Church. They explore what nepotism really is and where it came from, as well as the tension between passing on ministries within families and the potential for unhealthy dynamics and control. The conversation delves into the importance of distinguishing between calling and nepotism, and the need for churches to have clear succession plans and fair processes in place. Overall, the episode aims to shed light on the issue of nepotism in the church and encourage healthy dialogue and reflection. Natalie and Jeff explore the challenges and implications of nepotism in church leadership, particularly in the context of pastors' children taking over their parents' churches. They also examine biblical examples and principles related to succession and leadership in the church, and how churches and pastors can stay above reproach when it comes to even the appearance of nepotism. Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign Find out more about Natalie's work here: - https://www.instagram.com/raisedtostay/?hl=en - https://natalierunion.com/ - https://tinyurl.com/526vaaj2 - https://www.amazon.com/Raised-Stay-Persevering-Ministry-Million/dp/0830784608 THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/. Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Special Episode 05:28 Collaborative Episode with Natalie Runion 08:13 Discussion Sparked by Previous Conversation 13:20 Defining Nepotism and Personal Experiences 18:47 Importance of Clear Succession Plans 21:19 Different Perspectives on Nepotism 28:22 Exploring the Definitions and Origins of Nepotism 31:14 The Role of Influence and Unfair Advantages 32:35 The Challenges Faced by Pastors' Kids 37:20 Examining Biblical Principles of Succession 53:41 The Importance of Being Above Reproach 55:39 Moving Away from the CEO Model of Leadership 58:30 Encouragement for Pastors' Kids 01:00:46 The Dangers of Promoting Nepotism 01:04:04 Expanding Perspectives through Church Engagement

In a recent conversation with a critical pastor on the Church Disrupted Podcast, things went sideways quick! From the beginning, today's guest exhibited narcissistic responses and behaviors that can be super triggering for those who have experienced church hurt or spiritual abuse. Talk about the opposite of trauma-informed church leadership!Sadly, too many church leaders exhibit behaviors like this in conversations without even realizing the damage they can cause to parishioners. So, in today's episode, Jeff Cochran leans into the skid, breaks down the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) red flags of narcissistic responses, and shows you how to respond to them (and how not to) in a spiritual setting. There has never been a time more important than now for church leaders and staff to become trauma-informed. Narcissism and narcissistic behaviors have no place in the church, and with a little training and intentionality, we can eliminate these behaviors and learn to protect the most vulnerable people in our congregations. We can learn to listen to and love people like Jesus. Want to support SAI financially?https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaignTHANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners.Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/.Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6ZPlease Subscribe and Share!Chapters00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning03:16 Recognizing Conversational Red Flags in Churches06:28 The Most Triggering Interview08:52 Using Red Flag Review Editing10:42 Identifying Wrong and Potentially Dangerous Views of the Church25:28 The Importance of Words and How They Are Said28:25 Addressing the Impact of Comments on Small Churches34:50 Identifying Red Flags and Patterns of Behavior37:16 From Small Church to Mega Church: A Personal Journey41:29 The Distinction Between Mega Churches and Giga Churches45:16 Addressing Systemic Issues in All Churches51:53 The Importance of Open Conversations About Small Church Failures01:09:21 Calling Out Narcissistic Behavior01:13:28 Red Flags and Tactics of Narcissistic Leaders01:19:04 The Issue of Plagiarism in the Church01:21:48 The Importance of Transparency in Church Finances01:35:11 The Power of Words and Definitions01:43:40 Understanding the Lack of Transparency in Churches01:45:27 Overcoming Shame and Becoming Financially Transparent01:48:48 The Use of NDAs in Churches01:51:18 The Benefits of Multi-Site Churches02:08:16 Finding Healing and Connection After Church Hurt

On this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran is joined by local church pastor Cody Farris. From a disagreement on social media, they started a conversation that eventually led to this podcast about church leadership, accountability, and how churches should respond to scandals and allegations of spiritual abuse. They also talk about important factors to consider when looking for a healthy church after church hurt. Other topics discussed include NDAs in churches, plagiarism in sermons, handling abuse allegations, and church finances. This one is a can't miss. It's honest, authentic, and incredibly refreshing. Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/. Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Disagreement and Growth 04:37 Building a Healthy Church 08:53 The Importance of Adhering to a Statement of Faith 18:11 Understanding the Essentials of Eschatology 29:50 Preventing Spiritual Abuse: The Role of Elders and Congregational Involvement 32:38 Evaluating a Church: History, Elders, and Congregation Involvement 34:03 Prioritizing Spiritual Growth over Church Growth 35:28 The Importance of Accountability in Preventing Spiritual Abuse 36:27 The Role of Overseers and Checks and Balances in Church Governance 37:54 Excommunication: Maintaining the Holiness of the Congregation 40:11 Finding a Healthy and Mature Congregation 01:05:19 Finding a Healthy Church: Faithful Preaching, Sacraments, and Church Discipline 01:09:59 Accountability and Testing Leaders in the Church 01:13:21 Handling Abuse Allegations: Taking Them Seriously and Involving External Parties if Necessary 01:17:47 Transparency in Church Finances: Building Trust and Dispelling Misconceptions 01:23:01 Addressing Plagiarism in Sermons: Quoting and Referencing with Permission 01:30:37 Navigating Church Hurt: Holding onto Christ as the Head of the Imperfect Church 01:33:01 Taking Theology and Church Structure Seriously as Church Leaders

In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran is joined by Chris and Tori Custer, who share their experience of spiritual abuse and cultish behavior. They break down common red flags and warning signs of toxic church environments, emphasize the need for humility and self-reflection in church leadership, and discuss what biblical forgiveness really looks like. They also take a hard look at the dangers of spiritual fathers and other often weaponized spiritual language. Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign Learn more about Flame Keepers: - YT CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMFhmr401NHxTyqM2JBbGfQ - INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/flame_keepers_podcast/ THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/. Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters 00:00 Recognizing Red Flags and Warning Signs 09:09 The Paradox of Christianity: Humility and Self-Reflection 32:59 The Power of Prophetic Words and Intimacy with God 37:48 The Awakening: Recognizing Abuse and Manipulation 40:38 Seeking Outside Perspective and Finding Freedom 41:37 Seeking Outside Counsel and Therapy 43:57 Red Flags of an Unsafe Church 46:12 The Dangers of Idolizing Spiritual Fathers and Mothers 50:30 Power Dynamics in Spiritual Relationships 01:23:21 The Role of Spiritual Fathers and Mothers 01:31:51 The Warped View of Discipleship 01:44:00 The Daily Practice of Forgiveness 01:48:46 Navigating Forgiveness After Abuse 01:59:21 Flamekeepers: Purifying and Reforming the Church

In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran, Leann Reece, and Corey Laster explore the question of when it's time to leave a church environment, especially when there are signs of spiritual abuse or toxicity. The hosts discuss their personal experiences and offer insights on recognizing red flags and setting boundaries. They emphasize the importance of healing and finding safe people to talk to. In this conversation, Jeff and the crew discuss the process of deciding whether it's time to leave a church. They provide guidance on how to navigate this decision, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, seeking counsel, and setting boundaries. They also discuss the different scenarios that may arise, such as staying too long, needing to leave immediately, or trying to make a change within the church. Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/. Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters 00:00 Introduction: When is it time to leave a church? 02:18 Recognizing Red Flags and Setting Boundaries 11:55 Leaving a Church without Villainizing 16:30 Healing and Verbalizing the Truth 31:09 Seeking Input and Making the Decision 34:58 Importance of Healing in the Decision 35:26 Trusting Your Gut: Knowing When to Leave a Church 37:50 Having Civil, Helpful, and Loving Conversations 41:01 Assessing Your Feelings: A Key Indicator for Leaving 46:46 Leaving in a Healthy and Honoring Way 57:33 Acknowledging Hurt and Finding a Safe Place to Land 01:10:29 Deciding to Leave for a New Season 01:11:57 Setting a Firm End Date 01:13:23 Having the Conversation and Leaving 01:14:20 Setting a Date and Making Arrangements 01:17:43 Protecting the Most Vulnerable Person 01:19:38 Empathy and Healing in the Body 01:21:02 Empathy and Healing in Relationships 01:27:14 Healing Faster and Helping Others 01:30:36 Empathy as a Sign of Healing 01:34:02 Prioritizing Safety and Leaving

In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran interviews Casanova Green, a local church pastor, about his observations on the church and the importance of having critical conversations with church leaders to promote growth and transparency. They also highlight the issue of churches moving away from the core principles of community, support, and relational ministry; and the rise of narcissistic leaders and performance-based preaching. The conversation also touches on the recent scandals involving church leaders and the need for accountability and justice in the church. Jeff and Cas discuss the importance of transparency, checks and balances, and the role of overseers in ensuring accountability. They emphasize the need for pastors to be present, sacrificial, and focused on loving and serving people. Whether you are a parishioner, church staff, or someone dealing with fresh church hurt, this conversation should both encourage and challenge you in a positive way! Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/. Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 05:37 Similar Concerns and the Impact of Consumerism and Narcissism in the Church 13:30 Addressing Spiritual Abuse and Misconduct in the Church 25:01 Staying True to the Core Principles of the Church 32:58 The Importance of Accountability 35:09 The Role of Pastors, Elders, and Overseers 38:07 The Responsibility of the Congregation 40:13 Serving the Congregation 44:30 The Track Record of Pastoring 01:04:32 Being Present and Available in Ministry 01:12:23 Should Pastors be Paid During Set Down? 01:19:50 What is a Real Pastor? 01:27:39 Aligning Actions and Preaching with the Heart of God 01:32:40 Prioritizing Healing, Hope, and Restoration in Ministry

In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran interviews Natalie Runion, the author of 'Raised to Stay' and the upcoming book 'The House that Jesus Built.' They discuss staying in a relationship with Jesus in the face of things like church hurt and spiritual abuse, and the importance of balance in addressing hard church issues. Natalie shares her personal experience of church hurt and how it led her to create a safe space for others to wrestle with their faith. They also touch on the topic of forgiveness and how it can be weaponized, the process of healing from church hurt, and the need for churches to create safe environments and address unhealthy systems. They offer advice for individuals who are hesitant to re-engage with the church and encourage pastors and church leaders to be a safe haven for those who have been hurt. Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign Find out more about Natali e'swork here: - https://www.instagram.com/raisedtostay/?hl=en - https://natalierunion.com/ - https://tinyurl.com/526vaaj2 - https://www.amazon.com/Raised-Stay-Persevering-Ministry-Million/dp/0830784608 THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/. Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Natalie Runion and the Topic of Church Hurt 03:04 Healing from Church Hurt and Spiritual Abuse 07:41 Creating Safe Environments in Churches 13:41 Staying Connected to Jesus in Difficult Seasons 28:28 Navigating Church Relationships with Discernment 40:41 Supporting Church Staff Members in Abusive Situations 43:07 The Importance of Forgiveness and Healing 45:01 The Power of Empathy 49:39 Revival: A Heart Transformation 54:16 Addressing Issues in Church Systems

What happens when a mega church pastor gets honest about spiritual abuse in the church? We're about to find out. In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran is joined by a current pastor on a mega church staff. They discuss how spiritual abuse can happen in smaller churches as well as the systems that contribute to it. This pastor shares his personal experience of spiritual abuse in small churches, where narcissism, arrogance, and nepotism were prevalent. They also discuss the importance of accountability in church leadership and the need for external oversight to prevent abuse, as well as how churches can decide upfront how they will honestly and openly investigate any and all spiritual abuse allegations. Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out MORE about our podcast partners here: https://www.disrupted.church/sponsors. Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/. Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 06:09 Loren's Experience of Spiritual Abuse in Small Churches 13:47 The Presence of Narcissism, Arrogance, and Nepotism in Church Systems 28:26 The Need for External Oversight to Prevent Spiritual Abuse 33:12 The Risk of Standing Up Against Spiritual Abuse 37:32 Creating Safe Spaces for Staff 46:15 Prioritizing Family Care as a Pastor 50:08 The Importance of Independent Investigations 57:47 Listening and Caring for Those Who Have Experienced Hurt

In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran and Lori Morrison (host of the Unlovely Truth Podcast & Author) discuss the importance of addressing spiritual abuse and safety within the church. They explore the need for holistic care, the role of independent investigations, and the significance of effective communication in handling abuse allegations. The conversation also delves into the impact of spiritual abuse on people and the church's responsibility in addressing and preventing it. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to church communication, transparency, accountability, spiritual abuse, and the importance of justice. We also discuss red flags and the need for safe and healthy church environments. Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign Find out more about Lori's work here: - https://theunlovelytruth.com/ THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out MORE about our podcast partners here: https://www.disrupted.church/sponsors. Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/. Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 03:00 The Importance of Holistic Care and Safety in the Church 10:04 The Role of Independent Investigations in Addressing Spiritual Abuse 34:14 Establishing a Church Safe Process and External Support 44:17 The Importance of Truth and Transparency in Church Communication 49:33 Prioritizing Character Over Titles in Church Staff Evaluation 01:21:26 Creating a Safe and Welcoming Church Environment 01:25:47 Addressing Issues of Spiritual and Emotional Abuse in the Church

Churches should be places of healing, accountability, and truth—but too often, their very systems enable spiritual abuse instead. How do church structures—whether in mega churches, mid-sized congregations, or independent churches—allow unchecked power, lack transparency, and silence victims? And more importantly, what needs to change now?In this special episode, the tables are turned as Jeff Cochran, host of Church Disrupted, becomes the one interviewed by David Santistevan on the Beyond Sunday Worship Podcast. Together, they explore:✅ How church systems create environments where abuse can thrive✅ Why churches protect institutions over people (and how to stop it)✅ The role of mega church systems, mid-sized churches, and denominations in spiritual abuse✅ How financial transparency, governance, and accountability can reform the churchIf you care about holding church leaders accountable while still fighting for the good of the church, this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss.💬 What do you think needs to change in today’s churches? Drop your thoughts in the comments.📌 Support the Beyond Sunday Worship Podcast👉 Check out David Santistevan’s Beyond Sunday Worship Podcast for more deep conversations on faith, worship, and leadership: https://beyondsundayworship.com/347-jeff-cochran/Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/.Want to support SAI financially?https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaignJoin the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6ZLearn more about the Safe Church Pledge Here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledgePlease Subscribe and Share!Chapters00:00 Intro01:48 Defining Spiritual Abuse05:15 Church Hurt vs. Spiritual Abuse07:21 Protecting the Organization vs. Protecting People07:54 The Role of Self-Preservation in Church Leadership09:05 Misunderstanding the Church and God's Reputation24:04 Balancing Accountability and Transparency in Churches30:46 The Influence of ARC Churches33:12 Encouragement for ARC Church Leaders33:55 The Safe Church Pledge35:19 Governance and Accountability Issues39:37 Financial Transparency in Churches47:17 Spiritual Abuse in Worship Ministry49:32 Balancing Excellence and Authenticity in Worship58:25 Final Thoughts and ResourcesFair Use Disclaimer:This video may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. All clips used are protected by the Fair Use Doctrine within Title 17 of the United States Code. This doctrine safeguards the use of copyrighted material for transformative purposes, such as commentary, criticism, review and news reporting. Under Title 17 U.S.C. § 512(f), any person who makes a false, bad faith, or misleading copyright claim or uses a copyright takedown to infringe on free speech, criticism, or commentary can be held liable for damages to the content creator.Hosseinzadeh v. Klein, 276 F.Supp.3d 34 (S.D.N.Y. 2017); Equals Three, LLC v. Jukin Media, Inc., 139 F. Supp. 3d 1094 (C.D. Cal. 2015).

In this episode of the Church Disrupted podcast, Jeff Cochran interviews Scott McKnight, a theologian and advocate for spiritual abuse victims. They discuss the complexities of spiritual abuse, the power dynamics involved, and the impact on individuals and communities. Scott shares his journey of advocating for spiritual abuse victims and teaching churches to build a Tove culture. They also explore the challenges of recognizing and responding to spiritual abuse within the church. The conversation covers various aspects of spiritual abuse, including realistic expectations, time limits, and the impact of church systems. It also delves into the evolution of pastoral roles, the impact of mega-churches, and the modern-day church playbook for addressing the scandal. Additionally, it explores the trauma experienced by pastors and the need for a trauma-informed approach in the church. Want to support Church Disrupted financially? https://www.disrupted.church/give Find out more about Scot's work here: - https://x.com/scotmcknight - https://scotmcknight.substack.com/ - https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001IQZDNO THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out MORE about our podcast partners here: https://www.disrupted.church/sponsors. Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/. Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters 00:00 Understanding Spiritual Abuse: A Complex Journey 09:30 The Definition and Impact of Spiritual Abuse 24:00 Navigating Power Dynamics and Healing 27:43 Navigating Spiritual Abuse: Realistic Expectations and Time Limits 31:33 Evolution of Pastoral Roles and the Impact of Mega Churches 48:59 The Modern-Day Church Playbook for Addressing Scandal 52:19 Trauma-Informed Approach in the Church

This episode of the Church Disrupted podcast explores the topic of volunteer exploitation in churches. Host Jeff Cochran, joined by Nick Flores, discusses the damaging effects of volunteering gone wrong and how churches can better protect their volunteers. They share personal experiences of volunteer exploitation and highlight the importance of setting boundaries and providing support for volunteers. The conversation emphasizes the need for churches to slow down and prioritize the well-being of their volunteers. They also discuss the power of meaningful conversations and the impact they can have on volunteers' lives. In this conversation, Jeff and Nick also discuss the concept of spiritual bypassing, where faith is used as an excuse to avoid taking action or addressing real issues. They emphasize the need for open dialogue, asking deeper questions, and creating safe spaces within the church community. They also touch on the impact of language and labels, such as the 'dream team,' and how it can create an in-crowd versus out-crowd mentality. Want to support Church Disrupted financially? https://www.disrupted.church/give Find out more about Nic's work with the Collision podcast here: https://www.instagram.com/collisionpodcast/ THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out MORE about our podcast partners here: https://www.disrupted.church/sponsors. Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/. Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Exploring Volunteer Exploitation in Churches 02:35 The Damaging Effects of Volunteer Exploitation 08:07 Personal Experiences of Volunteer Exploitation 14:38 The Power of Meaningful Conversations with Volunteers 31:38 The Importance of Slowing Down and Being Inclusive in Volunteer Culture 38:26 The Impact of Boundaries and Support on Volunteer Engagement 43:47 The Need for Resources and Conversations on Volunteer Well-being 45:01 Income Disparity and Exploitation 50:46 Addressing Spiritual Bypassing 57:36 Taking Care of Pastors 01:10:33 The Impact of Language and Labels

In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jef Cochran is joined by Tim Whitaker of The New Evangelicals to talk about the state of the church, why people are leaving the evangelical church and deconstructing, how political entanglement has played a role, and ways we can stop spiritual abuse in churches. This was a fantastic conversation between Tim and Jeff, and while everyone won't agree with everything said, we can and should all learn something. Want to support Church Disrupted financially?https://www.disrupted.church/giveFind out more about Tim's work with TNE here: https://www.thenewevangelicals.com/ THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners.Find out MORE about our podcast partners here: https://www.disrupted.church/sponsors.Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/.Please Subscribe and Share!

With the recent launch of the Spiritual Abuse Institute (SAI,) Jeff Cochran takes this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast to answer listener questions about SAI, discuss how we'll help people heal from spiritual abuse and church hurt, and our plan to build healthier churches. If you have ever experienced spiritual abuse, church hurt, or religious trauma, then this episode (and SAI) is for you. Will you become a disruptor and help us fight to end spiritual abuse and the toxic systems that cause it? Want to support Church Disrupted and SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out MORE about our podcast partners here: https://www.disrupted.church/sponsors. Find out more about SAI at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/. Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/. Please Subscribe and Share!

What happens when you invite a vocal critic onto onto the podcast?! Well, we’re about to find out! In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, we invited a vocal social media critic to join the conversation and discuss how to build healthy churches. And not only is this guest a critic, he's a pastor! Yet, once we invited him to join the podcast, things took a really positive turn. When I checked this pastor and his church out online, what I found was a surprisingly healthy looking church! They are doing a lot of things right, and they seem to be the kind of church we wish there was more of. So, by the time we got to the actual podcast conversation, I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect. But I was pleasantly surprised! In this episode, we are joined by Pastor and leader TJ Mauldin. We discuss everything from our disagreements online and the need to address spiritual abuse in the church, to creating healthy church environments and radical financial transparency. This was an honest, transparent, and extremely helpful conversation. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did! THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out MORE about our podcast partners here: https://www.disrupted.church/sponsors. Want to support Church Disrupted financially? https://www.disrupted.church/give Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/. Please Subscribe and Share! TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 08:46 The Tension Between Critiquing the Church and Loving the Church 36:07 Low Control, High Accountability 47:26 Building People Up and Adding Value 56:36 Controversy and Conversation: Teleprompters and Sermon Scripts 01:14:29 Growing People for the Kingdom 01:26:37 Approaching Nepotism and Hiring Staff 01:37:18 Congregational Leadership 01:49:15 Addressing the Cycle of Abuse 01:58:30 Cultivating Intentional Relational Environments

In this episode of the Church Disrupted podcast, Jeff Cochran and Author Laura McKnight Barringer discuss spiritual abuse and toxic church cultures. She shares the moment that woke her up to the reality of spiritual abuse. They also explore the concept of 'tov' (goodness) in the church, the features of narcissistic pastors, and the characteristics of toxic Christian workplaces. They address the reasons people stay silent in the face of abuse, the response of churches to accusations against pastors, and the danger of internal investigations. All of these issues and more should massively concern us, but could the answer to them be as simple as creating TOV cultures? Join us for this conversation to find out the answer. Connect with Laura here: https://www.laurabarringer.net/ THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out MORE about our podcast partners here: https://www.disrupted.church/sponsors. Want to support Church Disrupted financially? https://www.disrupted.church/give Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/. Please Subscribe and Share! TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction 07:10 Recognizing Spiritual Abuse 13:18 Understanding Tov and a Culture of Tov 16:25 Features of Narcissistic Pastors 24:45 Early Warning Signs of a Toxic Culture 28:15 Reasons for Silence and Fear of Speaking Out 34:45 Responses to Accusations Against Pastors 39:37 Internal Investigations and Lack of Independence 40:23 The Need for External Investigation 41:30 The Role of Retainers in Perpetuating Abuse 43:29 The Unawareness of Spiritual Abusers 44:59 The Result of Abuse Regardless of Intent 48:37 The Sanitization of Truth in Church Systems 49:04 Forming a Truth-Telling Culture 53:57 The Attraction of Narcissistic Leaders to the Modern Church 58:56 The Lack of Accountability in Church Systems 01:02:48 Transforming Church Culture through Power 01:03:06 Creating Pockets of Tove 01:09:29 Advice for Senior Leaders in Creating a Tove Culture 01:14:34 Advice for General Church Staff in Creating Pockets of Tove 01:16:24 Advice for Parishioners in Creating a Healthy Church 01:18:10 Advice for Victims of Spiritual Abuse in Healing and Creating Safe Spaces

What does Narcissism look like when it puts on church clothes?! Narcissism and its effects are common in churches today, but the church is often the last place we would expect to find narcissistic people and behaviors.

Unfortunately, many modern church systems actually attract narcissistic leaders. But what does narcissism look like when it's in a church? How can we recognize spiritual narcissists and narcissistic systems? And when you recognize it, what should you do? We are joined in this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast by Chelsey Brooke Cole, best-selling author of the book "If I'd Only Known" and narcissism expert. She and Jeff tackle these questions and more as they take a deep look at narcissism in churches and the devastating effects it can have on people. Connect with Chelsey and learn more about her work here! - https://www.instagram.com/chelseybrookecole/?hl=en - https://www.chelseybrookecole.com/ Get Chelsey's book here: https://rb.gy/4bhk89 Check Out the Recent USA TODAY article Chelsey Contributed to here: https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2024/03/21/spiritual-narcissism-narcissists-at-church-yoga-class/73047346007/ THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out MORE about our podcast partners here: https://www.disrupted.church/sponsors. Want to support Church Disrupted financially? https://www.disrupted.church/give Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/. Please Subscribe and Share! TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:24 Defining Narcissism and NPD 11:24 Narcissism in Spiritual Environments 16:28 Can Systems be Narcissistic? 25:36 Blame Shifting and Villainizing 28:49 Reframing the Problem 30:01 Narcissistic Systems in Church 32:20 Twisting Scripture 33:13 Exploiting Tithing 34:12 Disagreement in Narcissistic Systems 35:03 Understanding Healthy Relationships 37:11 Making Church Trauma-Informed 38:13 Accountability in Narcissistic Systems 39:12 Moving On Without Accountability 40:08 Making Church Safe for Victims 41:08 Supporting the Abuser vs. the Victim 43:10 Restoring Pastors and Accountability 45:07 Expecting Reality, Not Assuming the Worst 46:17 Narcissists' Manipulation Tactics 48:16 Restoration and Accountability 49:05 Manipulating the Perception of Change 50:15 Expecting Accountability, Not Assuming the Worst 53:17 Toxic People and Healthy Boundaries 59:23 Narcissists' Reaction to Boundaries 01:00:37 Importance of Boundaries and Self-Care 01:01:06 The Importance of Setting Boundaries 01:02:03 The Charismatic Nature of Narcissists 01:03:00 Gaslighting and the Desire for Control 01:04:20 The Manipulation of Loyalty 01:06:46 Protecting Yourself Against Narcissism 01:07:18 Overcoming Guilt and Shame 01:08:30 The Importance of Documentation 01:14:39 Feeling and Processing Pain 01:24:30 Untangling the Narcissist's Voice

Spiritual abuse is always heartbreaking, but what happens when you experience it at home and church? In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Joyce Hindle joins the conversation to share her story of overcoming spiritual abuse. Joyce was a pastor's wife and experienced both sides of religious trauma. From her story, we can learn a lot about how to recognize spiritual abuse, how to heal from it, and how to overcome it and thrive. If you have experienced religious trauma, we believe this conversation will be helpful and an encouraging reminder that you can heal over time. Connect with Joyce and learn more about her work here! - https://www.joycehindlecoaching.com/ THANK YOU to our podcast partner, The Forgiveness Link!!! Schedule your free consultation with Rob here and let him know we sent you to get a special Church Disrupted rate! https://theforgivenesslink.com/churchdisruptedcommunity ANOTHER BIG THANK YOU to the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out MORE about our podcast partners here: https://www.disrupted.church/sponsors. Want to support Church Disrupted financially? https://www.disrupted.church/give Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/. Please Subscribe and Share!

In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran interviews Chris Ayoub and Nathan Apffel, the creators of the documentary 'The Religion Business.' They discuss the purpose of the documentary, which explores the business side of religion, particularly Christianity. The conversation delves into the financial numbers of nonprofits, including the staggering $890 billion that comes into the Christian Church annually. They also highlight the misalignment and growth of nonprofits, as well as the challenges of transparency and accountability. The episode concludes with a discussion on the 6% of funds that actually leave churches to make an impact in the world. This conversation discusses the lack of accountability and transparency in churches, the use of non-profits to avoid financial reporting, and the issue of ecclesiastical theft. Overall, it calls for a change in church systems to prioritize accountability and the true mission of the church. We also address the decline of denominations and the opportunity for the church to redirect its focus back to its purpose. Accountability, transparency, and individual action will be needed to bring about positive change! Learn more about The Religion Business here! - https://www.thereligionbusiness.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/religionbusiness/ THANK YOU to our podcast partner, The Forgiveness Link!!! Schedule your free consultation with Rob here and let him know we sent you to get a special Church Disrupted rate! https://theforgivenesslink.com/churchdisruptedcommunity ANOTHER BIG THANK YOU to the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out MORE about our podcast partners here: https://www.disrupted.church/sponsors. Want to support Church Disrupted financially? https://www.disrupted.church/give Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/. Please Subscribe and Share!

We get A LOT of flack from Christians and church leaders for talking about spiritual abuse. People would often rather us talk about good things going on in the church. They want us to stick to the gospel. Why? Because talking about church hurt and spiritual abuse is uncomfortable! But if we don't have these important conversations in the Church, then the abuse, scandals, and cover-ups will continue. If we don't talk about these things, people will continue getting hurt. And if we stay silent about the spiritual abuse we see, then we become complicit in it. We don't talk about spiritual abuse and toxic church systems because we WANT to, we do it because we HAVE TO!!! In this special holy week episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran, Vicki May, and Abby Flemming discuss what's really at stake with these conversations. THANK YOU to our podcast partner, The Forgiveness Link!!! Schedule your free consultation with Rob here and let him know we sent you to get a special Church Disrupted rate! https://theforgivenesslink.com/churchdisruptedcommunity ANOTHER BIG THANK YOU to the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out MORE about our podcast partners here: https://www.disrupted.church/sponsors. Want to support Church Disrupted financially? https://www.disrupted.church/give Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/. Please Subscribe and Share!

In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran and Drew Cordell (the author of Honest Christianity) explore the pressing need for reformation within the church, discussing the decline in trust towards church leadership, the troubling intersection of business practices and church operations, and the importance of accountability and transparency from churches and pastors. This conversation highlights the tension of frustration and hope for the church's future at the same time.

Follow Drew's work and get his book here: https://www.honestchristianity.org/

Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/.

Want to support SAI financially?https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign

Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z

Learn more about the Safe Church Pledge Here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledge

Please Subscribe and Share!

Chapters00:00 Introduction to Drew Cordell and His Journey

07:07 The Need for Reformation in the Church

12:52 Cultural Shifts and the Church's Response

18:09 Business Practices vs. Church Values

25:05 The Role of Systems in Church Growth

31:11 Identifying Areas for Change in the Church

37:42 Disruption vs. Reformation in the Church

43:22 The Importance of Questions in Faith

44:47 Reallocation of Resources in the Church

47:05 Restoration vs. Reformation in the Church

50:56 Curiosity and the Pursuit of Truth

56:43 The Priesthood of All Believers

01:02:02 Safe Church Practices and Accountability

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It seems we hear of another millenial or Gen Z pastor leaving the mega church or leaving ministry in general every day. But WHY are they walking away? Often, it's because they have become disenfranchised and disillusioned after being in the system and seeing how the sausage gets made. Simply put, a lot of Christians are looking for something more, something better, something different than what the modern mega-church system offers. They know something is wrong, but they aren't sure what right looks like. And it leaves people loving Jesus, yet feeling a bit lost. In this episode of the Church Disrupted podcast, Dave Scribani joins Jeff Cochran to talk about why he left the mega church system, his struggle to re-engage with the church, and the beauty he has found on the other side. Full of hope and love for Jesus, Dave leaves listeners with new thoughts about what the Church could be if we anchored the future in a more ancient way of community and pursuing God. This conversation is a MUST See! THANK YOU to our podcast partner, The Forgiveness Link!!! Schedule your free consultation with Rob here and let him know we sent you to get a special Church Disrupted rate! https://theforgivenesslink.com/churchdisruptedcommunity ANOTHER BIG THANK YOU to the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out MORE about our podcast partners here: https://www.disrupted.church/sponsors. Want to support Church Disrupted financially? https://www.disrupted.church/give Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/. Please Subscribe and Share!

Did you know that churches can be narcissistic?! Narcissistic churches are a foreign concept to most people, but sadly, they have become all too common. In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran, Abby, and Buck talk about narcissistic churches, the systems that cause narcissism in churches, and how to recognize narcissism in churches. THANK YOU to our podcast partner, The Forgiveness Link!!! Schedule your free consultation with Rob here and let him know we sent you to get a special Church Disrupted rate! https://theforgivenesslink.com/churchdisruptedcommunity ANOTHER BIG THANK YOU to the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out MORE about our podcast partners here: https://www.disrupted.church/sponsors. Want to support Church Disrupted financially? https://www.disrupted.church/give Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/. Please Subscribe and Share!

Deconstruction is a buzzword these days and is a hot topic of conversation with everyone from evangelicals to exvangelicals. Some swear by it, others villainize it. In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Caleb Nelson joins the conversation to talk about escaping a cult, deconstructing Christianity, the pain of his journey, and how to re-engage with faith. If you have been through church hurt, spiritual abuse, or religious trauma, then this episode will be helpful. If you are a pastor or church leader who wants to lead and care for people better, then there is something to learn from this episode. Whether you are questioning your faith, mourning your faith, or want to re-engage with the church, there is something for everyone in the candid conversation with Jeff Cochran and Caleb Nelson. Connect with Caleb here: - https://nakedsundaystudios.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/lebinreallife/ - Listen to the Naked Sunday Podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/4PocASK5RaqDRT2IMs53GB THANK YOU to our podcast partner, The Forgiveness Link!!! Schedule your free consultation with Rob here and let him know we sent you to get a special Church Disrupted rate! https://theforgivenesslink.com/churchdisruptedcommunity ANOTHER BIG THANK YOU to the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out MORE about our podcast partners here: https://www.disrupted.church/sponsors. Want to support Church Disrupted financially? https://www.disrupted.church/give Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/. Please Subscribe and Share!

The He Gets Us Ad that aired during the 2024 Super Bowl has caused an uproar and has a lot of people angry, especially Christians. But why?! What did the ad get right, and what did it get wrong? Should we be angry about it? If so, what parts should bother us? What should bother Christians even MORE than this commercial by the He Gets Us campaign? In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Shawn and Corey join Jeff Cochran to break down this controversial super bowl ad and to answer these questions and more. Buckle up because this episode is a doozy! THANK YOU to our podcast partner, The Forgiveness Link!!! Schedule your free consultation with Rob here and let him know we sent you to get a special Church Disrupted rate! https://theforgivenesslink.com/churchdisruptedcommunity ANOTHER BIG THANK YOU to the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out MORE about our podcast partners here: https://www.disrupted.church/sponsors. Want to support Church Disrupted financially? https://www.disrupted.church/give Find out more about the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.disrupted.church/. Please Subscribe and Share!