Recent Changes for "Recovering From Spiritual Abuse" - Davis Wiki

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-08-30 17:43:22

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- '''"Spiritual abuse occurs when someone in a position of spiritual authority, the purpose of which is to 'come underneath' and serve, build, equip and make God's people MORE free, misuses that authority placing themselves over God's people to control, coerce or manipulate them for seemingly Godly purposes which are really their own."''' [http://www.spiritualabuse.com/ Jeff Van Vonderen]	+ "Spiritual abuse occurs when someone in a position of spiritual authority, the purpose of which is to 'come underneath' and serve, build, equip and make God's people MORE free, misuses that authority placing themselves over God's people to control, coerce or manipulate them for seemingly Godly purposes which are really their own." [http://www.spiritualabuse.com/ Jeff Van Vonderen]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-08-30 17:42:42

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- "Spiritual abuse occurs when someone in a position of spiritual authority, the purpose of which is to 'come underneath' and serve, build, equip and make God's people MORE free, misuses that authority placing themselves over God's people to control, coerce or manipulate them for seemingly Godly purposes which are really their own." [http://www.spiritualabuse.com/ Jeff Van Vonderen]	+ '''"Spiritual abuse occurs when someone in a position of spiritual authority, the purpose of which is to 'come underneath' and serve, build, equip and make God's people MORE free, misuses that authority placing themselves over God's people to control, coerce or manipulate them for seemingly Godly purposes which are really their own."''' [http://www.spiritualabuse.com/ Jeff Van Vonderen]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-08-11 17:46:22

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- - *[http://www.rjd268.com/abuse_web_site.htm Recovering From Spiritual Abuse]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-08-11 17:42:25

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- *[http://www.amazon.com/Churches-That-Abuse-Ronald-Enroth/dp/0310532922/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-9682707-2012063?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193716910&sr=1-1 Recovering from Churches that Abuse], by Ronald Enroth. Grand Rapids,MI: Zondervan, 1994	+ *[http://www.amazon.com/Recovering-Churches-Abuse-Ronald-Enroth/dp/0310398703/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1250041252&sr=1-1 Recovering from Churches that Abuse], by Ronald Enroth. Grand Rapids,MI: Zondervan, 1994

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-07-29 07:54:46

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- * '''The Lindvalls:''' For five years we were members at ["Grace Valley Christian Center"]. When we first began attending Grace Valley we felt as though we'd "died and gone to heaven." We experienced an amazing sense of belonging to a life-long group of committed believers. It was only after we began inquiring about the inner group known as "flock" that we became concerned about the extent of control the leadership exerted over people. In a series of "progressive revelation" one-on-one meetings with the leadership, we were gradually brought to an understanding as to what joining "flock" entailed. As it was finally explained to us, if we were in "flock" ''every'' area of our lives would be "on the table" for the leadership to touch. And the clinching question: ''"Do you trust God enough to allow Him to direct you through us?"'' Yikes! We understand the Biblical concept of discipleship, but this was something [http://www.reveal.org/library/thirdparty/wellspring_otherside.html beyond that!] We also were becoming more aware of a pattern of [http://daviswiki.org/Grace_Valley_Christian_Center/Allegations public humiliation of members] who were "out of sync" with the leadership. In 1992 we left GVCC over our concerns related to [http://www.spiritualabuse.com/ Spiritual abuse]. To this day we continue to be shunned by our friends there. (A number of friends who once shunned us have since left GVCC and are now shunned themselves.) We found new friends at ["University Covenant Church"]. UCC was truly a place of refuge and healing for our family. In 1994 we [http://philomath.wikispot.org/Users/RichLindvall moved to Oregon]. Quite frankly, we didn't want to raise our children in a town where they were going to be forever shunned by people at GVCC. --["Users/RichLindvall"]	+ * '''The Lindvalls:''' For five years we were members at ["Grace Valley Christian Center"]. When we first began attending Grace Valley we felt as though we'd "died and gone to heaven." We experienced an amazing sense of belonging to a life-long group of committed believers. It was only after we began inquiring about the inner group known as "flock" that we became concerned about the extent of control the leadership exerted over people. In a series of "progressive revelation" one-on-one meetings with the leadership, we were gradually brought to an understanding as to what joining "flock" entailed. As it was finally explained to us, if we were in "flock" ''every'' area of our lives would be "on the table" for the leadership to touch. And the clinching question: ''"Do you trust God enough to allow Him to direct you through us?"'' Yikes! We understand the Biblical concept of discipleship, but this was something [http://www.reveal.org/library/thirdparty/wellspring_otherside.html beyond that!] We also were becoming more aware of a pattern of ["Grace Valley Christian Center/Allegations" public humiliation of members] who were "out of sync" with the leadership. In 1992 we left GVCC over our concerns related to [http://www.spiritualabuse.com/ Spiritual abuse]. To this day we continue to be shunned by our friends there. (A number of friends who once shunned us have since left GVCC and are now shunned themselves.) We found new friends at ["University Covenant Church"]. UCC was truly a place of refuge and healing for our family. In 1994 we [http://philomath.wikispot.org/Users/RichLindvall moved to Oregon]. Quite frankly, we didn't want to raise our children in a town where they were going to be forever shunned by people at GVCC. --["Users/RichLindvall"]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-07-18 21:21:42

+ link to "Regarding GVCC" article by David Merkel

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	+ + *[http://tavblog.com/2009/07/13/regarding-grace-valley-christian-center/ Regarding Grace Valley Christian Center], by ["David Merkel"]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-07-08 19:43:45

fixed link

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- * '''The Lindvalls:''' For five years we were members at ["Grace Valley Christian Center"]. When we first began attending Grace Valley we felt as though we'd "died and gone to heaven." We experienced an amazing sense of belonging to a life-long group of committed believers. It was only after we began inquiring about the inner group known as "flock" that we became concerned about the extent of control the leadership exerted over people. In a series of "progressive revelation" one-on-one meetings with the leadership, we were gradually brought to an understanding as to what joining "flock" entailed. As it was finally explained to us, if we were in "flock" ''every'' area of our lives would be "on the table" for the leadership to touch. And the clinching question: ''"Do you trust God enough to allow Him to direct you through us?"'' Yikes! We understand the Biblical concept of discipleship, but this was something [http://www.reveal.org/library/thirdparty/wellspring_otherside.html beyond that!] We also were becoming more aware of a pattern of [http://daviswiki.org/Grace_Valley_Christian_Center/Allegations public humiliation of members] who were "out of sync" with the leadership. In 1992 we left GVCC over our concerns related to [http://www.spiritualabuse.com/ Spiritual abuse]. To this day we continue to be shunned by our friends there. (A number of friends who once shunned us have since left GVCC and are now shunned themselves.) We found new friends at ["University Covenant Church"]. UCC was truly a place of refuge and healing for our family. In 1994 we [http://lbchew.wikispot.org/Users/RichLindvall moved to Oregon]. Quite frankly, we didn't want to raise our children in a town where they were going to be forever shunned by people at GVCC. --["Users/RichLindvall"]	+ * '''The Lindvalls:''' For five years we were members at ["Grace Valley Christian Center"]. When we first began attending Grace Valley we felt as though we'd "died and gone to heaven." We experienced an amazing sense of belonging to a life-long group of committed believers. It was only after we began inquiring about the inner group known as "flock" that we became concerned about the extent of control the leadership exerted over people. In a series of "progressive revelation" one-on-one meetings with the leadership, we were gradually brought to an understanding as to what joining "flock" entailed. As it was finally explained to us, if we were in "flock" ''every'' area of our lives would be "on the table" for the leadership to touch. And the clinching question: ''"Do you trust God enough to allow Him to direct you through us?"'' Yikes! We understand the Biblical concept of discipleship, but this was something [http://www.reveal.org/library/thirdparty/wellspring_otherside.html beyond that!] We also were becoming more aware of a pattern of [http://daviswiki.org/Grace_Valley_Christian_Center/Allegations public humiliation of members] who were "out of sync" with the leadership. In 1992 we left GVCC over our concerns related to [http://www.spiritualabuse.com/ Spiritual abuse]. To this day we continue to be shunned by our friends there. (A number of friends who once shunned us have since left GVCC and are now shunned themselves.) We found new friends at ["University Covenant Church"]. UCC was truly a place of refuge and healing for our family. In 1994 we [http://philomath.wikispot.org/Users/RichLindvall moved to Oregon]. Quite frankly, we didn't want to raise our children in a town where they were going to be forever shunned by people at GVCC. --["Users/RichLindvall"]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-06-28 17:42:03

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- *["David Merkel"]	+ *["David Merkel" David and Ruth Merkel]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-06-28 17:40:48

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Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-06-28 17:13:22

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- In the spirit of Philippians 3:13 "Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead" the following people have moved on from GVCC and are continuing to live victoriously for Jesus. They are trusting that, according to Joel 2:25, the Lord will "restore the years that the locusts have eaten." And they are experiencing the truth of 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, '''who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God'''." And if you have left GVCC or are thinking about leaving and would enjoy comfort from someone who's knows what you're going through, please feel free to contact us!	+ In the spirit of Philippians 3:13 "Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead" the following people have moved on from GVCC and are continuing to live victoriously for Jesus. They are trusting that, according to Joel 2:25, the Lord will "restore the years that the locusts have eaten." And they are experiencing the truth of 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, '''who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God'''." If you have left GVCC or are thinking about leaving and would enjoy comfort from someone who knows what you're going through, please feel free to contact us!

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-06-28 17:11:28

quick edit to "Moving On"

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- In the spirit of Philippians 3:13 "Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead" the following people have moved on from GVCC and are continuing to live victoriously for Jesus. They are trusting that, according to Joel 2:25, the Lord will "restore the years that the locusts have eaten." And they are experiencing the truth of 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, '''who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God'''." (If the above also holds true for you please feel free to add your name to the list.)	+ In the spirit of Philippians 3:13 "Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead" the following people have moved on from GVCC and are continuing to live victoriously for Jesus. They are trusting that, according to Joel 2:25, the Lord will "restore the years that the locusts have eaten." And they are experiencing the truth of 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, '''who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God'''." And if you have left GVCC or are thinking about leaving and would enjoy comfort from someone who's knows what you're going through, please feel free to contact us!

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-06-24 21:14:43

+ link

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	+ + *["Grace Valley Christian Center/Experiences/Clifton Burton's Experience at GVCC" Clifton Burton's Experience at GVCC]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-06-24 14:54:27

Removed names/links "Merkel" and "Pina"

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- ["David Merkel" David & Ruth Merkel] - ["Users/ronpina" Ron & Sue Pina]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-06-24 14:35:24

Removed name/link "Craig and Katie Giannini"

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- *["Craig Giannini" Craig & Katie Giannini]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-06-16 17:03:58

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- *["Regarding Qualifications For Ministry"],	+ *["Regarding Qualifications For Ministry"]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

ronpina — 2009-06-16 12:49:56

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- *["Regarding Qualifications For Ministry"], by ["Users/ronpina" Ron Pina].	+ *["Regarding Qualifications For Ministry"],

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-06-15 20:33:22

Removed names from "Moving On" to protect their identities

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- *Michelle Basich
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- Eli & Rachelle Edwards - Mark Giannini
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- Kathryn Gill - Trina Guly - Greg & Ashley Hashagen - Paul & Becky (Baldwin) Holtzlider
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- TJ Natale & family - Randy & Janet Orella
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- Dan Pleau - Margaret Purtil - Jennifer Roth - David & Yvonne (Garcia) Sager - *["Users/gabyserpa" Gaby Serpa]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

JoePomidor — 2009-06-15 10:48:42

Revert to version 239 (Not sure who this is).

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	+ *Paul & Becky (Baldwin) Holtzlider

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

BondservantOfChrist — 2009-06-15 06:39:05

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- *Paul & Becky (Baldwin) Holtzlider

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-06-05 21:02:30

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	+ *["Users/gabyserpa" Gaby Serpa]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-06-03 20:54:28

+ link/page

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- *Craig & Katie Giannini	+ *["Craig Giannini" Craig & Katie Giannini]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-05-11 10:01:34

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- *["Regarding Qualifications For Ministry"], by ["Users/ronpina" Ron Pina].	+ *["Regarding Qualifications For Ministry"], by ["Users/ronpina" Ron Pina].

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-05-11 10:01:00

removed page/link

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- ["Bible Quotes about GVCC"], by ["Users/LightHouse"]. - - ["Regarding Qualifications For Ministry"], by ["Users/ronpina" Ron Pina].	+ *["Regarding Qualifications For Ministry"], by ["Users/ronpina" Ron Pina].

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-05-11 09:59:13

link/page removed

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- ["A divine indictment of abusive leadership, and a divine promise of restoration for the abused"], by ["Users/CliftonBurton" Clifton Burton]. - - ["Bible Quotes about GVCC"], by ["Users/LightHouse"].	+ *["Bible Quotes about GVCC"], by ["Users/LightHouse"].

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-05-10 21:23:01

+ link

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	+ *["A divine indictment of abusive leadership, and a divine promise of restoration for the abused"], by ["Users/CliftonBurton" Clifton Burton]. +

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-05-10 21:07:02

+ content

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- ["Regarding Qualifications For Ministry"] by ["Users/ronpina" Ron Pina]. - - ["The Sorbello's Resignation Letter from GVCC"] by ["Users/DaleSorbello" Dale & Kim Sorbello].	+ ["Bible Quotes about GVCC"], by ["Users/LightHouse"]. + + ["Regarding Qualifications For Ministry"], by ["Users/ronpina" Ron Pina]. + + *["The Sorbello's Resignation Letter from GVCC"], by ["Users/DaleSorbello" Dale & Kim Sorbello].

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-05-10 21:01:44

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-05-10 20:58:08

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	+ ["Grace Valley Christian Center/Experiences/The Burton's Resignation Letter from GVCC" The Burton's Resignation Letter from GVCC], by ["Users/CliftonBurton" Clifton Burton] + + ["The Sorbello's Resignation Letter from GVCC"] by ["Users/DaleSorbello" Dale & Kim Sorbello]. + +

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-05-10 20:50:19

+ new category "Articles/Letters Written By Former Members"

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- = Articles =	+ = Articles/Letters Written By Former Members = + + = Other Articles =

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-05-06 11:44:53

+ link

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- *David & Ruth Merkel	+ *["David Merkel" David & Ruth Merkel]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-05-05 14:10:52

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- *David & Yvonne Sager	+ *David & Yvonne (Garcia) Sager

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-05-04 12:44:28

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	+ *Eli & Rachelle Edwards
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	+ *Paul & Becky (Baldwin) Holtzlider
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	+ *Randy & Janet Orella
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	+ *David & Yvonne Sager

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-05-04 09:13:13

+ book/link

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	+ *[http://www.amazon.com/Soul-Repair-Rebuilding-Your-Spiritual/dp/0830834974?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1217011898&sr=8-5 Soul Repair: Rebuilding Your Spiritual Life], by Jeff VanVonderen and Dale and Juanita Ryan. +

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-04-27 09:53:14

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- Michelle Basich - ["Users/CliftonBurton" Clif & Marika Burton] - Craig & Katie Gianini - Kathryn Gill - Trina Guly - Greg & Ashley Hashagen - ["Users/RichLindvall" Rich & Kristy Lindvall] - David & Ruth Merkel - TJ Natale & family - ["Users/ronpina" Ron & Sue Pina] - Margaret Purtil - Jennifer Roth - ["Users/DaleSorbello" Dale & Kim Sorbello]	+ Michelle Basich + ["Users/CliftonBurton" Clif & Marika Burton] + Mark Giannini + Craig & Katie Giannini + Kathryn Gill + Trina Guly + Greg & Ashley Hashagen + ["Users/RichLindvall" Rich & Kristy Lindvall] + David & Ruth Merkel + TJ Natale & family + ["Users/ronpina" Ron & Sue Pina] + Dan Pleau + Margaret Purtil + Jennifer Roth + *["Users/DaleSorbello" Dale & Kim Sorbello]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-04-27 09:45:55

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- ["Users/rinpina" Ron & Sue Pina]	+ ["Users/ronpina" Ron & Sue Pina]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-04-27 09:45:21

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	+ Trina Guly
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	+ ["Users/rinpina" Ron & Sue Pina]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-04-21 10:18:23

link fix

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- Our prayer for you is that you never give up on Jesus and that you cling to his promise that '''"he who began a good work in you will complete it." (Philippians 1:6)''' In addition, that you will [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXi5iq1zAl4 trade your sorrows for the joy of the Lord]! And one day, by his grace, you'll again remember that living for Jesus really is [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrrjbTc0urk the great adventure]! And along with the original disciples of the '''true shepherd''', you'll be willing to live and to die [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVM2rP5VmCY for the sake of the call]!	+ Our prayer for you is that you never give up on Jesus and that you cling to his promise that '''"he who began a good work in you will complete it." (Philippians 1:6)''' In addition, that you will [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXi5iq1zAl4 trade your sorrows for the joy of the Lord]! And one day, by his grace, you'll again remember that living for Jesus really is [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrrjbTc0urk the great adventure]! And along with the original disciples of the '''true shepherd''', you'll be willing to live and to die [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AokGeOakZ8&feature=related for the sake of the call]!

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-04-21 10:11:25

link fix

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- Some days as you're dealing with the grief and loss you may wonder if it's worth getting out of bed in the morning. Remember, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf5FLngLWY0&feature=related we are not home yet!] Someday we'll all be together, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3d-QHrGIP3I&feature=related dancing with our father God in fields of grace]. And we know '''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3LUc78vbDk the best is yet to come!]'''	+ Some days as you're dealing with the grief and loss you may wonder if it's worth getting out of bed in the morning. Remember, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf5FLngLWY0&feature=related we are not home yet!] Someday we'll all be together, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3d-QHrGIP3I&feature=related dancing with our father God in fields of grace]. And we know '''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xwzItqYmII&feature=related the best is yet to come!]'''

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-04-15 12:13:32

fixed 'nuther link

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- *[http://www.christianrecovery.com/dox/links/pages/Abuse/Spiritual_Abuse/ Christian Recovery International]	+ *[http://www.christianrecovery.com/ Christian Recovery International]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-04-15 12:00:46

fixed link

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- All the earmarks of an aberant and abusive church described by Dr. Enroth are found in Grace Valley Christian Center (see ["Grace Valley Christian Center/Allegations"]).	+ All the earmarks of an aberrant and abusive church described by Dr. Enroth are found in Grace Valley Christian Center (see ["Grace Valley Christian Center/Allegations"]).
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- Some days as you're dealing with the grief and loss you may wonder if it's worth getting out of bed in the morning. Remember, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf5FLngLWY0&feature=related we are not home yet!] Someday we'll all be together, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ah9KQ7V-_FY dancing with our father God in fields of grace]. And we know '''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3LUc78vbDk the best is yet to come!]'''	+ Some days as you're dealing with the grief and loss you may wonder if it's worth getting out of bed in the morning. Remember, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf5FLngLWY0&feature=related we are not home yet!] Someday we'll all be together, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3d-QHrGIP3I&feature=related dancing with our father God in fields of grace]. And we know '''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3LUc78vbDk the best is yet to come!]'''

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-03-23 15:29:27

quick edit

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- David & Ruth Merkle	+ David & Ruth Merkel

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-02-24 22:18:58

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	+ *[http://recoveringfromspiritualabuse.wikispot.org/Letter_to_Former_Church#preview Letter to Former Church]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-02-24 22:06:35

+ links to articles by Richard Damiani

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	+ [http://www.pfo.org/get-out.htm Getting Out and Getting On], by by G. Richard Fisher. Dealing With the Grief Process Experienced in Exiting a Cult + + [http://www.founders.org/FJ15/article3.html Authoritarianism in The Church], by Steve Martin + + http://www.batteredsheep.com/graphics/sheep02.jpg + + [http://www.batteredsheep.com/stories.html Stories] (actual accounts of church leadership abuse and authoritarianism) + + [http://www.slm.org/trtdigst/articles/whatis.html WHAT IS "HYPER-AUTHORITARIANISM?"], Identifying Abusive Leadership, By Steven Lambert + + [http://www.reveal.org/library/thirdparty/wellspring_otherside.html The Other Side of Discipleship], by Lawrence A. Pile + + [http://www.batteredsheep.com/leave_part_01.html When Should A Christian Leave A Church?], by John G. Reisinger (3 parts) + + [http://www.erwm.com/Spiritual%20Abuse.htm Eastern Regional Watch] Links to a number of articles on Spiritual Abuse + + [http://www.the-innside-scoop.com/spirabuse.htm Overcoming Spiritual Abuse], by Maxine Pinson + + [http://www.batteredsheep.com/legalism.html Legalism], by Ray Stedman + + [http://futuristguy.wordpress.com/2008/03/13/recovery-from-spiritual-abuse-part-1-five-personal-lessons-from-my-surviving-toxic-leaders/ Recovery From Spiritual Abuse] + + The following articles by Richard Damiani are available at the [wiki:recoveringfromspiritualabuse Recovering From Spiritual Abuse] wiki: + + [http://recoveringfromspiritualabuse.wikispot.org/What_is_Spiritual_Abuse What is Spiritual Abuse] + [http://recoveringfromspiritualabuse.wikispot.org/What_Are_the_Effects_of_Spiritual_Abuse What Are the Effects of Spiritual Abuse]
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- - [http://www.pfo.org/get-out.htm Getting Out and Getting On], by by G. Richard Fisher. Dealing With the Grief Process Experienced in Exiting a Cult - - [http://www.founders.org/FJ15/article3.html Authoritarianism in The Church], by Steve Martin - - http://www.batteredsheep.com/graphics/sheep02.jpg - - [http://www.batteredsheep.com/stories.html Stories] (actual accounts of church leadership abuse and authoritarianism) - - [http://www.slm.org/trtdigst/articles/whatis.html WHAT IS "HYPER-AUTHORITARIANISM?"], Identifying Abusive Leadership, By Steven Lambert - - [http://www.reveal.org/library/thirdparty/wellspring_otherside.html The Other Side of Discipleship], by Lawrence A. Pile - - [http://www.batteredsheep.com/leave_part_01.html When Should A Christian Leave A Church?], by John G. Reisinger (3 parts) - - [http://www.erwm.com/Spiritual%20Abuse.htm Eastern Regional Watch] Links to a number of articles on Spiritual Abuse - - [http://www.the-innside-scoop.com/spirabuse.htm Overcoming Spiritual Abuse], by Maxine Pinson - - [http://www.batteredsheep.com/legalism.html Legalism], by Ray Stedman - - [http://futuristguy.wordpress.com/2008/03/13/recovery-from-spiritual-abuse-part-1-five-personal-lessons-from-my-surviving-toxic-leaders/ Recovery From Spiritual Abuse] - - The following articles are all available at [http://www.rjd268.com/abuse_web_site.htm Recovering From Spiritual Abuse]: - - * What is Spiritual Abuse? - * What Are the Effects of Spiritual Abuse? - * The Effects of Spiritual Abuse on Women - * Recovery From Spiritual Abuse - * The True Meaning of Perseverance - * SPIRITUAL ABUSE WITHIN THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH: THE DAMAGE IT DOES AND HOW TO AID IN THE RECOVERY PROCESS, by Richard Damiani	+ [http://recoveringfromspiritualabuse.wikispot.org/Recovery_From_Spiritual_Abuse Recovery From Spiritual Abuse] + [http://recoveringfromspiritualabuse.wikispot.org/SPIRITUAL_ABUSE_WITHIN_THE_CHRISTIAN_CHURCH SPIRITUAL ABUSE WITHIN THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-02-24 18:37:34

fixed link

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- *[http://www.rjd268.com/abuse_web_site_008.htm The Effects of Spiritual Abuse on Women]	+ *[http://recoveringfromspiritualabuse.wikispot.org/The_Effects_of_Spiritual_Abuse_on_Women#preview The Effects of Spiritual Abuse on Women]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-02-23 21:50:23

fixed links

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- * '''The Lindvalls:''' For five years we were members at ["Grace Valley Christian Center"]. When we first began attending Grace Valley we felt as though we'd "died and gone to heaven." We experienced an amazing sense of belonging to a life-long group of committed believers. It was only after we began inquiring about the inner group known as "flock" that we became concerned about the extent of control the leadership exerted over people. In a series of "progressive revelation" one-on-one meetings with the leadership, we were gradually brought to an understanding as to what joining "flock" entailed. As it was finally explained to us, if we were in "flock" ''every'' area of our lives would be "on the table" for the leadership to touch. And the clinching question: ''"Do you trust God enough to allow Him to direct you through us?"'' Yikes! We understand the Biblical concept of discipleship, but this was something [http://www.ubf-net.de/doc/pile.en.htm beyond that!] We also were becoming more aware of a pattern of [http://daviswiki.org/Grace_Valley_Christian_Center/Allegations public humiliation of members] who were "out of sync" with the leadership. In 1992 we left GVCC over our concerns related to [http://www.spiritualabuse.com/ Spiritual abuse]. To this day we continue to be shunned by our friends there. (A number of friends who once shunned us have since left GVCC and are now shunned themselves.) We found new friends at ["University Covenant Church"]. UCC was truly a place of refuge and healing for our family. In 1994 we [http://lbchew.wikispot.org/Users/RichLindvall moved to Oregon]. Quite frankly, we didn't want to raise our children in a town where they were going to be forever shunned by people at GVCC. --["Users/RichLindvall"]	+ * '''The Lindvalls:''' For five years we were members at ["Grace Valley Christian Center"]. When we first began attending Grace Valley we felt as though we'd "died and gone to heaven." We experienced an amazing sense of belonging to a life-long group of committed believers. It was only after we began inquiring about the inner group known as "flock" that we became concerned about the extent of control the leadership exerted over people. In a series of "progressive revelation" one-on-one meetings with the leadership, we were gradually brought to an understanding as to what joining "flock" entailed. As it was finally explained to us, if we were in "flock" ''every'' area of our lives would be "on the table" for the leadership to touch. And the clinching question: ''"Do you trust God enough to allow Him to direct you through us?"'' Yikes! We understand the Biblical concept of discipleship, but this was something [http://www.reveal.org/library/thirdparty/wellspring_otherside.html beyond that!] We also were becoming more aware of a pattern of [http://daviswiki.org/Grace_Valley_Christian_Center/Allegations public humiliation of members] who were "out of sync" with the leadership. In 1992 we left GVCC over our concerns related to [http://www.spiritualabuse.com/ Spiritual abuse]. To this day we continue to be shunned by our friends there. (A number of friends who once shunned us have since left GVCC and are now shunned themselves.) We found new friends at ["University Covenant Church"]. UCC was truly a place of refuge and healing for our family. In 1994 we [http://lbchew.wikispot.org/Users/RichLindvall moved to Oregon]. Quite frankly, we didn't want to raise our children in a town where they were going to be forever shunned by people at GVCC. --["Users/RichLindvall"]
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- *[http://www.ubf-net.de/doc/pile.en.htm The Other Side of Discipleship], by Lawrence A. Pile	+ *[http://www.reveal.org/library/thirdparty/wellspring_otherside.html The Other Side of Discipleship], by Lawrence A. Pile

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-02-23 15:47:21

+ quick edit

Differences for Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

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- [http://www.amazon.com/Subtle-Power-Spiritual-Abuse/dp/1556611609 The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse], - Recognising and Escaping Spiritual Manipulation and False Spiritual Authority Within the Church, by David Johnson & Jeff VanVonderen. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 1991 - - [http://www.amazon.com/Toxic-Faith-Stephen-Arterburn/dp/0877888256/ref=pd_sim_b_shvl_img_2/002-9682707-2012063 Toxic Faith], - by Stephen Arterburn & Jack Felton. Nashville, TN: Oliver Nelson, 1991. - - [http://www.amazon.com/Healing-Spiritual-Abuse-Church-Experiences/dp/0830816607/ref=pd_sim_b_shvl_img_7/002-9682707-2012063 Healing Spiritual Abuse], - by Ken Blue. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1993 - - [http://www.amazon.com/Churches-That-Abuse-Ronald-Enroth/dp/0310532922/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-9682707-2012063?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193716910&sr=1-1 Churches that Abuse], - by Ronald Enroth. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992 - - *[http://www.amazon.com/Churches-That-Abuse-Ronald-Enroth/dp/0310532922/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-9682707-2012063?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193716910&sr=1-1 Recovering from Churches that Abuse], - by Ronald Enroth. Grand Rapids,MI: Zondervan, 1994	+ [http://www.amazon.com/Subtle-Power-Spiritual-Abuse/dp/1556611609 The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse], Recognising and Escaping Spiritual Manipulation and False Spiritual Authority Within the Church, by David Johnson & Jeff VanVonderen. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 1991 + + [http://www.amazon.com/Toxic-Faith-Stephen-Arterburn/dp/0877888256/ref=pd_sim_b_shvl_img_2/002-9682707-2012063 Toxic Faith], by Stephen Arterburn & Jack Felton. Nashville, TN: Oliver Nelson, 1991. + + [http://www.amazon.com/Healing-Spiritual-Abuse-Church-Experiences/dp/0830816607/ref=pd_sim_b_shvl_img_7/002-9682707-2012063 Healing Spiritual Abuse], by Ken Blue. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1993 + + [http://www.amazon.com/Churches-That-Abuse-Ronald-Enroth/dp/0310532922/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-9682707-2012063?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193716910&sr=1-1 Churches that Abuse], by Ronald Enroth. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992 + + *[http://www.amazon.com/Churches-That-Abuse-Ronald-Enroth/dp/0310532922/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-9682707-2012063?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193716910&sr=1-1 Recovering from Churches that Abuse], by Ronald Enroth. Grand Rapids,MI: Zondervan, 1994
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- [http://www.amazon.com/Twisted-Scriptures-Mary-Alice-Chrnalogar/dp/0310234085/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/002-9682707-2012063?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193717103&sr=1-2 Twisted Scriptures], - by Mary Alice Chrnalogar. USA: Lazareth Projects, PO Box 8021; Chattanooga, TN 37414, 1996 - - [http://www.amazon.com/Healing-Damaged-Emotions-Personal-Bookshelf/dp/0896939383/ref=pd_bbs_2/002-9682707-2012063?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193717153&sr=1-2 Healing for Damaged Emotions], - by David A. Seamands. USA: Victor Books, 1981 - - [http://www.amazon.com/Recovery-Spiritual-Abuse-recovery-guides/dp/0830811591/ref=sr_1_1/002-9682707-2012063?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193717280&sr=1-1 Recovery from Spiritual Abuse], - by Dale & Juanita Ryan. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1993 - - [http://www.amazon.com/Damaged-Disciples-Casualties-Authoritarian-Shepherding/dp/0310576113/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-9682707-2012063?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193717335&sr=1-1 Damaged Disciples], - by Ron & Vicki Burks. - Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan.	+ [http://www.amazon.com/Twisted-Scriptures-Mary-Alice-Chrnalogar/dp/0310234085/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/002-9682707-2012063?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193717103&sr=1-2 Twisted Scriptures], by Mary Alice Chrnalogar. USA: Lazareth Projects, PO Box 8021; Chattanooga, TN 37414, 1996 + + [http://www.amazon.com/Healing-Damaged-Emotions-Personal-Bookshelf/dp/0896939383/ref=pd_bbs_2/002-9682707-2012063?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193717153&sr=1-2 Healing for Damaged Emotions], by David A. Seamands. USA: Victor Books, 1981 + + [http://www.amazon.com/Recovery-Spiritual-Abuse-recovery-guides/dp/0830811591/ref=sr_1_1/002-9682707-2012063?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193717280&sr=1-1 Recovery from Spiritual Abuse], by Dale & Juanita Ryan. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1993 + + [http://www.amazon.com/Damaged-Disciples-Casualties-Authoritarian-Shepherding/dp/0310576113/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-9682707-2012063?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193717335&sr=1-1 Damaged Disciples], by Ron & Vicki Burks. Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-02-23 15:45:00

quick edit, improving layout

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- [http://www.amazon.com/Subtle-Power-Spiritual-Abuse/dp/1556611609 The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse],	+ *[http://www.amazon.com/Subtle-Power-Spiritual-Abuse/dp/1556611609 The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse],
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- [http://www.amazon.com/Toxic-Faith-Stephen-Arterburn/dp/0877888256/ref=pd_sim_b_shvl_img_2/002-9682707-2012063 Toxic Faith],	+ *[http://www.amazon.com/Toxic-Faith-Stephen-Arterburn/dp/0877888256/ref=pd_sim_b_shvl_img_2/002-9682707-2012063 Toxic Faith],
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- [http://www.amazon.com/Healing-Spiritual-Abuse-Church-Experiences/dp/0830816607/ref=pd_sim_b_shvl_img_7/002-9682707-2012063 Healing Spiritual Abuse],	+ *[http://www.amazon.com/Healing-Spiritual-Abuse-Church-Experiences/dp/0830816607/ref=pd_sim_b_shvl_img_7/002-9682707-2012063 Healing Spiritual Abuse],
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- [http://www.amazon.com/Churches-That-Abuse-Ronald-Enroth/dp/0310532922/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-9682707-2012063?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193716910&sr=1-1 Churches that Abuse],	+ *[http://www.amazon.com/Churches-That-Abuse-Ronald-Enroth/dp/0310532922/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-9682707-2012063?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193716910&sr=1-1 Churches that Abuse],
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- [http://www.amazon.com/Churches-That-Abuse-Ronald-Enroth/dp/0310532922/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-9682707-2012063?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193716910&sr=1-1 Recovering from Churches that Abuse],	+ *[http://www.amazon.com/Churches-That-Abuse-Ronald-Enroth/dp/0310532922/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-9682707-2012063?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193716910&sr=1-1 Recovering from Churches that Abuse],
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- [http://www.amazon.com/Twisted-Scriptures-Mary-Alice-Chrnalogar/dp/0310234085/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/002-9682707-2012063?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193717103&sr=1-2 Twisted Scriptures],	+ *[http://www.amazon.com/Twisted-Scriptures-Mary-Alice-Chrnalogar/dp/0310234085/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/002-9682707-2012063?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193717103&sr=1-2 Twisted Scriptures],
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- [http://www.amazon.com/Healing-Damaged-Emotions-Personal-Bookshelf/dp/0896939383/ref=pd_bbs_2/002-9682707-2012063?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193717153&sr=1-2 Healing for Damaged Emotions],	+ *[http://www.amazon.com/Healing-Damaged-Emotions-Personal-Bookshelf/dp/0896939383/ref=pd_bbs_2/002-9682707-2012063?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193717153&sr=1-2 Healing for Damaged Emotions],
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- [http://www.amazon.com/Recovery-Spiritual-Abuse-recovery-guides/dp/0830811591/ref=sr_1_1/002-9682707-2012063?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193717280&sr=1-1 Recovery from Spiritual Abuse],	+ *[http://www.amazon.com/Recovery-Spiritual-Abuse-recovery-guides/dp/0830811591/ref=sr_1_1/002-9682707-2012063?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193717280&sr=1-1 Recovery from Spiritual Abuse],
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- [http://www.amazon.com/Damaged-Disciples-Casualties-Authoritarian-Shepherding/dp/0310576113/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-9682707-2012063?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193717335&sr=1-1 Damaged Disciples],	+ *[http://www.amazon.com/Damaged-Disciples-Casualties-Authoritarian-Shepherding/dp/0310576113/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-9682707-2012063?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193717335&sr=1-1 Damaged Disciples],
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- [http://www.amazon.com/Tale-three-Kings-Study-Brokenness/dp/0842369082 A Tale Of Three Kings], by Gene Edwards	+ *[http://www.amazon.com/Tale-three-Kings-Study-Brokenness/dp/0842369082 A Tale Of Three Kings], by Gene Edwards

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2009-02-23 15:36:14

+ video links

Differences for Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

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- [http://www.batteredsheep.com/abusive.html Abusive Churches], by Pat Zukeran - - [http://www.batteredsheep.com/abusive_02.html Abusive Churches: Leaving Them Behind], by Pat Zukeran - - [http://www.icsahome.com/idx_articles.htm International Cultic Studies Association articles] - - [http://www.leadershipletters.com/letters/letter71.php Abusive Leaders] - - [http://www.batteredsheep.com/they_told.html They Told Me That If I Left...], by Ron Henzel. One of the most insidious features of Spiritual Abuse ... is the state of terror in which it leaves so many of its victims. - - [http://www.rjd268.com/abuse_web_site_008.htm The Effects of Spiritual Abuse on Women] - - [http://www.pfo.org/get-out.htm Getting Out and Getting On], by by G. Richard Fisher. Dealing With the Grief Process Experienced in Exiting a Cult - - [http://www.founders.org/FJ15/article3.html Authoritarianism in The Church], by Steve Martin	+ [http://www.batteredsheep.com/abusive.html Abusive Churches], by Pat Zukeran + + [http://www.batteredsheep.com/abusive_02.html Abusive Churches: Leaving Them Behind], by Pat Zukeran + + [http://www.icsahome.com/idx_articles.htm International Cultic Studies Association articles] + + [http://www.leadershipletters.com/letters/letter71.php Abusive Leaders] + + [http://www.batteredsheep.com/they_told.html They Told Me That If I Left...], by Ron Henzel. One of the most insidious features of Spiritual Abuse ... is the state of terror in which it leaves so many of its victims. + + [http://www.rjd268.com/abuse_web_site_008.htm The Effects of Spiritual Abuse on Women] + + [http://www.pfo.org/get-out.htm Getting Out and Getting On], by by G. Richard Fisher. Dealing With the Grief Process Experienced in Exiting a Cult + + [http://www.founders.org/FJ15/article3.html Authoritarianism in The Church], by Steve Martin
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- [http://www.batteredsheep.com/stories.html Stories] (actual accounts of church leadership abuse and authoritarianism) - - [http://www.slm.org/trtdigst/articles/whatis.html WHAT IS "HYPER-AUTHORITARIANISM?"], Identifying Abusive Leadership, By Steven Lambert - - [http://www.ubf-net.de/doc/pile.en.htm The Other Side of Discipleship], by Lawrence A. Pile - - [http://www.batteredsheep.com/leave_part_01.html When Should A Christian Leave A Church?], by John G. Reisinger (3 parts) - - [http://www.erwm.com/Spiritual%20Abuse.htm Eastern Regional Watch] Links to a number of articles on Spiritual Abuse - - [http://www.the-innside-scoop.com/spirabuse.htm Overcoming Spiritual Abuse], by Maxine Pinson - - [http://www.batteredsheep.com/legalism.html Legalism], by Ray Stedman - - [http://futuristguy.wordpress.com/2008/03/13/recovery-from-spiritual-abuse-part-1-five-personal-lessons-from-my-surviving-toxic-leaders/ Recovery From Spiritual Abuse]	+ [http://www.batteredsheep.com/stories.html Stories] (actual accounts of church leadership abuse and authoritarianism) + + [http://www.slm.org/trtdigst/articles/whatis.html WHAT IS "HYPER-AUTHORITARIANISM?"], Identifying Abusive Leadership, By Steven Lambert + + [http://www.ubf-net.de/doc/pile.en.htm The Other Side of Discipleship], by Lawrence A. Pile + + [http://www.batteredsheep.com/leave_part_01.html When Should A Christian Leave A Church?], by John G. Reisinger (3 parts) + + [http://www.erwm.com/Spiritual%20Abuse.htm Eastern Regional Watch] Links to a number of articles on Spiritual Abuse + + [http://www.the-innside-scoop.com/spirabuse.htm Overcoming Spiritual Abuse], by Maxine Pinson + + [http://www.batteredsheep.com/legalism.html Legalism], by Ray Stedman + + [http://futuristguy.wordpress.com/2008/03/13/recovery-from-spiritual-abuse-part-1-five-personal-lessons-from-my-surviving-toxic-leaders/ Recovery From Spiritual Abuse]
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	+ =Videos= + + These presentations are part of a 10-part course entitled “Breaking the Silence on Spiritual Abuse”. In addition to Jeff VanVonderen, this series includes presentations by Dave Johnson and Lynn Heitritter. + + [http://www.nacronline.com/ru_video/spabuse/1/index.shtml Healthy and Abusive Spiritual Dynamics], (55 min) + + [http://www.nacronline.com/ru_video/spabuse/2/index.shtml The Abusive Religious System], (59 min) + + *[http://www.nacronline.com/ru_video/spabuse/3/index.shtml How We Get Hooked], (60 min) + + +
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- [http://www.batteredsheep.com/index.html Battered Sheep] - - [http://www.rjd268.com/abuse_web_site.htm Recovering From Spiritual Abuse] - - [http://geocities.com/Athens/Forum/9575/ REST Ministries] (Recovering from Experiences of Spiritual Tyranny) - - [http://www.spiritualabuse.com/ Spiritual Abuse Recovery Resources] The ministry of Jeff Van Vonderen, co-author of [http://www.amazon.com/Subtle-Power-Spiritual-Abuse/dp/1556611609 The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse]. - - [http://www.christianrecovery.com/dox/links/pages/Abuse/Spiritual_Abuse/ Christian Recovery International]	+ [http://www.batteredsheep.com/index.html Battered Sheep] + + [http://www.rjd268.com/abuse_web_site.htm Recovering From Spiritual Abuse] + + [http://geocities.com/Athens/Forum/9575/ REST Ministries] (Recovering from Experiences of Spiritual Tyranny) + + [http://www.spiritualabuse.com/ Spiritual Abuse Recovery Resources] The ministry of Jeff Van Vonderen, co-author of [http://www.amazon.com/Subtle-Power-Spiritual-Abuse/dp/1556611609 The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse]. + + *[http://www.christianrecovery.com/dox/links/pages/Abuse/Spiritual_Abuse/ Christian Recovery International]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-12-16 09:28:58

+ link

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	+ [http://futuristguy.wordpress.com/2008/03/13/recovery-from-spiritual-abuse-part-1-five-personal-lessons-from-my-surviving-toxic-leaders/ Recovery From Spiritual Abuse] +

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-12-05 12:23:02

+ link

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	+ [http://www.christianrecovery.com/dox/links/pages/Abuse/Spiritual_Abuse/ Christian Recovery International] +

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-10-12 08:13:12

+ names to "Moving On"

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Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

CliftonBurton — 2008-10-02 14:55:31

(quick edit)

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- * '''Clifton Burton:''' I joined GVCC way back when the church was first formed, in 1975, when it was called Davis Evangelical Church. I have written an extensive testimony of some of my more regretable moments in this church (see ["Grace Valley Christian Center/Experiences/Clifton Burton's Experience at GVCC" Clifton Burton's Experience at GVCC]). In all fairness, there were many happy times and wonderful experiences that I enjoyed in this place as well, but these are not articulated in my testimony, because the positive experiences there were tainted and far out-weighed by many sad experiences and deplorable practices that I experienced and witnessed. After more than 25 years of faithful attendence, I wrote a family letter of resignation to the Pastor, summarizing why we had to leave: (see ["Grace Valley Christian Center/Experiences/The Burton's Resignation Letter from GVCC" The Burton's Resignation Letter from GVCC]). Since we left in 2004, our family has experienced real healing, renewal and joy in the Holy Spirit, and we are faithfully attending church elsewhere --["Users/CliftonBurton"]	+ * '''Clifton Burton:''' I joined GVCC way back when the church was first formed, in 1975, when it was called Davis Evangelical Church. I have written an extensive testimony of some of my more regretable moments in this church (see ["Grace Valley Christian Center/Experiences/Clifton Burton's Experience at GVCC" Clifton Burton's Experience at GVCC]). In all fairness, there were many happy times and wonderful experiences that I enjoyed in this place as well, but these are not articulated in my testimony, because the positive experiences there were tainted and far out-weighed by many sad experiences and deplorable practices that I experienced and witnessed. After more than 25 years of faithful attendence, I wrote a family letter of resignation to the Pastor, summarizing why we had to leave: (see ["Grace Valley Christian Center/Experiences/The Burton's Resignation Letter from GVCC" The Burton's Resignation Letter from GVCC]). Since we left in 2004, our family has experienced real healing, renewal and joy in the Holy Spirit, and we are faithfully attending church elsewhere --["Users/CliftonBurton"]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

CliftonBurton — 2008-10-02 14:54:24

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	+ + * '''Clifton Burton:''' I joined GVCC way back when the church was first formed, in 1975, when it was called Davis Evangelical Church. I have written an extensive testimony of some of my more regretable moments in this church (see ["Grace Valley Christian Center/Experiences/Clifton Burton's Experience at GVCC" Clifton Burton's Experience at GVCC]). In all fairness, there were many happy times and wonderful experiences that I enjoyed in this place as well, but these are not articulated in my testimony, because the positive experiences there were tainted and far out-weighed by many sad experiences and deplorable practices that I experienced and witnessed. After more than 25 years of faithful attendence, I wrote a family letter of resignation to the Pastor, summarizing why we had to leave: (see ["Grace Valley Christian Center/Experiences/The Burton's Resignation Letter from GVCC" The Burton's Resignation Letter from GVCC]). Since we left in 2004, our family has experienced real healing, renewal and joy in the Holy Spirit, and we are faithfully attending church elsewhere --["Users/CliftonBurton"]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

CliftonBurton — 2008-10-02 14:49:56

(quick edit)

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- All the earmarks of an aberant and abusive church described by Dr. Enroth are found in Grace Valley Christian Center(see ["Grace Valley Christian Center/Allegations"]).	+ All the earmarks of an aberant and abusive church described by Dr. Enroth are found in Grace Valley Christian Center (see ["Grace Valley Christian Center/Allegations"]).

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

CliftonBurton — 2008-10-02 14:49:14

(quick edit)

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- All the earmarks of an aberant and abusive church described by Dr. Enroth are found in Grace Valley Christian Church (see ["Grace Valley Christian Church/Allegations"]).	+ All the earmarks of an aberant and abusive church described by Dr. Enroth are found in Grace Valley Christian Center(see ["Grace Valley Christian Center/Allegations"]).

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

CliftonBurton — 2008-10-02 14:48:10

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	+ + All the earmarks of an aberant and abusive church described by Dr. Enroth are found in Grace Valley Christian Church (see ["Grace Valley Christian Church/Allegations"]).

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

JasonAller — 2008-08-21 17:58:07

link fixes

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- * I dunno... there are plenty of people who are cultish leaders who use a strong belief in atheism as part of their bag of tricks to pull in followers... which is pretty much how religion is used. I haven't seen any loudly atheist people abuse their resulting followers (unless you include Adam Carolla mocking his old Loveline radio callers). Of course, I don't think there's anything special about strident belief in religion or lack thereof that causes such abuse... strident belief in everything from breast feeding to the superiority of animé to the superiority of a human race or breed of animal all get cloistered cult followings where the leaders exercises abusive and/or petty control over the group. --["JabberWokky"]	+ * I dunno... there are plenty of people who are cultish leaders who use a strong belief in atheism as part of their bag of tricks to pull in followers... which is pretty much how religion is used. I haven't seen any loudly atheist people abuse their resulting followers (unless you include Adam Carolla mocking his old Loveline radio callers). Of course, I don't think there's anything special about strident belief in religion or lack thereof that causes such abuse... strident belief in everything from breast feeding to the superiority of animé to the superiority of a human race or breed of animal all get cloistered cult followings where the leaders exercises abusive and/or petty control over the group. --["Users/JabberWokky"]
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- This is a fantastic entry, so much so (and so general purpose useful) that it might be a good idea to use it to [wiki:wikispot:"create a wiki"] about the subject. At this point, it could also start gathering Davis relevance, but it could also blossom into a general community wiki for people all over the world to use. --["JabberWokky"]	+ This is a fantastic entry, so much so (and so general purpose useful) that it might be a good idea to use it to [wiki:wikispot:"create a wiki"] about the subject. At this point, it could also start gathering Davis relevance, but it could also blossom into a general community wiki for people all over the world to use. --["Users/JabberWokky"]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-06-15 12:49:13

+ name to "Moving On" list

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	+ Margaret Purtil

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-06-15 12:46:31

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- So, remember, it's not for nothing that God allowed you to undergo such terrible times. For, in the days ahead, by God's grace you'll be better able to comfort others who follow in your footsteps! And as time goes by in Christ's hands the pain and hurt look "[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9RDNuUz7Sk&feature=related less like scars] and more like character!"	+ So, remember, it's not for nothing that God allowed you to undergo such terrible times. For, in the days ahead, by God's grace you'll be better able to comfort others who follow in your footsteps! And in Christ's hands the pain and hurt will look "[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9RDNuUz7Sk&feature=related less like scars] and more like character!"

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-06-15 08:22:34

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- So, remember, it's not for nothing that God allowed you to undergo such terrible times. For, in the days ahead, by God's grace you'll be better able to comfort others who follow in your footsteps! And as time goes by in Christ's hands the pain and the hurt look "[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9RDNuUz7Sk&feature=related less like scars] and more like character!"	+ So, remember, it's not for nothing that God allowed you to undergo such terrible times. For, in the days ahead, by God's grace you'll be better able to comfort others who follow in your footsteps! And as time goes by in Christ's hands the pain and hurt look "[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9RDNuUz7Sk&feature=related less like scars] and more like character!"

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-06-15 08:19:58

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- So, remember, it's not for nothing that God allowed you to undergo such terrible times. For, in the days ahead, by God's grace you'll be better able to comfort others who follow in your footsteps! And as time goes by the pain and the hurt begin to look "[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9RDNuUz7Sk&feature=related less like scars] and more like character!"	+ So, remember, it's not for nothing that God allowed you to undergo such terrible times. For, in the days ahead, by God's grace you'll be better able to comfort others who follow in your footsteps! And as time goes by in Christ's hands the pain and the hurt look "[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9RDNuUz7Sk&feature=related less like scars] and more like character!"

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-06-15 08:17:42

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- So, remember, it's not for nothing that God allowed you to undergo such terrible times. For, in the days ahead, by God's grace you'll be better able to comfort others who follow in your footsteps! And as time goes by the pain and the hurt begin to look [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9RDNuUz7Sk&feature=related less like scars] and more like character!	+ So, remember, it's not for nothing that God allowed you to undergo such terrible times. For, in the days ahead, by God's grace you'll be better able to comfort others who follow in your footsteps! And as time goes by the pain and the hurt begin to look "[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9RDNuUz7Sk&feature=related less like scars] and more like character!"

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

TheoPaaske — 2008-06-13 17:15:06

removed my name

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- ["Users/TheoPaaske" Theo Paaske]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-06-11 19:05:41

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- So, remember, it's not for nothing that God allowed you to undergo such terrible times. For, in the days ahead, by God's grace you'll be better able to comfort others who follow in your footsteps! And as the days go by those hurts begin to look [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9RDNuUz7Sk&feature=related less like scars] and more like character!	+ So, remember, it's not for nothing that God allowed you to undergo such terrible times. For, in the days ahead, by God's grace you'll be better able to comfort others who follow in your footsteps! And as time goes by the pain and the hurt begin to look [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9RDNuUz7Sk&feature=related less like scars] and more like character!

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-06-11 16:56:11

+ YouTube link to "less like scars" by Sara Groves

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- So, remember, it's not for nothing that God allowed you to undergo such terrible times. For, in the days ahead, by God's grace you'll be better able to comfort others who follow in your footsteps!	+ So, remember, it's not for nothing that God allowed you to undergo such terrible times. For, in the days ahead, by God's grace you'll be better able to comfort others who follow in your footsteps! And as the days go by those hurts begin to look [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9RDNuUz7Sk&feature=related less like scars] and more like character!

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-05-26 08:05:09

quick edit, fixed link

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- (Many of the experiences below have already been shared on the ["Grace Valley Christian Center/Experiences" experiences], ["Grace Valley Christian Center/Talk" talk], and [Grace Valley Christian Center/Allegations" allegations] pages, so for detailed accounts we'd suggest you go there. Here we're simply going to briefly explain why we left. Due to fear, some have posted under a pseudonym. We invite anyone who has left GVCC to put their story here. Let the focus of this page be on '''recovery''', so that if others follow, they may see that it can be done!) --["Users/RichLindvall"]	+ (Many of the experiences below have already been shared on the ["Grace Valley Christian Center/Experiences" experiences], ["Grace Valley Christian Center/Talk" talk], and ["Grace Valley Christian Center/Allegations" allegations] pages, so for detailed accounts we'd suggest you go there. Here we're simply going to briefly explain why we left. Due to fear, some have posted under a pseudonym. We invite anyone who has left GVCC to put their story here. Let the focus of this page be on '''recovery''', so that if others follow, they may see that it can be done!) --["Users/RichLindvall"]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-05-26 08:03:57

Quick edit

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- (Many of the experiences below have already been shared on the [http://daviswiki.org/Grace_Valley_Christian_Center/Experiences experiences], ["Grace Valley Christian Center/Talk" talk], and [http://daviswiki.org/Grace_Valley_Christian_Center/Allegations allegations] pages, so for detailed accounts we'd suggest you go there. Here we're simply going to briefly explain why we left. Due to fear, some have posted under a pseudonym. We invite anyone who has left GVCC to put their story here. Let the focus of this page be on '''recovery''', so that if others follow, they may see that it can be done!) --["Users/RichLindvall"]	+ (Many of the experiences below have already been shared on the ["Grace Valley Christian Center/Experiences" experiences], ["Grace Valley Christian Center/Talk" talk], and [Grace Valley Christian Center/Allegations" allegations] pages, so for detailed accounts we'd suggest you go there. Here we're simply going to briefly explain why we left. Due to fear, some have posted under a pseudonym. We invite anyone who has left GVCC to put their story here. Let the focus of this page be on '''recovery''', so that if others follow, they may see that it can be done!) --["Users/RichLindvall"]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-05-26 08:02:00

+ link to "Grace Valley Christian Center/Talk" page

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- (Many of the experiences below have already been shared on the [http://daviswiki.org/Grace_Valley_Christian_Center/Experiences experiences] and [http://daviswiki.org/Grace_Valley_Christian_Center/Allegations allegations] pages, so for detailed accounts we'd suggest you go there. Here we're simply going to briefly explain why we left. Due to fear, some have posted under a pseudonym. We invite anyone who has left GVCC to put their story here. Let the focus of this page be on '''recovery''', so that if others follow, they may see that it can be done!) --["Users/RichLindvall"]	+ (Many of the experiences below have already been shared on the [http://daviswiki.org/Grace_Valley_Christian_Center/Experiences experiences], ["Grace Valley Christian Center/Talk" talk], and [http://daviswiki.org/Grace_Valley_Christian_Center/Allegations allegations] pages, so for detailed accounts we'd suggest you go there. Here we're simply going to briefly explain why we left. Due to fear, some have posted under a pseudonym. We invite anyone who has left GVCC to put their story here. Let the focus of this page be on '''recovery''', so that if others follow, they may see that it can be done!) --["Users/RichLindvall"]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-05-20 16:49:09

+ book/link "A Tale Of Three Kings"

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	+ [http://www.amazon.com/Tale-three-Kings-Study-Brokenness/dp/0842369082 A Tale Of Three Kings], by Gene Edwards +

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-05-20 11:53:22

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- In the spirit of the Philippians 3:13 "Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead" the following people have moved on from GVCC and are continuing to live victoriously for Jesus. They are trusting that, according to Joel 2:25, the Lord will "restore the years that the locusts have eaten." And they are experiencing the truth of 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, '''who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God'''." (If the above also holds true for you please feel free to add your name to the list.)	+ In the spirit of Philippians 3:13 "Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead" the following people have moved on from GVCC and are continuing to live victoriously for Jesus. They are trusting that, according to Joel 2:25, the Lord will "restore the years that the locusts have eaten." And they are experiencing the truth of 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, '''who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God'''." (If the above also holds true for you please feel free to add your name to the list.)

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-05-20 06:25:05

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Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

ronpina — 2008-05-19 21:42:22

(quick edit)

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- ["Users/ronpina" Ron & Sue Pina]	+

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-05-18 20:16:02

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- In the spirit of the Philippians 3:13 "Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead" the following people have moved on from GVCC and are continuing to live victoriously for Jesus. They are trusting that, according to Joel 2:25, the Lord will "restore the years that the locusts have eaten." And they are experiencing the truth of 2 Corinthians 1:3-42: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, '''who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God'''." (If the above also holds true for you please feel free to add your name to the list.)	+ In the spirit of the Philippians 3:13 "Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead" the following people have moved on from GVCC and are continuing to live victoriously for Jesus. They are trusting that, according to Joel 2:25, the Lord will "restore the years that the locusts have eaten." And they are experiencing the truth of 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, '''who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God'''." (If the above also holds true for you please feel free to add your name to the list.)

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-05-18 15:08:11

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Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-05-18 15:04:14

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Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-05-18 15:02:29

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	+ David & Ruth Merkle

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-05-18 14:48:08

+ section: "Moving On"

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	+ + = Moving On = + + In the spirit of the Philippians 3:13 "Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead" the following people have moved on from GVCC and are continuing to live victoriously for Jesus. They are trusting that, according to Joel 2:25, the Lord will "restore the years that the locusts have eaten." And they are experiencing the truth of 2 Corinthians 1:3-42: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, '''who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God'''." (If the above also holds true for you please feel free to add your name to the list.) + + Michelle Basich + ["Users/CliftonBurton" Clif & Marika Burton] + Craig & Katie Gianini + Greg & Ashley Hashagen + ["Users/RichLindvall" Rich & Kristy Lindvall] + ["Users/TheoPaaske" Theo Paaske] + ["Users/ronpina" Ron & Sue Pina] + Jennifer Roth + ["Users/DaleSorbello" Dale & Kim Sorbello]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-05-15 11:38:23

fixed link

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- If you've experienced spiritual abuse then your view of Jesus and God has been terribly distorted. Just as a child's view of a father is shaped by their own personal experience, so a Christian's view of God and Jesus is shaped by their experience with leaders in the church. The Bible uses the analogy of a shepherd caring for a flock of sheep to describe the relationship between a Christian leader and followers of Christ. The shepherd is to lovingly care for and serve the sheep--not to abuse them! But sometimes a shepherd DOES abuse the sheep. In that case it is critical for the abused "sheep" to recognize that, just as there are good and bad fathers, there are also good and bad shepherds. God is still good--all the time! If you've been hurt "in the name of Jesus" please take time to re-explore [http://www.lastdaysministries.org/articles/fatherheart.html the father heart of God]!	+ If you've experienced spiritual abuse then your view of Jesus and God has been terribly distorted. Just as a child's view of a father is shaped by their own personal experience, so a Christian's view of God and Jesus is shaped by their experience with leaders in the church. The Bible uses the analogy of a shepherd caring for a flock of sheep to describe the relationship between a Christian leader and followers of Christ. The shepherd is to lovingly care for and serve the sheep--not to abuse them! But sometimes a shepherd DOES abuse the sheep. In that case it is critical for the abused "sheep" to recognize that, just as there are good and bad fathers, there are also good and bad shepherds. God is still good--all the time! If you've been hurt "in the name of Jesus" please take time to re-explore [http://www.lastdaysministries.org/Publisher/Article.aspx?id=1000008535 the father heart of God]!

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-03-18 12:37:51

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- * '''Dog Barf:''' I was married at ["Grace Valley Christian Center"] in September. (I'm not going to say what year.) A month after my marriage, my wife went to an appointment with ["Reverend P. G. Mathew" the pastor] and came home saying he and the elders of the church wanted to meet with me that Saturday. When Saturday came, I didn't know what was up. Were they going to congratulate me for something? When I went into the conference room, Pastor launched an attack. His first words were, "I have been counseling your wife to leave you." (What happened to "Till death do us part?") He then told me that I was like a dog who returned again and again to eat its own vomit. My crime? Having a job while I was in school, rather than quitting and being a full-time student! I was devastated, and told my wife I would never set foot in the church again. I stayed away from church the next day, but my elder called me Sunday evening and said that Pastor had simply lost his temper with me because he loved me. Unbelievably, I went back.	+ * '''Dog Barf:''' I was married at ["Grace Valley Christian Center"] in September. (I'm not going to say what year.) A month after my marriage, my wife went to an appointment with ["Reverend P. G. Mathew" the pastor] and came home saying he and the elders of the church wanted to meet with me that Saturday. When Saturday came, I didn't know what was up. Were they going to congratulate me for something? When I went into the conference room, Pastor launched an attack. His first words were, "I have been counseling your wife to leave you." (What happened to "Till death do us part?") He then told me that I was like a dog who returned again and again to eat its own vomit. My crime? Having a job while I was in school, rather than quitting and being a full-time student! I was devastated, and told my wife I would never set foot in the church again. I stayed away from church the next day, but my elder called me Sunday evening and said that ["Reverend P. G. Mathew" Pastor] had simply lost his temper with me because he loved me. Unbelievably, I went back.

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-03-18 12:34:20

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- * '''Joyful Pilgrim:''' CAUTION! ["Grace Valley Christian Center"] (GVCC) is an abusive, authoritarian personality cult masquerading as an orthodox church. It presents itself as being committed to the Lord Jesus Christ, to the inerrancy of Scripture, and to the Reformed tradition. However, GVCC holds to many unbiblical practices for which it refuses to repent. For example, ["Reverend P. G. Mathew" the pastor] is considered a "prophet" worthy of extraordinary deference, service, and one who cannot be questioned lest you be labeled "rebellious" or a "hater of authority"; the leadership "lords it over the flock" by intruding into matters where Christians have liberty such as which car to buy, what person to date/marry, which job to take, etc.; members are sometimes publicly ridiculed; confidential files are kept on members; conformity with the rules are enforced through fear, shame, and public humiliation; many believers have been spiritually and emotionally abused in "counseling" and from the pulpit; believers who sign membership agreements are later told it is "the equivalent to a marriage covenant" and is considered to be life-long, unless asked to leave by the pastor; those who leave without the pastors' approval are shunned (think Jehovah's Witnesses) by all church members, even by members of their own families. The leaders often slander those who leave and the victims are unable to defend themselves or tell the real story. The leaders have been confronted in person, by letter, and by phone, and called on to repent of these unbiblical practices and sins but have refused to repent. In fact, those so bold as to bring these matters to their attention are vilified as "agents of Satan". The pastors of the healthy evangelical churches in the area can attest to the damage done to wounded believers who now attend their churches. Despite the church's efforts to promote its image, don't be deceived. GVCC is not a healthy Christian fellowship - GVCC is a place where Christ's sheep are beaten. - - * '''ChristianDemetrius:''' Hey, I used to go to Grace Valley and saw some pretty weird stuff. I saw people get humiliated and treated really badly. I also know from personal experience that once you're a member and decide to leave you will get shunned by pretty much all the people. I think JoyfulPilgrims' description is pretty accurate.	+ * '''The Lindvalls:''' For five years we were members at ["Grace Valley Christian Center"]. When we first began attending Grace Valley we felt as though we'd "died and gone to heaven." We experienced an amazing sense of belonging to a life-long group of committed believers. It was only after we began inquiring about the inner group known as "flock" that we became concerned about the extent of control the leadership exerted over people. In a series of "progressive revelation" one-on-one meetings with the leadership, we were gradually brought to an understanding as to what joining "flock" entailed. As it was finally explained to us, if we were in "flock" ''every'' area of our lives would be "on the table" for the leadership to touch. And the clinching question: ''"Do you trust God enough to allow Him to direct you through us?"'' Yikes! We understand the Biblical concept of discipleship, but this was something [http://www.ubf-net.de/doc/pile.en.htm beyond that!] We also were becoming more aware of a pattern of [http://daviswiki.org/Grace_Valley_Christian_Center/Allegations public humiliation of members] who were "out of sync" with the leadership. In 1992 we left GVCC over our concerns related to [http://www.spiritualabuse.com/ Spiritual abuse]. To this day we continue to be shunned by our friends there. (A number of friends who once shunned us have since left GVCC and are now shunned themselves.) We found new friends at ["University Covenant Church"]. UCC was truly a place of refuge and healing for our family. In 1994 we [http://lbchew.wikispot.org/Users/RichLindvall moved to Oregon]. Quite frankly, we didn't want to raise our children in a town where they were going to be forever shunned by people at GVCC. --["Users/RichLindvall"]
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	+ * '''Joyful Pilgrim:''' CAUTION! ["Grace Valley Christian Center"] (GVCC) is an abusive, authoritarian personality cult masquerading as an orthodox church. It presents itself as being committed to the Lord Jesus Christ, to the inerrancy of Scripture, and to the Reformed tradition. However, GVCC holds to many unbiblical practices for which it refuses to repent. For example, ["Reverend P. G. Mathew" the pastor] is considered a "prophet" worthy of extraordinary deference, service, and one who cannot be questioned lest you be labeled "rebellious" or a "hater of authority"; the leadership "lords it over the flock" by intruding into matters where Christians have liberty such as which car to buy, what person to date/marry, which job to take, etc.; members are sometimes publicly ridiculed; confidential files are kept on members; conformity with the rules are enforced through fear, shame, and public humiliation; many believers have been spiritually and emotionally abused in "counseling" and from the pulpit; believers who sign membership agreements are later told it is "the equivalent to a marriage covenant" and is considered to be life-long, unless asked to leave by the pastor; those who leave without the pastors' approval are shunned (think Jehovah's Witnesses) by all church members, even by members of their own families. The leaders often slander those who leave and the victims are unable to defend themselves or tell the real story. The leaders have been confronted in person, by letter, and by phone, and called on to repent of these unbiblical practices and sins but have refused to repent. In fact, those so bold as to bring these matters to their attention are vilified as "agents of Satan". The pastors of the healthy evangelical churches in the area can attest to the damage done to wounded believers who now attend their churches. Despite the church's efforts to promote its image, don't be deceived. GVCC is not a healthy Christian fellowship - GVCC is a place where Christ's sheep are beaten. + + * '''ChristianDemetrius:''' Hey, I used to go to Grace Valley and saw some pretty weird stuff. I saw people get humiliated and treated really badly. I also know from personal experience that once you're a member and decide to leave you will get shunned by pretty much all the people. I think JoyfulPilgrims' description is pretty accurate. +
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- - * '''The Lindvalls:''' For five years we were members at ["Grace Valley Christian Center"]. When we first began attending Grace Valley we felt as though we'd "died and gone to heaven." We experienced an amazing sense of belonging to a life-long group of committed believers. It was only after we began inquiring about the inner group known as "flock" that we became concerned about the extent of control the leadership exerted over people. In a series of "progressive revelation" one-on-one meetings with the leadership, we were gradually brought to an understanding as to what joining "flock" entailed. As it was finally explained to us, if we were in "flock" ''every'' area of our lives would be "on the table" for the leadership to touch. And the clinching question: ''"Do you trust God enough to allow Him to direct you through us?"'' Yikes! We understand the Biblical concept of discipleship, but this was something [http://www.ubf-net.de/doc/pile.en.htm beyond that!] We also were becoming more aware of a pattern of [http://daviswiki.org/Grace_Valley_Christian_Center/Allegations public humiliation of members] who were "out of sync" with the leadership. In 1992 we left GVCC over our concerns related to [http://www.spiritualabuse.com/ Spiritual abuse]. To this day we continue to be shunned by our friends there. (A number of friends who once shunned us have since left GVCC and are now shunned themselves.) We found new friends at ["University Covenant Church"]. UCC was truly a place of refuge and healing for our family. In 1994 we [http://lbchew.wikispot.org/Users/RichLindvall moved to Oregon]. Quite frankly, we didn't want to raise our children in a town where they were going to be forever shunned by people at GVCC. --["Users/RichLindvall"]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-03-17 12:47:09

+ image links

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	+ + http://www.batteredsheep.com/graphics/washing.gif
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	+ + http://www.batteredsheep.com/graphics/sheep02.jpg
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	+ + http://www.batteredsheep.com/graphics/sheep00.jpg

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-03-17 12:19:53

quick edit

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- Another way that abusive shepherds wound the sheep is by reminding them of past sins. Well, according to God's word, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyoVJfADlwo&feature=related "...as far as the east is from the west], so far has he removed our transgressions from us." (Psalm 103:12)	+ Another way that abusive shepherds wound the sheep is by reminding them of past sins. Well, according to God's word, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyoVJfADlwo&feature=related "...as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."] (Psalm 103:12)

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-03-17 12:18:30

quick edit

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- Another way that abusive shepherds wound the sheep is by reminding them of past sins. Well, according to God's word, [ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyoVJfADlwo&feature=related "...as far as the east is from the west], so far has he removed our transgressions from us." (Psalm 103:12)	+ Another way that abusive shepherds wound the sheep is by reminding them of past sins. Well, according to God's word, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyoVJfADlwo&feature=related "...as far as the east is from the west], so far has he removed our transgressions from us." (Psalm 103:12)

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-03-17 12:17:42

+ link to song "as far as the east is from the west"

Differences for Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

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- Another way that abusive shepherds wound the sheep is by reminding them of past sins. Well, according to God's word, we are [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuYsIoJwyeY clean before our Lord]! "...as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." (Psalm 103:12)	+ Another way that abusive shepherds wound the sheep is by reminding them of past sins. Well, according to God's word, [ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyoVJfADlwo&feature=related "...as far as the east is from the west], so far has he removed our transgressions from us." (Psalm 103:12)

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-03-17 08:25:56

link fixed

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- Some days as you're dealing with the grief and loss you may wonder if it's worth getting out of bed in the morning. Remember, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7DgnNOyDE4 we are not home yet!] Someday we'll all be together, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ah9KQ7V-_FY dancing with our father God in fields of grace]. And we know '''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3LUc78vbDk the best is yet to come!]'''	+ Some days as you're dealing with the grief and loss you may wonder if it's worth getting out of bed in the morning. Remember, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf5FLngLWY0&feature=related we are not home yet!] Someday we'll all be together, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ah9KQ7V-_FY dancing with our father God in fields of grace]. And we know '''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3LUc78vbDk the best is yet to come!]'''

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-03-17 08:20:47

fixed link

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- Our prayer for you is that you never give up on Jesus and that you cling to his promise that '''"he who began a good work in you will complete it." (Philippians 1:6)''' In addition, that you will [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXi5iq1zAl4 trade your sorrows for the joy of the Lord]! And one day, by his grace, you'll again remember that living for Jesus really is [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXgGbvZIp_Q the great adventure]! And along with the original disciples of the '''true shepherd''', you'll be willing to live and to die [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVM2rP5VmCY for the sake of the call]!	+ Our prayer for you is that you never give up on Jesus and that you cling to his promise that '''"he who began a good work in you will complete it." (Philippians 1:6)''' In addition, that you will [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXi5iq1zAl4 trade your sorrows for the joy of the Lord]! And one day, by his grace, you'll again remember that living for Jesus really is [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrrjbTc0urk the great adventure]! And along with the original disciples of the '''true shepherd''', you'll be willing to live and to die [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVM2rP5VmCY for the sake of the call]!

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-03-17 08:18:49

quick edit

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- =Will The Real Jesus Please Stand Up=	+ =Will The Real Jesus Please Stand Up?=

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-03-17 07:19:07

+ link to articles of the "International Cultic Studies Association"

Differences for Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

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	+ + [http://www.icsahome.com/idx_articles.htm International Cultic Studies Association articles]

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-03-17 07:11:37

+ quick edits plus a link

Differences for Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

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- In his article [http://www.icsahome.com/infoserv_articles/enroth_ronald_dysfunctional_churches.htm Dysfunctional Churches] Ron Enroth writes "If truth in advertising standards could be applied to religion, some churches would be required to display a sign reading: '''“Warning: this church could be harmful to your spiritual and psychological health.”'''	+ In his article [http://www.icsahome.com/infoserv_articles/enroth_ronald_dysfunctional_churches.htm "Dysfunctional Churches"] Christian Professor and author [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald_Enroth Ronald Enroth] writes "If truth in advertising standards could be applied to religion, some churches would be required to display a sign reading: '''“Warning: this church could be harmful to your spiritual and psychological health.”'''
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- "What are the hallmarks of unhealthy, aberrant churches? The key indicator is control‑oriented leadership, ministers who have a need to “lord it over the flock.” Abusive leaders demand submission and unquestioning loyalty. The person who raises uncomfortable questions or does not “get with the program” is cast aside. Guilt, fear, and intimidation are used to manipulate and control vulnerable members, especially those who have been taught to believe that questioning their pastor is comparable to questioning God.	+ "What are the hallmarks of unhealthy, aberrant churches? The key indicator is control‑oriented leadership, ministers who have a need to “lord it over the flock.” Abusive leaders demand submission and unquestioning loyalty. The person who raises uncomfortable questions or does not “get with the program” is cast aside. Guilt, fear, and intimidation are used to manipulate and control vulnerable members, especially those who have been taught to believe that questioning their pastor is comparable to questioning God."
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- Why does a pastor or priest sometimes turn into a spiritual tyrant? I believe it is because of the human desire to control others and to exercise power over people. Each of us has been exposed to the temptation of power, whether in the role of spouse, teacher, or parent. An excessive will to power, coupled with sincere religious motives, can lead to the misuse of spiritual authority.	+ "Why does a pastor or priest sometimes turn into a spiritual tyrant? I believe it is because of the human desire to control others and to exercise power over people. Each of us has been exposed to the temptation of power, whether in the role of spouse, teacher, or parent. An excessive will to power, coupled with sincere religious motives, can lead to the misuse of spiritual authority."
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- More than any other age group, young adults are attracted to abusive churches, their seemingly dynamic programs, and their “take charge” leaders. Such churches often target young couples during the crucial child‑bearing years. As a result, the energy needed by these young couples for legitimate family interaction is siphoned off into a high intensity cause. Family obligations are sacrificed, and children’s developmental needs are neglected.	+ "More than any other age group, young adults are attracted to abusive churches, their seemingly dynamic programs, and their “take charge” leaders. Such churches often target young couples during the crucial child‑bearing years. As a result, the energy needed by these young couples for legitimate family interaction is siphoned off into a high intensity cause. Family obligations are sacrificed, and children’s developmental needs are neglected."
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- How can we recognize a healthy church? In addition to matters of appropriate doctrine, a healthy church is reconciling and restorative, not adversarial and elitist. Members of healthy churches seek to deepen and strengthen their family commitments. Legitimate leaders will welcome dissent and hard questions from members without threat of reprisal. Trustworthy leaders will encourage accountability, and they will establish checks and balances.	+ "How can we recognize a healthy church? In addition to matters of appropriate doctrine, a healthy church is reconciling and restorative, not adversarial and elitist. Members of healthy churches seek to deepen and strengthen their family commitments. Legitimate leaders will welcome dissent and hard questions from members without threat of reprisal. Trustworthy leaders will encourage accountability, and they will establish checks and balances."
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- Choose a church carefully and prayerfully. Remember, not all religion is benign, and not all church experience is beneficial."	+ "Choose a church carefully and prayerfully. Remember, not all religion is benign, and not all church experience is beneficial."

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-03-16 19:44:58

changed name of section to "Recognizing Spiritual Abuse"

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- = From Freedom to Bondage =	+ = Recognizing Spiritual Abuse =
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-

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-03-16 19:38:19

rearranged images

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	+ + http://www.batteredsheep.com/graphics/preaching2.jpg +
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- http://www.batteredsheep.com/graphics/preaching2.jpg	+ http://images.jupiterimages.com/common/detail/06/78/22197806.jpg

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-03-16 19:32:47

+ section "From Freedom to Bondage"

Differences for Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

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	+ + = From Freedom to Bondage = + + In his article [http://www.icsahome.com/infoserv_articles/enroth_ronald_dysfunctional_churches.htm Dysfunctional Churches] Ron Enroth writes "If truth in advertising standards could be applied to religion, some churches would be required to display a sign reading: '''“Warning: this church could be harmful to your spiritual and psychological health.”''' + + He continues: + + "What are the hallmarks of unhealthy, aberrant churches? The key indicator is control‑oriented leadership, ministers who have a need to “lord it over the flock.” Abusive leaders demand submission and unquestioning loyalty. The person who raises uncomfortable questions or does not “get with the program” is cast aside. Guilt, fear, and intimidation are used to manipulate and control vulnerable members, especially those who have been taught to believe that questioning their pastor is comparable to questioning God. + + Why does a pastor or priest sometimes turn into a spiritual tyrant? I believe it is because of the human desire to control others and to exercise power over people. Each of us has been exposed to the temptation of power, whether in the role of spouse, teacher, or parent. An excessive will to power, coupled with sincere religious motives, can lead to the misuse of spiritual authority. + + More than any other age group, young adults are attracted to abusive churches, their seemingly dynamic programs, and their “take charge” leaders. Such churches often target young couples during the crucial child‑bearing years. As a result, the energy needed by these young couples for legitimate family interaction is siphoned off into a high intensity cause. Family obligations are sacrificed, and children’s developmental needs are neglected. + + How can we recognize a healthy church? In addition to matters of appropriate doctrine, a healthy church is reconciling and restorative, not adversarial and elitist. Members of healthy churches seek to deepen and strengthen their family commitments. Legitimate leaders will welcome dissent and hard questions from members without threat of reprisal. Trustworthy leaders will encourage accountability, and they will establish checks and balances. + + Choose a church carefully and prayerfully. Remember, not all religion is benign, and not all church experience is beneficial."

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-03-11 07:43:55

+ experience added

Differences for Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

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	+ + * '''ChristianDemetrius:''' Hey, I used to go to Grace Valley and saw some pretty weird stuff. I saw people get humiliated and treated really badly. I also know from personal experience that once you're a member and decide to leave you will get shunned by pretty much all the people. I think JoyfulPilgrims' description is pretty accurate.

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-03-11 07:33:03

rearranged "experiences": (two above wolf in sheep's clothing image, two below)

Differences for Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

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-
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	+ + * '''Joyful Pilgrim:''' CAUTION! ["Grace Valley Christian Center"] (GVCC) is an abusive, authoritarian personality cult masquerading as an orthodox church. It presents itself as being committed to the Lord Jesus Christ, to the inerrancy of Scripture, and to the Reformed tradition. However, GVCC holds to many unbiblical practices for which it refuses to repent. For example, ["Reverend P. G. Mathew" the pastor] is considered a "prophet" worthy of extraordinary deference, service, and one who cannot be questioned lest you be labeled "rebellious" or a "hater of authority"; the leadership "lords it over the flock" by intruding into matters where Christians have liberty such as which car to buy, what person to date/marry, which job to take, etc.; members are sometimes publicly ridiculed; confidential files are kept on members; conformity with the rules are enforced through fear, shame, and public humiliation; many believers have been spiritually and emotionally abused in "counseling" and from the pulpit; believers who sign membership agreements are later told it is "the equivalent to a marriage covenant" and is considered to be life-long, unless asked to leave by the pastor; those who leave without the pastors' approval are shunned (think Jehovah's Witnesses) by all church members, even by members of their own families. The leaders often slander those who leave and the victims are unable to defend themselves or tell the real story. The leaders have been confronted in person, by letter, and by phone, and called on to repent of these unbiblical practices and sins but have refused to repent. In fact, those so bold as to bring these matters to their attention are vilified as "agents of Satan". The pastors of the healthy evangelical churches in the area can attest to the damage done to wounded believers who now attend their churches. Despite the church's efforts to promote its image, don't be deceived. GVCC is not a healthy Christian fellowship - GVCC is a place where Christ's sheep are beaten.
Line 24:	Line 25:
- - * '''Joyful Pilgrim:''' CAUTION! ["Grace Valley Christian Center"] (GVCC) is an abusive, authoritarian personality cult masquerading as an orthodox church. It presents itself as being committed to the Lord Jesus Christ, to the inerrancy of Scripture, and to the Reformed tradition. However, GVCC holds to many unbiblical practices for which it refuses to repent. For example, ["Reverend P. G. Mathew" the pastor] is considered a "prophet" worthy of extraordinary deference, service, and one who cannot be questioned lest you be labeled "rebellious" or a "hater of authority"; the leadership "lords it over the flock" by intruding into matters where Christians have liberty such as which car to buy, what person to date/marry, which job to take, etc.; members are sometimes publicly ridiculed; confidential files are kept on members; conformity with the rules are enforced through fear, shame, and public humiliation; many believers have been spiritually and emotionally abused in "counseling" and from the pulpit; believers who sign membership agreements are later told it is "the equivalent to a marriage covenant" and is considered to be life-long, unless asked to leave by the pastor; those who leave without the pastors' approval are shunned (think Jehovah's Witnesses) by all church members, even by members of their own families. The leaders often slander those who leave and the victims are unable to defend themselves or tell the real story. The leaders have been confronted in person, by letter, and by phone, and called on to repent of these unbiblical practices and sins but have refused to repent. In fact, those so bold as to bring these matters to their attention are vilified as "agents of Satan". The pastors of the healthy evangelical churches in the area can attest to the damage done to wounded believers who now attend their churches. Despite the church's efforts to promote its image, don't be deceived. GVCC is not a healthy Christian fellowship - GVCC is a place where Christ's sheep are beaten.
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-

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

MichelleBasich — 2008-03-10 20:13:46

please don't re-post my comment. Those who needed to know, know.

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- - * '''Michelle Basich:''' I first started going to ["Grace Valley Christian Center" GVCC] and ["Grace Alive"] my freshman year '00 at UCD. After reading the statement of faith and meeting some of the members I was drawn in by the love that was shown. With a multitude of experiences and questions later, I decided to leave GVCC. This decision was made after displays of authoritarianism, group-think and shunning for unbiblical purposes was displayed. Although these people had been like family to me, I could not support the unbiblical practices being displayed. I personally witnessed on more than one account youth and adults being publicly ridiculed during a church service, and others being reprimanded for not reading the church's specific Bible reading plan. After sending a vague email saying that I would no longer be attending GVCC I was shunned (in a lighter sense of the word). I received emails and letters asking that I not have contact with certain people because I was an ungodly influence. GVCC members and their children are steered away from "the shunned" in public places like the grocery store and the ["Davis Farmers Market" Farmer's Market], not to mention UCD classes. GVCC is not building up the body of Christ, it is tearing it apart. For this very reason after having gone to GVCC for 1-1/2 years I can say with FULL confidence that I would not recommend my enemy, let alone my friend, to attend there. God is so much bigger than what is displayed as Christian love there. The Davis community needs to take action. GVCC's effect is much larger than my story.

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-01-30 17:11:20

quick edit

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- * '''Joyful Pilgrim:''' CAUTION! ["Grace Valley Christian Center"] (GVCC) is an abusive, authoritarian personality cult masquerading as an orthodox church. It presents itself as being committed to the Lord Jesus Christ, to the inerrancy of Scripture, and to the Reformed tradition. However, GVCC holds to many unbiblical practices for which it refuses to repent. For example, ["Reverend P. G. Mathew" the pastor] is considered a "prophet" worthy of extraordinary deference, service, and one who cannot be questioned lest you be labeled "rebellious" or a "hater of authority"; the leadership "lords it over the flock" by intruding into matters where Christians have liberty such as which car to buy, what person to date/marry, which job to take, etc.; members are sometimes publicly ridiculed; confidential files are kept on members; conformity with the rules are enforced through fear, shame, and public humiliation; many believers have been spiritually and emotionally abused in "counseling" and from the pulpit; believers who sign membership agreements are later told it is "the equivalent to a marriage covenant" and is considered to be life-long, unless asked to leave by the pastor; those who leave without the pastors' approval are shunned (think Jehovah Witnesses) by all church members, even by members of their own families. The leaders often slander those who leave and the victims are unable to defend themselves or tell the real story. The leaders have been confronted in person, by letter, and by phone, and called on to repent of these unbiblical practices and sins but have refused to repent. In fact, those so bold as to bring these matters to their attention are vilified as "agents of Satan". The pastors of the healthy evangelical churches in the area can attest to the damage done to wounded believers who now attend their churches. Despite the church's efforts to promote its image, don't be deceived. GVCC is not a healthy Christian fellowship - GVCC is a place where Christ's sheep are beaten.	+ * '''Joyful Pilgrim:''' CAUTION! ["Grace Valley Christian Center"] (GVCC) is an abusive, authoritarian personality cult masquerading as an orthodox church. It presents itself as being committed to the Lord Jesus Christ, to the inerrancy of Scripture, and to the Reformed tradition. However, GVCC holds to many unbiblical practices for which it refuses to repent. For example, ["Reverend P. G. Mathew" the pastor] is considered a "prophet" worthy of extraordinary deference, service, and one who cannot be questioned lest you be labeled "rebellious" or a "hater of authority"; the leadership "lords it over the flock" by intruding into matters where Christians have liberty such as which car to buy, what person to date/marry, which job to take, etc.; members are sometimes publicly ridiculed; confidential files are kept on members; conformity with the rules are enforced through fear, shame, and public humiliation; many believers have been spiritually and emotionally abused in "counseling" and from the pulpit; believers who sign membership agreements are later told it is "the equivalent to a marriage covenant" and is considered to be life-long, unless asked to leave by the pastor; those who leave without the pastors' approval are shunned (think Jehovah's Witnesses) by all church members, even by members of their own families. The leaders often slander those who leave and the victims are unable to defend themselves or tell the real story. The leaders have been confronted in person, by letter, and by phone, and called on to repent of these unbiblical practices and sins but have refused to repent. In fact, those so bold as to bring these matters to their attention are vilified as "agents of Satan". The pastors of the healthy evangelical churches in the area can attest to the damage done to wounded believers who now attend their churches. Despite the church's efforts to promote its image, don't be deceived. GVCC is not a healthy Christian fellowship - GVCC is a place where Christ's sheep are beaten.

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-01-30 17:00:35

quick edit

Differences for Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
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- [http://gcmwarning.com/Articles/OtherSideDiscipleship.htm The Other Side of Discipleship], by Lawrence A. Pile	+ [http://www.ubf-net.de/doc/pile.en.htm The Other Side of Discipleship], by Lawrence A. Pile

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-01-30 16:57:16

quick edit

Differences for Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

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- * '''Dog Barf:''' I was married at Grace Valley Christian Center in September. (I'm not going to say what year.) A month after my marriage, my wife went to an appointment with the pastor and came home saying he and the elders of the church wanted to meet with me that Saturday. When Saturday came, I didn't know what was up. Were they going to congratulate me for something? When I went into the conference room, Pastor launched an attack. His first words were, "I have been counseling your wife to leave you." (What happened to "Till death do us part?") He then told me that I was like a dog who returned again and again to eat its own vomit. My crime? Having a job while I was in school, rather than quitting and being a full-time student! I was devastated, and told my wife I would never set foot in the church again. I stayed away from church the next day, but my elder called me Sunday evening and said that Pastor had simply lost his temper with me because he loved me. Unbelievably, I went back. -
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- * '''Joyful Pilgrim:''' CAUTION! Grace Valley Christian Center (GVCC) is an abusive, authoritarian personality cult masquerading as an orthodox church. It presents itself as being committed to the Lord Jesus Christ, to the inerrancy of Scripture, and to the Reformed tradition. However, GVCC holds to many unbiblical practices for which it refuses to repent. For example, the pastor is considered a "prophet" worthy of extraordinary deference, service, and one who cannot be questioned lest you be labeled "rebellious" or a "hater of authority"; the leadership "lords it over the flock" by intruding into matters where Christians have liberty such as which car to buy, what person to date/marry, which job to take, etc.; members are sometimes publicly ridiculed; confidential files are kept on members; conformity with the rules are enforced through fear, shame, and public humiliation; many believers have been spiritually and emotionally abused in "counseling" and from the pulpit; believers who sign membership agreements are later told it is "the equivalent to a marriage covenant" and is considered to be life-long, unless asked to leave by the pastor; those who leave without the pastors' approval are shunned (think Jehovah Witnesses) by all church members, even by members of their own families. The leaders often slander those who leave and the victims are unable to defend themselves or tell the real story. The leaders have been confronted in person, by letter, and by phone, and called on to repent of these unbiblical practices and sins but have refused to repent. In fact, those so bold as to bring these matters to their attention are vilified as "agents of Satan". The pastors of the healthy evangelical churches in the area can attest to the damage done to wounded believers who now attend their churches. Despite the church's efforts to promote its image, don't be deceived. GVCC is not a healthy Christian fellowship - GVCC is a place where Christ's sheep are beaten. For more information on these kinds of authoritarian and abusive churches, see the following link: http://www.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/abuse-ch.html	+ * '''Dog Barf:''' I was married at ["Grace Valley Christian Center"] in September. (I'm not going to say what year.) A month after my marriage, my wife went to an appointment with ["Reverend P. G. Mathew" the pastor] and came home saying he and the elders of the church wanted to meet with me that Saturday. When Saturday came, I didn't know what was up. Were they going to congratulate me for something? When I went into the conference room, Pastor launched an attack. His first words were, "I have been counseling your wife to leave you." (What happened to "Till death do us part?") He then told me that I was like a dog who returned again and again to eat its own vomit. My crime? Having a job while I was in school, rather than quitting and being a full-time student! I was devastated, and told my wife I would never set foot in the church again. I stayed away from church the next day, but my elder called me Sunday evening and said that Pastor had simply lost his temper with me because he loved me. Unbelievably, I went back. + + * '''Joyful Pilgrim:''' CAUTION! ["Grace Valley Christian Center"] (GVCC) is an abusive, authoritarian personality cult masquerading as an orthodox church. It presents itself as being committed to the Lord Jesus Christ, to the inerrancy of Scripture, and to the Reformed tradition. However, GVCC holds to many unbiblical practices for which it refuses to repent. For example, ["Reverend P. G. Mathew" the pastor] is considered a "prophet" worthy of extraordinary deference, service, and one who cannot be questioned lest you be labeled "rebellious" or a "hater of authority"; the leadership "lords it over the flock" by intruding into matters where Christians have liberty such as which car to buy, what person to date/marry, which job to take, etc.; members are sometimes publicly ridiculed; confidential files are kept on members; conformity with the rules are enforced through fear, shame, and public humiliation; many believers have been spiritually and emotionally abused in "counseling" and from the pulpit; believers who sign membership agreements are later told it is "the equivalent to a marriage covenant" and is considered to be life-long, unless asked to leave by the pastor; those who leave without the pastors' approval are shunned (think Jehovah Witnesses) by all church members, even by members of their own families. The leaders often slander those who leave and the victims are unable to defend themselves or tell the real story. The leaders have been confronted in person, by letter, and by phone, and called on to repent of these unbiblical practices and sins but have refused to repent. In fact, those so bold as to bring these matters to their attention are vilified as "agents of Satan". The pastors of the healthy evangelical churches in the area can attest to the damage done to wounded believers who now attend their churches. Despite the church's efforts to promote its image, don't be deceived. GVCC is not a healthy Christian fellowship - GVCC is a place where Christ's sheep are beaten.

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-01-30 15:55:23

quick edit

Differences for Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
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- * '''Joyful Pilgrim:''' CAUTION! Grace Valley Christian Center (GVCC) is an abusive, authoritarian personality cult masquerading as an orthodox church. It presents itself as being committed to the Lord Jesus Christ, to the inerrancy of Scripture, and to the Reformed tradition. However, GVCC holds to many unbiblical practices for which it refuses to repent. For example, the pastor is considered a "prophet" worthy of extraordinary deference, service, and one who cannot be questioned lest you be labeled "rebellious" or a "hater of authority"; the leadership "lords it over the flock" by intruding into matters where Christians have liberty such as which car to buy, what person to date/marry, which job to take, etc.; members are sometimes publicly ridiculed; confidential files are kept on members; conformity with the rules are enforced through fear, shame, and public humiliation; many believers have been spiritually and emotionally abused in "counseling" and from the pulpit; believers who sign membership agreements are later told it is "the equivalent to a marriage covenant" and is considered to be life-long, unless asked to leave by the pastor; those who leave without the pastors' approval are shunned (think Jehovah Witnesses) by all church members, even by members of their own families. The leaders often slander those who leave and the victims are unable to defend themselves or tell the real story. The leaders have been confronted in person, by letter, and by phone, and called on to repent of these unbiblical practices and sins but have refused to repent. In fact, those so bold as to bring these matters to their attention are vilified as "agents of Satan". The pastors of the healthy evangelical churches in the area can attest to the damage done to wounded believers who now attend their churches. Despite the church's efforts to promote its image, don't be deceived. GVCC is not a healthy Christian fellowship - GVCC is a place where Christ's sheep are beaten. For more information on these kinds of authoritarian and abusive churches, see the following link: http://www.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/abuse-ch.html -
Line 28:	Line 26:
	+ + * '''Joyful Pilgrim:''' CAUTION! Grace Valley Christian Center (GVCC) is an abusive, authoritarian personality cult masquerading as an orthodox church. It presents itself as being committed to the Lord Jesus Christ, to the inerrancy of Scripture, and to the Reformed tradition. However, GVCC holds to many unbiblical practices for which it refuses to repent. For example, the pastor is considered a "prophet" worthy of extraordinary deference, service, and one who cannot be questioned lest you be labeled "rebellious" or a "hater of authority"; the leadership "lords it over the flock" by intruding into matters where Christians have liberty such as which car to buy, what person to date/marry, which job to take, etc.; members are sometimes publicly ridiculed; confidential files are kept on members; conformity with the rules are enforced through fear, shame, and public humiliation; many believers have been spiritually and emotionally abused in "counseling" and from the pulpit; believers who sign membership agreements are later told it is "the equivalent to a marriage covenant" and is considered to be life-long, unless asked to leave by the pastor; those who leave without the pastors' approval are shunned (think Jehovah Witnesses) by all church members, even by members of their own families. The leaders often slander those who leave and the victims are unable to defend themselves or tell the real story. The leaders have been confronted in person, by letter, and by phone, and called on to repent of these unbiblical practices and sins but have refused to repent. In fact, those so bold as to bring these matters to their attention are vilified as "agents of Satan". The pastors of the healthy evangelical churches in the area can attest to the damage done to wounded believers who now attend their churches. Despite the church's efforts to promote its image, don't be deceived. GVCC is not a healthy Christian fellowship - GVCC is a place where Christ's sheep are beaten. For more information on these kinds of authoritarian and abusive churches, see the following link: http://www.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/abuse-ch.html

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

RichLindvall — 2008-01-30 15:53:07

+ comment by "Joyful Pilgrim"

Differences for Recovering From Spiritual Abuse

Deletions are marked with - .	Additions are marked with +.
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- (Many of the experiences below have already been shared on the [http://daviswiki.org/Grace_Valley_Christian_Center/Experiences experiences] and [http://daviswiki.org/Grace_Valley_Christian_Center/Allegations allegations] pages, so for detailed accounts we'd suggest you go there. Here we're simply going to briefly explain why we left. We invite anyone who has left GVCC to put their story here. Let the focus of this page be on '''recovery''', so that if others follow, they may see that it can be done!) --["Users/RichLindvall"]	+ (Many of the experiences below have already been shared on the [http://daviswiki.org/Grace_Valley_Christian_Center/Experiences experiences] and [http://daviswiki.org/Grace_Valley_Christian_Center/Allegations allegations] pages, so for detailed accounts we'd suggest you go there. Here we're simply going to briefly explain why we left. Due to fear, some have posted under a pseudonym. We invite anyone who has left GVCC to put their story here. Let the focus of this page be on '''recovery''', so that if others follow, they may see that it can be done!) --["Users/RichLindvall"]
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- * '''Dog Barf:''' I was married at Grace Valley Christian Center in September. (I'm not going to say what year.) A month after my marriage, my wife went to an appointment with the pastor and came home saying he and the elders of the church wanted to meet with me that Saturday. When Saturday came, I didn't know what was up. Were they going to congratulate me for something? When I went into the conference room, Pastor launched an attack. His first words were, "I have been counseling your wife to leave you." (What happened to "Till death do us part?") He then told me that I was like a dog who returned again and again to eat its own vomit. My crime? Having a job while I was in school, rather than quitting and being a full-time student! I was devastated, and told my wife I would never set foot in the church again. I stayed away from church the next day, but my elder called me Sunday evening and said that Pastor had simply lost his temper with me because he loved me. Unbelievably, I went back. --["DogBarf"]	+ * '''Dog Barf:''' I was married at Grace Valley Christian Center in September. (I'm not going to say what year.) A month after my marriage, my wife went to an appointment with the pastor and came home saying he and the elders of the church wanted to meet with me that Saturday. When Saturday came, I didn't know what was up. Were they going to congratulate me for something? When I went into the conference room, Pastor launched an attack. His first words were, "I have been counseling your wife to leave you." (What happened to "Till death do us part?") He then told me that I was like a dog who returned again and again to eat its own vomit. My crime? Having a job while I was in school, rather than quitting and being a full-time student! I was devastated, and told my wife I would never set foot in the church again. I stayed away from church the next day, but my elder called me Sunday evening and said that Pastor had simply lost his temper with me because he loved me. Unbelievably, I went back. + + * '''Joyful Pilgrim:''' CAUTION! Grace Valley Christian Center (GVCC) is an abusive, authoritarian personality cult masquerading as an orthodox church. It presents itself as being committed to the Lord Jesus Christ, to the inerrancy of Scripture, and to the Reformed tradition. However, GVCC holds to many unbiblical practices for which it refuses to repent. For example, the pastor is considered a "prophet" worthy of extraordinary deference, service, and one who cannot be questioned lest you be labeled "rebellious" or a "hater of authority"; the leadership "lords it over the flock" by intruding into matters where Christians have liberty such as which car to buy, what person to date/marry, which job to take, etc.; members are sometimes publicly ridiculed; confidential files are kept on members; conformity with the rules are enforced through fear, shame, and public humiliation; many believers have been spiritually and emotionally abused in "counseling" and from the pulpit; believers who sign membership agreements are later told it is "the equivalent to a marriage covenant" and is considered to be life-long, unless asked to leave by the pastor; those who leave without the pastors' approval are shunned (think Jehovah Witnesses) by all church members, even by members of their own families. The leaders often slander those who leave and the victims are unable to defend themselves or tell the real story. The leaders have been confronted in person, by letter, and by phone, and called on to repent of these unbiblical practices and sins but have refused to repent. In fact, those so bold as to bring these matters to their attention are vilified as "agents of Satan". The pastors of the healthy evangelical churches in the area can attest to the damage done to wounded believers who now attend their churches. Despite the church's efforts to promote its image, don't be deceived. GVCC is not a healthy Christian fellowship - GVCC is a place where Christ's sheep are beaten. For more information on these kinds of authoritarian and abusive churches, see the following link: http://www.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/abuse-ch.html