Shepherd's Heart

Shepherd's Hearthttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shepherd-s-heart--4100466
Hosted by Stewart and Alycia White, Shepherd's Heart tackles the hard conversations the modern church often avoids — church hurt and recovery, spiritual abuse, toxic leadership, pastor burnout, faith deconstruction, and the Christ-centered discernment every believer needs to navigate it all.

This isn't cynicism. This isn't an exit ramp from faith. Stewart and Alycia speak from deep love for the Bride of Christ and decades of ministry experience as worship leaders, Bible teachers, and Christ-followers who've walked through their own seasons of disillusionment and renewal. Every episode points back to Scripture, back to Jesus, and back to the heart of the Good Shepherd who leaves the 99 for the one.

If you've been wounded by the church but still love the Church, this podcast is for you.

New episodes every two weeks. Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss a conversation.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shepherd-s-heart--4100466/support.]]>enChristianityShepherd's Heart Ministrieshttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/0ad437004db9a0665e0485959d1d89d6.jpgShepherd's Hearthttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shepherd-s-heart--4100466Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:08:24 +0000Stewart and Alycia WhiteStewart and Alycia Whiteinfo@shepherdsheartministries.orgBringing the Gospel to Life
Hosted by Stewart and Alycia White, Shepherd's Heart tackles the hard conversations the modern church often avoids — church hurt and recovery, spiritual abuse, toxic leadership, pastor burnout, faith deconstruction, and the Christ-centered discernment every believer needs to navigate it all.

This isn't cynicism. This isn't an exit ramp from faith. Stewart and Alycia speak from deep love for the Bride of Christ and decades of ministry experience as worship leaders, Bible teachers, and Christ-followers who've walked through their own seasons of disillusionment and renewal. Every episode points back to Scripture, back to Jesus, and back to the heart of the Good Shepherd who leaves the 99 for the one.

If you've been wounded by the church but still love the Church, this podcast is for you.

New episodes every two weeks. Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss a conversation.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shepherd-s-heart--4100466/support.]]>falseepisodicSupport the podcast!When Narcissism Comes to Church | Chuck DeGroat on Spiritual Abuse and Healinghttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/when-narcissism-comes-to-church-chuck-degroat-on-spiritual-abuse-and-healing--72746534
Chuck has spent more than twenty years doing psychological assessments of pastors and leaders. He explains why narcissism is a spectrum and not just a label. He shows how to tell the difference between a leader having a bad day and a genuine pattern of harm, and why rushing to call someone a "narcissist" is rarely the most helpful place to start. He also shares the warning a seminary professor once gave him that changed the course of his life and his marriage.

This is a conversation for anyone who has carried church hurt they could never fully explain, or quietly wondered whether their leader is actually narcissistic. There is a path toward healing, and it starts in a different place than most people expect.

What we cover in this episode:
➟ Why a "safe shepherd" is the real mark of healthy leadership
➟ The difference between abuse and the trauma that lingers long after it
➟ Why healing is "not microwavable" and what genuine change actually requires
➟ How forgiveness and justice are not the same thing
➟ What almost every narcissistic leader has buried in their own story
➟ How to discern real harm from a one-off mistake

"I'm never working with a narcissist. I'm working with someone who bears the image of God." - Chuck DeGroat

CHAPTERS
00:00 Personal growth and self-discovery
05:57 Using Milan Clinical Inventory
06:59 Discussing narcissistic personality traits
10:59 Examining Saul's leadership flaws
14:21 Narcissism and self-protection in therapy
17:40 Understanding vulnerability and self-protection
21:53 Assessing pastors' future challenges
24:37 Focusing on impact over labels
28:39 Discussing psychological diagnoses
33:44 Starting Point for Healing Trauma
34:23 Creating a safe space for healing
39:15 Recognizing signs of a panic attack
40:44 Importance of addressing physical needs
45:16 Shifting to a more grounded life
48:00 Seeking justice and healing
52:01 Reflecting on grace and forgiveness
54:31 Contact and Social Media Info

ABOUT OUR GUEST
Chuck DeGroat is a therapist, professor, and author of "When Narcissism Comes to Church" and "Healing What's Within." He co-founded the Soul Care Collaborative and teaches at Western Theological Seminary.

Website: https://www.chuckdegroat.net/

Soul Care Collaborative: https://www.soulcarecollaborative.com/

His books:

When Narcissism Comes to Church: Healing Your Community From Emotional and Spiritual Abuse: https://amzn.to/4oV9mNr
Healing What’s Within: Coming Home to Yourself--and to God--When You're Wounded, Weary, and Wandering: https://amzn.to/4y0mXaI

More Books: https://www.chuckdegroat.net/books

If this conversation helped you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs it. Hit the bell so you never miss a new episode on faith, healing, and discernment.

CONNECT WITH SHEPHERD'S HEART
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShepherdsHeartShow
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shepherdsheartministries/

#ChurchHurt #SpiritualAbuse #Narcissism #ShepherdsHeart

Keywords: narcissism in the church, narcissistic pastor, spiritual abuse, church hurt, Chuck DeGroat, When Narcissism Comes to Church, healing from church hurt, narcissistic personality disorder, toxic church leadership, spiritual abuse recovery, biblical discernment

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shepherd-s-heart--4100466/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72746534Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:08:21 +0000Stewart and Alycia White➟ ➟ Narcissism in the church is one of the hardest things to name, especially when the pastor looks godly on Sunday and something still feels deeply wrong. In this episode of Shepherd's Heart, Stewart and Alycia White sit down with therapist and...
Chuck has spent more than twenty years doing psychological assessments of pastors and leaders. He explains why narcissism is a spectrum and not just a label. He shows how to tell the difference between a leader having a bad day and a genuine pattern of harm, and why rushing to call someone a "narcissist" is rarely the most helpful place to start. He also shares the warning a seminary professor once gave him that changed the course of his life and his marriage.

This is a conversation for anyone who has carried church hurt they could never fully explain, or quietly wondered whether their leader is actually narcissistic. There is a path toward healing, and it starts in a different place than most people expect.

What we cover in this episode:
➟ Why a "safe shepherd" is the real mark of healthy leadership
➟ The difference between abuse and the trauma that lingers long after it
➟ Why healing is "not microwavable" and what genuine change actually requires
➟ How forgiveness and justice are not the same thing
➟ What almost every narcissistic leader has buried in their own story
➟ How to discern real harm from a one-off mistake

"I'm never working with a narcissist. I'm working with someone who bears the image of God." - Chuck DeGroat

CHAPTERS
00:00 Personal growth and self-discovery
05:57 Using Milan Clinical Inventory
06:59 Discussing narcissistic personality traits
10:59 Examining Saul's leadership flaws
14:21 Narcissism and self-protection in therapy
17:40 Understanding vulnerability and self-protection
21:53 Assessing pastors' future challenges
24:37 Focusing on impact over labels
28:39 Discussing psychological diagnoses
33:44 Starting Point for Healing Trauma
34:23 Creating a safe space for healing
39:15 Recognizing signs of a panic attack
40:44 Importance of addressing physical needs
45:16 Shifting to a more grounded life
48:00 Seeking justice and healing
52:01 Reflecting on grace and forgiveness
54:31 Contact and Social Media Info

ABOUT OUR GUEST
Chuck DeGroat is a therapist, professor, and author of "When Narcissism Comes to Church" and "Healing What's Within." He co-founded the Soul Care Collaborative and teaches at Western Theological Seminary.

Website: https://www.chuckdegroat.net/

Soul Care Collaborative: https://www.soulcarecollaborative.com/

His books:

When Narcissism Comes to Church: Healing Your Community From Emotional and Spiritual Abuse: https://amzn.to/4oV9mNr
Healing What’s Within: Coming Home to Yourself--and to God--When You're Wounded, Weary, and Wandering: https://amzn.to/4y0mXaI

More Books: https://www.chuckdegroat.net/books

If this conversation helped you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs it. Hit the bell so you never miss a new episode on faith, healing, and discernment.

CONNECT WITH SHEPHERD'S HEART
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShepherdsHeartShow
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shepherdsheartministries/

#ChurchHurt #SpiritualAbuse #Narcissism #ShepherdsHeart

Keywords: narcissism in the church, narcissistic pastor, spiritual abuse, church hurt, Chuck DeGroat, When Narcissism Comes to Church, healing from church hurt, narcissistic personality disorder, toxic church leadership, spiritual...]]>3365abuse,chuck,church,degroat,disorder,from,healing,hurt,narcissism,narcissist,narcissistic,pastor,pastors,personality,spiritual,to,whenfalse4fullShould I Leave My Church? | Seven Biblical Questions You Need to Considerhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/should-i-leave-my-church-seven-biblical-questions-you-need-to-consider--72061905In this episode of Shepherd's Heart, Stewart and Alycia White walk through 7 biblical questions to help you discern whether to stay, leave, or let God do deeper work in your own heart first. With humility and gospel-centered clarity, we speak to wounded believers and thoughtful leaders alike — pointing you back to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who loves His church more than we ever could.

⏱ CHAPTERS
00:00 - Introduction: Should I Leave My Church? The Hard Question
01:15 - The Three Outcomes When Questioning Your Church
03:20 - When Abuse Is Present: When You Must Leave Immediately
04:14 - Question 1: Is the Gospel Truly Being Preached?
10:24 - Action Step: How to Directly Ask Your Pastor About the Gospel
14:19 - Question 2: Is Scripture the Authority or Just an Accessory?
17:57 - Red Flags: Ignoring and Misusing Scripture in the Church
22:42 - Question 3: Is Unrepentant Sin Confronted or Ignored in Your Church?
31:49 - Question 4: Are Your Leaders Qualified and Accountable?
43:15 - Question 5: Is Your Soul Being Fed or Starved at Church?
47:59 - Question 6: Have You Exhausted the Biblical Path of Appeal?
53:05 - Question 7: Are You Leaving Toward Something?
56:01 - Bonus Question: Why Do I Want to Leave or Stay?
58:58 - Jesus Addresses Tolerance in the Church
1:00:36 - Final Thoughts

📖 IN THIS EPISODE

7 honest, biblically-sound questions to prayerfully evaluate your church and your own heart
Red flags in leadership: gospel clarity, Scripture's centrality, how sin is (or isn't) addressed
How to distinguish conviction from condemnation, consumerism from discipleship, comfort from real spiritual growth
The dangers of pastoral neglect, unaccountable leadership, and wolves in sheep's clothing
What to do when facing abuse — and why the Bible demands immediate action for safety and justice
Encouragement for whether you stay, leave, or find God working first in you

✝️ KEY SCRIPTURES
1 Timothy 3 & 1 Peter 5 — the character and accountability of biblical shepherds
Galatians 1 — the cost of losing the true gospel
Matthew 18 & 1 Corinthians 5 — Christ's commands for confronting sin with care

💬 A GENTLE REMINDER
This podcast is a place for honest conversation and gospel-centered healing — not a substitute for local church shepherding, professional counseling, or immediate help if you're in danger. If you're facing abuse or unsafe leadership, please reach out to trustworthy local authorities or a Christ-centered counselor right away.
If you're hurting, you are not alone. Your story matters. Your pain is seen by Christ, and there is real hope for healing and restoration.

If you need help and someone to talk to about your situation, we recommend reaching out to BeEmbolded:

beEmboldened Ministries website — https://www.beemboldened.com/
beEmboldened YouTube channel — https://www.youtube.com/@beEmboldened
Contact beEmboldened: https://www.beemboldened.com/contact
Workshops for churches, survivor groups, and more are available— https://www.beemboldened.com/programs

🙏 If this conversation served you, would you subscribe and share it with someone who needs gospel-centered encouragement? Drop a comment with your questions, experiences, or prayer requests. We read them, and we're here to listen.

#ShepherdsHeart #churchhurt #spiritualabuse #ShouldILeaveMyChurch #christianpodcast #biblicaldiscernment #gospelhealing #ToxicChurchLeadership

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shepherd-s-heart--4100466/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72061905Mon, 18 May 2026 23:58:24 +0000Stewart and Alycia WhiteShould I leave my church? If you're wrestling with church hurt, spiritual abuse, or unhealthy leadership, this conversation is for you. In this episode of Shepherd's Heart, Stewart and Alycia White walk through 7 biblical questions to help you discern...In this episode of Shepherd's Heart, Stewart and Alycia White walk through 7 biblical questions to help you discern whether to stay, leave, or let God do deeper work in your own heart first. With humility and gospel-centered clarity, we speak to wounded believers and thoughtful leaders alike — pointing you back to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who loves His church more than we ever could.

⏱ CHAPTERS
00:00 - Introduction: Should I Leave My Church? The Hard Question
01:15 - The Three Outcomes When Questioning Your Church
03:20 - When Abuse Is Present: When You Must Leave Immediately
04:14 - Question 1: Is the Gospel Truly Being Preached?
10:24 - Action Step: How to Directly Ask Your Pastor About the Gospel
14:19 - Question 2: Is Scripture the Authority or Just an Accessory?
17:57 - Red Flags: Ignoring and Misusing Scripture in the Church
22:42 - Question 3: Is Unrepentant Sin Confronted or Ignored in Your Church?
31:49 - Question 4: Are Your Leaders Qualified and Accountable?
43:15 - Question 5: Is Your Soul Being Fed or Starved at Church?
47:59 - Question 6: Have You Exhausted the Biblical Path of Appeal?
53:05 - Question 7: Are You Leaving Toward Something?
56:01 - Bonus Question: Why Do I Want to Leave or Stay?
58:58 - Jesus Addresses Tolerance in the Church
1:00:36 - Final Thoughts

📖 IN THIS EPISODE

7 honest, biblically-sound questions to prayerfully evaluate your church and your own heart
Red flags in leadership: gospel clarity, Scripture's centrality, how sin is (or isn't) addressed
How to distinguish conviction from condemnation, consumerism from discipleship, comfort from real spiritual growth
The dangers of pastoral neglect, unaccountable leadership, and wolves in sheep's clothing
What to do when facing abuse — and why the Bible demands immediate action for safety and justice
Encouragement for whether you stay, leave, or find God working first in you

beEmboldened Ministries website — https://www.beemboldened.com/
beEmboldened YouTube channel — https://www.youtube.com/@beEmboldened
Contact beEmboldened: https://www.beemboldened.com/contact
Workshops for churches, survivor groups, and more are available— https://www.beemboldened.com/programs

🙏 If this conversation served you, would you subscribe and share it with someone who needs gospel-centered encouragement? Drop a comment with your questions, experiences, or prayer requests. We read them, and we're here to listen.

#ShepherdsHeart #churchhurt #spiritualabuse #ShouldILeaveMyChurch #christianpodcast #biblicaldiscernment #gospelhealing #ToxicChurchLeadership

Become a supporter of this podcast: 3687abuse,accountability,authority,biblical,care,church,discernment,discipline,gospel,growth,heart,hurt,leadership,leave,pastoral,questions,repentance,shepherds,should,spiritualfalse3fullWhen Churches Operate Like Corporations | 7 Telltale Signshttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/when-churches-operate-like-corporations-7-telltale-signs--71860677
Learn how to recognize seven clear signs your church may be operating as a business rather than following Christ’s call to gospel-centered care and authentic biblical counseling. We discuss red flags such as NDAs (non-disclosure agreements), church discipline handled as HR, treating members as customers, mega church dynamics, partiality toward influential members, misuse of church discipline, avoidance of church crisis conversations, and prioritizing brand over people.

You’ll gain insight into real biblical discernment; how to spot unhealthy church organizations, navigate church discipline, seek wise accountability, and evaluate your own healing journey. Whether you’ve experienced toxic church leadership, spiritual neglect, or are a leader seeking a healthy church model, Stewart and Alycia point you to the hope of Christ, the comfort of Scripture, and practical next steps for your healing and restoration.

If you need resources or support, we highly recommend reaching out to BeEmboldened:

BeEmboldened Ministries website — https://www.beemboldened.com/
BeEmboldened YouTube channel — https://www.youtube.com/@beEmboldened
Contact beEmboldened: https://www.beemboldened.com/contact
Workshops for churches, survivor groups, and more are available— https://www.beemboldened.com/programs

Episode Summary:

Seven warning signs that point to a business-minded church structure and how these relate to spiritual abuse, trauma, and neglect.
How CEO pastors, mega church growth, and legal tools like NDAs signal a shift from gospel-centered discipleship to corporate priorities.
Why biblical counseling, scriptural accountability, and honest pastoral care must anchor every healthy church.
How to recognize and respond wisely to partiality, power imbalances, and crisis management driven by business interests rather than love for Christ.
Steps for your healing journey: approaching church leadership with grace, processing hurt through a biblical lens, and discerning when it may be time to seek restoration or a new church community.

The essential marks of a truly healthy, biblically faithful church.

Key Scripture:
John 10 highlights Jesus as the Good Shepherd who cares for, restores, and protects His flock, contrasting godly pastoral leadership with the dangers of false shepherds and business-focused church organizations.

Care and Encouragement:
If you are navigating spiritual trauma, abuse of power, or crisis in your church, know you are not alone. Shepherd’s Heart is not a substitute for local pastoral care, Biblical counseling, or professional counseling where necessary, but comes alongside you on your healing journey with truth and compassion.

Final Encouragement & Call to Action:
If this episode helps you discern, heal, or grow, please subscribe, share, and comment with your questions or experiences. Stewart and Alycia take every story seriously—it’s our honor to pray for you.
Reach out below if you would like support, have suggestions for future topics, or need help taking your next step toward restoration.

You are seen, loved, and cared for by the Good Shepherd. There is hope after church hurt—and real healing can begin.

TIMSTAMPS:
0:00 - Why Jesus Flipped Tables (And Where He Did It)
0:42 - We Love the Church! Here's Why This Conversation Matters
5:07 - Sign #1: The Pastor Acts More Like a CEO Than a Shepherd
11:35 - Sign #2: Members Are Treated Like Customers or Stockholders
18:23 - Sign #3: The Service Points to the Church Instead of Christ
25:50 - Sign #4: Missions Become a Brand-Building Sizzle Reel
29:06 - Sign #5: Crisis Response Looks Like Corporate PR, Not Pastoral Care
38:54 - Sign #6: The Speed of Response Reveals the Heart
47:14 - Sign #7: NDAs and Legal Silencing in the Church
50:29 - What To Do If You're Seeing These Red Flags
52:45 - Sign #8 (BONUS!): When All Counseling Gets Outsourced
53:46 - Closing Thoughts and Prayer Request

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shepherd-s-heart--4100466/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71860677Mon, 04 May 2026 20:00:03 +0000Stewart and Alycia WhiteAre you wrestling with church hurt, spiritual abuse, or disappointment in pastoral care and church leadership? In this gospel-centered episode of Shepherd’s Heart, Stewart and Alycia White gently but boldly unpack the crucial differences between a...
Learn how to recognize seven clear signs your church may be operating as a business rather than following Christ’s call to gospel-centered care and authentic biblical counseling. We discuss red flags such as NDAs (non-disclosure agreements), church discipline handled as HR, treating members as customers, mega church dynamics, partiality toward influential members, misuse of church discipline, avoidance of church crisis conversations, and prioritizing brand over people.

You’ll gain insight into real biblical discernment; how to spot unhealthy church organizations, navigate church discipline, seek wise accountability, and evaluate your own healing journey. Whether you’ve experienced toxic church leadership, spiritual neglect, or are a leader seeking a healthy church model, Stewart and Alycia point you to the hope of Christ, the comfort of Scripture, and practical next steps for your healing and restoration.

If you need resources or support, we highly recommend reaching out to BeEmboldened:

BeEmboldened Ministries website — https://www.beemboldened.com/
BeEmboldened YouTube channel — https://www.youtube.com/@beEmboldened
Contact beEmboldened: https://www.beemboldened.com/contact
Workshops for churches, survivor groups, and more are available— https://www.beemboldened.com/programs

Episode Summary:

Seven warning signs that point to a business-minded church structure and how these relate to spiritual abuse, trauma, and neglect.
How CEO pastors, mega church growth, and legal tools like NDAs signal a shift from gospel-centered discipleship to corporate priorities.
Why biblical counseling, scriptural accountability, and honest pastoral care must anchor every healthy church.
How to recognize and respond wisely to partiality, power imbalances, and crisis management driven by business interests rather than love for Christ.
Steps for your healing journey: approaching church leadership with grace, processing hurt through a biblical lens, and discerning when it may be time to seek restoration or a new church community.

beEmboldened Ministries website — https://www.beemboldened.com/
beEmboldened YouTube channel — https://www.youtube.com/@beEmboldened
Contact beEmboldened: https://www.beemboldened.com/contact
Workshops for churches, survivor groups, and more are available— https://www.beemboldened.com/programs
Recommended interview for more of Naomi’s story: Sean McDowell & Naomi Wright on YouTube - https://youtu.be/YWl5wvvlo4E?si=L-hxe4eGh_U4mdE_

In this episode:

Learn the difference between strong, biblical leadership and abusive leadership, and how to recognize red flags in church or ministry relationships.
Understand how spiritual abuse can occur in both extreme settings (e.g., cults) and mainstream churches, and how subtler forms are often overlooked or explained away.
Get a clear, working definition of spiritual abuse, why it flourishes in certain church cultures, and how leaders and systems unintentionally enable it through silencing, neglect, or misplaced loyalty.
Explore the effects of trauma, including why survivors struggle to find language or speak up, and how church responses can either deepen wounds or foster true restoration.
Receive practical encouragement: steps for those hurt by spiritual leaders, ways healthy churches can protect and respond, and counsel for church members struggling to understand and support those wounded.
Hear pastoral advice for discerning healthy versus toxic church environments, and what real biblical accountability should look like among God’s people.

Scripture Foundation:
Ezekiel 34 anchors our conversation. God’s heart is clear—He sees when shepherds harm rather than protect His flock, and He Himself steps in as the Good Shepherd to rescue, heal, and restore. Jesus loves His sheep, calls out false shepherds, and promises justice along with compassionate care for the wounded.

We know that for many, church trauma and spiritual abuse bring pain, confusion, and sometimes despair. If you’re hurting, please know you are not alone and that Christ is near to the brokenhearted. Gospel-centered healing is possible, and trustworthy help can be found.

This podcast is not a substitute for local church shepherding or professional counseling. If your situation is unsafe or urgent, please seek immediate help in your area.

We hope you’ll find wise, gracious guidance, whether you’re a survivor hoping for a path forward or a church leader longing to shepherd Christ’s flock more faithfully.

If this conversation helps you, please subscribe and share with others who may need it.
We welcome your questions and stories!

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Confusion about religious upbringing
06:47 Feeling a Protective Presence
15:18 Recognizing spiritual abuse dynamics
20:37 Recognizing motives in leadership
21:51 Discussing Bea Bolden's mission and audience
30:56 Teaching accountability and limiting power
32:55 Understanding and discussing spiritual abuse
41:08 Encouraging outside support for churches
45:56 Handling leadership crises
49:21 Guidance for the outer circle
55:33 Importance of following up
01:02:26 Focus on genuine repentance and faith
01:07:11 Understanding victim motivations
01:15:24 Community outreach and engagement ideas
01:21:17 Encouragement and church resources

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shepherd-s-heart--4100466/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71481692Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:15:02 +0000Stewart and Alycia WhiteIf you’ve experienced church hurt, spiritual abuse, toxic church leadership, or deep trauma inside a faith community, this conversation is for you. In this episode, we talk honestly about healing, restoration, boundaries, pastoral care, church...
Naomi Wright of beEmboldened shares her story of surviving spiritual abuse and cult recovery, along with practical wisdom for recognizing unhealthy power dynamics, responding to the covering up of abuse, and pursuing real reconciliation where possible. This is a Christ-centered conversation about faith, healing, accountability, discipleship, and finding hope in Christ after church pain.

Resources & Contact Information:

beEmboldened Ministries website — https://www.beemboldened.com/
beEmboldened YouTube channel — https://www.youtube.com/@beEmboldened
Contact beEmboldened: https://www.beemboldened.com/contact
Workshops for churches, survivor groups, and more are available— https://www.beemboldened.com/programs
Recommended interview for more of Naomi’s story: Sean McDowell & Naomi Wright on YouTube - https://youtu.be/YWl5wvvlo4E?si=L-hxe4eGh_U4mdE_

In this episode:

Learn the difference between strong, biblical leadership and abusive leadership, and how to recognize red flags in church or ministry relationships.
Understand how spiritual abuse can occur in both extreme settings (e.g., cults) and mainstream churches, and how subtler forms are often overlooked or explained away.
Get a clear, working definition of spiritual abuse, why it flourishes in certain church cultures, and how leaders and systems unintentionally enable it through silencing, neglect, or misplaced loyalty.
Explore the effects of trauma, including why survivors struggle to find language or speak up, and how church responses can either deepen wounds or foster true restoration.
Receive practical encouragement: steps for those hurt by spiritual leaders, ways healthy churches can protect and respond, and counsel for church members struggling to understand and support those wounded.
Hear pastoral advice for discerning healthy versus toxic church environments, and what real biblical accountability should look like among God’s people.

Scripture Foundation:
Ezekiel 34 anchors our conversation. God’s heart is clear—He sees when shepherds harm rather than protect His flock, and He Himself steps in as the Good Shepherd to rescue, heal, and restore. Jesus loves His sheep, calls out false shepherds, and promises justice along with compassionate care for the wounded.

We know that for many, church trauma and spiritual abuse bring pain, confusion, and sometimes despair. If you’re hurting, please know you are not alone and that Christ is near to the brokenhearted. Gospel-centered healing is possible, and trustworthy help can be found.

This podcast is not a substitute for local church shepherding or professional counseling. If your situation is unsafe or urgent, please seek immediate help in your area.

We hope you’ll find wise, gracious guidance, whether you’re a survivor hoping for a path forward or a church leader longing to shepherd Christ’s flock more faithfully.

If this conversation helps you, please subscribe and share with others who may need it.
We welcome your questions and stories!

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Confusion about...]]>4957abuse,biblical,boundaries,care,church,cult,discipleship,discipline,grief,healing,hurt,in,leadership,loss,pastoral,power,recovery,restoration,spiritual,traumafalse1fullSpeaking the Truth in Love | Shepherd's Heart Podcast - Coming Soon!https://www.spreaker.com/episode/speaking-the-truth-in-love-shepherd-s-heart-podcast-coming-soon--71345205
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shepherd-s-heart--4100466/support.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71345205Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:05:16 +0000Stewart and Alycia WhiteSomething is amiss within the house of God, where those seeking truth and healing often encounter control and silence instead of spiritual guidance from those entrusted to shepherd them. This situation has led many to deconstruct their faith, moving...
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shepherd-s-heart--4100466/support.]]>175abuse,bible,biblical,christianity,christians,church,discernment,discipleship,doctrine,faith,false,heart,hurt,pastor,pastors,sexual,shepherd's,spiritual,survivors,teachingfalsetrailer