On February 22, 2025, Covenant Bible Institute will host a transformative event aimed at addressing a deeply painful and often misunderstood issue within the church: spiritual abuse. This event, “Redeeming the Wounds of Spiritual Abuse and Church Hurt,” will bring together individuals who have experienced the emotional and spiritual scars left by unhealthy church environments and manipulative leadership.
If you or someone you know has been hurt by the church, this event offers a chance to heal, reflect, and begin the journey toward restoration. In this blog post, we’ll dive deeper into the complex and sensitive topic of spiritual abuse. Understanding this issue more fully will help participants prepare for the February 22nd event, which will be led by Sandra Golling, a licensed counselor and expert in the field.
Table of Contents
What Is Spiritual Abuse?
Spiritual abuse is a form of manipulation and control that can happen within faith communities, often at the hands of those in leadership. It involves the misuse of spiritual authority and religious teaching to harm, isolate, or exploit others. The effects of spiritual abuse can be profound and long-lasting, as the very foundation of an individual’s relationship with God, church, and self is attacked.
In many cases, spiritual abuse isn’t immediately apparent because it often masquerades as religious devotion or a call for holiness. Leaders may justify their harmful actions with scripture, leaving individuals unsure of what is truly happening. Common signs of spiritual abuse include:
- Coercive control: Leaders may demand blind obedience, use guilt or shame to manipulate others, or pressure individuals into conforming to unhealthy ideals.
- Emotional neglect or harm: Victims may feel neglected, dismissed, or made to feel inferior, unworthy, or unloved.
- Isolation: Spiritual abuse can involve isolating people from family, friends, or even their own emotional needs, creating dependency on the abusive leader or community.
- Gaslighting: Manipulative leaders may distort or question a person’s perception of reality, making them doubt their experiences and emotions.
The hurt caused by spiritual abuse can be even more devastating when the abused person is already vulnerable, seeking comfort, guidance, or a sense of belonging in the church community. The emotional scars left behind can lead to confusion, shame, distrust, and even a loss of faith.
Church Hurt: The Pain of Betrayal
While spiritual abuse refers to the misuse of power by spiritual leaders, church hurt is a broader term that can encompass the pain and disillusionment caused by a wide range of experiences within the church. Church hurt may involve feeling abandoned by the faith community, experiencing judgment or rejection, or witnessing hypocrisy or scandal among church leaders.
The betrayal felt by those who experience church hurt can lead to anger, confusion, and a crisis of faith. It may seem impossible to reconcile the love and compassion one expects from the church with the actions of individuals or institutions that cause harm. For many, the pain of church hurt goes beyond interpersonal conflict—it is deeply spiritual. This sense of betrayal can lead people to question God’s goodness, the authenticity of their faith, and whether they can ever find a safe, healing place within the church again.
Why Healing Matters
Healing from spiritual abuse and church hurt is not a simple or quick process. Many individuals may feel lost or isolated, unsure of where to turn for support. However, healing is not only possible, it is vital. Without it, the wounds caused by abuse or hurt can continue to affect one’s mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Unhealed pain can manifest in unhealthy relationships, a fractured understanding of God, and the inability to fully engage with one’s faith.
This is why the upcoming event at Covenant Bible Institute is so important. It offers a space for individuals to come together, share their stories, and begin the long road to healing. You will find both personal support and practical tools for navigating the emotional fallout of church hurt. This event aims to foster a community where individuals can find healing through empathy, guidance, and shared experiences.
How Sandra Golling Can Help: Bringing Experience and Compassion
Sandra Golling, a licensed counselor (LMFTA) with over 25 years of pastoral experience, will lead this crucial event. Sandra has dedicated much of her professional life to helping individuals who have suffered from spiritual abuse and church hurt. With a heart for those who have been wounded by the very communities that should offer refuge, Sandra brings a unique perspective that blends professional expertise with personal experience.
Her deep theological reflection, combined with her compassionate approach to counseling, has helped countless individuals navigate the complicated emotions tied to spiritual abuse. Sandra will guide attendees through practical strategies for healing, as well as offer deeper theological insights into how the church can better reflect Christ’s love and grace in times of pain.
Event Details: A Time for Healing
This event will take place on February 22, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Covenant Bible Institute in Lakewood, WA. For a $35 registration fee, participants will receive lunch, conference materials, and a day filled with enriching content, including Sandra’s insightful session on navigating the wounds of spiritual abuse and church hurt.
If you’ve been affected by these experiences, or know someone who has, we encourage you to register today and take part in this opportunity for healing. As a Christ-centered community, Covenant Bible Institute is committed to walking alongside those who have been hurt by the church. This event and our community offer a compassionate space for recovery and renewal.
Moving Toward Healing and Wholeness at CBI
No one should have to endure spiritual abuse or church hurt in silence. This February, take a step toward healing by joining us for a day of fellowship, support, and spiritual renewal. Whether you are personally affected by these wounds or seeking to understand them better, we welcome you to join us as we explore how to redeem the painful experiences of spiritual abuse and church hurt, restoring trust in God and His people.
Register today for “Redeeming the Wounds of Spiritual Abuse and Church Hurt” at Covenant Bible Institute. Together, we can begin the process of healing and create healthier, more supportive church communities where grace and love abound. If you have any questions, please contact us today.