My Go-To Resources

My Go-To Resources

These are just some of the resources that have been helpful to me in my walk through spiritual abuse, and I hope that they help you too.
A Church Called Tov by Scot McKnight and Lauren Barringer
A good study on the concept of the Hebrew word, tov and how it relates to a church's culture. Very insightful as we plant currently.
We Too by Mary DeMuth
Still reading this, but so many insights into the sexual abuse ripping through the evangelical church today.
Boundaries by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
Classic work on creating boundaries in your life so you can live with space.
Safe People by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
Not sure you're in a healthy relationship? Cloud and Townsend walk through what makes a safe person versus an unsafe person in relationships.
When Narcissism Comes to Church by Chuck DeGroat
This one blew my doors off. It was like he had seen the abuse I had at church but wasn't actually there. There's a lot to unpack, not just about narcissism, how narcissists infiltrate the church and wreak havoc upon the sheep.
Bully Pulpit by Michael Kruger
From a more pastoral perspective, and geared toward fellow pastors, this book seeks to counteract the pastors who use bullying tactics to as a way of controlling the church. Very insightful. In the same vein as a A Church Called Tov, this book gives guidance to see what a bully pastor looks like and encourages bullies to repent.
Jesus and John Wayne by Kristen Kobes du Mez
More on the political side, but still timely. Du Mez walks through the history of evangelicalism and politics. Sometimes heavy handed, but overall an enlightening look on why we've so conflated evangelicalism and politics in the current world we live in. Definitely gives some vocabulary for the misuse of power and control in the current day.
Redeeming Power by Diane Langberg
Another fascinating and enlightening read, by a pioneer in understanding the dynamics of power and abuse. Anything Dr. Langberg writes is golden and well worth it. This book in particular unpacks the proper use and misuse of power in the church and how we can understand our own power in how to fix it.
In The House of Friends by Kenneth Garrett
A succinct book on how the church should be. Garrett answers that question, "What about an organization that is doctrinally orthodox, but acts like a cult?" See my review here.
Something's Not Right by Wade Mullen
This was the first book that I read that gave me vocabulary for what had happened and what was (unbeknownst to me at the time) was happening right then. This book opened my eyes to the tactics abusers use individually as well as corporately. A timely read, don't think it's less than because it's on the bottom of the stack.
Becoming Free Indeed by Jinger Dugger Vuolo
A survivor story of someone (like me) in the IBLP homeschooling cult, her unpacking of so many of the things that Gothard taught wrongly is well worth the read.
Worthy by Elyse Kitzpatrick and Eric Schumacher
This book looks at the crucial role women played in the story of redemption and throughout the history of the church. A great read, and Fitzpatrick and Schumacher also host a podcast that is really good.
The Lord is my Courage by K J Ramsey
An exposition of Psalm 23 and how it speaks to the sufferer.
This Too Shall Last by K J Ramsey
What happens when the suffering doesn't stop? Both of the books by Ramsey are insightful from someone who has been (and still is) in the trenches of abuse and suffering.
The Kingdom of the Cults by Walter Martin
The granddaddy of them all, even though I would agree with Garrett that we can know cults not only by their unorthodox teachings, but also by how they treat people. Martin's book goes a long way to describe specific doctrinal issues with cults (at least in the 70's). Good resource.
Other helpful resources not pictured:
Domestic Violence and Abuse by Jeff Crippen
I haven't finished listening to this series, but this is a really good one, showing the relationship between abuse (specifically domestic abuse) and sin.
Mary DeMuth's website has meditations and exposition on sin and abuse in the church.

I truly hope that these resources are helpful and a blessing. My Amazon Affiliate account expired, so I don't get anything out of it if you click a link.