Redeeming Power – Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church

Power has a God-given role in human relationships and institutions, but it can lead to abuse when used in unhealthy ways. Speaking into current #MeToo and #ChurchToo conversations, this book shows that the body of Christ desperately needs to understand the forms power takes, how it is abused, and how to respond to abuses of power. Although many Christians want to prevent abuse in their churches and organizations, they lack a deep and clear-eyed understanding of how power actually works. Internationally recognized psychologist Diane Langberg offers a clinical and theological framework for understanding how power operates, the effects of the abuse of power, and how power can be redeemed and restored to its proper God-given place in relationships and institutions. This book not only helps Christian leaders identify and resist abusive systems but also shows how they can use power to protect the vulnerable in their midst.

Diane Langberg (PhD, Temple University) is an internationally recognized psychologist with 50 years of experience. She speaks regularly on abuse and trauma all over the world and cofounded the Global Trauma Recovery Institute at Biblical Theological Seminary. For 29 years, she directed her own counseling practice in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania. Langberg, Monroe & Associates, which includes 17 therapists with multiple specialties, now continues this work. Langberg previously served on the board of GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in a Christian Environment) and cochaired the American Bible Society's Trauma Advisory Council. She has authored numerous books, including Counseling Survivors of Sexual Abuse, In Our Lives First: Meditations for Counselors, On the Threshold of Hope, and Suffering and the Heart of God: How Trauma Destroys and Christ Restores.

"Bold. Challenging. Christ-exalting." Redeeming Power shows that the body of Christ desperately needs to understand the forms power takes, how it is abused, and how to respond to abuses of power."This book is one of the most important works for a pastor, or anyone in a position of authority, to dwell on. Langberg's work laying out the relationship between power and abuse and contrasting it with how power is exercised in the person and work of Christ is foundational for any leader or ministry desiring to reflect the gospel. This book is a must-read for spiritual leaders and for every Christian as we seek to exhort each other to righteousness and use redemptively whatever authority we have in our own spheres."-- Rachael Denhollander , speaker, victim advocate, and attorney; author of What Is a Girl Worth? "You will need to read this book with a highlighter and a box of tissues nearby. Redeeming Power is essential reading for every leader and anyone who wishes to use what power they have to bless and heal in a world that so often curses and wounds."-- Jemar Tisby , New York Times bestselling author of The Color of Compromise " Redeeming Power should be on the must-read list of every pastor, leader, boss, coach, parent, and educator--anyone interested in learning how to use power to bless, not curse. I believe what Langberg has written could change the world if properly applied, because it is straight from the heart of our compassionate God."-- Kay Warren , cofounder, Saddleback Church"Vintage Diane Langberg! Bold. Challenging. Christ-exalting. Langberg is a strong advocate and voice for the vulnerable and voiceless."-- Tim Clinton , president, American Association of Christian Counselors

Power has a God-given role in human relationships and institutions, but it can lead to abuse when used in unhealthy ways. Speaking into current #metoo and #churchtoo conversations, this book shows that the body of Christ desperately needs to understand the forms power takes, how it is abused, and how to respond to abuses of power.Although many Christians want to prevent abuse in their churches and organizations, they lack a deep and clear-eyed understanding of how power actually works. Internationally recognized psychologist Diane Langberg offers a clinical and theological framework for understanding how power operates, the effects of the abuse of power, and how power can be redeemed and restored to its proper God-given place in relationships and institutions. This book not only helps Christian leaders identify and resist abusive systems but also shows how they can use power to protect the vulnerable in their midst.

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