'I have been waiting for a book like this that I can assign for my
seminary courses on abuse. Michael has brought much needed clarity
and wisdom to the devastating reality of spiritual abuse. Michael's
perspective as a Bible scholar and seminary president is
invaluable. He brings church leaders face-to-face with the
destruction abusers cause. He does this to help us take spiritual
abuse seriously, to foster the motivation to enact real change, and
to fill us with compassion for those who suffer from abusive
'leaders.''
* Justin S. Holcomb, Episcopal priest, seminary professor, and
coauthor of God Made All of Me *
'Learned and wise, urgent and timely, biblical and hopeful--this
book deals with a sensitive topic with enormous skill and care. I
can think of no better book on the subject and hope it will be read
widely.'
* Sam Allberry, pastor and author of Why Bother with Church?
*
'Michael has written a courageous book for such a time as this. I
pray he is a prophet who is accepted and welcomed in his own
country, particularly within a Reformed and Presbyterian community
not immune to this pervasive plague within the church.?'
* Rev. Chuck DeGroat, PhD, professor of pastoral care and
Christian spirituality at Western Theological Seminary *
'Spiritual abuse is one of the greatest stains on the bride of
Christ today. Too few with pulpits and platforms are willing to
recognize the basic truths that Michael Kruger addresses clearly,
convincingly, and biblically. I thought Bully Pulpit would be a
book every pastor and Christian leader ought to read. But I changed
my mind: every Christian from pulpit to pew needs to read this wise
and timely work--for the sake of the church and her people.'
* Karen Swallow Prior, research professor of English and
Christianity & Culture at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
and author of On Reading Well *
'The apostle Paul tells us the overseer of God's people is not to
be a bully, but gentle (1 Tim. 3:3, CSB), and yet we too often
overlook significant character issues or actions that should be
disqualifying for ministry because of how God seems to be using an
individual or growing a church. Bully Pulpit provides wise and
measured reflections on the reality of shepherds who reject
Christ's vision of leadership and leave spiritual destruction in
the wake of their sin. I hope this important book prompts serious
discussion among God's people.'
* Trevin Wax, vice president of research and resource
development at the North American Mission Board and visiting
professor at Cedarville University, author of The Thrill of
Orthodoxy *
'The topic of spiritual abuse needs careful attention and sober
reflection, so I'm thankful for this thoughtful, wise, and biblical
book. Dr. Kruger provides helpful clarity on a controversial
subject while courageously cautioning ministry leaders about the
kind of leadership that doesn't reflect the heart of Christ. Anyone
who serves the spiritual needs of people should read this timely
book.'
* Mark Vroegop, lead pastor of College Park Church and author of
Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy *
'This book is not a reaction but a response. Reactions to spiritual
abuse are understandably passionate, but often without constructive
insight. Dr. Kruger responds with both passion and constructive
insight into both how leadership dynamics often deny the character
of our Lord Jesus and how building new dynamics will put that very
character on vibrant display.'
* Jeremy Pierre, Lawrence & Charlotte Hoover Professor of
Biblical Counseling Chair, Department of Biblical Counseling and
Family Ministry at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and
author of When Home Hurts *
'While exposing spiritual abuse has become commonplace in American
Christianity, few offer constructive solutions or practical wisdom.
In this book Michael Kruger diagnoses the problem of spiritual
abuse, describes what it is (and is not), and equips leaders to
prevent abuse as well as respond appropriately when it happens. I
hope every pastor reads this book and that it leads to faithfully
representing our Lord, who used his power to serve.'
* Jeremy Treat, pastor for preaching and vision at Reality LA
and author of Seek First *
'Who would ever have thought we would reach a point in the life of
the church where the adjective bully would modify the noun pulpit?
Yet, sadly, we have arrived. This book is both urgent and timely,
as the presence of domineering and abusive church leaders continues
to make headlines. This book is not only for pastors and elders but
should be read by all Christians who care about the life and health
of the body of Christ. I highly recommend it.'
* Sam Storms, lead pastor for preaching and vision at Bridgeway
Church and author of Understanding Spiritual Gifts *
'With prophetic courage and pastoral compassion, Mike Kruger has
written an important book on a difficult subject. No one likes to
think or talk about spiritual abuse, especially in the church, but
if we neglect and ignore this very real problem and don't find the
right ways to confront it, woe to us. So if you're a church leader
who wants to shepherd the precious flock of God in the paradigm,
pattern, and posture of the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ, pick up
this must-read book, then listen and learn.'
* Julius J. Kim, PhD, president of the Gospel Coalition *
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