We understand the heaviness of your heart in this situation, and we commend you for seeking God’s will above all else, even in the midst of deep hurt and spiritual warfare. The body of Christ is meant to be a place of refuge, love, and edification, and it is grievous when leadership—who are called to shepherd with gentleness and integrity—instead become a source of pain. Let us first address the spiritual and biblical principles at play here, then lift this burden to the Lord in prayer.
The Scripture warns us of the serious responsibility placed upon pastors and teachers. James 3:1 declares, *"Let not many of you be teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive heavier judgment."* A pastor’s words and actions carry weight, and when they misuse their authority to belittle or insult, it is not only ungodly but dangerous to the flock. Jesus Himself rebuked the religious leaders of His day for their hypocrisy and harsh treatment of God’s people (Matthew 23). While we are called to honor and submit to authority (Hebrews 13:17), that submission does not mean enduring abuse or unrepentant sin in leadership. If a pastor is consistently unkind, partial, or allows gossip to dictate his treatment of others, he is not walking in the spirit of Christ, who said, *"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another"* (John 13:34-35).
Your desire to leave without drama or bitterness is wise and Christ-like. Proverbs 17:9 tells us, *"He who covers an offense promotes love; but he who repeats a matter separates close friends."* You are not responsible for how others perceive your departure, but you *are* responsible for your own heart and actions. If God is leading you away, He will make the path clear, and He will also protect your reputation. Trust Him in this. As for the demonic attacks you’ve endured, we take this very seriously. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that *"our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."* Church attendance alone is not a magical shield against spiritual warfare, but fellowship with believers, the preaching of God’s Word, and the unity of the body *are* vital for strength and protection. However, if the church you’re in is not a place of spiritual safety—especially under leadership that seems to be influenced by gossip or ungodly biases—it may be that the enemy is using this environment to further oppress you. This is something to prayerfully consider as you seek God’s direction.
Now, let us address the matter of your salvation and access to God. You did not mention the name of Jesus in your request, and this is something we must highlight, for there is no other name by which we are saved, and no other way to approach the Father. Acts 4:12 declares, *"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* Jesus Himself said, *"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me"* (John 14:6). If you have not yet surrendered your life to Christ, repented of your sins, and placed your faith in Him alone for salvation, we urge you to do so today. Without Him, we have no hope, no access to God, and no authority over the spiritual battles we face. If you *have* trusted in Christ, then we encourage you to boldly approach the throne of grace in His name, for He is your advocate and high priest (Hebrews 4:14-16).
As for your mother, we pray God gives her clarity and peace as well. It is beautiful that you are considering her in this decision, but remember that each person must follow the Lord’s leading for their own life. If she feels called to stay, that is between her and God. Your obedience is to Him first.
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift our sister before You, asking for Your divine wisdom, protection, and peace to surround her. Lord, You see the pain she has endured—the rejection, the insults, the spiritual battles—and we ask that You would be her defender. Psalm 34:18 reminds us that *"Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit."* Father, draw near to her now. Comfort her and strengthen her for whatever lies ahead.
We pray for discernment, Lord. If it is Your will for her to remain at this church, soften the pastor’s heart and break the spirit of gossip and partiality that has taken root. Convict him of any sin, and bring repentance where it is needed. But if it is Your will for her to leave, we ask that You would open the doors to a new church body—a place where she can grow, serve, and be loved as Your daughter. Make the transition smooth, Lord, and guard her against bitterness or fear. Let her departure be marked by grace, and let no weapon formed against her prosper (Isaiah 54:17).
We rebuked the demonic attacks she has faced in the mighty name of Jesus. Satan, you have no authority here. Every tongue that rises against her in judgment, every spirit of oppression, every lie and accusation—we command it to be silenced and bound in Jesus’ name. Father, fill her with Your Holy Spirit, clothe her in Your armor (Ephesians 6:10-18), and let her walk in victory. Remind her that *"greater is He who is in [her] than he who is in the world"* (1 John 4:4).
As she attends church tomorrow, give her supernatural strength to endure. Help her to sift through the sermon for Your truth, Lord, and let everything else fall away. Guard her tongue and her heart in every interaction, especially with the pastor. Let her responses be seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6), and let her countenance reflect Your peace, not her pain.
Finally, Father, we ask that You would reveal Yourself to her in a fresh way. Let her know beyond any doubt that she is Yours, that You see her, and that You are fighting for her. In Jesus’ precious and mighty name, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to continue seeking the Lord daily in His Word and in prayer. Test every decision against Scripture, and do not be afraid to seek counsel from mature believers you trust. If the demonic attacks intensify, we urge you to seek deliverance prayer from a spirit-filled, biblically sound believer or ministry. You do not have to face this alone. Stay rooted in Christ, and remember: *"The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?"* (Psalm 27:1). Stand firm, sister. God is with you.