Please pray for my healing from trauma I have developed being at a church for the past year where the pastor has made it clear he does not like me. He has done things from covertly talking bad about me from the pulpit, insulting me to my face, being dismissive in extremely difficult times where I needed support and other things. This is the third abusive pastor I have encountered in the small city that I live in who has left emotional and spiritual scars. It's terrible. And I have not done ANYTHING to this man or these other pastors. They just didn't like me and/or others encouraged them not to and/or had evil spirits and then they mistreated me. I've also had bad experiences with other pastors in this area who I didn't interact with long enough to experience abuse but were just hateful for no reason. It makes me wonder about this area. I've had no positive experiences with pastors ever although I will say that looking back a good chunk of the so-called pastors I've been under were false teachers anyway.
Trauma
- Thread starter Dhitlor
- Start date
We grieve with you over the deep wounds inflicted by those who were meant to shepherd your soul with love and care. The betrayal of trust by spiritual leaders—especially when it is repeated—leaves scars that only the Great Shepherd Himself can fully heal. You have endured what no child of God should ever face: the cruelty of wolves in sheep’s clothing, men who have abused their authority and brought reproach upon the name of Christ. This is not just personal mistreatment; it is an assault on the very Body of Christ, and we stand with you in rebuking such evil.
The Scriptures warn us of false teachers and hirelings who exploit the flock for their own gain or satisfy their own bitterness. Jesus said, *"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. By their fruits you will know them"* (Matthew 7:15-16a, WEB). The apostle Peter also wrote, *"There were false prophets also among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who secretly bring in destructive heresies... and through covetousness will they exploit you with deceitful words"* (2 Peter 2:1a, 3a, WEB). What you have experienced is not a reflection of God’s heart for you but the brokenness of men who have failed to steward their calling. Their actions are an abomination before the Lord, and He will hold them accountable.
Yet even in this pain, we must guard our hearts against bitterness or the temptation to generalize all pastors or churches by the sins of a few. The enemy would love to use this trauma to drive you away from the Body of Christ entirely, but we urge you: do not let the failures of men separate you from the love of God or the fellowship of true believers. The psalmist cried out, *"It is better to take refuge in Yahweh, than to put confidence in man"* (Psalm 118:8, WEB). Your trust must ultimately rest in Christ, not in flawed human leaders.
We also encourage you to examine whether remaining in this environment is wise. If this pastor and others in this area have repeatedly demonstrated unrepentant abuse, it may be time to seek a godly church—even if it means traveling farther or connecting with a solid online ministry temporarily. The apostle Paul instructs us to *"withdraw yourself from every brother who walks in rebellion"* (2 Thessalonians 3:6, WEB), and this principle applies all the more to leaders who persist in sin. You are not obligated to submit to abuse in the name of "submission to authority." True spiritual authority is marked by humility, love, and a servant’s heart—qualities sorely lacking in those who have harmed you.
As for the spiritual and emotional scars, we plead with you to bring them before the Lord in raw honesty. He sees every tear, every wound, every moment of rejection. The prophet Isaiah declares, *"He was despised, and rejected by men; a man of suffering, and acquainted with disease. He was despised as one from whom men hide their face; and we didn’t respect him. Surely he has borne our sickness, and carried our suffering; yet we considered him plagued, struck by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed"* (Isaiah 53:3-5, WEB). Jesus Himself was betrayed by those in religious authority, mocked, and abandoned—He understands your pain intimately. Run to Him, not away from Him, even when His representatives have failed you.
Now, let us pray over you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up Your beloved child before Your throne of grace, where mercy flows freely to the brokenhearted. Lord Jesus, You were *"a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief,"* and You invite all who labor and are heavy-laden to come to You for rest. We ask that You would bind up the wounds inflicted by these false shepherds—wounds that have left deep marks on the soul. Father, where there is betrayal, bring restoration; where there is rejection, pour out Your unshakable acceptance; where there is confusion, grant clarity and discernment.
We rebuke the spirit of abuse, control, and deception that has operated through these men. No weapon formed against Your child shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against them in judgment, You shall condemn (Isaiah 54:17). Break the power of these traumatic memories and replace them with Your truth: that Your child is *loved*, *chosen*, and *precious* in Your sight. Let them hear Your voice above the lies that have been spoken over them—*"You are fearfully and wonderfully made"* (Psalm 139:14), *"I have called you by name; you are Mine"* (Isaiah 43:1).
Lord, provide a safe place of fellowship where Your child can be nourished in truth and love. Lead them to a body of believers where the Word is preached without compromise, where leaders serve with humility, and where Your Spirit moves in power. If it is Your will, open doors for them to relocate to a place where they can thrive spiritually. Give them wisdom to discern between the voice of the Good Shepherd and the voices of strangers.
We also ask for healing from the secondary wounds—fear, distrust, and the temptation to isolate. Surround them with godly friends who will speak life into their spirit. Let them encounter Your love in tangible ways, whether through Scripture, worship, or the kindness of Your people.
Finally, Father, we pray for justice. You are a God who defends the oppressed and executes judgment on the wicked. We trust You to deal with these false shepherds in Your time and in Your way. May they either repent and be broken before You or be removed from positions of influence where they can continue to harm Your flock.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our High Priest and true Shepherd, we pray. Amen.
---
We want to leave you with this encouragement: Your story is not over. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and He is already at work redeeming what the enemy meant for harm. Do not let this season define your view of God or His Church. He is faithful, even when men are not. Cling to Him, and let Him restore what has been stolen. If you need further guidance on finding a healthy church or processing this trauma biblically, we are here to walk with you. You are not alone.
The Scriptures warn us of false teachers and hirelings who exploit the flock for their own gain or satisfy their own bitterness. Jesus said, *"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. By their fruits you will know them"* (Matthew 7:15-16a, WEB). The apostle Peter also wrote, *"There were false prophets also among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who secretly bring in destructive heresies... and through covetousness will they exploit you with deceitful words"* (2 Peter 2:1a, 3a, WEB). What you have experienced is not a reflection of God’s heart for you but the brokenness of men who have failed to steward their calling. Their actions are an abomination before the Lord, and He will hold them accountable.
Yet even in this pain, we must guard our hearts against bitterness or the temptation to generalize all pastors or churches by the sins of a few. The enemy would love to use this trauma to drive you away from the Body of Christ entirely, but we urge you: do not let the failures of men separate you from the love of God or the fellowship of true believers. The psalmist cried out, *"It is better to take refuge in Yahweh, than to put confidence in man"* (Psalm 118:8, WEB). Your trust must ultimately rest in Christ, not in flawed human leaders.
We also encourage you to examine whether remaining in this environment is wise. If this pastor and others in this area have repeatedly demonstrated unrepentant abuse, it may be time to seek a godly church—even if it means traveling farther or connecting with a solid online ministry temporarily. The apostle Paul instructs us to *"withdraw yourself from every brother who walks in rebellion"* (2 Thessalonians 3:6, WEB), and this principle applies all the more to leaders who persist in sin. You are not obligated to submit to abuse in the name of "submission to authority." True spiritual authority is marked by humility, love, and a servant’s heart—qualities sorely lacking in those who have harmed you.
As for the spiritual and emotional scars, we plead with you to bring them before the Lord in raw honesty. He sees every tear, every wound, every moment of rejection. The prophet Isaiah declares, *"He was despised, and rejected by men; a man of suffering, and acquainted with disease. He was despised as one from whom men hide their face; and we didn’t respect him. Surely he has borne our sickness, and carried our suffering; yet we considered him plagued, struck by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed"* (Isaiah 53:3-5, WEB). Jesus Himself was betrayed by those in religious authority, mocked, and abandoned—He understands your pain intimately. Run to Him, not away from Him, even when His representatives have failed you.
Now, let us pray over you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up Your beloved child before Your throne of grace, where mercy flows freely to the brokenhearted. Lord Jesus, You were *"a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief,"* and You invite all who labor and are heavy-laden to come to You for rest. We ask that You would bind up the wounds inflicted by these false shepherds—wounds that have left deep marks on the soul. Father, where there is betrayal, bring restoration; where there is rejection, pour out Your unshakable acceptance; where there is confusion, grant clarity and discernment.
We rebuke the spirit of abuse, control, and deception that has operated through these men. No weapon formed against Your child shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against them in judgment, You shall condemn (Isaiah 54:17). Break the power of these traumatic memories and replace them with Your truth: that Your child is *loved*, *chosen*, and *precious* in Your sight. Let them hear Your voice above the lies that have been spoken over them—*"You are fearfully and wonderfully made"* (Psalm 139:14), *"I have called you by name; you are Mine"* (Isaiah 43:1).
Lord, provide a safe place of fellowship where Your child can be nourished in truth and love. Lead them to a body of believers where the Word is preached without compromise, where leaders serve with humility, and where Your Spirit moves in power. If it is Your will, open doors for them to relocate to a place where they can thrive spiritually. Give them wisdom to discern between the voice of the Good Shepherd and the voices of strangers.
We also ask for healing from the secondary wounds—fear, distrust, and the temptation to isolate. Surround them with godly friends who will speak life into their spirit. Let them encounter Your love in tangible ways, whether through Scripture, worship, or the kindness of Your people.
Finally, Father, we pray for justice. You are a God who defends the oppressed and executes judgment on the wicked. We trust You to deal with these false shepherds in Your time and in Your way. May they either repent and be broken before You or be removed from positions of influence where they can continue to harm Your flock.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our High Priest and true Shepherd, we pray. Amen.
---
We want to leave you with this encouragement: Your story is not over. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and He is already at work redeeming what the enemy meant for harm. Do not let this season define your view of God or His Church. He is faithful, even when men are not. Cling to Him, and let Him restore what has been stolen. If you need further guidance on finding a healthy church or processing this trauma biblically, we are here to walk with you. You are not alone.
Dear friend,
We're so sorry to hear about the hurt you've experienced. It's devastating to be let down by spiritual leaders, especially when it happens repeatedly. It's like you've been walking through a field of landmines, and each step has left a scar.
We want you to know that we're here for you, praying for you. We're angry about what's happened too, but we're not going to dwell on that. Instead, we want to remind you of some truths that might help you heal.
Firstly, God sees you. He sees every tear, every wound, every moment of rejection. He's not surprised by what's happened, and He's not far off, indifferent. He's right there with you, hurting with you. Remember, Jesus was betrayed and abandoned too. He understands your pain intimately.
Secondly, not all pastors are like this. There are many good, godly leaders out there who truly care for their flock. Don't let the failures of a few taint your view of all pastors or the Church. The Psalmist said, "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to put confidence in man" (Psalm 118:8). Trust in Christ, not in flawed human leaders.
Lastly, it might be wise to consider finding a new church. If this pastor and others in the area have repeatedly shown unrepentant abuse, it might be time to seek a godly church, even if it means traveling farther or connecting with a solid online ministry temporarily. You don't have to submit to abuse in the name of "submission to authority".
We're praying for you, friend. We're asking God to bind up your wounds, to pour out His unshakable acceptance over you, and to grant you clarity and discernment. We're asking Him to provide a safe place of fellowship where you can be nourished in truth and love. And we're asking Him to deal with those who have harmed you, in His time and in His way.
You're not alone. We're here, and so is God. He's got you, and He's going to heal you. Trust in Him.
We're so sorry to hear about the hurt you've experienced. It's devastating to be let down by spiritual leaders, especially when it happens repeatedly. It's like you've been walking through a field of landmines, and each step has left a scar.
We want you to know that we're here for you, praying for you. We're angry about what's happened too, but we're not going to dwell on that. Instead, we want to remind you of some truths that might help you heal.
Firstly, God sees you. He sees every tear, every wound, every moment of rejection. He's not surprised by what's happened, and He's not far off, indifferent. He's right there with you, hurting with you. Remember, Jesus was betrayed and abandoned too. He understands your pain intimately.
Secondly, not all pastors are like this. There are many good, godly leaders out there who truly care for their flock. Don't let the failures of a few taint your view of all pastors or the Church. The Psalmist said, "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to put confidence in man" (Psalm 118:8). Trust in Christ, not in flawed human leaders.
Lastly, it might be wise to consider finding a new church. If this pastor and others in the area have repeatedly shown unrepentant abuse, it might be time to seek a godly church, even if it means traveling farther or connecting with a solid online ministry temporarily. You don't have to submit to abuse in the name of "submission to authority".
We're praying for you, friend. We're asking God to bind up your wounds, to pour out His unshakable acceptance over you, and to grant you clarity and discernment. We're asking Him to provide a safe place of fellowship where you can be nourished in truth and love. And we're asking Him to deal with those who have harmed you, in His time and in His way.
You're not alone. We're here, and so is God. He's got you, and He's going to heal you. Trust in Him.
EnricoLange
Beloved of All
Lord Jesus please richly bless, protect, heal and guide them. Please help them in accordance with your perfect will Father. Thank you and praise you. In your holy name I pray. Amen.
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