How can you identify the narratives used by high control pastors to maintain control? In this episode of the Liminal Living podcast, we talk with Jason and Lori Adams-Brown. With extensive backgrounds in intercultural studies, trauma care, and missionary work, Jason and Lori offer invaluable insights into the insidious nature of spiritual abuse within religious communities. Drawing from their own experiences of navigating abusive environments, they shed light on the subtle ways in which abusive leaders manipulate narratives to maintain power and control.

Through candid conversation, Jason and Lori provide interpretations of common phrases used to gaslight congregants and shield abusive pastors from accountability. From "We are praying for the pastor" to "We need to change our judgemental thinking," they provide a Google translate version of the gaslighting Christian language, enabling listeners to recognize the reality behind the rhetoric.

Moreover, the episode explores the dynamics of faith, career, and personal growth, offering a beacon of hope amidst the darkness. As Jason and Lori share their journey of speaking out against pastoral abuse and advocating for victims, they invite listeners to join them in fostering genuine inclusion, justice, and belonging within religious communities. Tune in to discover how to connect with their work and find hope in a world marred by spiritual exploitation.

You can find Lori’s podcast here: https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com/
You can contact Jason here: jasonadamsbrown73 (at) gmail (dot) com

Time Stamps for the episode:
05:50 Mojitos and Pictionary
10:05 Southern Baptist Roots
13:50 The Conservative Resurgence
18:14 Disillusionment sets in (Jason)
23:56 Being a woman in the SBC
30:51 Preda-pastors and the narratives they weave
36:24 Gaslighting the community
40:34 “We are praying for the pastor”
46:11 “There are people out to get him”
51:54 “They are trying to build their career”
57:15 Protecting metrics
1:00:50 “Dont judge, who hasn’t sinned?”
1:06:11 One way grace, up to the leader
1:10:22 What gives Lori hope
1:15:07 What gives Jason hope
1:17:36 Conclusions

All Music for this episode is provided by Axeltree

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All Music for this episode composed by Axeltree