Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church - Softcover

Diane Langberg

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1587434385 ISBN 13: 9781587434389

Publisher: Brazos Press, 2020

Synopsis

How Power Works--and How to Stop Its Abuse

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 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 and the forms it takes
● the effects of the abuse of power
● how power can be restored to its 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.

About this title

About the Author

Diane Langberg (PhD, Temple University) is an internationally recognized psychologist with more than fifty years of experience. She chaired the advisory board of the American Association of Christian Counselors until stepping down in 2021 and cofounded the Global Trauma Recovery Institute, which trains therapists to assist trauma victims across the world. She is the founder of Langberg, Monroe & Associates, which provides counseling services in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, and consults with Christian organizations around the world to address issues of abuse in the church. Langberg speaks on abuse and trauma the world over and is the author of seven books, including Redeeming Power. Her books have been translated into eleven languages.

From the Back Cover

"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

Edition details

• Publisher: Brazos Press
• Publication date: 2020
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1587434385
• ISBN 13: 9781587434389
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 224