When Faith Hurts More Than It Heals
In many parts of the world, especially in developing communities, church leaders wield unmatched influence. They are seen as shepherds of truth, moral compasses, and voices of divine intervention.
Yet, behind many pulpits are deeply troubled individuals, some with undiagnosed or untreated mental health conditions, often exhibiting narcissistic or grandiose behaviors.
These leaders do not merely lead their congregations they manipulate, exploit, and abuse them under the guise of deliverance, prophecy, or spiritual covering.
Their victims are often the poor, the broken-hearted, the desperate or those looking for healing in the name of God but receiving spiritual bondage instead.
The emotional manipulation cloaked in religious robes is not only dangerous but deadly.
This article explores how mental health issues, particularly narcissistic traits, fuel the manipulation tactics of modern church leaders. It delves into the psychological and spiritual tools they use, the damage left in their wake, and how the faithful especially the poor can protect themselves.
A Silent Storm Between Mental Health and the Church Leader
While not all church leaders suffer from mental illness, a growing body of evidence suggests that some of the most toxic exhibit signs of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). These include:
- Grandiosity: An exaggerated sense of self-importance. These leaders often claim divine anointing no one else possesses.
- Lack of empathy: Unable to feel for others, they show no remorse when their actions hurt congregants.
- Need for admiration: Their sermons become platforms of self-praise, testimonies revolve around their miracles, not God’s grace.
- Manipulation: They know how to gaslight, guilt-trip, and isolate followers.
According to a 2023 study by the Journal of Pastoral Psychology, as many as 30% of pastors may exhibit narcissistic traits, significantly higher than the general population.
“They are wolves in sheep’s clothing,” says A.J. Mathieu of The Malphurs Group. “They don’t need a pulpit they need therapy.”
Biblical reflection doesn’t excuse these traits. In fact, Scripture warns of them:
“For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 11:13
Deliverance as a Weapon
These leaders weaponise religion.
They claim to see demons in every corner of a congregant’s life, in families, dreams, workplaces, even wombs. This ‘spiritual diagnosis’ is often the beginning of control:
- False prophecies: Used to create dependency. Followers can’t make a move without their ‘man of God.’
- Fear preaching: The constant threat of hell, curses, or generational spirits keeps people trapped.
- Isolation: Congregants are cut off from music, social life, family or other churches.
- Sexual exploitation: Veiled as “spiritual intimacy,” many women and girls are molested in the name of prophecy.
Why the Poor Are the Prime Targets
The poor are more vulnerable because they often seek miracles for survival, be it healing, jobs, visas, marriages.
These communities also have:
- Limited education to critically evaluate false doctrine
- Deep trust in religious figures
- Cultural pressure to stay silent or ‘not touch the anointed’
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor…” — Luke 4:18
Yet in many churches, the poor receive manipulation instead of good news.
The Holy Gaslight – Making Victims Think They Are the Problem
Gaslighting is a psychological manipulation tactic used to make people doubt their sanity or reality. In churches, it looks like this:
- A woman raises concern: “You have a rebellious spirit.”
- A member leaves the church: “He’s under demonic attack.”
- A child is molested: “It’s a test of faith. Don’t ruin the man of God’s name.”
Followers begin to blame themselves for the abuse. This psychological prison is reinforced by scripture twisted out of context:
“Touch not my anointed and do my prophets no harm.” — Psalm 105:15 (used to silence criticism)
What the Science Says
Narcissistic and sociopathic behaviors are not only spiritual issues but they are psychological patterns.
According to the DSM-5, narcissistic personality disorder includes:
- A pattern of grandiosity
- Fantasies of unlimited success and power
- Sense of entitlement
- Interpersonally exploitative behavior
In abusive churches, the pastoral narcissist is surrounded by enablers that are sycophants who protect them for status, security, or fear.
Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, says:
“Narcissists are charismatic but dangerous. In spiritual contexts, their manipulation is cloaked as divine instruction.”
Examples of Christian Manipulators
- Jim Jones: Founder of the People’s Temple. His manipulation led over 900 people to drink poisoned Kool-Aid in Jonestown.
- Shepherd Bushiri (Malawi/South Africa): Accused of defrauding followers of millions under the guise of miracles.
- Paul Sanyangore (Zimbabwe): Claimed he had God’s number on his phone.
- TB Joshua: While admired globally, several testimonies accuse him of sexual and spiritual manipulation hidden behind charitable work.
What Can Congregants Do?
- Educate themselves – Know the traits of narcissistic and abusive leaders.
- Know Scripture for themselves – So they are not deceived by twisted interpretations.
- Speak up – Even if anonymously. Silence is complicity.
- Seek therapy or counsel – Religious trauma is real. Healing is possible.
- Report abuse – Spiritual abuse is still abuse. Protect the next victim.
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” — 1 John 4:1
A Call to the Church
It is time for the church to stop covering up dysfunction with spirituality.
The presence of miracles does not excuse manipulation. No title justifies trauma.
Church boards, fellow leaders, and entire denominations must:
- Institute mental health screening for clergy
- Enforce accountability structures
- Teach ethical leadership and emotional intelligence
- Support survivors, not silence them
Where True Healing Lies
True healing does not come from blind loyalty to broken leaders. It comes from truth, love, accountability, and grace. The Church must reclaim its space as a place of healing, not harm.
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:32
Until then, let us keep our eyes open, our Bibles close, and our hearts discerning. The poor deserve more than spiritual slavery dressed as deliverance.
This is the time to call out Holy Gaslighting for what it is a grandiose lie dressed in religious language, harming the very sheep it was supposed to protect.