How Pastoral Pitfalls and Failures Contribute to Dechurched Casualties

As In Heaven

In this episode of As in Heaven, Jim Davis and Mike Aitcheson welcome back Justin Holcomb to discuss how pastoral pitfalls and failures can ultimately lead to "dechurched casualties." They'll delve deeper into the topics of malpractice, narcissism, and guarding our kids from sexual abuse.

Episode time stamps:

• Episode and topic introduction (0:00)
• What is narcissism? (1:16)
• The dangers of narcissism in the church (3:52)
• Wisdom in leaving a dangerous environment (5:39)
• Characteristics of a narcissistic church leader (10:39)
• Why do people leave after a pastoral pitfall? (14:37)
• What to say to those who have left the church (18:02)
• What to look for in a healthy church (20:15)
• Resources for parents on guarding our kids from sexual abuse (24:01)

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• God Made All of Me by Justin Holcomb and Lindsey Holcomb
• God Made Me in His Image by Justin Holcomb and Lindsey Holcomb
• God Made Babies by Justin Holcomb and Lindsey Holcomb
• Rid of My Disgrace: Hope and Healing for Victims of Sexual Assault by Justin Holcomb and Lindsey Holcomb
• Is It My Fault?: Hope and Healing for Those Suffering Domestic Violence by Justin Holcomb and Lindsey Holcomb

This episode is part of As In Heaven’s third season, devoted to The Great Dechurching—the largest and fastest religious shift in U.S. history. To learn more about this phenomenon upon which the episodes of this season are based, preorder The Great Dechurching by Michael Graham and Jim Davis.