Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church
Ebook
Overview
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 to understand the forms power takes, how it is abused, and how to respond to abuses of power.
Although many Christians want to prevent abuse in their churches and organizations, they lack 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, the effects of the abuse of power, and how power can be redeemed and restored to its proper 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.
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
Contents
Prelude
Part 1: Power Defined
1. The Source and Purpose of Power
2. Vulnerability and Power
3. The Role of Deception in the Abuse of Power
4. The Power of Culture and the Influence of Words
Part 2: Power Abused
5. Understanding Abuse of Power
6. Power in Human Systems
7. Power between Men and Women
8. The Intersection of Race and Power
9. Power Abused in the Church
10. Christendom Seduced by Power
Part 3: Power Redeemed
11. Redemptive Power and the Person of Christ
12. Healing Power and the Body of Christ
Postlude
- Title: Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church
- Author: Diane Langberg
- Publisher: Brazos Press
- Print Publication Date: 2020
- Logos Release Date: 2020
- Pages: 224
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781493427567, 9781587434389, 1587434385, 1493427563
- Resource ID: LLS:9781493427567
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2025-06-13T16:25:21Z
Dr. Diane Langberg, is a globally recognized psychologist with 53 years of clinical experience working with trauma patients. She has trained caregivers from six continents in responding to trauma and to the abuse of power. For 29 years she directed her own practice in Jenkintown PA - Diane Langberg Ph.D. & Associates. Now, in partnership with Dr. Phil Monroe, Langberg, Monroe & Associates continues this work which includes seventeen therapists with multiple specialties.
November 2024 will see the publication of Dr. Langberg's most recent book, When the Church Harms God's People: Becoming Faith Communities that Resist Abuse, Pursue Truth, and Care for the Wounded. Two more recent works are In Our Lives First: Meditations for Counselors, Volume 2, and Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church. Additional readings include Suffering the Heart of God: How Trauma Destroys and Christ Restores, On the Threshold of Hope (with Workbook), Counseling Survivors of Sexual Abuse, and In Our Lives First: Meditations for Counselors.
Dr. Langberg is the recipient of the Distinguished Alumna Achievements from Taylor University., the American Association of Christian Counselors Caregiver Award, The Distinguished President’s award, and the Philadelphia Council of Clergy’s Christian Service Award.
She is married and has two sons and four grandchildren.