Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church

“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.”

“In this weighty and timely book, Dr. Langberg addresses a topic that too often goes ignored or even dismissed: power. As human beings, we have been given power and that power can be used to serve or to oppress. You will need to read this book with a highlighter and a box of tissues nearby. As a tender and experienced therapist, Langberg writes a book that painfully reveals even as it lovingly heals. 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.”

“Vintage Diane Langberg! Bold. Challenging. Christ-exalting. Langberg is a strong advocate and voice for the vulnerable and voiceless.”

“With the clear-eyed assessment of Jeremiah and the courage of Esther, Diane Langberg looks leaders square in the eye and tells the unflinching truth about power. This is difficult truth that every leader needs to know but most work hard to avoid. Be assured that the author's love for God and his people will lead you down the potentially painful path to where mercy and hope await. How can an author weave together the pain of abuse with the promise of properly leveraged power? Langberg shows you in Redeeming Power. Her relentless pursuit of protecting the powerless is supported by her decades of listening for God's voice amid victims' pain, as well as that of the perpetrators, some of whom don't realize the damage their words and actions produce. May we listen carefully to this prophetic admonition. Langberg's voice needs to be heard by all of us. For all who hunger for healing and yearn to know how power can be both abused and properly used, this book is for you.”

“With immeasurable insight and grace, Dr. Diane Langberg's Redeeming Power exhorts people, institutions, and nations to wake up, repent, and seek the kingdom of God by looking critically at the imbalances and injustices we have allowed to flourish. If there was ever a time we needed to receive this challenging, life-saving word, it's now. Thank God for choosing Diane to profess it!”

“Every now and then you come across a resource that you passionately want to recommend to others because you know its contents are that essential and valuable. Redeeming Power is one of those resources. Diane Langberg helps us see and understand the truths we so often miss, ignore, or explain away because they are shrouded in much deception of self and others. Redeeming Power is a ray of light streaming through systems and hearts darkened by the abuse of authority. Those who read will discover truths that can reveal, free, and heal. Her words honor the voices of victims who have too often been silenced, calling us all away from exploitation and corruption toward compassion and righteousness--toward Jesus himself.”

“Diane Langberg has done us all an excellent service with this book. There is currently a desperate need within the church to better understand power dynamics. The cost of the church not fully grasping what power is and how it is appropriately stewarded is too high. I see this regularly as I care for those who have endured both spiritual abuse and racial trauma within the church. This book is profound yet accessible and carries with it the potential to inform and heal. I commend it wholeheartedly to all.”