When the Church Harms God's People: Becoming Faith Communities That Resist Abuse, Pursue Truth, and Care for the Wounded

“This book is simultaneously one of the most convicting and yet comforting books I have ever read. With deep compassion and rich theology, Diane explores both the beauty of what Christ's body is meant to be and the reality of what it often has become. For those who have suffered, it is validation of the depth of evil they experienced, coupled with the reassurance of who Jesus truly is for the vulnerable. For those who bear Christ's name and especially those who lead his flock, it is a warning of a God who will defend the weak, alongside the glorious hope of what the church can be in a broken world. This is a book for every Christian, but it is also a book for anyone wounded in the name of Jesus or seeking to understand who Jesus is and what the church is designed to be.”

“In When the Church Harms God's People, Diane Langberg articulates painful truths and imparts profound wisdom gained from her decades of serving on the front lines treating countless souls who have been profoundly wounded by the church. As one of the foremost psychologists of our time, Langberg unpacks how the church can once again reflect the true beauty and character of Jesus: the preeminent good shepherd. At this watershed moment in the life of the church, this is a must-read book for both the sheep and the shepherds who guide them.”

“In When the Church Harms God's People, Diane Langberg brilliantly outlines how the church--the sheepfold of God--can morph into deceptive/abusive religious systems that damage the very sheep they are charged with protecting and nurturing. Langberg doesn't mince words as she exposes what fuels and perpetuates evil, and she is equally eloquent in her plea for pastors and leaders to carefully examine themselves in light of God's standards for holy and loving under-shepherds. Dr. Langberg never fails to stir my heart toward greater Christlikeness!”

“In the struggle against sexual abuse in the church, I can think of no one more trusted or more equipped to address the topic than Diane Langberg. This book expertly diagnoses the problems and points to a new direction of hope and healing. If you are tired of seeing persons and systems use the name of Jesus Christ to prey on the vulnerable, this book will help you fight for a different future.”

“Diane Langberg boldly tackles a difficult but vitally important topic. She brings to light the trauma inflicted 'in the name of Jesus' when the very institution called to protect, heal, and nurture God's people fails to acknowledge and stop abuse. Langberg's professional and compassionate insights offer a roadmap for recognizing abusive patterns, identifying victims, and contributing to a restorative culture that represents the true character of Christ. I am grateful for this resource and appreciate the courage it took to address this truth.”

“At least once a week, I field calls from distressed church leaders who are responding to abuse allegations against one of their colleagues. They all want to know: What do we say? What do we do? How do we protect the church? Read this book if the crisis hasn't yet reached your church--or even if it has! You will learn why abuse happens, how common church responses can create more wounds, and how to begin examining whether your church culture and values are indeed caring for 'the least of these' in your community.”