Something’s Not Right: Decoding the Hidden Tactics of Abuse and Freeing Yourself From Its Power

Unfortunately, some churches tolerate unhealthy manipulative leaders. This toxicity unleashes havoc, leaving people with a gut feeling that something’s not right. But how do we know for sure if there is an abuser in our midst?

Mullen is a social researcher, and someone who experienced abuse in a church setting first-hand. He does a deep dive into the tactics abusers use: grooming, impression management, charming, silencing their victims, and using strategies of denial and shifting blame when caught. A particularly practical section looks at the deceptive messaging that abusers use. We can recognize abusers by their narratives. And when we know the tactics they use, we can confront abuse. There is reason to hope for safer communities.

I (James) highly recommend this book for anyone in a church setting (or other institutional settings) experiencing confusion about why things feel so “off”.