The following are books we find helpful when understanding, processing, and healing from harm and abuse inflicted upon people in church and religious institutions. They are presented in alphabetical order by author.
Books
Links direct you to Amazon. We may receive a commission from items purchased with these links. All commissions are used to continue our mission to embolden the broken, empower the voiceless, expose the lies, and exalt the truth. Thank you for supporting Called to Courage.
Gavin de Becker
The Gift of Fear: Survival Signs that Protect Us from Violence
Note: this is a secular book that teaches how to recognize patterns, behaviors, and tactics that may protect from harm
Chuck DeGroat
When Narcissism Comes To Church: Healing Your Community from Emotional and Spiritual Abuse
David Johnson and Jeff Van Vonderen
The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse
Michael Kruger
Bully Pulpit: Confronting the Problem of Spiritual Abuse in the Church
Diane Langberg
Suffering and the Heart of God: How Trauma Destroys and Christ Restores
Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church
When the Church Harms God’s People: Becoming Faith Communities that Resist Abuse, Pursue Truth, and Care for the Wounded
Natalie Runyon
Raised to Stay: Persevering in Ministry When You Have a Thousand Reasons to Walk Away
Jennifer Strickland
I Am a Woman: Taking Back Our Name (specifically chapters 1-9)
Leslie Vernick
The Emotionally Destructive Marriage: How to Find Your Voice and Reclaim Your Hope
The Emotionally Destructive Relationship: Seeing It, Stopping It, Surviving It
Children’s Books
Elsie Larson - Bombus the Bumblebee
Max Lucado - You Are Special
Max Lucado - The Oak Inside the Acorn (hardcover) [click here for paperback]
Music
For when your heart has been broken, your soul is tired, and you’re unsure where to start or how to trust God again.
Open the playlist on your favorite platform or listen here!
