Outreach Resource of the Year

Why Does Narcissism Seem to Thrive in Our Churches?

We've seen the news stories. Maybe we ourselves have been hurt by a narcissistic church leader. But what is narcissism, really? And how does it infiltrate the church?

Chuck DeGroat has been counseling pastors with narcissistic personality disorder, as well as those wounded by narcissistic leaders and systems, for over twenty years. He knows firsthand the devastation narcissism leaves in its wake and how insidious and painful it is. In When Narcissism Comes to Church, DeGroat



- takes a close look at narcissism, not only in ministry leaders but also in church systems;

- offers compassion and hope for those affected by its destructive power and;

- imparts wise counsel for churches looking to heal from its systemic effects.

DeGroat also offers hope for narcissists themselves—not by any shortcut, but by the long, slow road of genuine recovery through repentance and trust in the gospel of Jesus.



Chuck DeGroat (LPC, PhD) is professor of pastoral care and Christian spirituality at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan, and senior fellow at Newbigin House of Studies in San Francisco. He served as a pastor at churches in Orlando and San Francisco and founded two church-based counseling centers. He is a licensed therapist, spiritual director, and the author of Toughest People to Love and Wholeheartedness.







Richard J. Mouw (PhD, University of Chicago) is a senior research fellow at the Henry Institute for the Study of Religion and Politics at Calvin University. He previously served as the president of Fuller Theological Seminary (1993–2013) and directed their Institute of Faith and Public Life (2013–2020). In 2007, Princeton Theological Seminary awarded him the Abraham Kuyper Prize for Excellence in Reformed Theology and Public Life. He is the author of over twenty books, including UncommonDecency, Adventures in Evangelical Civility, Restless Faith, and All That God Cares About.



Foreword by Richard Mouw

Introduction

1. When Narcissism Comes to Church

2. Understanding Narcissism

3. The Nine Faces of Narcissism

4. Characteristics of the Narcissistic Pastor

5. The Inner Life of a Narcissistic Pastor

6. Understanding Narcissistic Systems

7. The Gaslight Is On: Spiritual and Emotional Abuse

8. Healing Ourselves, Healing the Church

9. Transformation for Narcissists (Is Possible)

Epilogue: He Humbled Himself . . .

Acknowledgments

Appendix: Engaging the Nine Faces of Narcissism—Strategies for Therapists, Pastors, and Friends Who Care

Notes