red flags

Warning Signs of an Unhealthy Church

Deconstruction
July 27, 2024•1 min read

IDENTIFYING THE WARNING SIGNS OF AN UNHEALTHY CHURCH

For many people, their church is a place of support, encouragement, and belonging. However, unfortunately, this is not always the case. Some churches may exhibit unhealthy behaviors or practices that can have a negative impact on their members and the wider community.

Street sign with exclamation point

In my recent YouTube video, I discuss 5 warning signs of an unhealthy church . These include:

1. Lack of transparency and accountability

2. Control and manipulation

3. Discrimination and exclusion

4. Toxic leadership

5. Harmful teachings

The impact of an unhealthy church can be profound. It can lead to feelings of isolation, disillusionment, and even trauma. It can also have a negative effect on the wider community, as unhealthy churches may not be acting in accordance with the values and principles of their faith.

If you are concerned about the health of your church community, or if you are experiencing any of the warning signs listed above, it is important to seek out support and guidance. Remember to prioritize your own well-being and spiritual growth.

To learn more about this important and often overlooked topic, be sure to check out my Youtube video on 5 warning signs of an unhealthy church . I hope that by raising awareness about these issues, I can help to support and protect the well-being and spiritual growth of individuals and communities.

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Other resources to help you get started with deconstructing

church transparency issuescontrol and manipulation in churchchurch discrimination and exclusiontoxic church leadershipharmful church teachingsspiritual well-beingchurch community healthidentifying toxic churchesnegative impact of unhealthy churches
Stephanie Hicks is a dedicated Spiritual Care Coach specializing in helping women of faith who have been hurt by their church community. With a focus on deconstructing religion while maintaining faith, Stephanie integrates the Enneagram to help clients find alignment between their authentic selves and who God created them to be. Her approach centers on the pillars of Awareness, Acceptance, and Alignment, guiding women to heal from past hurts, embrace their unique identities, and create fulfilling, purpose-driven lives. Outside of her coaching business, Stephanie is dreaming of a micro-farm, a roller skating aficionado, and a passionate homebody living in Murfreesboro, TN, with her husband, kids, dog, cat, and chickens.

Stephanie Hicks

Stephanie Hicks is a dedicated Spiritual Care Coach specializing in helping women of faith who have been hurt by their church community. With a focus on deconstructing religion while maintaining faith, Stephanie integrates the Enneagram to help clients find alignment between their authentic selves and who God created them to be. Her approach centers on the pillars of Awareness, Acceptance, and Alignment, guiding women to heal from past hurts, embrace their unique identities, and create fulfilling, purpose-driven lives. Outside of her coaching business, Stephanie is dreaming of a micro-farm, a roller skating aficionado, and a passionate homebody living in Murfreesboro, TN, with her husband, kids, dog, cat, and chickens.

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