Swept Under the Rug
Section 1: Leadership Traits
8 questions
Statement 1: My pastor frequently draws attention to himself during sermons.
Statement 2: Criticism of my pastor is treated as an attack on the church itself.
Statement 3: My pastor often uses their position to silence or discredit those who disagree.
Statement 4: Sermons frequently include anecdotes that glorify the pastors accomplishments.
Statement 5: The pastor is rarely, if ever, open to correction or feedback.
Statement 6: My pastor equates loyalty to him with loyalty to God.
Statement 7: I've witnessed instances where the pastor embarrassed or humiliated members publicly.
Statement 8: The pastor's vision is unquestionable; dissenters are pressured to "get in line or leave."
Section 2: Systemic Culture
6 questions
Statement 9: Concerns about leadership are dismissed or reframed as gossip or rebellion.
Statement 10: People who leave the church are portrayed as sinful, backslidden, or dangerous.
Statement 11: Leadership decisions are made behind closed doors with little transparency.
Statement 12: There is an "inner circle" that receives special treatment or access to the pastor.
Statement 13: Members feel pressured to meet unrealistic demands of service or sacrifice.
Statement 14: Questioning leadership is equated with questioning God.
Section 3: Emotional & Psychological Dynamics
6 questions
Statement 15: I feel anxiety or dread about bringing up concerns within the church.
Statement 16: The pastor frequently frames himself as a victim of unfair attacks or persecution.
Statement 17: The church environment uses fear of "God's punishment" to enforce complance.
Statement 18: I've been made to feel guilty for needing rest, setting boundaries, or prioritizing family.
Statement 19: When the pastor is confronted, they shift blame or accuse others of wrongdoing.
Statement 20: The pastor frequently warns members about "betrayal," "slandering," or "wolves in sheep's clothing."
Section 4: Spiritual Manipulation
5 questions
Statement 21: Bible verses are often used in sermons to justify obedience to the pastor.
Statement 22: Leaving the church is equated with abandoning God's will or rejecting Him entirely.
Statement 23: Sermons often target specific members indirectly through coded language.
Statement 24: The pastor presents himself as uniquely anointed or especially chosen by God.
Statement 25: Pastoral authority is emphasized more than servant leadership or humility.
Section 5: Impact on You
5 questions
Statement 26: I feel spiritually drained or diminished after church services or interactions.
Statement 27: I walk on eggshells around the pastor for fear of reprisal or gossip.
Statement 28: My value in the church seems tied to performance or usefulness, not grace.
Statement 29: I have lost friendships or relationships after conflicts with the pastor.
Statement 30: I find myself second-guessing my perception of reality because of church messaging or mixed signals from the pastor.