Episode 57: Shane and I are back at it, talking about megachurch culture and some of the central themes that help us understand what's going on. In this conversation we talk about the emphasis on unending growth (at all costs), and the way in which language of "another level", "breakthrough", and the "best is yet to come" can drive a culture of toxic positivity and burnout. We also talk about the church as a contextless place, a thing that happens "to" people and which can get caught up with the establishment and defence of a brand.
But first, we begin with a discussion about "plausible deniability" as a tactic of manipulative and coercive leadership. This relates to the problematic but very effective behaviour and rhetoric that is couched in such a way that it can often be excused by "you're too sensitive", "we were just joking around", "you've misunderstood us" and so on. This kind of gaslighting allows leaders to deny responsibility and lay the blame for any offence on the harmed person rather than on the one carrying out the abusive behaviour.
As always you can get in touch via email: feedback@intheshift.com
The Impact of Purity Culture - with Meg Cowan
Celebrities for Jesus - with Katelyn Beaty
The Megachurch Conversation: When Binaries go Bad
”Is there hope for the church?” with Rev Frank Ritchie
Q&A on deconstruction, doubt and whether megachurches can change
Life after the ”man with the plan”
Mega-health: Can a megachurch be healthy?
The Megachurch Conversation: The problem with being ”the good guys”
The Megachurch Conversation: Doublespeak
The Megachurch Conversation: Trauma, Red Flags, and Recovery
The Megachurch Conversation: ”The Creep”
The Megachurch Conversation: Where to from here?
Another Level Part 4: The Megachurch Playbook
Another Level Part 2: The Megachurch Playbook
Another Level Part 1: The Megachurch Playbook
Critical Conversations: On misogyny and abuse of power - with Dr Jeff Crabtree
Christians Against Christianity - with Dr Obery Hendricks
Shift Happens
Blinded by the ”truth”
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Cast The Word
Let Me Be Frank | Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Podcast | Diocese of Bridgeport, CT
The Kingdom Power Fellowship Podcast
The Bible Recap
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)