Shepherd's Heart copertina

Shepherd's Heart

Shepherd's Heart

Di: Stewart and Alycia White
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A proposito di questo titolo

 Shepherd's Heart is a podcast for Christ-followers who refuse to look the other way.

Hosted by Stewart and Alycia White, Shepherd's Heart tackles the hard conversations the modern church often avoids — church hurt and recovery, spiritual abuse, toxic leadership, pastor burnout, faith deconstruction, and the Christ-centered discernment every believer needs to navigate it all.

This isn't cynicism. This isn't an exit ramp from faith. Stewart and Alycia speak from deep love for the Bride of Christ and decades of ministry experience as worship leaders, Bible teachers, and Christ-followers who've walked through their own seasons of disillusionment and renewal. Every episode points back to Scripture, back to Jesus, and back to the heart of the Good Shepherd who leaves the 99 for the one.

If you've been wounded by the church but still love the Church, this podcast is for you.

New episodes every two weeks. Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss a conversation.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shepherd-s-heart--4100466/support.Shepherd's Heart Ministries Catechesi ed evangelismo Cristianesimo Genitorialità e famiglie Relazioni Spiritualità
Episodi
  • Spiritual Abuse Exposed: Why Church Members Are Walking Away and What to Do About It | Naomi Wright

    Spiritual Abuse Exposed: Why Church Members Are Walking Away and What to Do About It | Naomi Wright
    Apr 20 2026
    If you’ve experienced church hurt, spiritual abuse, toxic church leadership, or deep trauma inside a faith community, this conversation is for you. In this episode, we talk honestly about healing, restoration, boundaries, pastoral care, church discipline, and the painful reality of abuse in church culture. We also explore how the gospel, Jesus, and the Bible speak into grief, loss, betrayal, damaged relationships, mental health struggles, and the long road of recovery after spiritual harm. Whether you are an abuse survivor, a church leader, a pastor, or someone wrestling with faith, spirituality, and what biblical leadership should actually look like, this episode offers clarity, discernment, and hope.

    Naomi Wright of beEmboldened shares her story of surviving spiritual abuse and cult recovery, along with practical wisdom for recognizing unhealthy power dynamics, responding to the covering up of abuse, and pursuing real reconciliation where possible. This is a Christ-centered conversation about faith, healing, accountability, discipleship, and finding hope in Christ after church pain.

    Resources & Contact Information:
    • beEmboldened Ministries website — https://www.beemboldened.com/
    • beEmboldened YouTube channel — https://www.youtube.com/@beEmboldened
    • Contact beEmboldened: https://www.beemboldened.com/contact
    • Workshops for churches, survivor groups, and more are available— https://www.beemboldened.com/programs
    • Recommended interview for more of Naomi’s story: Sean McDowell & Naomi Wright on YouTube - https://youtu.be/YWl5wvvlo4E?si=L-hxe4eGh_U4mdE_


    In this episode:
    • Learn the difference between strong, biblical leadership and abusive leadership, and how to recognize red flags in church or ministry relationships.
    • Understand how spiritual abuse can occur in both extreme settings (e.g., cults) and mainstream churches, and how subtler forms are often overlooked or explained away.
    • Get a clear, working definition of spiritual abuse, why it flourishes in certain church cultures, and how leaders and systems unintentionally enable it through silencing, neglect, or misplaced loyalty.
    • Explore the effects of trauma, including why survivors struggle to find language or speak up, and how church responses can either deepen wounds or foster true restoration.
    • Receive practical encouragement: steps for those hurt by spiritual leaders, ways healthy churches can protect and respond, and counsel for church members struggling to understand and support those wounded.
    • Hear pastoral advice for discerning healthy versus toxic church environments, and what real biblical accountability should look like among God’s people.


    Scripture Foundation:
    Ezekiel 34 anchors our conversation. God’s heart is clear—He sees when shepherds harm rather than protect His flock, and He Himself steps in as the Good Shepherd to rescue, heal, and restore. Jesus loves His sheep, calls out false shepherds, and promises justice along with compassionate care for the wounded.

    We know that for many, church trauma and spiritual abuse bring pain, confusion, and sometimes despair. If you’re hurting, please know you are not alone and that Christ is near to the brokenhearted. Gospel-centered healing is possible, and trustworthy help can be found.

    This podcast is not a substitute for local church shepherding or professional counseling. If your situation is unsafe or urgent, please seek immediate help in your area.

    We hope you’ll find wise, gracious guidance, whether you’re a survivor hoping for a path forward or a church leader longing to shepherd Christ’s flock more faithfully.

    If this conversation helps you, please subscribe and share with others who may need it.
    We welcome your questions and stories!

    TIMESTAMPS:
    00:00 Confusion about religious upbringing
    06:47 Feeling a Protective Presence
    15:18 Recognizing spiritual abuse dynamics
    20:37 Recognizing motives in leadership
    21:51 Discussing Bea Bolden's mission and audience
    30:56 Teaching accountability and limiting power
    32:55 Understanding and discussing spiritual abuse
    41:08 Encouraging outside support for churches
    45:56 Handling leadership crises
    49:21 Guidance for the outer circle
    55:33 Importance of following up
    01:02:26 Focus on genuine repentance and faith
    01:07:11 Understanding victim motivations
    01:15:24 Community outreach and engagement ideas
    01:21:17 Encouragement and church resources

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shepherd-s-heart--4100466/support.
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    1 ora e 23 min
  • Speaking the Truth in Love | Shepherd's Heart Podcast - Coming Soon!

    Speaking the Truth in Love | Shepherd's Heart Podcast - Coming Soon!
    Apr 15 2026
    Something is amiss within the house of God, where those seeking truth and healing often encounter control and silence instead of spiritual guidance from those entrusted to shepherd them. This situation has led many to deconstruct their faith, moving away from not just the building, but from christianity altogether. Shepherd's Heart acts as a lifeline for those who have been hurt, expressing a deep love for the church community while acknowledging these significant issues. If you or someone you know has been impacted in a negative way by those who claim the name of Jesus, this show is for you.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shepherd-s-heart--4100466/support.
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    3 min
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