Jack Deere Reflects on Power and Abuse in Church Leadership

In a guest post on Stephen Deere’s Substack, Jack Deere shares a deeply personal account of how his desire for power and influence enabled spiritual abuse within his ministry. Deere’s reflections offer a sobering look at the pitfalls of unchecked ambition in spiritual leadership.

Deere candidly admits that his pursuit of authority and recognition led to decisions that prioritized personal gain over serving others. This unchecked ambition, he explains, not only distorted his relationships but also created an environment where spiritual abuse could thrive. His reflection is both a confession and a cautionary tale for leaders in ministry.

The post delves into the internal and external consequences of this desire for power. Deere recounts how moments of failure and loss forced him to confront his own shortcomings, ultimately leading him to embrace humility and grace. He calls for a shift in leadership values, emphasizing service, accountability, and vulnerability over control and self-promotion.

Deere’s story is a reminder of the importance of introspection and the need to align leadership with the principles of humility and selflessness.

Jack Deere’s reflections challenge all leaders to prioritize integrity and accountability in their ministries. For the full story and deeper insights, read Jack Deere’s guest post on Stephen Deere’s Substack: Jack Deere: My Desire for Power Enabled Spiritual Abuse.