How to Recognize & Respond to Spiritual Abuse in the Church with Anna Kitko

What if your pastor wasn’t protecting you—but controlling you? As Netflix documentaries and media coverage expose modern cases of spiritual abuse, it’s clear that toxic religious environments are more widespread, more covert, and more dangerous than many people realize. But what can Christians do to safeguard themselves and loved ones from being victimized by their own churches and potential cults?

To confront this growing crisis, Frank welcomes Anna Kitko, Chapter Director of Ratio Christi at the University of Tennessee–Knoxville, beEmboldened mentor, and an expert in coercive control and spiritual trauma. With deep insight into how abuse happens and how healing begins, Anna helps uncover the hidden patterns behind spiritual manipulation—and what to do about it. Tune in as she and Frank answer questions like:

What are the warning signs of a cult or spiritually abusive church?

What is the New Apostolic Reformation and why are these churches especially concerning?

What are the different types of cults and what’s the largest cult group in the U.S. today?

What manipulation tactics do spiritual abusers use?

Why are even sincere Christians vulnerable to deception?

What is pseudodoxy—and how does it disguise itself as truth?

How can spiritual abuse harm your body physically, and not just your soul?

How do you escape spiritual abuse and how can we support others who need help?

Whether you’re recovering from spiritual abuse or want to help others heal, this episode offers critical tools for spotting manipulation, supporting survivors, and staying grounded in biblical truth. You’ll also learn what NOT to do when counseling victims, how to identify coercive control even in mainstream churches, and what steps to take if your spirit is sensing something is off. Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation that could protect you or someone you love. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact Anna using the resources listed below.

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Resources mentioned during the episode:

Full-Circle Counseling & Wellness of East Tennessee

beEmboldened Ministries (virtual + online counseling)

Ratio Christi at the Univ. of Tennessee-Knoxville

Understanding Spiritual Abuse: What It Is and How to Respond by Karen Roudkovski

Bully Pulpit by Michael Krueger

Sons of Patriarchy

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