Date

3-10-2026

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Leadership (PhD)

Chair

Michael Grayston

Keywords

toxic leadership, recovery, servant leadership, pentecostal church, midwest

Disciplines

Leadership Studies

Abstract

The research examined the ways in which Pentecostal Church members experience toxic leadership and their process of healing from such experiences. The research included interviews with thirteen people who experienced spiritual abuse or manipulation. The analysis of data produced four main themes, which included spiritual betrayal and disillusionment, emotional and psychological trauma, rebuilding trust in God and community, and rediscovering authentic servant leadership. The research defines toxic leadership as a form of leadership characterized by maladjusted, malcontent, and malevolent behavior that inflicts severe and enduring harm on individuals, groups, organizations, and communities through destructive behavior and dysfunctional characteristics (Semedo et al., 2022). The purpose of this phenomenological study is to explore the lived experiences of recovery from toxic leadership within the Pentecostal Church for adult congregants who have navigated spiritual and emotional trauma in this context. In this research, recovery from toxic leadership will be described as the process of people seeking healing and restoration with God and the church after experiencing spiritually unhealthy leadership behaviors. The theory guiding this study is transformational leadership theory (Burns, 1978), as it provides a framework for understanding how leadership practices influence follower spiritual growth and congregational dynamics. This theory supports the inquiry by highlighting the difference between life-giving, Christ-centered leadership and harmful patterns that can break trust, diminish spiritual growth, and require recovery.

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