Book Review of
Redeeming Power

Lynn's Review

Redeeming Power by Diane Langberg was published in 2020.

Redeeming Power is about authority and abuse in the Church. The author speaks on trauma and also helps those dealing with trauma all over the world. So this book covers sexual abuse, but also all kinds of other abuses of power within the church and the Christian world. 

I picked this book up after reading What Is A Girl Worth. It was the perfect read to follow that book. 

This book gave me so much to think about and process. As I was reading it, I was reminded of how many times I have seen pastors, who are supposed to be loving and caring for God’s people, abuse their power and role as leaders. Instead of helping Christians grow closer to Christ, they often abuse their power and are a poor representation of Christ. 

Instead of love, they use their authority to abuse. And many have used their power to cover up abuse within the church. 

The author gives examples from around the world of leaders and Christians who have abused their power. 

She also shares how to bless and heal instead of wound those you are called to lead. 

I didn’t agree with everything in this book, but it was such a great reminder of what a leader and pastor should and shouldn’t be. 

When God places someone in a leadership role in the church, the responsibility should be taken seriously. Pride has no place in the role of a Christian leader. 

All too often, Christian pastors and leaders think of their church and church members as “their” church, and that is where they get it wrong. It is God’s church, not the pastor’s church. 

If you’ve been in a bad church situation or have suffered under a leader who cared more about their ministry than God’s, I think you’ll find this book helpful. 

I have already recommended this book to several people.