Ministers are faced with many challenges, but one that sticks out is attending to wounded souls who have experienced spiritual abuse. One can only imagine what it is like to have placed faith in someone or a group only to feel trapped, manipulated, and given an ultimatum. The mental and emotional anguish is intense, to say the least. And the pain could prove lasting if adequate help isn't found.
Ministers aren't fully prepared to deal with these issues. Having a college degree in ministry and a Master's, such issues were hardly discussed. Plus, there is only so far where clergy can go. Ministers cannot assess and diagnose, and to do so is risky from a legal perspective.
This makes a clergy's resource list incredibly important. Suffice to say, there is help. Resources are available both in literature and from mental health professionals who stay well versed in mental and emotional reactions that occur in spiritual abuse. With no excuse, ministers are not only responsible to learn how to recognize the signs but also have ready a list of qualified professionals that can assist.