Program
Doctor of Ministry
Number of Pages
233
Year Approved
2026
First Advisor
Ken Cochrum
Second Reader
Joshua Carroll
Third Reader
Katie Friesen Smith
Abstract
This study examines institutional betrayal within evangelical churches as experienced by congregants who reported concerns about domineering pastoral leadership and encountered minimizing or dismissive responses from church elders. Institutional betrayal, understood as harm that occurs when trusted institutions fail to respond protectively to wrongdoing within their own systems is examined as a distinct and compounding form of spiritual and relational injury.
The study employed a qualitative research design consisting of two primary data sources: (1) an anonymous online survey of congregants who self-identified as having experienced harm following reports of domineering pastoral leadership and (2) semi-structured interviews with church elders reflecting on their understanding of leadership, accountability, and institutional response. These data were interpreted alongside a biblical-theological analysis of 1 Peter 5:1–4 and 1 Timothy 5:19–21 as well as interdisciplinary literature addressing spiritual abuse, betrayal trauma theory, and institutional failure.
Findings indicate that when congregant concerns about domineering leadership were minimized or dismissed, they experienced spiritual disorientation, diminished trust in pastoral leadership, and difficulty reengaging with Christian communities. Elder interviews revealed variation in how domineering leadership was defined and recognized along with recurring tensions between institutional stability, pastoral loyalty, and impartial accountability. Together, these patterns suggest a breakdown in the integration of authority, accountability, and pastoral care, resulting in institutional responses that diverge from Scripture’s vision of shepherd leadership marked by humility, protection of the vulnerable, and accountability before God.
In response, this project developed a formative seminar for church elders designed to strengthen theological clarity, cultivate trauma-informed discernment, and promote leadership practices that integrate responsibility to Christ, shared accountability, and care for the congregation. The study concludes that intentional elder formation is necessary to foster accountable, Christ-centered leadership and reduce the conditions under which institutional betrayal occurs.
Degree Name
Doctor of Ministry
Document Type
Doctoral thesis
Recommended Citation
Hansel, J. R. (2026). Understanding and Avoiding Institutional Betrayal of Congregants When Accusations of Domineering Pastoral Leadership Are Made [Doctoral thesis, Bethel University]. Spark Repository. https://spark.bethel.edu/etd/1271
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