From Michael Kruger: “Bully Pulpit” Wins Book of the Year

Michael Kruger's Bully Pulpit examines the problem of spiritual abuse in the church. It looks at how spiritual abusers are often able to gain a position of leadership without the proper qualifications or character to back them up, and how their effects can be damaging and long-lasting. Kruger puts forth a biblical vision of what proper leadership looks like and how churches can create a culture that resists spiritual abuse.

Kruger's book received an award from The Gospel Coalition, where the reviewers said, “Michael Kruger’s Bully Pulpit confronts this widespread problem with the beauty and transforming power of the gospel . . . He succeeds in creating a work that will be a change agent in our time and should live well beyond it.” Kruger has received many glowing reviews from others, such as Tim Challies, who wrote, “I appreciate his handling of a difficult subject, his precise defining of the term, and his care in distinguishing between behaviors that are abusive and behaviors that are not. I appreciate his analysis of why churches are prone to elevate leaders who exhibit abusive characteristics.” Wendy Alsup noted how Kruger “offers something unique” by being a denominational leader in a conservative context who “confronts our affinity for a leader who exhibits gifts of the Spirit over one who exhibits fruits of the Spirit.”

Kruger has also been doing a variety of podcasts about Bully Pulpit, including ones with Collin Hansen and Warren Cole Smith. He provides an overview of the book with an article that can be found on his website.

Bully Pulpit is a book that is desperately needed in the church today. It speaks to a problem that many have faced, or been hurt by, and it provides both understanding and solutions. Michael Kruger has done an incredible job of building awareness around spiritual abuse, as well as providing hope and healing for those dealing with it.

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