Question…

When a pastor is preaching to entire congregation but its targeting a specific person is that spiritual abuse?

Yes, preaching in a way that targets a specific person in the congregation can be considered a form of spiritual abuse, especially if it's done in a manipulative or harmful way. While preaching should be focused on teaching biblical truths, encouraging growth, and guiding the whole congregation, targeting an individual during a sermon (whether directly or indirectly) can have negative emotional, psychological, and spiritual consequences.

Here are some signs that could indicate spiritual abuse in this context:

  1. Manipulation or Shaming: If the pastor uses the pulpit to point out a person’s private struggles, sins, or issues without their consent, it can be a form of emotional manipulation or shaming. This is especially harmful when the individual feels exposed or humiliated in front of others.

  2. Overemphasis on Control: If the pastor is using the sermon to assert control or influence over a person’s behavior or decisions in a way that creates fear or anxiety, it could be an example of spiritual abuse. This can often be done under the guise of “conviction” or “correction.”

  3. Ignoring Pastoral Boundaries: Pastors are entrusted with sensitive information in their pastoral role, and if they misuse that trust by publicly addressing someone's personal life or challenges, it can be spiritually abusive. Healthy pastoral care requires respecting confidentiality and treating people with dignity.

  4. Personal Attacks Disguised as Teaching: If a sermon is clearly directed at an individual (even if unnamed) in a harsh or critical way, it undermines the spiritual health of the congregation. The focus should be on the congregation as a whole, with teaching that applies universally to the body of Christ.

That said, not all cases of preaching that seem to target an individual are necessarily spiritual abuse. Sometimes a sermon may address issues that happen to apply to someone's life, and the person may feel convicted, but this is different from intentionally singling someone out. The key difference is the intent behind the message and the impact it has on the person and others involved. Healthy preaching should encourage repentance, healing, and growth, not condemnation or isolation.

If you're concerned that this type of behavior is happening, it may be helpful to discuss it with the pastor or another trusted leader in the church, or seek counsel from a Christian counselor to discern whether there are patterns of unhealthy or abusive behavior at play.

Answer by: Unknown Source

1 Corinthians 16:14, Matthew 18:15, Galatians 6:1