Join Us for a Book Discussion

Following the writing of A Church called Tov, and leading to Pivot, Laura Barringer (my daughter) and I were asked a common short list of questions. What can we do to nurture a tov culture in our church? I work for an abusive pastor/leader: what can I do about it? How do I know when to leave my church or my position at the church?

That second question arose for a discussion in our home about three weeks ago when Kris, at the suggestion of a friend checked out a book from our local library and began reading Ramani Durvasula, It’s Not You: Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic People. Kris, who is a psychologist, liked the book enough and knew about the many conversations we have had with abusive leaders, that she suggested that we buy the book and work through it here on this Substack.

So, this is an invitation for you to join this conversation. Why not think of purchasing it, or checking it out of your libray, and reading along with us? I expect to begin this series the week of June 17. So there’s time to get the book and to read it along with us. Even if you don’t read the book with us, you can follow along. Most of this book is for those who have suffered from abusive leaders. The first chapter sketches the features of a narcissistic personality style, but after that the book shifts to the victims of such a personality. In fact, Durvasula’s book is one of the few studies that gives its attention to the victims.

Nine chapters, no more than one chapter per week. We anticipate this book a featured book on this Substack for the summer.