When Narcissism Comes to Church

1. Narcissism in the church: A growing and often misunderstood phenomenon

Narcissism moved from myth to science in the late nineteenth century, when a British sexologist named Havelock Ellis described a "Narcissus-like" complex in which people satisfied themselves sexually.

Historical context. Narcissism has evolved from a mythological concept to a recognized psychological disorder. In recent decades, its prevalence has increased significantly, particularly in Western cultures. The church, despite its emphasis on humility and service, is not immune to this trend.

Manifestations in ministry. Narcissism in the church can take various forms:

• Charismatic leaders who prioritize their own success over the well-being of their congregation
• Ministries focused on growth and influence rather than spiritual nurture
• A culture of celebrity pastors and "rock star" preachers
• Lack of accountability and transparency in church leadership

Consequences. The impact of narcissism in the church can be devastating, leading to:

• Spiritual abuse and manipulation of congregants
• Erosion of trust in religious institutions
• Disillusionment and departure from faith communities
• Perpetuation of toxic leadership patterns

2. Understanding narcissism: From healthy self-love to toxic self-absorption

Narcissism is not fundamentally about self-love but about an escape from love.

Spectrum of narcissism. Narcissism exists on a continuum:

• Healthy narcissism: Confidence, self-esteem, and ability to empathize
• Narcissistic traits: Occasional self-centeredness or need for admiration
• Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): Persistent pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy

Core characteristics of NPD:

• Grandiose sense of self-importance
• Preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, or ideal love
• Belief in one's superiority and uniqueness
• Need for excessive admiration
• Sense of entitlement
• Interpersonal exploitation
• Lack of empathy
• Envy of others or belief that others are envious of them
• Arrogant behaviors or attitudes

Underlying drivers. Contrary to popular belief, narcissism is often rooted in deep-seated shame and insecurity. The grandiose exterior serves as a defense mechanism to protect a fragile self-esteem.

3. The nine faces of narcissism: Diverse manifestations in personality types

The nine faces are my unique application of an important tool called the Enneagram.

Enneagram and narcissism. The author uses the Enneagram, a personality typing system, to illustrate nine distinct manifestations of narcissism:

1. The Savior (Type 2): Benevolent narcissist, overfunctioning to meet their own needs
2. The Winner (Type 3): Achievement-oriented, image-conscious narcissist
3. The Individualist (Type 4): Dramatic, attention-seeking narcissist
4. The Distancer (Type 5): Intellectualizing, emotionally detached narcissist
5. The Hawkeye (Type 6): Anxious, hypervigilant narcissist
6. The Optimist (Type 7): Hedonistic, pain-avoidant narcissist
7. The Challenger (Type 8): Dominant, controlling narcissist
8. The Wallflower (Type 9): Passive-aggressive, subtly manipulative narcissist
9. The Perfectionist (Type 1): Moralistic, judgmental narcissist

Implications. Understanding these diverse manifestations helps in:

• Recognizing narcissistic patterns in various personality types
• Tailoring approaches for dealing with different narcissistic behaviors
• Appreciating the complexity of narcissism beyond stereotypical presentations

4. Characteristics of narcissistic pastors: Identifying toxic leadership in ministry

Narcissistic pastors are often rewarded for their charisma.

Common traits. Narcissistic pastors often exhibit:

• Centralized decision-making and micromanagement
• Impatience and inability to listen to others
• Delegating without proper authority or with excessive limitations
• Strong sense of entitlement
• Feeling threatened by talented staff members
• Need to be perceived as the best and brightest
• Inconsistency and impulsiveness in leadership
• Praising and withdrawing affection to manipulate others
• Intimidation tactics
• "Fauxnerability" - false or manipulative displays of vulnerability

Impact on ministry. These characteristics can lead to:

• High staff turnover and burnout
• Stifled creativity and initiative within the church
• Cult of personality around the pastor
• Neglect of congregants' spiritual needs
• Financial mismanagement or extravagance
• Cover-ups of misconduct or abuse

Warning signs. Church members and leadership should be alert to:

• Excessive focus on the pastor's vision or authority
• Resistance to accountability or transparency
• Disparagement of other churches or ministries
• Emotional manipulation of congregants
• Inability to accept criticism or admit mistakes

5. The inner life of a narcissistic pastor: Shame, rage, and the need for control

The fragile little boy goes into hiding and the protective false self takes the lead.

Psychological dynamics. Narcissistic pastors often struggle with:

• Deep-seated shame and insecurity
• Fear of vulnerability and exposure
• Rage as a defense mechanism against shame
• Disconnection from authentic emotions and needs
• Addiction to external validation and admiration

The mask of leadership. To cope with these internal struggles, narcissistic pastors may:

• Develop a charismatic public persona
• Become workaholics or perfectionists
• Seek constant affirmation from congregation and staff
• Engage in risky or addictive behaviors to numb pain
• Oscillate between grandiosity and depression

Hidden vulnerabilities. Behind the confident exterior often lies:

• Childhood trauma or neglect
• Unresolved father wounds
• Fear of failure or inadequacy
• Loneliness and inability to form genuine connections
• Spiritual doubts or crises of faith

6. Narcissistic systems: How toxicity permeates entire church organizations

Removing a narcissistic staff member does not necessarily remove the narcissistic infection.

Systemic narcissism. Narcissistic leadership can infect entire church systems, leading to:

• A culture of fear and compliance
• Emphasis on image and success over authentic spirituality
• Suppression of dissent or questioning
• Exploitation of volunteers and staff
• Resistance to change or outside influence

Two types of narcissistic systems:

1. Grandiose systems: Characterized by arrogance, superiority, and competitiveness
2. Vulnerable systems: Marked by a victim mentality, self-deprecation, and passive-aggressiveness

Healing narcissistic systems. Transformation requires:

• Courageous truth-telling and transparency
• Willingness to confront painful realities
• External consultation and accountability
• Redefining success in terms of spiritual health, not just numbers
• Cultivating a culture of humility and servant leadership

7. Gaslighting and abuse: The devastating impact of narcissism on individuals

Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness.

Forms of abuse. Narcissistic abuse in the church can include:

• Emotional manipulation and gaslighting
• Spiritual abuse through misuse of Scripture or authority
• Financial exploitation
• Sexual misconduct or harassment
• Public humiliation or shaming

Impact on victims. Those affected by narcissistic abuse often experience:

• Self-doubt and confusion
• Spiritual disillusionment or crisis of faith
• Complex PTSD symptoms
• Difficulty trusting others or forming healthy relationships
• Shame and self-blame

Church's response. Too often, churches fail victims by:

• Minimizing or denying abuse
• Prioritizing the abuser's reputation over victim care
• Misapplying concepts of forgiveness or submission
• Lacking proper safeguards and reporting mechanisms
• Failing to provide trauma-informed care and support

8. Healing from narcissistic trauma: A journey of self-discovery and restoration

Healing requires radical honesty with ourselves and the courage to follow through on the wilderness path.

Stages of healing. The author describes a healing journey similar to the Exodus narrative:

1. Recognizing the "Egypt" of abuse and crying out for help
2. Escaping the immediate grip of the narcissist
3. Navigating the wilderness of emotional processing and grief
4. Receiving new "laws" or healthy patterns for living
5. Entering the "promised land" of renewed wholeness and freedom

Key elements of healing:

• Trauma-informed therapy
• Reconnecting with one's authentic self and emotions
• Grieving losses and betrayals
• Establishing healthy boundaries
• Rebuilding a supportive community
• Rediscovering spiritual connection beyond abusive paradigms

Healing for communities. Churches recovering from narcissistic leadership need:

• Outside consultation and guidance
• A season of simplicity and reflection
• Honest assessment of toxic patterns
• Rebuilding trust and healthy leadership structures
• Commitment to long-term cultural change

9. Transformation for narcissists: Hope for change through humility and self-awareness

Transformation is possible. Those hijacked by narcissistic false selves are living in slavery, and in turn they enslave others.

Possibilities for change. While challenging, narcissists can experience transformation through:

• Hitting "rock bottom" and recognizing the need for change
• Developing self-awareness and emotional intelligence
• Confronting underlying shame and childhood wounds
• Learning empathy and genuine connection
• Surrendering the false self and embracing authenticity

Therapeutic approaches:

• Creating a safe, non-judgmental environment for vulnerability
• Challenging narcissistic defenses while affirming inherent worth
• Exploring the "shadow self" and integrating disowned aspects of personality
• Cultivating mindfulness and self-reflection practices
• Addressing addiction or compulsive behaviors

The role of spirituality. For narcissists in Christian contexts, transformation often involves:

• Rediscovering the humility and self-emptying example of Christ
• Embracing a theology of grace that confronts perfectionism
• Experiencing God's unconditional love as a basis for secure identity
• Developing spiritual practices that foster self-awareness and connection
• Participating in accountable community that encourages growth

Last updated: January 25, 2025