When Pastors Are Abused by Their Congregations
By Donavon Riley
10/01/25
13mins

When Pastors Are Abused by Their Congregations

This article is the first part of a two-part series. The second part will take a look at when pastors abuse their congregations.
An Excerpt from Untamed Prayers: Psalm 123 and Psalm 136
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
09/30/25

An Excerpt from Untamed Prayers: Psalm 123 and Psalm 136

The following entries are excerpts from Chad Bird’s new book, Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of the Psalms (1517 Publishing, 2025), pgs. 311 and 335
St. Michael, Defender of God’s People
Amy Mantravadi
Amy Mantravadi
09/29/25

St. Michael, Defender of God’s People

Why did the church dedicate a day to St. Michael anyway? Who is he, and what does he do?

All Articles

Chad Bird
Chad Bird
01/26/18

The Unsexy Church

The following is an excerpt from Chad Bird’s new book, Your God Is Too Glorious: Finding God in the Most Unexpected Places (Baker Book, 2018).
Bonnie Petroschuk
Bonnie Petroschuk
01/24/18

You Can’t Fool God

Growing up in church I did not often hear the word “grace” uttered unless it was accompanied by the word “cheap” and said in a disapproving tone with a disdainful look.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
01/17/18

"I'm Fully in Control of This Situation" and Three Other Delicious Lies

Jesus lives amidst the twisted metal and smoking ruins of lives gone bad. It’s where he does his best work. Christ is the ultimate first responder.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
01/16/18

The Unforgivable, Forgiven

The pastor declares it. We receive it. The forgiveness of sins. It’s a simple thing.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
01/16/18

That is Good

A heart that wants nothing that is not from God can only occur by the Holy Spirit speaking the Gospel into our hearts.
Joel Hess
Joel Hess
01/11/18

The Light Shines in the Darkness

But another possible translation for the Greek word we translate as ‘overcome’ and one maybe more consistent with the context is ‘comprehend.’
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
01/09/18

God the Trashman

When I was a boy, I wanted to be a trashman. Little did I know that I would grow up to need a God who was a trashman.
Kelsi Klembara
Kelsi Klembara
01/09/18

Yes, But...

Yes, but. It's a phrase I find myself repeating often in life. When my husband asks for forgiveness, I too often respond, "I forgive you, but…” and then continue with a list of my grievances.
Ted Rosenbladt
Ted Rosenbladt
01/08/18

Jesus Died for Failing Parents

God knows our need. He knows how it is to raise unruly children. He is very experienced in dealing with rebellion.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
01/04/18

Just Another Law-Gospel Sermon?

While I was still an over-eager seminarian the professor warned me, “Mr. Riley, this is exciting stuff.
Kevin McClain
Kevin McClain
01/04/18

The New Year’s Mirror

Freedom from the Law does not come through personal perfection, it comes through Jesus Christ. The answer is not a better you, but a you who is united to God through Christ.
Martin Luther
Martin Luther
01/02/18

On Demanding Good Works

You say: Since forgiveness depends on faith alone, why must one nonetheless do good works? Answer: If faith is of the true sort, it cannot be without good works, just as no good work can be where unbelief dwells.
1517 is a Christian non-profit (501(c)3) multi-media organization. Our mission is to declare and defend the Good News that we are forgiven and free on account of the death and resurrection of Jesus alone.
1517.org
Search
Academy
Donate

1517 grants permission for our free online resources to be printed, photocopied, and otherwise used freely for private and church use. We require that authorship and source (1517.org) are referenced and maintained. These resources may not be sold or included in any publications for sale.