When Bible Study Becomes a Threat
About a month ago, I joined an online Bible study with a friend. It started simple. A Zoom link, a few encouraging messages, and the promise of deeper community and accountability. I didn’t think much of it. I love digging into Scripture with others, especially those who are passionate about their faith.
But I’ve made it a priority to pray for discernment before joining any new church or study group.
Immediately, God impressed upon me the statement, “These people are missing the Holy Spirit.” At first, I was surprised—I had joined this study with no expectations—but as the weeks went on, the truth became unmistakable: something was very off.
At first, it was little things—the fact that it was invite-only, that there was a strong emphasis on “dedication,” but not much talk about grace, freedom, or the Holy Spirit. The leaders often praised the group members for having a zeal for their dedication to meeting twice a week to study Scripture. One lesson even noted that others “weren’t ready” for this level of spiritual truth—a matter of maturity, they suggested, citing Hebrews 5:12–14.
Even more concerning was when the leader of the larger group—over a hundred people—made statements during a lesson on Satan’s tactics as “the father of lies” (John 8:44), warning that those closest to us, such as family or friends, might question the frequency of our meetings or what we were learning. It wasn’t overtly sinister, but it hinted at a subtle control tactic—encouraging members to view outside questions, as spiritual threats rather than expressions of care.
Over time, the lessons appeared to center more on demonstrating commitment to the group itself than on fostering a deeper relationship with Jesus and the inward transformation inspired by His love.
The strangest part came when a member of the larger group on Zoom had their camera off and one of the group organizers/moderators sent a vaguely cryptic message that made the group feel less like fellowship and more like surveillance. The message said the following:
Hello Family of Christ,
In order to help everyone receive God’s blessings in the lesson tonight it’s important we have our camera on while Jesus’ words are being given to us. If your camera is off we kindly ask for your camera to be on during Bible class.
If your camera is off for a specific reason then please message us so we can be on the same page as one family of God.
Pay close attention to the suggestion that a participant had to explain why their camera was off and that cameras somehow directly correlate to receiving blessings… this confirmed what God had made clear to me from the start, the Holy Spirit was not present with the leaders of these Zoom calls.
I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt, but I couldn’t ignore what God made clear to me. I wasn’t comfortable “trusting the process,” because no matter how you frame it, the reality is that these are early signs of a high-control spiritual environment—something most Christians don’t talk about until it’s already caused deep wounds.
How do I know? Well, I’ve been in a cult. But that’s a story for another post…
A Note About Intentions
I want to be clear: I’m not angry at this group. In fact, they may have been well-intentioned. I love what Tears of Eden says about spiritual abuse: it “can also come from someone with good intentions—who really believes they are doing the right thing—when they leverage the Bible or God to manipulate, coerce, exploit, or control. This person does not necessarily need to be in a position of authority to cause harm. When they invoke God or the Bible to shame and control, they are placing themselves in a position of perceived power, even if just temporarily.”
Including this perspective helps me remember that spiritual abuse isn’t always malicious—it can happen when people are misguided in their zeal, which makes discernment all the more important.
What Spiritual Abuse Looks Like
Spiritual abuse happens when someone uses Scripture, faith, or God’s authority to control, manipulate, or dominate others. It’s not always loud or obvious. Often, it hides inside what looks like passionate devotion, accountability, or “radical commitment.”
No tea, no shade to my lovely friend who introduced me to the group, but I couldn’t help but notice when I mentioned my concerns she said these meetings were more of “an intensive spiritual training environment to prepare for spiritual war rather than a casual Bible study.” Interesting…
When Jesus calls us to follow Him, He does not strip away our identity, our freedom, or the voice He gave us. The Holy Spirit convicts, but He does not coerce. He leads, but He never cages.
No matter how deep it does or doesn’t go, the brief encounter I had with this group display a common pattern:
• Isolation disguised as holiness — If people don’t understand this group, they’re just not spiritually mature or dedicated enough.
• Fear-based obedience — If you don’t follow our rules, you’re operating outside of God’s will.
• Leadership cannot be questioned — The leader’s interpretation of Scripture becomes the only acceptable one.
• Excessive emphasis on loyalty or group identity — Belonging is measured by compliance rather than genuine relationship with God.
• Twisting Scripture to control — Verses are taken out of context to enforce rules, obedience, or submission rather than to teach freedom in Christ.
• Spiritual abuse disguised as “training” or “preparation” — Intensive programs or frequent meetings are framed as necessary for spiritual growth but serve to control and monitor members.
These tactics slowly make you doubt your own discernment, your personal relationship with God, and your ability to hear His voice. They replace relationship with discipline and control. It’s a slippery slope to self condemnation and a works-based mentality.
And that is the exact opposite of the Gospel.
Jesus Does Not Need Gatekeepers
Jesus did not create a faith where you need someone else to tell you how close or far you are from Him.
Yes, we learn from teachers.
Yes, we submit to godly counsel.
Yes, community matters deeply.
But no pastor, group, prophet, or ministry stands between you and Jesus.
“There is one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”
— 1 Timothy 2:5
If someone tries to become that mediator — spiritually or practically — step back. Pray. Ask questions.
God is not threatened by your questions. And if the leaders in your life are, they aren’t for you.
How the Enemy Uses “Christian” Spaces
One of the biggest deceptions the enemy uses is the belief that darkness only exists outside of the church.
But brokenness can show up anywhere humans are involved, and faith spaces are no exception. The enemy doesn’t need to drag a Christian away from God by leading them into obvious sin. Sometimes all he needs to do is twist Scripture just enough to distort the heart of Jesus.
The most dangerous lies don’t look like lies.
They look like truth without love.
Order without grace.
Devotion without freedom.
And Jesus never leads that way.
What Helped Me Step Out
The Holy Spirit never stopped speaking. Even when I felt I might be overreacting. Even when I felt unsure. Even when I felt guilt for quitting on my friend.
Every time I left those Zoom calls, I felt heavy. Not convicted — burdened. There is a difference.
Conviction leads to repentance and peace.
Control leads to fear and confusion.
The more I prayed, the more the heaviness felt foreign to the nature of God I have come to know. And so, I made the decision to leave the group.
I didn’t need permission.
I didn’t owe an explanation.
I didn’t need to “prove” my intentions.
I simply chose freedom.
And Jesus was right there confirming I chose right. He is the way, the truth, and the light (John 14:6), so I’m not missing out on anything!
To Anyone Reading This Who Has Experienced Spiritual Control
You are not crazy.
You are not dramatic.
Your relationship with God is still intact — even if you were taught to doubt it.
You can walk away from spiritual environments that feel off and especially unsafe while still being wholeheartedly devoted to your faith.
God does not call you into confusion.
He calls you into peace.
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
— 2 Corinthians 3:17
If you feel tangled, trapped, or spiritually small, take a breath. Bring your questions to the Lord. Reach out for support. You’re not alone.
This is why Taylored Grace exists — to support women who have been silenced, controlled, or spiritually wounded — and to help us rebuild our faith with courage, clarity, and freedom.
His voice is still gentle.
His love is still kind.
And He still wants you free.
Let’s Talk
Discernment can be hard — especially when control hides behind faith language. Have you experienced that tension before? How do you stay grounded in grace when something feels “off”?
Let’s start a conversation that helps others recognize they’re not alone. Make sure to contribute your answer to the prompt on our Community Voices page.
With love and strength,
Madison Taylore
Founder of Taylored Grace