Product Description

Savage Shepherds is a true story of how one man survived
spiritual abuse. Adam Harbison was a respected member of his church that
was part of the shepherding movement in the late 1980's, but when he
suspected a deep corruption at its heart and decided to leave, the backlash
was wicked and spiteful. He wants to lead his readers to the peace and
freedom that he bought at a terrible price.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #641121 in Books
• Published on: 2006-12-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 112 pages

Bono U2
Adam Harbinson takes on the church as mausoleum for the dead
Christ and as handcuffs for the risen Christ

J John
I urge EVERY Church leader to read this book.

Ken Blue
Thus will serve as a warning to many and provides support to those
for whom the warning came too late.

Customer Reviews

READ IT - make your own mind up..
As a previous member of Kings Fellowship I can see both sides of Adams arguments. I don't think it is quite realistic to say that the fellowship `hounded' him to bankruptcy - although as I was not around at that time I couldn't be sure. Other ex-members that I have spoken to would question such a statement. As D.McClean pointed out shepherding finished before 1991. 'Elders favourites' continued well after that...

Many of the other aspects that Adam mentions in the book I have witnessed. His précis on (Tom) John Kelly in the opening few pages is spot on, arrogant, unwilling on accept any criticism of his authoritarian leadership and unwilling to forgive. Unfortunately I feel that over the years John Kelly has, at times, had a negative influence on the other elders and in the past I feel that they have not been strong enough to stand up to him on critical decisions.

I'm honestly not sure what Adams agenda is - there is definitely material in here to help people who have suffered at the hands of an abusive church. Is Kings Fellowship abusive? I don't think so; but I do believe that John Kelly has emotionally battered people in the past and there has been a long, long string of causalities...

Worth a read with an open mind.

Savaged..
Adam's book is short (definitely a plus from my point of view) and manages to combine some quite shocking first hand accounts of his experience at the hands of a 'shepherding' church with some reasoned and thoguhtful analysis of the scriptures. Highly recommended for lay people and church leaders.

'An Enemy Hath Done This '.Matt. 13.28
'Savage Shepherds' tells the shocking and heart rending story of how Adam Harbinson ( the author) was treated after he left a Christian fellowship in Bangor.
The blurb at the back of the book states:

'Adam Harbinson was a respected member of his local church, which was part of the Shepherding Movement in the late 1980's and early 1990's. However when he suspected a deep corruption at the heart of the movement and felt it was time to move on, he discovered powerful forces at work that sought to destroy his family , his health and his livelihood'.

This book is really about spiritual abuse which CAN happen in any church or fellowship of any denomination. In a chapter entitled Abuse -Proof your relationship he gives several important pointers as to what might constitute an abusive church. These include among others:

There will an attempt to dictate what its members should read, even eat and with whom they should spend their 'off time'.

Members will be discouraged from attending churches from other denominations.

Their will often be the claim, implicit or explicit, that their church or movement has a monopoly of the truth.

The church will be built around a single charismatic character, a self appointed leader with complete authority, usually a self centred and self seeking person.

There is usually a system in place that controls or influences how the members spend their money. Tithing will be taught and enforced, but more, members will be required to tithe exclusively to the group. Anything given elsewhere doesn't count.


There are also commendations by such luminaries such as J John, Bono, Phil Baker and the irrepressible Dr Tony Campolo.I feel this is an important book for those who may be caught up in an abusive or authoritarian church or fellowship.

One of the marks of authentic mission is that it will set people free from oppressive bonds to serve God, the world and each another: not make children of God slaves. Legalism and and a works mentality has opposed the free grace of God since the begining of creation and been exemplified by the Pharisees opposition to Jesus and refuted most vehemently by Paul in his letter to the Galatians. Adam's book tells how a group that started in grace ended up bringing people into such bondage and legalism. As with the parable of the Wheat and the Tares one must surely conclude: 'An enemy has done this'(Matt 13.28).



Galatians 5:1 'It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery'.(NIV)
'Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.' ( The Message)