Covert-aggressive personality is a disorder that could be behind abusive behaviors in some church leaders. Off a link at
Under Much Grace blog is
this article from a book called
In Sheep's Clothing by George Simon, Jr. on tactics of manipulation. The excerpt is on Abusive, Manipulative Relationships and includes tactics such as these: evasion, covert intimidation, projecting blame, minimalization, vilifying the victim, playing the servant role, brandishing anger and more. Well worth investigating if it sounds like your pastor.
