Examples of Impression Management at Bethlehem

I finished reading Wade Mullen's book Something's Not Right:  Decoding the Hidden Tactics of Abuse--and Freeing Yourself from Its Power and was struck by how many of the impression management tactics listed in the book I've seen the elders employ at Bethlehem.  We alluded to this in our open letter, but at that point Mickey had read the whole book, while I had only dipped into it.  I finished reading it, pen in hand, and wanted to share a list of examples I found.  I fully agree with Mickey's assessment that the playbook is eerily similar to the tactics we've seen used at Bethlehem.  I encourage everyone to read Wade Mullen's book in full.

Two Approaches to Dirty Laundry

This story captures two different approaches to the problems at Bethlehem.  I've left out names because I want to focus here on the two approaches rather than the specific people involved.  

In March 2021, two Bethlehem elders visited a small group.  We'll call them B (for Bethlehem College & Seminary, where he is still in a leadership role) and N (who is Not at Bethlehem anymore).

An Analogy: Bethlehem as a Burning Building

This analogy helps capture how I feel about the problems at Bethlehem. I found it helpful to have a visual image.