Remnant Radio host Joshua Lewis interviewed Dr. Natalie Atwell, a licensed clinical mental health therapist based near Charlotte, North Carolina. Atwell, who teaches at Liberty University’s counseling program, discussed grooming as a manipulative process where leaders exploit power dynamics to isolate and control individuals, often within church settings.

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Atwell defined grooming as akin to “grooming a dog”—carefully trimming behaviors to make someone dependent. In ministry contexts, it involves leaders giving special attention to individuals, making them feel uniquely valued or needy, and gradually isolating them from other authorities. This elevates the groomer’s influence, positioning them as an indispensable spiritual guide. She contrasted this with general sexual sin, like two young adults yielding to attraction; while wrong, it lacks the manipulative power imbalance central to grooming.

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Key indicators include: receiving undue praise or platforming without proper qualification; being pressured to view the leader’s authority as unquestionable; having other relationships (family, pastors) undermined; experiencing confusion from scripture-twisting; feeling guilt or shame for considering departure; and viewing the group as an exclusive, special entity. Atwell noted these resemble cult tactics, where disagreement leads to exclusion or accusations of faithlessness.

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Healthy leadership, she explained, welcomes questioning and disagreement, fostering growth rather than control. Pastors should model humility, allowing members to challenge ideas without fear. In contrast, grooming creates emotional dependency, making victims doubt their instincts and isolate from support networks.

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Churches must prioritize prevention through open dialogue, especially in youth groups. Atwell advocated for policies outlining grooming recognition and response procedures, including trauma-informed support for victims. Crucially, believers should listen without judgment, believing reports initially, and asking how to help—empowering survivors rather than silencing them.

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Atwell’s practice integrates biblical counseling with clinical tools like genograms to map generational patterns, emphasizing confession, repentance, and renunciation. Her upcoming book on spiritual warfare and unseen realms, available via mentalwarriorconsulting.com, provides resources for training counselors and believers.

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This episode equips the church to confront manipulation compassionately, fostering safe environments where truth prevails over abuse.

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