I'm thrilled to feature this piece, the first of a two part series, from Leadership Journal's senior editor, Amy Simpson. Amy's work to elevate understanding of mental illness in the church is earning her a national reputation. Today, she traces how codependent behavior is intersecting the church today. Also catch a brilliant companion piece from Amy, "When Service is Selfish," publishing here on Thursday. Amy lays out how codependent behavior impacts Christian service and spirituality, and offers a way forward. - Paul

Laura (name changed) never saw it coming—maybe because it was there all along.

She describes how she and John went into marriage: "with a lot of baggage, primed for dysfunction." She says, "I grew up with the subtle message that a man was needed. Any man. Even if he didn't treat you well, a man was better than no man." So that's what she looked for: any man. She found one in John. He didn't treat her well, and ...

You have reached the end of this Article Preview You have reached the end of this Article Preview To continue reading, subscribe to Christianity Today magazine. Subscribers have full digital access to CT Pastors articles.

1