Perhaps this is just my personal experience (I grew up in a less than liberal, "fire and brimstone" congregation) but it seemed to me that we attracted and "exploited" (for lack of a better word) people who had mental illnesses and most definitely should have been directed to professional help. I think it may be because our congregation was in a small town, and our territory was "slim pickings" as one elder described it, so if they could target the weak with promises of a glorious paradise to beef up their monthly report, so be it. It was easy to target those who may feel like pariahs, promise them friendship and love, dunk them and drop them when their needs interfere with the theocratic agenda. "Witnessed" it happening again and again. I wonder if this was unique to my congregation?
FBF