<p>Spiritual abuse, particularly in Christian mission organizations, remains an under-researched area despite its detrimental effects. This grounded theory study explores precursors to spiritual abuse within these organizations, aiming to identify the conditions that make such abuse possible. The data revealed four primary precursors to spiritual abuse in Christian mission agencies: idealization of missionaries and mission work, personal values such as a sense of calling, unrealistic expectations set by leaders, and power dynamics rooted in hierarchical structures. These factors created an environment where individuals felt compelled to sacrifice their personal boundaries, leaving them vulnerable to manipulation and control. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the process that primes individuals for abuse, offering practical insights for organizational reforms aimed at safeguarding missionaries from harm as well as insights for counselors who treat survivors of abuse. Future research is encouraged to further explore these dynamics across diverse populations and religious contexts.</p>