JUSTIN PETERS SKEWS REPENTANCE

Justin Peters Contradicts Himself on Repentance - Can We Repent or Not? - Calvinism EXPOSED -

The above video contains clips of Justin Peters' perplexing statements about repentance.

On the one hand, Peters claims, "repentance is a work, but it is not our work", while on the other hand, he pleads with non-Christians to "repent and place your trust in Christ". 

Peters: "In order to be saved, we would turn around and tell people they had to repent, which seemed to me to be doing a work...

I thought that repentance was something that I did, I thought it was something that I had to gen up within myself; I had to will myself to turn from certain sins.. 

The fundamental truth and teaching from scripture is that we can't repent on our own.

I want you to be truly broken over your sin, truly broken. I want you to cast yourself onto the mercies of Christ.

If you come to Him grieving over your sin because you understand that your sin grieves God and you understand the weight of the reproach that you have brought upon Christ, and the weight of how many people you have led astray in the name of Christ. If that bears heavy on you, and I hope and pray that it does, come to Christ empty-handed.. He will save you.

Turn from sin and place your faith in Christ.."

The horror of Reformed (Calvinist) theology is the teaching that God arbitrarily puts His mercy on very few people (the elect), and that the vast majority of humanity cannot be saved because they are not granted repentance. This false doctrine is a direct attack on the very nature of God and the gospel.

Peters' strained understanding is that repentance qualifies as a work: "you have to do something". In the scriptures, "work" (ἔργον) refers to action. (Romans 3:27-28; Galatians 2:16; 2 Timothy 1:9). "ἔργον comes from a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act."1 The verb "repentance" μετανοέω is to change one's mind or purpose. A contrast between work and faith is emphasised in the scriptures. (Romans 4:1-3). Romans 4:5 debunks the false assumption that faith is a work: And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.. Calvinism piles error upon error and contradicts the scriptures by teaching that regeneration precedes faith. (Acts 16:31).

"Strong’s Greek 3340 describes the decisive, Spirit-wrought turning of heart and mind that re-orients a person from sin to God. Throughout the New Testament it is never presented as mere remorse but as a wholehearted response to divine truth that issues in faith, obedience, and fruit worthy of repentance."2 

The scriptures are very straightforward and do not include the convoluted teachings of Calvinism. The Calvinist view of total inability, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints (TULIP) is presented in a way that appears wise and intellectual, but in actuality is a false ideology based on Augustinian soteriology that is incompatible with the true gospel of Jesus Christ. (Colossians 2:23). Augustine was deeply influenced by his early encounters with Stoicism, Neoplatanism, and Manichaeism. While he initially opposed deterministic ideology, Augustine incorporated elements of these philosophies into his debates with the Pelagians. Predestination and predeterminism became foundational for Augustine's theological development, and his influence on John Calvin (1509-1565) is beyond doubt. Calvin incorporated Augustinian philosophical ideas into his version of soteriology and divine providence. This has resulted in a huge swathe of the church being obliged to perform scriptural acrobatics that many find totally bewildering. Calvinism muddies the waters and puts a stumbling block in the way of those seeking salvation. 

Simply put, the scriptures command all people everywhere to repent.

 

The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.. (Acts 17:30).

Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.. (Acts 3:19).

This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3-4).

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:9).

Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord GOD, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live? (Ezekiel 18:23).

For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn, and live." (Ezekiel 18:32 cf. Job 36:9-12; Proverbs 1:23-33; Isaiah 1:19-20; Jeremiah 7:23-24; Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Ezekiel 18:30-32).

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16).

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.. (Titus 2:11).

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! (Matthew 23:37).

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. (Revelation 22:17).

He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2).

God is not absent from repentance; the Holy Spirit convicts unbelievers of sin.

And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment" (John 16:8 cf. Acts 2:37).

God does not compel anyone to repent. People can resist the Holy Spirit and refuse to repent. This refusal is due to sin itself i.e. pride, stubbornness, and love for sin, which blinds individuals to the truth and grace offered by God. ..and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 2 Thessalonians 2:10 cf. 

Calvinist proof text 2 Timothy 2:24-26

And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. 

Calvinism distorts the basic lexical meaning of Greek words. The verb "grant" δίδωμι (to give in various senses).3 Alternative words are confer or bestow. Irresistible grace is not taught in the scriptures; on the contrary, people can resist the Holy Spirit. (Acts 6:1.0; 7:51-55). When a knighthood is conferred upon someone by the king, they must be willing to accept it. In other words, when God grants or confers repentance upon a person, they must be willing to receive it. (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4; Ezekiel 18:23). God does not override our free will. No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:5). 

1. Strong's Greek: 2041. ἔργον (ergon) -- Work, deed, action, task, labor
2. Strong's Greek: 3340. μετανοέω (metanoeó) -- Repent
3. Strong's Greek: 1325. δίδωμι (didómi) -- To give, to grant, to bestow

WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: JUSTIN PETERS: SEXUAL SIN IS NEVER FULLY BLOTTED OUT - REALLY?

IS CALEB CORNELOUP QUALIFIED TO BE A PASTOR?

Am I UNQUALIFIED To Be a Pastor? Do You Have To Go To Seminary To Be a Pastor?

Caleb Corneloup gives well-reasoned arguments for embarking on his recent church plant in Adelaide.

From what I have observed of him, Caleb does have sound theology and he meets the requirements of a pastor. It may be right for some to go to a bible college or seminary, but it is not an essential criterion. 

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil. (1 Timothy 3:1-7).

This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. (Titus 1:5-9).

And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. (2 Timothy 2:24-26).

I do have reservations about Calvary Chapel. One of the core values of Calvary Chapel is unflinching support of the pretrib rapture. This would be a deal breaker for me! I don't know where Caleb stands on the rapture question, but I hope he does not support this false doctrine. 

Caleb: "It's possible that our church plant could become a Calvary Chapel church plant. that's not
guaranteed, but it's a possibility we could become a Calvary Church plant. So, that's something that I think is worth.. me praying about."

Calvary Chapel: "One of Calvary Chapel’s core values is an eager anticipation of Jesus’ soon return for His Church. We look for the rapture! The “Pre-trib rapture” of the Church has been a lynchpin in Calvary Chapel’s history, and it will also be a key to our destiny."1

I will continue to pray for Caleb's church plant, and I will watch what develops.

I urge anyone seeking to understand the rapture question to avail themselves of the excellent resources below. 

1.  Core Values: Pre-Tribulation Rapture - Calvary Chapel Deep South

ESCHATOS MINISTRIES | Alan Kurschner, Ph.D. is the founder of Eschatos Ministries, teaching Bible prophecy from a futurist, premillennial, prewrath perspective.
7 Pretrib Problems and the Prewrath Rapture (Full Movie)

MICHAEL GRANT: THE SECOND COMING

The Second Coming - How Will It Happen?

I regard Michael Grant as a good pastor overall, although I do not agree with him on some aspects of theology. Eschatology is a subject that many leaders regard as "non-essential", and many are inclined to accept their denominational view and are resistant to anything that challenges the "party line". Unquestioning acceptance of any doctrinal view based on specious evidence prevents many teachers from applying the same criteria to eschatology that they would normally apply to any other teaching. In particular, the pretrib rapture presupposition prevents teachers from studying eschatology in any depth, and they often go along to get along. In other words, they neglect due diligence and make the error of taking someone else's word for it without testing the spirits. (1 John 4:1). In my view, this is a terrible mistake, particularly in light of Jesus' admonition not to be deceived and to "watch". (Matthew 24:4,42). Michael Grant is one of the leaders influenced by John MacArthur's theology, and it seems likely that this is where his support of the pretrib rapture originates. Like many false teachings, the pretrib rapture is based on false hope that will likely devastate the faith of its proponents in the last generation. (Matthew 24:10). 

Like many pre-trib teachers, Michael Grant conflates Matthew 24 and Revelation 19. He fails to appreciate that Matthew 24:29-31 is a rapture passage rather than a description of Jesus' physical return to the earth at Armageddon. This information turns the pretrib rapture on its head since this event happens "after the tribulation".

Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (Matthew 24:29-31)

And I watched as the Lamb opened the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black like sackcloth of goat hair, and the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth like unripe figs dropping from a tree shaken by a great wind. The sky receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place.
Then the kings of the earth, the nobles, the commanders, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and free man hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. And they said to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?” (Revelation 6:12-17). 

Interestingly, identical cosmic disturbances are described when the sixth seal is broken in Revelation 6. Far from being signless and imminent, the rapture will be preceded by terrifying cosmic signs and a great earthquake. This then is how "every eye will see him":  Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (Matthew 24:30; cf. Revelation 1:7).

It is very encouraging that a growing number of believers are questioning the pretrib rapture doctrine. I urge anyone seeking to understand this subject to avail themselves of the excellent resources below. 

ESCHATOS MINISTRIES | Alan Kurschner, Ph.D. is the founder of Eschatos Ministries, teaching Bible prophecy from a futurist, premillennial, prewrath perspective.
7 Pretrib Problems and the Prewrath Rapture (Full Movie)

ONE CHURCH DAVID HIND: HIGHLY PROBLEMATIC

THE LIFE YOU ARE CREATED TO LIVE | David Hind (20th July 2025)

Open Heaven?

Above: Hind is regurgitating a false teaching that has been circulating within NAR circles for years by false prophets and teachers such as Paul Cain, Bill Johnson, Bob Jones, Todd Bentley, Mike Bickle, Rick Joyner, Emma Stark, and Benny Hinn. Those who teach it often refer to "the seer anointing". They cite the experiences of Jacob, Moses, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Paul, and John etc. These examples are rare pivotal moments in the bible and are not normative experiences. From this false teaching come stories of divine or angelic visitations and outrageous, unverifiable prophesies. Like many false teachings, the "open heaven anointing" is based partly on truth, but the scriptures are warped to an extent that distorts the meaning and gives narcissist wannabes a delusional sense of their own importance as prophets or seers.

And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16-17).

After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne.. (Revelation 4:1-2).

The epistles are the manual for believers to follow. We have instructions for holy living and are required to trust God and to humbly follow him. Significantly, the miracles in the above passages were not coveted or sought by the people involved. Rather, they were initiated by God Himself and are powerful moments in redemptive history. Taking verses out of their original context and using them as a blueprint for how we should hear from God when the circumstances of the story are completely different is extremely problematic. 

The noun δύναμις > power (Acts 1:8). Dynamite was the interpretation frequently used by false teacher Reinhard Bonnke. δύναμις comes from the English dynamic or dynamite. However, as with many faith healers with tall stories and claims of mass "miracles", Bonnke was exposed as a fake in a HBO video in 2011: A Question of Miracles (Faith Healing) Part 1

Strong's: "From dunamai: force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself) -- ability, abundance, meaning, might(-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle(-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work."1

Hind's manic OTT style, his revisionist history of TLC/One Church, his false prophecies, exaggerations, out-of-context teaching, and ethical compromises are highly dubious on many levels. 

Hind puts the Bible at the top of his list as a way of hearing God's voice. However, his own careless handling of scripture and his inaptitude fall woefully short of the biblical standard required of a pastor. (James 3:1). Hind's "confident assertions" are based on myth and mere speculation. (1 Timothy 1:3-7).   

Hind demonstrates the folly and presumption of using scripture to validate ungodly decisions. He quotes Genesis 12:1-2 in order to justify his move to Leicester in 2007 as God's will. In fact, Hind was allegedly "invited" to come to Leicester by Brian Niblock, who failed to support the man whom he had trained for years as his successor, and arguably the man who was called to lead TLC. If Niblock had done the right thing, the whole church would have supported him. Niblock's weakness and capitulation to the three elders at that time was a pivotal moment in the life of TLC! Almost as soon as Hind arrived at TLC, there was a discernible drop in biblical standards. After witnessing Hind's ungodly style of leadership, it was not long before a number of attendees, including myself, began to have grave concerns about his competence as a pastor. This woeful beginning has progressed into a long list of unethical decisions and damnable statements ethusiastically spewed by Hind during his tenure at TLC/One Church.

Further examples..   

In 2013, God allegedly spoke to "them" to become a multisite church: "Enlarge the place of your tent.." (Isaiah 54:2). As far as I am aware, no one questioned the fact that this alleged prophecy does not fit the New Testament autonomous leadership model of church leadership.

In 2021, Hind claims that he was given a "prophetic word" from Habakuk 2:1. "The Lord wants you to climb up". From this alleged "prophetic word" came the union of TLC and All Nations Church Leicester (ANCL), which was a "shipwreck".  When churches host false prophets like Emma Stark and Heidi Baker and are rabid NAR proponents, we are to mark and avoid them, not join with them! The temptation of acquiring the building on Frog Island was no doubt a significant factor in their decision to unite with ANCL.

Hind's failed "imminent revival" prophecy of 2022 is clear evidence that he is a false prophet.

David Hind (1st May 2022): "This is a fulfillment season, an outbreak season."2  

(Deuteronomy 18:32; Ezekiel 13:13; Jeremiah 23:16; 2 Peter 2:1-3).

Hind frequently insists that One Church is not about ego or about him personally.

Hind: "Sometimes we can get this picture, this green room culture of the mighty man or woman of God, separate from the people coming in. I don't want to disappoint you, but that ain't us because without the grace of God, I'm done."

Methinks Hind protests too often and too much! Authentic godly leaders do not need to speak such things or repeat them at every opportunity. If Hind is as humble as he claims, then he would not refer to himself as "an apostolic leader of leaders". Only a narcissist would adopt such a title. A true man of God, confident in his calling, would not find this kind of repetition necessary. The constant reminders of his so-called "calling" are a tactic to convince others and possibly even himself that he is authentic. 

Dr Jesse Collins: "Often religious leaders use Bible scriptures or scripture-like soundings, or they'll say they had a vision of something, and this vision told them X, and they'll keep repeating these lines over and over again..  a repetition of mantras is a common, well-known worldwide control mechanism for people.."3  

The standards required for testing spiritual gifts have been ignored by NAR false prophets, and the resulting abuse and damage to believers is glaringly obvious. The latest abominable "prophecy" from  Mike Bickle's sister, Lisa Bickle Stribling, is one of the most shocking examples I have seen: Survivors of Mike Bickle’s Alleged Sex Abuse Condemn His Sister’s Attempt to Discredit Them  

Believers are required to test everything and not just accept any "word" allegedly from God. (1 John 4:1). If a prophecy fails, then that man or woman is to be marked and avoided!  (Romans 16:17-18). Just because Benny Hinn, Todd Bentley, Shawn (smartphone) Bolz, Mike Bickle, and David Hind (fill in the blank) claim to have received a word from God, we should not automatically believe them; in fact, quite the reverse, since these men are proven false prophets.

Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind.. (Colossians 2:18).

We are in very dangerous territory when we imagine that God is communicating something to us that cannot be validated by the scriptures or fails to come to pass. Every book in the New Testament, apart from Philemon, warns about false prophets and teachers. Paul anticipated this problem within the church. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. (Acts 20:29-30).

For those ready to deconstruct from NAR indoctrination and onslaught, I recommend Leaving the Message*, which traces the development of the NAR to the cult of William Branham. Branham's cult has many deep historical connections to the AoG.*

1, Strong's Greek: 1411. δύναμις (dunamis) -- Power, strength, ability, might, miracle
2. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: ONE CHURCH LEICESTER (FORMERLY TRINITY LIFE CHURCH): DAVID AND SUSAN HIND NARCIGESIS

3. Overcoming: Understanding Post Traumatic Stress - Episode 71 William Branham Historical Research

*(284) Leaving the Message - YouTube

* The Assemblies of God

Holly Pivec

DEREK PRINCE'S DARK CONNECTION TO WILLIAM BRANHAM

Derek Prince & Dark Legacy of the Shepherding Movement | Revival History | Charles Paisley | Ep 3

"Leaving the Message is a project of William Branham Historical Research, critically examining William Marrion Branham (a.k.a. William Marvin Branham, 1907–1965), a Pentecostal revivalist and doomsday prophet whose teachings gave rise to authoritarian cults and spiritual abuse. We trace his influence into N.A.R., Latter Rain, Word of Faith, and Deliverance ministries."

The host of Leaving the Message, John Collins, and his co-host Charles Paisley are former members of the Branham cult and are well qualified to evaluate its complex history and influence. The sect known as 'The Message' or 'The Message of The Hour' is a label adopted by Brahnam's followers. The movement continues to exist, having followers in North America, Latin America, Africa, Europe, Australia, and many parts of Asia.1 Collins and Paisley describe Branham as "A Pentecostal revivalist and doomsday prophet whose teachings gave rise to authoritarian cults and spiritual abuse."

Branham claimed to have received an angelic visitation on May 7th, 1946, that allegedly commissioned his worldwide ministry and launched his campaign career. His fame spread exponentially, and many people were drawn to his accounts of angelic visitations and reports of the miraculous at his meetings. Branham's ministry spawned many emulators and was the catalyst for the broader healing revival that later became the modern charismatic movement. In all, Branham claimed to have received seven (actually eighteen) visions from God dating from 1933. These visions have been debunked as fabrications on the following link: William Branham's 1933 Visions .. Debunked! - Episode 33 William Branham Historical Research Podcast : John Collins, Charles Paisley : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive  In actuality Branham was a plagarist whose primary source was the "prophetic" writings of 17th century mystic Jane Lead.*  

Steve Montgomery: "Driven by 'ongoing revelations' and through 'borrowing' and plagiarizing the written works of the Esoterically-inspired, 17th century mystic and 'prophetess' Jane Lead, these 'prophets' of the Latter Rain developed the idea that 'all things' to be achieved in the 'end-times' would occur through the essentially deified 'corporate Body of Christ' prior to the literal, physical, personal return of the individual Jesus Christ."2 

The preamble gives a brief insight into the history of Branhamism. For the purposes of this post, I will limit my focus to the Shepherding Movement, aka the Discipleship or Covering Movement, which was established as a discipleship network during the 1960s by five charismatic teachers based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. These five teachers became known as "The Fort Lauderdale Five": Charles Simpson, Bob Mumford, Derek Prince, Don Basham, and Ern Baxter. The emphasis of the Shepherding Movement was on spiritual accountability, submission to authority, and close discipleship relationships. All five of these men were deeply influenced by William Brahnam. In particular, Ern Baxter was Branham's campaign manager between 1947 and 1953. Baxter often shared a platform with Branham, and their joint meetings were frequently referred to as the "Baxter-Branham meetings". Eventually, Baxter became disillusioned and parted company with Branham in 1953/4.2

Ern Baxter: "In the ministry with William Branham, I saw a dimension of the supernatural, that had in it such seeds of Christian unity and other good fruits that my excitement was hard to contain. But when I saw carnality start to invade the movement - exaggeration, misrepresentation, metaphysics and eventually the breakdown of many of the healers in critical areas of their lives, because they couldn't handle the crowds, the popularity or the money - I had to withdraw from it.."3 

Competing schisms subsequently developed from Branham's cult, and he became a catalyst for the Latter Rain Movement. The key component in these schisms was the emphasis on the five-fold ministry consisting of prophets, apostles, elders, preachers, and teachers (as outlined in Ephesians 4:11). The movement was based on ungodly hierarchical apostolic–prophetic structures with "prophets and apostles" claiming direct authority from God. Many direct parallels can be drawn between the Latter Rain Movement and the governance structure of the NAR. The most striking parallel is the alleged authority of modern-day "prophets and apostles" and their claim to receive direct, unverifiable revelations from God. 

The discussion proper about Derek Prince begins at the 29:00 mark. Prince came from a high socioeconomic status (SES) and attended Eton College and Cambridge University. Those coming from high SES backgrounds often have an entrenched attitude of entitlement. In my view, Prince's assumed "spiritual authority" was based on his privileged background rather than on calling and spiritual maturity. (Romans 8:5-9).

  

Prince cultivated a close association with Branham and the Assemblies of God, which was the largest branch of the Latter Rain movement during the 1950s and 1960s. In 1962, Prince moved to Canada from Kenya, where he had been a missionary, and he became a US citizen. He subsequently became pastor of the AoG Broadway Tabernacle in Seattle, where he ministered alongside key Latter Rain player and elder James A. Watt of Sharon Orphanage. Prince also became involved directly with Branham and the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International (FGBMFI). His association with Branham led to a move to the AoG Faith Tabernacle in Chicago.4 Paisley contends that Prince's ministry was entirely facilitated by his association with Branham: "Derek Prince had to get William Branham's blessing in order to share the stage with him."  

The Shepherding Movement consisted of pyramid structures of "sheep and shepherds" that demanded the total submission of the lower ranks to the five-fold ministry as a requirement for "perfection" or what they referred to as "maturity". Rank and file members were required to submit to an authority figure known as a "shepherd" who micromanaged their lives via "covenant relationships". The shepherds in turn submitted to the Five or their subordinates. Members were not permitted to make lifestyle decisions, including marriage, house moves, career choices, visits to doctors, etc. without the permission of their shepherd. The authoritarian structure and rigid disciplinary requirements of the Shepherding Movement resulted in profound negative consequences on the lives of its rank-and-file members and their families. An insightful comment made by Charles Paisley is that the "shepherds" usurped the role of the Holy Spirit and personal accountability to God. (36:00 mark) The Shepherding Movement received increasing negative publicity as reports of severe spiritual abuse emerged. Eventually, due to pressure from Pat Robertson (CBN), who was also a false teacher, Prince left the movement in 1984, stating that they had been "guilty of the Galatian error: having begun in the Spirit, we quickly degenerated into the flesh."5 

Prince's "repentance", in my view, is suspect. My contention is that the Shepherding Movement was always rooted in the flesh. It is my observation that false teachers often "repent" when they are backed into a corner and have no other choice. Bob Mumford also publicly repented in 1989.

David Moore's description of the Shepherding Movement is that it "created a propensity toward an abuse of spiritual authority, especially among young immature leaders, or leaders who lacked character and integrity...the emphasis on hierarchically oriented submission to God’s delegated authorities led to many cases of improper control and abusive authority throughout the movement."6

A victim of the Shepherding Movement writes: "I grew up in the Shepherding movement. Just like anyone who has grown up in abuse, perspectives of what is normal, loving and correct are skewed. Healing has come so very slowly. This movement affected four generations of my family, my grandmother, parents, an aunt and uncle, myself, cousins and my children. The wounds are deep and serious. It has felt like we have been so wounded that we needed a spiritual ICU, but there isn't one. My older child are now practising non-Christian beliefs, wanting nothing to do with Christianity. My cousins have battled drug addiction as a means to try to forget. A day does not go by that I do not feel the searing pain left on my soul. The Shepherding movement was not of God in any way, shape or form. If the bible states we will know people by their fruit I would have to say that there certainly a great many bad apples that went on to injure others that might other wise have been good fruit."7 

"The five were deeply influenced by William Branham [Ern Baxter, one of the 5 had known him], and in turn they deeply influenced others such as the Kansas City Prophets (IHOP), Paul Cain, Bickle and Joyner [were under Wimber who was under Paul Cain]; and Peter Wagner. They are sometimes considered a syncretistic bridge between the New Age occult movement and some Charismatic movements (such as those in the Manifested Sons of God â MSG â branches)."8

This is a cautionary tale for those currently influenced by the NAR. This post barely scratches the surface of the Shepherding Movement and Prince's involvement with Branham. The corroborating evidence, thorough research, and insight of Collins and Paisley are of great value to those seeking to understand the insidious tentacles of Branhamism. This series of videos has much to offer those with "ears to hear".

1. The Message of the Hour
2. https://william-branham.org/data/topics/latter_rain/publication/the_culture_of_the_sacred_purge_part_one_the_legacy_of_latter_rain_eschatology.pdf
3. Ern Baxter - BelieveTheSign
4. ABC History: 5-A Quick Synopsis
5. TheShepherdingMovement by Allan Clare.pdf
6. TheShepherdingMovement by Allan Clare.pdf
7. Shepherding/Discipleship Movement Survivor's Blog: Derek Prince: A Biography
8. A LITTLE HISTORY - [ Truth about ] THE SHEPHERDING MOVEMENT

*Sixty Propositions : from an Authentic Version of a Work by Jane Lead - 1697
Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International
(186) Leaving the Message - YouTube
William Branham Historical Research
'Cults' sprout globally from Christian group 'The Message'