MIKE WINGER: ABANDONING PURE DEVOTION TO CHRIST

Charlie Kirk, the Memorial, and how I am changing

But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:3).

Mike Winger is the featured teacher of BibleThinker online ministry. He graduated from the School of Ministry at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa and was ordained in 2006.1 Winger abandoned his post as an associate pastor in Southern California, and he is now described as an "influencer".

I recently became very alarmed by Winger's attendance at the Charlie Kirk memorial and his subsequent announcement that he was "changing" and was considering involvement in the gospel combined with political activism. This is, of course, fraternization with the world and has nothing to do with pure devotion to Christ. Winger was seen happily chatting with Calvinist Jeff Durbin at the Kirk memorial. What I find troubling about this is that Winger seems to have difficulty drawing the line between calling out false teachers and fraternizing with them. Winger appeared to be the best of friends with Durbin at this event, which is surprising considering his in-depth series calling out Calvinism as unbiblical and the fact that many believers regard Calvinism as a "different gospel". (2 Corinthians 11:4; Romans 16:17-18)2 

Winger has recently attended a TPUSA meeting together with Ray Comfort to "see what he thinks".3 This is a no-brainer. Christ explicitly repeated the phrase, "My kingdom is not of this world".

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” (John 18:36).

Winger: "I am going to take down an artificial barrier that was stopping some of my activity of thinking biblically about everything.."4  Winger said this was an off-the-cuff "random weird livestream". It is never a good idea to do something like this on the spur of the moment without prayer and due consideration, especially considering the huge implications of Winger's new ideas. There was hardly any scripture in the entire 1:15-hour livestream; what scripture there was was twisted by worldly reasoning! (30:55 mark) As a so-called "influencer", Winger is on the cusp of deceiving his entire audience of approximately 100,0000 into worldly thinking and deflecting them from the true purposes of God! (Matthew 16:23). This is a massive issue! Charlie Kirk-style debating about moral issues is to go beyond the remit of Christian ministry. Conviction of sin is the work of the Holy Spirit! (John 16:8 cf. John 15:26-27). The primary sin of the world is unbelief. (John 16:9). Believers are called to preach the gospel and make disciples of all nations, nothing more. (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47). The New Testament teaches that it is those within the church we should judge; God will judge those outside. (1 Corinthians 5:12-13).

The considerable efforts of some to sanitize Charlie Kirk's legacy should fool no one. Kirk was a fast talker and a skilled debater whose opponents consisted largely of inexperienced college students who were no match for his considerable rhetorical expertise. In many instances, he "won the argument" due to what in my view were bullying tactics. On close examination, Kirk has been proven to be contradictory and factually wrong in a number of instances.TPUSA is a worldly organization that seeks to attain political dominion, hence their allegiance to many NAR false teachers who promote Dominion Theology. Charlie Kirk was heavily invested in the unbiblical NAR Seven Mountain Mandate. 

The "Third Way" theology within TPUSA represents a complex interplay between political activism and theological fidelity, challenging believers to navigate the complexities of contemporary culture while adhering to their faith. The critical question is whether political activism and adherence to faith can be combined or whether they are mutually exclusive. Jesus Himself did not involve Himself in the politics of His time, and neither did His apostles. The political realm is part of the worldly system of corruption and will ultimately be used by the Antichrist as his vehicle to gain ascendancy. TPUSA has been described as a threat to democracy and has been linked to white nationalism and Christofascism.      

It should be noted that Satan is presently in authority over worldly powers. Jesus rejected worldly power and dominion when he rejected Satan's offer of "all the kingdoms of the world". The required compromise is "if you will fall down and worship me.."

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’”Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. (Matthew 4:8-11).

You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God. (James 4:4 cf. 1 John 2:15-17; Romans 12:2). 

Dominion theology and true faith in Christ are at variance with one another. Any Christian supporting TPUSA must abandon biblical eschatology and realign their faith to political dominionist eschatology rooted in this world. 

Will TPUSA and Dominionism make a positive difference in the world? Not according to Jesus. Jesus described a multiplication of wickedness and a deterioration of the world in the last days. 

Jesus answered, “See to it that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.....For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.. (Matthew 24:4-8,37 cf.Genesis 6:5). 

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men. (2 Timothy 3:1-9).

And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army. And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh. (Revelation 19:19-21 cf.Revelation 16:14). 

 

Further Concerns

As recently as November 2022, Winger claimed that he would "absolutely" fellowship with false churches like Bethel.. I will not throw out the baby with the bathwater. I think that Bethel is not a church full of demons. Bethel is a church full of people that are sincere, that have some things off.. I would still fellowship with them. I would still call them my brothers and sisters in the Lord. Absolutely."5 I was concerned about this statement at that time, but I gave Winger the benefit of the doubt. Winger only changed his mind about Bethel when he received severe pushback and was shamed into issuing a retraction. I now regard Winger's statement at that time as a red flag and a harbinger of things to come. Having given this matter further consideration in light of recent events, it seems incomprehensible that a discerning Christian teacher could have missed Bethel's blasphemy and failed to call them out adequately. Bethel Redding is a hotbed of aberrant NAR New Age unbiblical teachings, including spiritual fakery, grave suckng, and the prosperity gospel.6 

Winger's anonymous witnesses during his exposure of Todd White was unbiblical. Winger claimed that multiple eye-witnesses came forward alleging years of disqualifying behavior from White, including theft, pathological lies, spiritual abuse and manipulation, and allegations of domestic abuse. However, Winger's multiple eyewitnesses failed to materialize. Winger claimed, “I’ve met with them, confirmed their identities, seen the evidence that corroborates their testimonies, and believe that it’s Christ-honoring to come forward and shout a warning to believers everywhere that Todd White is disqualified and dangerous.” It may well be that Winger's accusations against White were true and I do not dismiss them. However, biblically, we should not accept an allegation against an "elder" (I use the term loosely in Todd Whites case) without evidence. Biblically, the word of a single witness is unacceptable, and corroborating evidence is always required. (Matthew 18:16; 1 Timothy 5:19; 2 Corinthians 13:1; Deuteronomy 19:15, etc.) Winger promised that the evidence would be forthcoming, but it has never materialized. Winger's exposé would have endorsed White's already tainted reputation as a conman who engages in parlour tricks and false teaching, but without corroboration, it cannot be accepted. 

Winger "About those objections to hell..." 28 September 2023: "I am open to the idea of annihilationism or conditional immortality.."7 (10:42 mark). At the same time, Winger affirms the existence of hell. This kind of double-talk is very unhelpful and waters down the gospel. 

Recently, I reported on Winger's interview with Elijah Stephens, where it was assumed that false teachers could be reinstated. Winger: "This video is made to help stir up positive change in the movement." Stephens repeatedly made protracted appeals to Shawn Bolz and Bethel leaders to take accountability and to reform their ministries.8 Once again, Winger apparently failed to comprehend that Shawn Bolz and Bethel leaders are utterly disqualified and should never assume the role of teachers within the body of Christ, even if they do repent. 

Mike Winger's recent exposure of cult leader Steven Koko, the so-called "predator of Panama",9 involves close collaboration with hypercharismatic false teacher Torben Sondergaard, founder of The Last Reformation.10 Sondergaard is a "thus saith the Lord" leg puller and demon slayer who hijacks people into false repentance. (See further links) Again, I am not dismissing Winger's claims against Koko, and it appears that in this instance, there are viable witnesses to the abuse. However, no bona fide Christian apologist should collaborate with false teachers like Sondergaard > the means do not justify the ends.

What Winger describes as his epic fight against "cover-up culture" may seem very worthy, but it is problematic. Winger's response to Koko's "goons" is "over my dead body". This sounds very courageous, but Christ is not looking for lone ranger heroes who ignore his precepts, just faithful servants.11

Winger: "Over my dead body.
Steve Koko's goons are already threatening people with legal action, trying to get my video removed. Can I reply to them right here?
My reply: If we got anything wrong reach out to me and tell me. But, if you are trying to intimidate and control, doing Cover-Up Culture (as I suspect) then I want you to know that every action you take will only make things WORSE for you. I will shine the light on your acts and the things you do to try to continue intimidating and controlling people. If my video has anything wrong in it, I will happily deal with it. But, when it comes to lies, threats, and bullying, my only response to you is 'over my dead body.'"

Having now done a much deeper dive into Mike Winger's ministry, he puts me in mind of compromiser Michael Brown, who speaks out of both sides of his mouth and makes excuses for false teachers. I now regard Winger as unsafe, and critically, he is potentially part of the false light of the political right. 

   

1. About BibleThinker - BibleThinker
2. Why I Think Calvinism Is Unbiblical
3. My thoughts on the TPUSA event.
4. Charlie Kirk, the Memorial, and how I am changing
5. https://youtu.be/9rsyt_VYJZQ
6. https://youtu.be/weHo7pO6cmQ
7. About those objections to Hell…
8. https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4103925900569325548/6413567918985767200#
9. This Is Disgusting – Why I Expose My Friend Koko and Join Mike Winger to Uncover Church Coverup
10. Why Mike Winger Started Exposing Bad Christian Leaders

Further Links

An Open Letter To Mike Winger - You're Working With The CNP and I Doubt You Know It - Part 1

https://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com/2025/09/charlie-kirks-faith-examined.html
WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: MIKE WINGER: THE FOLLY OF SEEKING TO RESTORE FALSE PROPHETS TO MINISTRY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttJGC-lIZv8&t=4s
https://youtu.be/m1est65LcdIhttps://youtu.be/X4J0I4q0JAo
The Venom They Want Sanitized: Kirk's Own Shocking Rhetoric Unmasked
Will Mike Winger Finally Call Bill Johnson a False Teacher? | Christian Research Network
Torben Sondergaard Confused False Teacher!

Torben Sondergaard false teacher

(778) Torben Sondergaard: The Beginning of False Testimonies - YouTube

MIKE WINGER: SHAWN BOLZ AND FALSE PROPHETS

The skeletons in Bethel's closet are now going to speak

The above is a detailed video lasting for almost six hours exposing false prophet Shawn Bolz. We might hail Winger as the hero of the day for exposing false teachers. However, I have reservations about Winger's ministry for reasons that I will summarise below.

> He seeks to restore false prophets to ministry. At the beginning of this video Winger expresses the hope that the "charismatic church can be reformed".
> His attendance at the Charlie Kirk memorial and his endorsement of ecumenism and TPUSA.
> His announcement that he was "changing" and was considering involvement in the gospel, combined with political activism.
> His endorsement of NAR heretics in the recent past, and his previous affirmation of Todd White as "sincere" and a "brother in Christ". When Winger finally did call out Todd White last year, his evidence consisted of anonymous whistleblowers rather than named witnesses. ( 2 Corinthians 13:1).
> He has called for the death of Muslims in Nigeria.

For full details see my previous posts.*

In Winger’s latest video, the issue of anonymous whistleblowers doesn’t arise; he cites a number of named witnesses. Bolz has already been exposed by several ministries, but Winger introduces additional, previously unheard information, and it is useful to have it consolidated in one place. His platform is sizable, and despite my reservations, there is at least the possibility that this video will jolt sincere believers entangled in the NAR to their senses.

NAR false prophets/teachers Bill Johnson, Kris Vallotton, Ché Ahn, Patricia King, Heidi Baker, etc., are a pack of wolves. It is well documented that Bethel Redding manufactures fake glory clouds, fake gold dust, fake angel feathers, fake fire tunnels, as well as practising grave sucking and all manner of lying signs. Given their previous history, why is Winger "shocked" that Vallotton lied and is part of the deception and cover-up culture? 

Winger: "This desire Bethel has to restore fallen leaders is itself a good desire; it doesn't play out without cover-up culture. That's the problem."  (03:20 mark) 

Winger misses the obvious: he is dealing with savage wolves, not wayward colleagues. His critique assumes that Kris Vallotton and other false teachers ought to have acted responsibly—exposing Bolz and safeguarding the wider church. But wolves do what wolves do; they are predatory, not protective. Expecting integrity from them, or appealing to a conscience already cauterised (1 Timothy 4:2), is futile. Scripture warns that such figures prioritise their own image over the truth. They cloak themselves in piety and claim divine authority, yet their words mislead, and their influence draws the undiscerning off course. Biblically, the only action to take against false teachers/prophets is to mark and avoid them. (Romans 16:17-18). In the Old Testament, false prophets were put to death. In the New Testament, believers are commanded to mark and avoid (ἐκκλίνετε) false prophets/teachers. This is not optional; ἐκκλίνετε is a present imperative active verb.

I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and 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 20:29-31).

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. (Matthew 7:15-20).

See also 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 1 Timothy 4:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:5; Jeremiah 23:16; Ezekiel 22:28).

The popularity of NAR prophets is itself a warning sign. Jeremiah faced the same dynamic with the "court prophets"—men who delivered only the pleasant messages people preferred to hear. The NAR figures who cluster around Donald Trump illustrate the pattern clearly: they tell their audience exactly what it wants to hear. As Paul warned, some will always gravitate toward teachers who cater to itching ears. (2 Timothy 4:3).

Michael Grant argues that the solution is to simply abandon the charismatic gifts altogether—essentially, a full embrace of cessationism.1 The difficulty with that claim is that scripture affirms the ongoing reality of prophecy and other spiritual gifts, while also providing safeguards for their use. The biblical emphasis is not on shutting the gifts down, but on exercising discernment.

1. The Problem w/ Mike Winger's "Discernment" & Why Exposing Shawn Bolz ISNT' ENOUGH!

* WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: Search results for winger
Topical Bible: God's Judgment on False Prophets

MIKE WINGER VS JOHN MACARTHUR

Unequal weights and unequal measures are both alike an abomination to the LORD. (Proverbs 20:10).

The discussion continues regarding Mike Winger's defense against accusations about his teaching from Doctrinal Watchdog and Tim Hurd (BTWN) regarding Bill Johnson and Kris Vallotton (Bethel Church Redding) and his comments about John MacArthur.    

Mike Winger has made some excellent videos refuting Calvinism and I do appreciate his efforts to seek to portray others in a positive light. However, for the sake of the gospel, false teachers should not be tolerated or endorsed on any level, even though they may teach some truth. (2 Corinthians 11:20).

Mike Winger: "I do disagree with him (John MacArthur) on first Corinthians and speaking in tongues and several other things, but that doesn't mean I'm trashing him. That's obnoxious and I don't think John MacArthur would think that... I greatly love and respect John MacArthur and I love the ministry he's done, and he's been a stalwart champion for the gospel of Jesus Christ, and I think he's a good teacher, a great teacher. I love John MacArthur, 'but he's Calvinist Mike', I know, but I still love him and I love a lot of Calvinist teachers and that's my opinion of them.."

I agree with Faith on Fire (below) that there are inconsistencies in Mike Winger's teaching that he needs to address. Mike Winger seems to have some kind of double standard; on one hand, he teaches against Calvinism, and on the other hand, he strongly endorses John MacArthur. (Psalm 119:113). John MacArthur is a false teacher on many levels and he teaches a false gospel. (2 Corinthians 11:4). Apart from the humongous error of Calvinism, MacArthur denies the blood of Jesus Christ and he says that it will be safe to take the mark of the beast. (Revelation 14:11). Such a wolf cannot be a "good/great teacher" and "a stalwart champion for the gospel of Jesus Christ". Any well-meaning endorsement of false teachers carries with it the unacceptable risk of causing believers to stumble by throwing them to ferocious wolves in sheep's clothing. (Matthew 7:15). This is acutely demonstrated by the experience of Alana L on the link below. 

Mike Winger Defends John MacArthur: Beware of Calvinism, Joel Osteen and Unwise Endorsements

Faith on Fire: "Mike Winger defended himself against accusations from BTWN Guy and Doctrinal Watchdog (Active) channels and clarifies his view of John MacArthur and Calvinism. This video is a warning to pastors and Christian influencers on social media to be careful who you endorse. Also, see what amazing lengths Mike Winger goes to in order to avoid the dubious discernment channels from taking Joel Osteen quotes and attributing them to Mike Winger's beliefs. We also see a clip from Leighton Flowers Soteriology 101 interview with Alana L on being saved out of Calvinism after 15 years of being a 5 point Calvinist and the role John MacArthur played in her early indoctrination." 

Further Links

Mike Winger Videos: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS0QO... 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHtQS... 

Soteriology 101 Alana L interview: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQTHc...

MIKE WINGER: THE FOLLY OF SEEKING TO RESTORE FALSE PROPHETS TO MINISTRY

(17) Bethel Insider Asks Accountability For False Prophet: Will Bethel Respond? - YouTube

I watched all three hours of this video. The comprehensive exposure of Shawn (Smartphone) Bolz and the monumental cover-up by Chris Vallotton, Bill Johnson, and other Bethel leaders was informative but unsurprising.

Where I came unstuck with Winger's video was the protracted personal appeals of Elijah Stephens to Bolz and Bethel leaders to take accountability and to reform their ministries. 

See the time stamps below.

1:54:42 Part 7. Taking Accountability 

2:06:55 Part 8. Elijah's Message to Bill Johnson 

2:21:07 THIRTY DAY DEADLINE for Bethel 

2:30:09 Part 9. Elijah's Message to Kris Vallotton 

2:56:26 Part 10. Elijah's Message to Shawn Bolz 

3:00:40 Part 11. Exposing Sexual Predators and Frauds in the Renewal Movement 

3:09:27 Elijah's Final Appeal

Winger: "This video is made to help stir up positive change in the movement."  Doesn't Winger know that Bolz and Bethel are utterly disqualified? I feel that Stephen's perception of these NAR false teachers and his hope that they will change is unrealistic and extremely naive. Even if they do repent, they should never assume the role of teachers or leaders within the body of Christ. 

Why is an appeal for change unbiblical?  

People have been calling out the leadership of Bethel Church for many years, and yet they have continued in their folly. ..while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:13). Bethel is known for engaging in heretical New Age teaching, false prophecies, alleged angel feathers, gold dust, glory clouds, grave sucking and all kinds of abominations. Similarly, Bolz has been engaged in data mining and false prophecy for years and has done inestimable damage to those he has deceived.

A question for Mike Winger: At what point do we reject false teachers/prophets? 

Winger's weak approach is unacceptable, unbiblical, and shows little regard for the sheep. The scriptures do not recognize false teachers/prophets as true believers and commands authentic Christians to mark and avoid them. 

As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. (Titus 3:10-11).

If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. / But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ / If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. (Matthew 18:15-17).

Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us. (2 Thessalonians 3:6)

But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. (1 Corinthians 5:11).

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. (Romans 16:17-18).

If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him. / Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds. (2 John 1:10-11).

..having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these! (2 Timothy 3:5).

Anthony Wade (The Scattered Sheep Podcast) makes some excellent points and challenges the inadequate response of Winger and 'The Minor Prophets': Stop Trying to Salvage Charismania - Examining Videos from Mike Winger & The Minor Prophets

MIKE WINGER IS SUCH A DISAPPOINTMENT

Mike Winger Endorses the Next Crusade | @Mike Winger

Above is a video by E511 Ministries. I am unfamiliar with their theology, and as such, I am unable to endorse them at the present time. The video demonstrates that Mike Winger is calling for the death of Muslims in Nigeria. I find this absolutely shocking! Along with others, Winger has turned away from the gospel in favour of political activism, and he now supports the TPUSA MAGA Trump agenda. 

The original Crusades took place between 1095 and 1291 and were initiated by the papacy to reclaim and defend the Holy Land (especially Jerusalem) from Muslim control. The result of the crusades strengthened papal authority and influenced European politics, trade and culture. In biblical terms, the Crusades were unrighteous and did not align with the teachings of Jesus Christ. Any crusade-style response to the terrible genocide and atrocities committed in Nigeria is tainted by fleshly political manoeuvrings and is unbiblical. Trump is not a Christian, and his agenda is not based on biblical principles. Winger's emotive one-size-fits-all is a gross distortion of the truth. According to various sources, the reality is more complex than simply framing the violence as "Christian genocide". Violence in Nigeria has affected both Muslims and Christians. Much of Nigeria’s violence is Muslim-on-Muslim as well as Muslim>Christian. In northern Nigeria, especially, many victims of Boko Haram, ISWAP, and bandit groups are themselves Muslims, indicating that the crisis is not simply one religion against another.*

Muslims make up approximately 50-55% of Nigeria's population, while Christians make up approximately 45-49%. The Christian population can be broken down into Roman Catholics in the east, and Protestants in the south (Anglicans, Baptists, Methodists and Independent/Pentecostal megachurches: Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Winners’ Chapel, and Christ Embassy are among the largest, with millions of members worldwide. As in other countries, the designation "Christian" is no indication of the true number of bible believing born-again Christians in Nigeria. In fact, the acute corruption in Nigeria is in no small part due to unscrupulous church leaders!

Vanguard: "Abuja — The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has made a shocking allegation that some religious groups in Nigeria are more corrupt than public officials.
Speaking at a leadership conference of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) over the weekend, Olukoyede claimed that the EFCC has recovered millions of naira from a religious organization recently.
'Pastors have made wealth the centrepiece of the gospel, which is far from the doctrine given to us by the apostles,' he said.
Akintunde was reacting to a viral video of a pastor allegedly claiming that God accepts tithes from proceeds of fraud and cybercrime."1 

Church Times Nigeria: "We live in an era of unprecedented religious visibility. Megachurches dot the skylines of major cities, religious broadcasting saturates the airwaves, and social media feeds are inundated with spiritual aphorisms.
Yet, beneath this veneer of vibrancy, a quiet crisis is unfolding. It is a crisis not of attendance, but of substance; not of passion, but of depth.
As noted in recent critiques of contemporary ecclesiology, the modern church is increasingly producing 'two-dimensional Christians', believers who possess a breadth of enthusiasm but a shallowness of understanding.
The prevailing focus on hyper-spiritism and radical prosperity has created a theological vacuum. In many urbanised pulpits, the historic Christian faith, once characterised by intellectual rigour, sacrificial love, and the navigation of suffering, has been repackaged into a “fast food diet” of immediate gratification.
This shift raises profound questions about the sustainability of such a faith and the spiritual legacy being left for the next generation. If the church is to survive the cultural and intellectual storms of the twenty-first century, it must move beyond the populist preachments of success and return to the foundational, albeit challenging, work of theological education and discipleship."2

Punch: "The Lead Pastor of Hilltop City Christian Centre, Lagos, Victor Akintunde, has said church 
leaders also share the blame for the country’s deepening corruption crisis.
In an interview, Akintunde expressed concern that many prominent pastors had veered away from the core message of Christianity, replacing it with an obsession with prosperity and wealth.
'Part of the corrupt tendencies that have bedevilled Nigeria emanated from church leaders.
'Many of us have left the message of Christ and are now fixated on prosperity." 3 

Similar to the UK, Europe and other countries, it appears that the number of true Christians in Nigeria is a small remnant. It is therefore a misnomer to identify Nigerian churchgoers as "our brothers and sisters" or "Christian martyrs". TPUSA, including Mike Winger and others, are in fact exacerbating an already bad situation by inciting violence due to their warped version of reality. I view the current situation as a call to repentance and an opportunity to proclaim the true gospel to both the Muslim population and to "professing" Christians who are not genuine believers. 

Those associated with TPUSA have compromised with a tainted ecumenical gospel, which is really no gospel at all. (Galatians 1:7). I am all in favour of raising strong objections and taking sanctions against the perpetrators of genocide in Nigeria, but this should be done in collaboration with the true gospel, which is the only solution for the world. (John 8:12).

Winger seems to have "forgotten" the clear teaching of Jesus Christ not to endorse violent action against persecutors.

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, / that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. / If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Do not even tax collectors do the same? (Matthew 5:44-48).

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. (Luke 6:35).

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:14-21).

For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. (2 Corinthians 10:3).

To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste… (Deuteronomy 32:35,43)

Greg Laurie's insensitively named "Harvest Crusade" recently intersected with TPUSA following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The event took place on the 16th of November at Utah Valley University, and drew over 10,000 attendees. Laurie is the founder of Harvest Christian Fellowship (HCF) which is yet another mega church experiencing severe allegations of sexual abuse and cover up at the present time. Multiple lawsuits filed in 2025 allege that a former pastor and missionary associated with HCF abused and trafficked children at church-supported homes in Romania in the early 2000's. The suits also claim HCF and senior leaders, including Greg Laurie, were negligent in failing to present the abuse or respond adequately to warnings. There are currently ongoing public calls for Laurie to resign as Senior Pastor of HCF.4 

Many associated with TPUSA should address the plank in their own eye before they presume to inflict their views on others! (Matthew 7:3-5; Isaiah 9:16).

https://youtube.com/shorts/BTyA5hwComc?si=khKS-HixhdQjUcsA
Violence Continues in Nigeria Against Christians and Muslims - The New York Times

Nigeria violence: Data shows most victims are Muslim, despite focus on Christian attacks - Africa - World - Ahram Online*

1. Nigeria: Some Religious Groups More Corrupt Than Public Officials - EFCC Chair, Olukoyede - allAfrica.com
2. Crisis of Depth: Reclaiming Theological Rigour in Prosperity-Obsessed Church - Church Times Nigeria - News, features and more
3. Nigeria Corruption: Church Leaders Complicit, Says Cleric
4. Frmr Pastor at Greg Laurie's Church Accused of Child Abuse in Romania, Lawsuit Claims

BENNY HINN'S OPPOSITION TO MIKE WINGER

(303) The Victims of Benny Hinn: 30 Years of Spiritual Deception. - YouTube

Mike Winger is facing serious backlash following the release of his video exposing Benny Hinn's malpractice. 

Mike Winger: "Benny Hinn is actively trying to silence me and is abusing the copyright system.." The four-hour video above, although rather lengthy, is well worth watching to gain an understanding into Hinn's false ministry. 

Mike Winger: "This man is hurting people, leaving people destitute, abusing sick and ill people as props to bring glory to himself, and deceiving people, really bad stuff.. Benny Hinn is a very bad man." 

When I became a Christian a number of years ago, I joined the hyper-charismatic group of some neighbours who led me to the Lord. It was not until much later that I became aware of the many problems and dangers within the charismatic movement. During those early years, I was in turmoil and I struggled immensely. It was a very difficult time. However, I gradually began to put my entire trust in the Lord Himself rather than relying on various aberrant teachings allegedly from God. As a new Christian and knowing nothing about Christianity, I believed that I was the problem rather than the teachings, and that I needed some kind of deliverance or breakthrough to become free. This is a trap that many fall into and I encourage those who are struggling within the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) to seek the Lord directly and to abide in His word. 

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32).

Benny Hinn visited Leicester UK in 2014 "care of" Trinity Life Church Leicester (Assemblies of God). I posted a warning at that time as well as other warnings about the teachings being promoted by Trinity Life Church (now ONE Church).1 TLC illegally removed two of my posts during 2014 which I subsequently republished. ONE Church is still going strong and very sadly they are continuing with their NAR involvement and false teachings. 

1. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: THE CIRCUS COMES TO TOWN - FALSE PROPHET BENNY HINN TO COME TO LEICESTER (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

THE NAR BLIGHT: TODD WHITE EXPOSED

Mike Winger: "This video is dedicated to the victims of Todd White. The following info is from multiple eye-witnesses who have come forward to tell the truth about Todd White. I've met with them, confirmed their identities, seen the evidence that corroborates their testimonies, and believe that it's Christ-honoring to come forward and shout a warning to believers everywhere that Todd White is disqualified and dangerous.

You can download the open letter from whistleblowers about Todd White’s pathological lying and disqualifications from ministry. Link below." 

An-Open-Letter-to-the-Church-Concerning-Todd-White.pdf

Mike Winger's exposé of Todd White, founder and president of Lifestyle Christianity, Watauga, Texas, typifies the corruption of New Apostolic Reformation leaders. Todd White claims that he has not sinned since his conversion, but it appears that his entire life and ministry are defined by pathological lying and sin. (1 John 1:8). This latest exposure of yet another NAR wolf follows Mike Bickle, Robert Morris, Art Lucier, Benny Hinn, Joel Osteen, Tony Evans, and many others.  

There has been some criticism of Mike Winger due to his previous affirmation of Todd White as "sincere" and a "brother in Christ". Winger's unfortunate indulgence of NAR heretics has caused consternation in some quarters, and rightly so. Todd White is definitely not a "brother in Christ". (Matthew 7:23). There are also concerns about anonymous whistleblowers. I hope these individuals will have the courage to identify themselves; there is no such thing as an anonymous witness in the bible. The Body of Christ needs full disclosure in order to evaluate these claims. A further problem is that the whistleblowers have been accused of validating White's doctrine. Their statement appears to be limited to the affirmation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. However, I think we need clarification on this crucial point since false doctrine negatively impacts integrity and character. (1 Timothy 4:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:16-18; Titus 1:10-11). 

Whistleblowers: "It is important to clarify that our concerns with Todd are not regarding the doctrine of the gifts of the Spirit, miracles, or signs and wonders—we believe in these wholeheartedly. Rather, our concerns lie with Todd’s integrity and character, which we find increasingly troubling."

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. (Romans 16:17-18).

CHRIS ROSEBROUGH: UNQUALIFIED WOMEN (AND MEN) TEACHERS

F4F | Karena Carrasco In Unqualified Rebellion Against God (youtube.com)

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. (James 3:1).

Karena Carrasco head of Kidz City Daycare at Chooselife Church (Hobbs NM) is not only unqualified to teach, she is also scripturally unsound. I agree with Rosebrough that Carrasco's "sermon" on "divine power and influence" is utter nonsense. Carrasco: "When Jesus spent time with the Father there was always something different about His countenance.. To have His divine life you have to abide in the vine, that's where power is going to come from.. when you spend time with Him not just your insides change but your outside changes.."  Her justification for teaching this nonsense is the transfiguration of Jesus in Luke 9: 28-36.  

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. (2 Corinthians 4:16).

In the New Testament, the office of elder, overseer, and shepherd (pastor) refers to the same teaching office within the church. (Acts 20:28; Titus 1:5,9; 1 Peter 5:1–2; Ephesians 4:11). Although Carrasco has not set herself up as a "pastor" per se, teaching sermons to a mixed congregation is to assume the role specifically reserved for those holding the office of an overseer. The fact that the leaders of Chooselife Church have sanctioned Carrasco makes them culpable and puts them in direct rebellion against God.

Rosebrough's use of 1 Corinthians 14:34-38 is not the best passage to demonstrate his point. Most teachers explain these verses in terms of problems specific to the Corinthian Church which faced challenges relating to cultural norms, immorality, division, and the misuse of spiritual gifts. Since Paul acknowledged that women were "praying and prophesying" in 1 Corinthians 11:5, these verses cannot be taken outside their specific context without creating an internal contradiction within Paul's writings.

As in all the churches of the saints, the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church. Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are you the only ones it has reached? If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But all things should be done decently and in order. (1 Corinthians 14:34-38).

In his excellent series on Women in Ministry, Mike Winger refers to "the strict view" i.e. "the utter silence view" which does not allow a woman to speak in any public meeting whatsoever.1  The Greek word “σιγάω” (sigáo),  means “to be silent” or “to refrain from speaking”. An alternative view of sigáo has been suggested in contexts where refraining from certain types of speech is appropriate or required as against "silence" in the strictest sense. Winger quotes Professor Anthony Thiselton who was my professor at Nottingham University. 

Thiselton: "The speaking in question denotes the activity of sifting or weighing the words of prophets, especially by asking probing questions about the prophet's theology or even the prophet's lifestyle in public."

Meyer: "ἃ γράφω ὑμ.] (the things I write to you) refers to the whole section regarding the πνευματικοῖς. To refer it, as Billroth and Olshausen do, to the command that the women should keep silence, does not harmonize with the introduction εἴ τις … πνευματικός, and involves the awkwardness of only this intervening matter being thus confirmed with such solemnity, and the principal and far more important section not at al.."2  

The judging prophecy view   

Mike Winger points out that the context of 1 Corinthians 29ff concerns prophecy, and he makes the an interesting case for tying 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 back to verse 29 which is split into two parts - speaking and judging: Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. (1 Corinthians 14:29).  Winger reasons that when a question arises about whether a prophecy is true or false, the natural arbiters would be the overseers whose function is to uphold sound doctrine. This view therefore excludes women from judging prophecy.      

In contrast to 1 Corinthians 14:34-38, 1 Timothy 2:12-14 is transcultural and refers to the order of creation. These three verses present an irrefutable case against women elders/teachers. 

 

1 do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. (1 Timothy 2:12-14).

Some denominations seek to overcome the difficulty of people of any gender speaking inappropriately by conducting rigidly structured church services. However, this strategy is no fail-safe against Satan's determination to introduce false teaching into the church. Satan simply changes tactic and deceives leaders into promoting false teachings such as baptismal regeneration (Lutheran), limited atonement (Calvinism), skewed eschatology etc. 

 

The widespread apostasy we are witnessing in many churches today is off the scale, but I do not believe that we are living in the apostasy referred to in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 which is directly linked to the man of lawlessness aka the Antichrist. When the Antichrist is revealed the rebellion/apostasy will be on an entirely different level. (Matthew 24:9-12; Revelation 13:7; 12:17).

Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction.. (2 Thessalonians 2:3).   

As Rosebrough points out, any church with a woman pastor/elder/teacher is in open rebellion against God. It seems reasonable to suppose that the rank apostasy occuring within many churches is a precursor to the rebellion of 2 Thessalonians 2:3. 

Many who hold the position of overseer are unfit by reason of their ungodly lives and their obvious incompetence as teachers. The scriptural qualifications are being openly flouted in favour of man centred teachings that accomodate itching ears. (2 Timothy 4:3).

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).

Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1 Timothy 4:16).

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15).

1. 5 Views on “Women Keep Silent" (1 Cor 14:35-36): Women in Ministry part 11 (youtube.com)
2. 1 Corinthians 14 Meyer's NT Commentary (biblehub.com)

SPENCER SMITH''S MYSOGYNY ~ GOING BEYOND WHAT IS WRITTEN

"The Wicked Truth About Women Who Want to Preach" - Spencer Smith Livestream!

This video comprises two solid hours of Spencer Smith's misogynistic teaching. Not only is he biblically inaccurate, he obviously has a major attitude problem and a lack of respect and Christian love for women. 

 Smith weighs straight in by pulling up a comment by one of his viewers:

Smith: "Has God called women to be the centre of attention and articulate general theology to the masses? Maybe we could call that preaching.. I think the answer to that is no, God has not called women to do anything like that."  Another viewer chimed in, "it is narcissism". 

After plugging his teaching 'Rise of the Divine Feminine', Smith continues: "I think women are being used by Satan today to cause a lot of chaos and a lot of problems in the local church."

To clarify, I am not egalitarian and I have no desire whatsoever to be a pastor or an elder in any church. Furthermore, I would not attend a church with a woman pastor or women elders. 

The Bible gives no directions about women's freedom (or not) to discuss faith and theology outside the church. Spencer Smith has taken it upon himself to add to the scriptures and go beyond what is written. As far as I can determine, it is permissible for women to hold opinions and to voice them, especially if the scriptures back them up!

I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. (1 Corinthians 4:6 cf. Proverbs 30:5-6).

Ironically, those who go beyond what is written are described in the scriptures as arrogant and divisive! Those who engage in this kind of rhetoric do immense damage to the body of Christ and stunt the growth of believers.  

If Smith can bear to humble himself for a little while, then he should listen to Mike Winger's series: Women Leaders in the New Testament. Part 4 is particularly relevant to the present discussion: Women Leaders in the New Testament: Women in Ministry part 4  Winger: "We will examine claims that there were women apostles, women elders, women deacons and various other hints that some say offer us evidence of women in very significant leadership positions in the New Testament. We will also get into the 1 Timothy and Titus and the requirements that Paul gives for elders and deacons." Winger has inserted subheadings and I think that many will find the following sections very helpful:

11. 1:29:24 What exactly is a deacon? 

12. 1:36:04 Was Phoebe a deacon?

13. 1:53:16 1 Tim. 3, deacons’ wives or deaconesses?

Phoebe and women in the early church

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant* of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron (προστάτις) of many and of myself as well. (Romans 16:1-2).

* a deaconess    

In the Greek, διάκονος is servant, minister, deacon.  

Bible Hub: "Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, a 'diakonos' was typically a servant or attendant who performed various duties. In the early Christian church, the term took on a more specific connotation, referring to those who served the community in both practical and spiritual matters. The role of a deacon, as outlined in the New Testament, was one of service and support, assisting the elders and apostles in the ministry of the church."1 

In Philippians 1:1 Paul greets the deacons in a specific sense. 

In 1 Timothy 3:8,12 refers to the offices of deacon and overseer.

In other instances διάκονος refers to servant in a generic sense.  

Bible Hub: "The term 'prostatis' refers to a woman who acts as a leader, protector, or benefactor. In the context of the early Christian church, it denotes a woman who provided support, whether through financial means, hospitality, or leadership, to the community or individuals within it."2  

Their wives (γυναῖκας) likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. (1 Timothy 3:11).

Paul acknowledges that women pray and prophesy in the church, indicating their active participation in worship. (1 Corinthians 11:5 cf. Acts 21:9).

Ruby Franke/Jodi Hildebrant

Smith goes into a lengthy discussion about two Mormon women, Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrant who ran a vlog in 2023. Wikipedia: "Ruby Franke (née Griffiths; born January 18, 1982) is an American convicted child abuser and former family vlogger who ran the now defunct YouTube channel 8 Passengers. On August 30, 2023, Franke and Jodi Hildebrant were arrested in Washington County, Utah, and charged with six counts of felony aggravated child abuse of two of Franke's children. Franke ultimately pleaded guilty to four counts and was sentenced to 4-30 years in prison on February 20, 2024." 3

Why does Spencer Smith judge unbelievers and why does he find it necessary to say that these women are representative of all women, even Christian women?

 

For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? (1 Corinthians 5:12).

When someone commented "Not all women are like this", Smith's responded: "There are obvious exceptions." In other words, 'the majority of women are like this'. Smith has now made two videos about these Mormon women, but frankly, this subject is irrelevant and has nothing to do with the body of Christ. Smith condemns the way these women presented themselves on social media: "My wife doesn't post pictures like that.." He goes on to second guess their motives as narcissistic and suggests that the pictures give out the message: 'Just look at me, hey look at my face, I'm a cutie, please give me that validation..' Obviously I do not endorse these women, but the pictures are not offensive or indecent and they are not flaunting themselves sexually. Christian women don't need any extra rules from Smith about how to present themselves! My best guess is that it suited Smith's purpose to make an example of these unsaved Mormon women to lash out against all women.

Smith has absolutely no authority to dictate to Christian women in a general sense. If he subjugates women within his own limited sphere of influence, and they are willing to put up with it, that is tragic. (2 Corinthians 1:24; 1 Peter 5:3; Proverbs 18:2).

1. Strong's Greek: 1249. διάκονος (diakonos) -- Servant, Minister, Deacon
2. Strong's Greek: 4368. προστάτις (prostatis) -- Patroness, helper, protector
3. Ruby Franke - Wikipedia

Further Links 

Beware of Spencer Smith

Spencer Smith - CORRECTED

MIKE WINGER'S REVISED VIEW OF BETHEL CHURCH REDDING

Mike Winger posted this video last night. I regard Bill Johnson and Kris Vallotton (Bethel Church Redding) as very dangerous false teachers. I thought that Mike was too soft on them in his original video. It is difficult to find the right balance, but I think that Mike should be much tougher on false NAR teachers. The Wingnut did not do his homework, but this is fairly typical of those suffering from blind devotion to John MacArthur.

Update

This apology from Tim has done a lot to put matters right, and I do applaud him for his apology and humility. As far as I am aware, it is unknown for any of MacArthur's sycophants to redress their wrongdoings. I will never agree with Calvinism, but I have warmed to Tim somewhat. This video does address the weaknesses in Mike Winger's teaching in a much more balanced way. 

DAVID HIND ONE CHURCH LEICESTER: WOMEN AND LEADERSHIP

Women & Leadership | David Hind (Aug 2024) (youtube.com)

The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him. (Proverbs 18:17).

This post challenges David Hind's recent attempt to defend the role of women in church leadership. Hind has a vested interest in egalitarianism since he and his wife Susan are joint senior leaders of One Church in Leicester which is an AG Pentecostal Church with strong New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) associations.

Firstly, it is important to understand that this subject has nothing to do with women reaching their "full potential" and similar emotive arguments based on human standards. (2 Corinthians 10:4; Galatians 1:11). These kinds of arguments focus on ourselves e.g. "your best life now" as often articulated by false teacher Joel Osteen. (Philippians 2:3). Furthermore, arguments should not be based on culture. Biblical wisdom and worldly wisdom are antithetical. (1 Corinthians 3:19; 2 Corinthians 1:12). As Christians, our focus should be on God's will regardless of worldly considerations. (Matthew 6:10). Our concern should be: What is God's blueprint for church leadership?          

Christians should not be too quick to jump on the egalitarian bandwagon in this critical debate since it has huge implications for marriage and church life. The reality that men and women are equal in value and dignity and yet different in function and role is strongly asserted in the scriptures. Just because there have been/are abuses by ungodly male leaders does not invalidate God's Word. (Ephesians 5:25; Colossians 3:19).  

The main debate on the subject of women in ministry focuses on two positions: egalitarian and complementarian. Egalitarians reject the historic and literal reading of the scriptures that demonstrate distinct roles and purposes for men and women from creation. I recommend Mike Winger's series for those who want to look further into this subject: Women In Ministry Archives - BibleThinker. Winger is what is described as a "soft complementarian". In other words, he views the biblical role of "elder" to be prohibitive for women, but he rejects other restrictions placed on women as unnecessarily restrictive and biased. Winger demonstrates that in many cases, egalitarian scholars/teachers fall woefully short of sound hermeneutic standards and use arguments that are unsustainable biblically. The onus on Christians is to be Bereans if we are to avoid accepting views based on insufficient evidence, poor reasoning, inconsistency, and eisegesis. (Acts 17:11). 

Jesus' attitude toward women was groundbreaking in that he showed honour and respect towards women unknown in the culture of His time. This post does not challenge the view that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are available to men and women. Nor does it dispute evidence that in the early church women were evangelists*, prophetesses, and deaconesses, and that these roles are legitimate for women today.  

* The term "evangelist" or "apostle" is often overstated to include single instances of women conveying a specific message to men. (Matthew 28:7; John 4:1-42).  These instances do not demonstrate that women held ongoing positions of authority over men within the church. 

I will work through Hind's points below. 

* Women are to be silent in the churches. They are not permitted to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. If they wish to inquire about something, they are to ask their own husbands at home; for it is dishonorable for a woman to speak in the church. (1 Corinthians 14:34-35).

Most teachers explain these verses in terms of problems specific to the Corinthian Church which faced challenges relating to cultural norms, immorality, division, and the misuse of spiritual gifts. Since Paul acknowledged that women were "praying and prophesying" in 1 Corinthians 11:5, these verses cannot be taken outside their specific context without creating an internal contradiction within Paul's writings.

* Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. (1 Timothy 2:11-14).

This passage is transcultural. The plain reading of the text is unmistakable. Paul is careful to maintain gender roles as ordained by God in the creation. (Genesis 2:20). Paul follows the ruling with two reasons. 1. The order of creation and the pre-fall reality - Adam was formed first; 2. The post-fall reality - Eve was deceived and became a transgressor before Adam. 

* Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her. (John 20:17-18 cf. Matthew 28:7-8).

Hind mentions that Jesus' resurrection was witnessed by a woman and claims that she was an "evangelist" to the disciples. Mary was extremely privileged to be the first person to see Jesus following His resurrection. However, it should be noted that this did not make her an "apostle to the apostles" as some claim and she did not later become a church leader.            

* Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house (Colossians 4:6). Egalitarians base their argument on the presumption that Nympha was an elder simply because the church met at her house. 

* For I brought you up from the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery, and I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. (Micah 6:4).    

It is a mistake to class Miriam as a leader of Israel. Do we build a doctrine on single verses of scripture? There is no indication that Miriam had any authority over the men of Israel. Apart from this single reference in Micah 6, it is always Moses and Aaron who are referred to jointly, never Moses Aaron and Miriam. (Exodus 4:10-17,7:10). When Aaron and Miriam opposed Moses, it was Miriam, not Aaron, who became leprous due to the Lord's anger. (Numbers 12:1-16). Moses followed his father-in-law's advice and appointed men as judges over the people."..look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. And let them judge the people at all times. (Exodus 18:17-27). 

Pulpit Commentary: "Miriam, the prophetess, who led the praises of the people at their great deliverance (Exodus 15:20), and who probably was charged with some special mission to the women of Israel (see Numbers 12:1, 2)."1

Matthew Poole: "Miriam; a prophetess, to be assistant to her brothers last mentioned, to be example and counsellor to the women: God furnished them with magistrate, priest, and prophet."1

Barnes: "Moses, Aaron, and Miriam together, are Lawgiver, to deliver and instruct; Priest, to atone; and prophetess Exodus 15:20 to praise God; and the name of Miriam at once recalled the mighty works at the Red Sea and how they then thanked God."1 

 

* When Priscilla and Aquila heard (Apollos), they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. (Acts 18:26).

Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, (Romans 16:3).  

Christian Research Institute: "Complementarians see Priscilla as one of numerous women who were fellow workers with men in the early church. Yet their prominence does not undermine the essential principle of male authority."2 

* Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. (Romans 16:7).  

The phrase ἐπίσημοι ἐν τοῖς ἀποστόλοις "men of note among the apostles" is an ambiguous expression that can be legitimately translated in two ways: they were well known to the apostles (ESV), or, they were among the apostles (NIV). The Greek text leans in favor of the ESV translation. Apart from Romans 16:7, Junia is not mentioned either in the New Testament or in the extra-biblical writings of the time. Got Questions: "Later writings are conflicting and inconclusive in determining the true identity of this individual. With the existing information, the syntax of the Greek language provides the best means of understanding what Paul meant when he wrote that Junia was outstanding (or 'well known') among the apostles."3 John Chrysostom was a fourth-century church father who referred to Junia as a female apostle. There is some debate about the name Junia/Junias, and it is by no means conclusive that Junias was a woman. Bible Hub: "Paul's kinsman and fellow-prisoner: Romans 16:7 ((here A. V. Junia (a woman's name) which is possible)."4 Apart from this issue, Paul's use of the term "apostle" is fluid. An apostle could be one of the original twelve. (Galatians 1:17-19). In Paul's case, he was appointed as an apostle by Jesus Christ post-resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:7). The generic use of the term "apostle" refers to individuals who were sent out to be messengers/ambassadors of Jesus Christ. Given that this is the only albeit ambiguous reference to a possible female apostle in the New Testament it would be over-ambitious, even presumptuous, to make a case for women apostles in the sense of authoritative apostles where no female apostles are mentioned elsewhere.

*  Hind challenges the complementarian view that the apostles chosen by Jesus were all men. He claims that this is a pre-resurrection situation and that post-resurrection roles have expanded to include Gentile men and women who are now allegedly released into leadership. There is no evidence to support this theory. Paul's explicit instructions about appointing male elders negate Hind's claim.

This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task. An overseer (episkope), then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.. (1 Timothy 3:1-4).

Hind's incompetent interpretation of Biblical Greek is on par with his other teaching skills! 

Hind "The word here for an elder is a masculine word in Greek, 'presbuteros'." (19:00 mark)

The noun overseer in 1 Timothy 3:1-2 is episkope it is not presbuteros. 

Strongs: "επισκοπης noun - genitive singular feminine

episkope ep-is-kop-ay': inspection (for relief); by implication, superintendence; specially, the Christian episcopate -- the office of a bishop, bishoprick, visitation."5

Titus 1:5 has the noun presbuteros. Strongs: "4245 presbýteros – properly, a mature man having seasoned judgment (experience); an elder. The NT specifies elders are men. (The feminine singular, presbytera, never occurs in the Bible.) [The feminine plural, presbyteras, occurs in 1 Tim 5:2. It refers to aged women, i.e. not women with an official church office or title.]"6  

My question: How do we get a gender-neutral definition from "the husband of one wife"? 

Polygamy is an unlikely explanation for the phrase "husband of one wife". Meyer: "μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἄνδρα] This expression cannot here be properly referred to polygamy; for, although polygamy might at that time be still found among the civilised heathen, and even among the Jews (comp. Justin Martyr, Dialog. c. Tryph.; Chrysostom on the passage; Josephus, Antiq. vii. 2), it was as a rare exception. Besides, there is an argument against such an interpretation in the phrase ἑνὸς ἀνδρὸς γυνή, 1 Timothy 5:9; for similarly such a phrase ought to refer to polyandry, which absolutely never occurred.."7  

* There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28).

Galatians 3:28 is typically used by egalitarian scholars to control the meaning of other passages. As Winger puts it, this verse is their "silver bullet".

Significantly, the Greek conjunction kai (male and female) is used in this verse, whereas the adverb οὐδὲ is used for "Jew nor Greek.. slave nor free". Scholars generally agree that "male and female" refers back to Genesis 1:27. Some egalitarians (Stendahl) argue that Paul obliterates the gender distinctions in Genesis 1:27 in this verse by making a distinction between original creation and "new creation". However, this argument fails since others (Witherington) have noted that Paul upholds gender distinctions elsewhere. (e.g. 1 Timothy 2:9-11; Ephesians 5:22-33; Colossians 3:18-19). This verse does not obliterate gender roles; rather it confirms the inclusion of the three groups cited into one people in Christ. 

Sonship status defined by Paul

Paul's inclusive definition of "sonship" (males and females) has four specific applications:

1. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.

You are a son, you are also an heir. (Galatians 3:29).

2. You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

Full participation as sons "in Christ". (Galatians 3:26).

3. So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 

Justified by faith. (Galatians 3:24). 

4.  And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.

A true internal relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 4:6-7).

We cannot legitimately stretch Paul's definition of "sonship" to include function and roles. Those who do so go outside the context and create a new category from 'status in relationship to God and the kingdom' to 'status in relationship to one another in every aspect of the church'. This is a huge departure from the context of the passage and ignores other passages that do talk about functions relating to gender.8

* But I want you to understand that the head (kephalē) of every man is Christ, the head (kephalē) of a wife is her husband, and the head (kephalē) of Christ is God. (1 Corinthians 11:3).

Strongs: "kephalé - Usage: (a) the head, (b) met: a corner stone, uniting two walls; head, ruler, lord."9

Hind argues for "source" as the definition of kephalē rather than "head". It should be noted that "source" is not acknowledged as a possible interpretation of kephalē in any major lexicon. The definition "source" originated with a short article by Stephen Bedale in 1954. His definition attracted a firestorm of criticism from scholars which continues to this day. Interestingly Bedale's definition of kephalē did not remove the connotation of "authority over". Arguments regarding "source" as a nonauthoritative definition are based on ignorance.

Bedale: “That is to say, the male is κεφαλή [head] in the sense of ἀρχή [beginning] relatively (sic) to the female; and, in St Paul’s view, the female in consequence is ‘subordinate.’ . . . But this principle of subordination which he finds in human relationships rests upon the order of creation, and includes the ‘sonship’ of the Christ himself . . . while the word κεφαλή . . . unquestionably carries with it the idea of ‘authority’, such authority in social relationships derives from a relative priority (causal rather than merely temporal) in the order of being.”

Zondervan Academic: "Whether or not one accepts the argument about the word’s meaning, at no time did Bedale imply that his interpretation removed the metaphorical connotation of 'authority over'. Given how prominent his article has become in some circles, it is strange how rarely his actual exegesis of 11:3 is recounted."10 

* But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head, but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven. (1Corinthians 11:2-16).

This passage appears to be a cultural situation. However, the principle of male headship has not changed. I recommend Alan Parr's short video on this subject: Do Christian Women Have to Wear Head Coverings Today? (youtube.com)

* Hind also mentioned "leaders like Esther". Esther was prominent, but she definitely came under the male authority of Mordecai! 

A common practice of false teachers is that they take verses out of context and/or they read more into a text than it actually says i.e. they go beyond what is written. (1 Corinthians 4:6; Proverbs 30:6). One of the qualifications for teachers is that they can rightly divide the word of truth. (1 Timothy 2:15). The subject of women in leadership is not just an interesting discussion, it is a weighty subject with far-reaching implications that can set the course of the church on an opposing trajectory to God's revealed will. Those who decide to do their own thing and flaunt God's blueprint for marriage and church leadership are abusing their positions and are on a collision course with God Himself. (Matthew 12:36; Galatians 6:7; James 3:1).     

There is much more research on this subject which goes beyond the scope of this post. Winger's series is comprehensive and he exposes many more egalitarian inconsistencies.

1. Micah 6:4 Commentaries: "Indeed, I brought you up from the land of Egypt And ransomed you from the house of slavery, And I sent before you Moses, Aaron and Miriam. (biblehub.com)
2. A Woman’s Place: The Evangelical Debate over the Role of Women in the Church - Christian Research Institute (equip.org)
3. Was Junia/Junias a female apostle? | GotQuestions.org
4. Strong's Greek: 2458. Ἰουνιᾶς (Iounias) -- Junias, a kinsman of Paul (biblehub.com)

5. Strong's Greek: 1984. ἐπισκοπή (episkopé) -- a visiting, an overseeing (biblehub.com)
6. Strong's Greek: 4245. πρεσβύτερος (presbuteros) -- elder (biblehub.com)
7. 1 Timothy 3 Meyer's NT Commentary (biblehub.com)
8. 7-The-Egalitarian-Silver-Bullet-Gal-3-28.docx - Microsoft Word Online (live.com)
9. Strong's Greek: 2776. κεφαλή (kephalé) -- the head (biblehub.com)
10. The head of the woman is man? How to understand… | Zondervan Academic

Further Link

If Your Church has a Female "Co-Pastor" Leave NOW...Here's Why! (youtube.com)