The main focus of the initial installment of our discussion was the matter of hyper-authoritarianism in general and how easy it is for the most principled spiritual leaders to cross over the “thin line of leadership” between leading and lording, discipling and dominating, coaching and coercing, to operate in “foul ground” without even realizing it. […]
There is a very thin line between leading and lording, discipling and dominating, coaching and coercing. So thin is the line, it is at times and in certain scenarios nearly indistinguishable. Indeed, church leaders commonly cross the divide without even realizing it, and are much chagrined upon discovery of their transgression. Moreover, many find themselves […]
The adulterated concept of “spiritual covering” itself is problematic enough. Yet, its negative effect is increased by the fact that it is the predicate for several other, related elements of error comprising the heretical Discipleship/Shepherding doctrines and practices, one of which is the matter of “personal pastors.” Indeed, this element has been the basis for […]
The adulterated concept of “spiritual covering” itself is problematic enough (for more on that subject, read the previous two posts). Yet, its negative effect is increased by the fact that it is the predicate for several other, related elements of error comprising the heretical Discipleship/Shepherding doctrines and practices, one of which is the matter of […]
“Spiritual covering” as theorized by the false teaching that emerged and was widely disseminated during the Shepherding Movement is an absolute MYTH. No semblance of that version of “spiritual covering” exists anywhere within the pages of Scripture. “Spiritual covering,” in the way it is presented by proponents of these hyper-authoritarian teachings, is an outright deception! It is a complete fabrication concocted by the originators of these fallacious doctrines as a supposed pretext for facilitation of entirely self-aggrandizing objectives of subjugation, domination, and control.
The following are some of the common signs and symptoms, or common characteristics, of authoritarian abuse manifest in hyper-authoritarian groups, churches, networks, and ministries, especially those identifying themselves as Charismatic or Pentecostal. Bottom-line is: any ministry in which more than a few of these signs of abuse are manifest should alert you to the fact that it is an organization that espouses hyper-authoritarian doctrines and employs abusive practices, regardless of how large, popular, or well-known it and its leaders are.
Hyper-authoritarian doctrines and practices have become cemented into the foundation, fabric, and functions of many churches and even whole denominations or networks of churches. The problem has become so widespread that it is almost pandemic in Pentecostal and Neo-Pentecostal churches. But, the reason these scripturally-condemned doctrines and practices have been able to proliferate and endure […]
Multitudes of sincere and trusting believers are caught in the virtually invisible web of religious captivation in Charismatic and other Neo-Pentecostal churches, and don’t know it. They are unaware victims of spiritual abuse and exploitation under the heavy-hand of hyper-authoritarianism. That is to say, the leadership of the church-group of which they are a part is dominating, controlling, and manipulating their followers, and exploiting them for their own personal gain and private kingdom-building.
This site is about the premier book, Charismatic Captivation, by Steven Lambert. You'll find here a detailed description of the book, its Table of Contents, chapter synopses, sample chapters, a special word from the author, and blog articles adapted from the book.
The book, in both print and e-book version, may be purchased directly from this site at a discounted rate, or it can also be ordered through booksellers around the world, online (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, et al.) or brick-and-mortar outlets.
Charismatic Captivation exposes the widespread problem of authoritarian abuse in some Neo-Pentecostal church-groups, and explains how it became infused into the very fabric, foundation, and functions of the Neo-Pentecostal church after being introduced through a Charismatic campaign known as the Discipleship/Shepherding Movement (1970-77). References on this site to "Discipleship" or "Shepherding" (and variations) doctrines, teachings, proponents, participants, and so forth, allude to the pertinences of that movement.
WARNING: This book contains "the REAL truth" from GOD about hyper-authoritarianism in many popular spiritual streams, high-profile churches, and ministries, whose leaders do not want you to know! The message it contains has been denigrated and denounced by many (apparently guilty) church leaders. Do not read this book if you are not ready to know the REAL Truth, and do not follow its advice if you are not ready to be ostracized by streams, networks, churches, and leaders who espouse the false doctrines and employ the unbiblical control mechanisms it exposes!
Dr. Steven Lambert is a Bible scholar and teacher, theologian, ordained minister, author of numerous books and articles, Christian counselor, and holds several earned degrees. He is considered an expert on authoritarian abuse in the church and cults, and has served as a media consultant on these topics. He is also known for more than 4.5 decades of prophetic and deliverance ministry.
More information about Dr. Lambert's other books and study courses is available on the Real Truth Publications website at: RealTruthPublications.Com.
For speaking and media interview scheduling requests, Dr. Lambert's bio, a list of his many articles on a variety of spiritual topics, and to learn more about his ministry, visit his ministry website at: www.slm.org.
