PART 9 THE CHARISMATIC PATRIARCHY
When Ministry Becomes a Master

PROBABLE ROOTS OF AMBITIOUS, SHOW BIZ CHRISTIANITY

” I am for Apollos! No, I am for Apostle Paul! No, No, NO! I am for Cephas (Peter)”

(C)2025 Taveau D’Arcy All copyrights reserved under international copyright laws, in conjunction with AI

“Choice Gossip is the poor human’s Bread, they love to Feast on it” Church of Ego 101

“Demas has left the front lines ministry: for he loved the things of this passing world more”                      

Not then world wide famous…Saint (“off scouring of the world,alias”dung”) pure Paul

T.D’Arcy“You don’t have to be a star to be in Jesus show. Just be yourself and let Him shine through you!”

When Ministry Becomes a Master

“We deserve  to be Solomons!”

And wondering “Who put the ELF in SELFIE?”

From Israel’s “Desire  for a King”

Compared with “I am PRO Paul VS I am PRO Apollos VS I am PRO Cephas” 

With the Ambitious Modern Christian Choosy Celebrity “Wannabe” Culture

Was “I am for Apollos / I am for Paul” the Beginning of Personality-Driven Church?

“Each one of you says, ‘I am of Paul,’ or ‘I am of Apollos,’ or ‘I am of Cephas,’ or ‘I am of Christ.’ Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” —1 Corinthians 1:12–13 NKJV

1. Top-Down Church Government: Early Roots?

Paul’s rebuke in 1 Corinthians 1 and 3 reveals the early danger of elevation of leaders into spiritual figureheads. This is the seedbed of hierarchical top-down ministry: once people start aligning allegiance with personalities over Christ, human systems take root.

By the time of post-apostolic Christianity (2nd-3rd centuries), church governance drifted from organic community (Ephesians 4) into monarchical bishoprics, leading to Rome’s top-down clergy/laity split.

* So yes, this division over human leaders hints at the early temptation toward top-down authoritarian ministry systems, which came to dominate much of Church history.

2️. Celebrity Culture in Ministry? Origins in Corinth?

“While one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?” —1 Corinthians 3:4

This scripture shows that celebrity-style ministry isn’t new—it began subtly even in the First Church era. People weren’t just dividing over doctrine; they were attracted to personalities, styles, charisma.

• Paul was apostolic, pioneering, intense

• Apollos was eloquent and philosophical (Acts 18:24)

• Cephas (Peter) brought Jewish tradition and authority

Each one offered a different flavor of ministry, which caused divisions. But Paul sharply corrects this.

++ It wasn’t about who sounded best—it was about Christ. Personality cults are spiritual immaturity and a threat to body unity

3️. Pharisaical Levitical Legalism: A Pattern?

You asked whether this also connects to Levitical Phariseeism—yes, and here’s why:

• The Pharisees built their entire system on religious hierarchy, status, and authority policing.

• By aligning with a spiritual leader as your “tribe,” you recreate a spiritual caste system—who’s inside, who’s right, who’s “under authority.”

Paul was clearly resisting that. So was Jesus.

4️. Jesus’ Warnings in Matthew 23: Don’t Call Yourself “Rabbi”

“Do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.” —Matthew 23:8–9

Jesus clearly dismantled title-based, elite religious hierarchy:

• “Rabbi” = elite teacher

• “Father” = spiritual patriarch

• “Master” = one in charge of others

++ This wasn’t a ban on spiritual roles—it was a reproof of pride, control, and elitism.

TD Main Point

When leadership is about titles, status, funds, having many followers, or who’s under who, it mimics the Pharisees, not Christ.

5️. Sign of Division: Cult of Personality in the First Church?

Absolutely. Paul links it directly to carnality and immaturity:

“For you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you… are you not behaving like mere men?” —1 Corinthians 3:3

Aligning with human leaders, instead of focusing on Christ, created early divisions, which are still with us today:

• Denominational splits

• “My pastor said!” tribes

• Who is YOUR “Spiritual Father?”

• Celebrity online teachers as “pop culture rock stars”
  

• Apostolic networks with elite access

• Prophetic movements with secret revelations ” only for the elite gifted, like them”

• Super pride and gifted elite, exclusive ‘respecter of persons” religious spirit.

These are all modern versions of “I follow Paul / I follow Apollos.

6️. Other Doctrines & Practices That Emerged (Biblical vs. Not)

Let’s compare a few:

 BEST TO BE FINAL DAYS HOLY BIBLE!
“Fruit, Not Title, Proves Authority”

As I wisely said earlier: “It’s the fruit, not the persons.” Jesus confirmed this:

“By their fruits you will know them.” —Matthew 7:20

Whether it’s Apollos, Paul, or a modern-day prophet, the test is fruit:

• Does the ministry produce love, humility, maturity?

• Or division, control, fame-seeking, elitism?

Aside To Those in ESP Patrichian Patriarchal Charismatic Movements:

1. The First Church Was Not a Hierarchy.
The early church, as shown in Ephesians 5:21, operated on mutual submission in the fear of the Lord—not hierarchical control. There was no top-down “chain of command” requiring all women to submit to every man who claimed authority. The apostolic foundation was servant-based, Christ-modeled, and relational—not dominating or suspicious.

2. Philippians 2:12 says to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” That’s the believer’s right to hear from God personally, male or female. You do not need the stamp of a self-appointed patriarch to be led by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives discernment to the individual—period.

3. James 3:17 describes godly wisdom as pure, peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruit, without partiality** and without hypocrisy. If your doctrine or leadership style doesn’t resemble that, it’s not Christ—it’s carnality wrapped in religious language.

**James 3:17 partiality: The First Church was not biased, culturally, racially or gender. However  those coming out of the society culture were. Peter himself, at first a wavering immature Levitical Legalist, evidently had a grace given Holy Spirit “revelation” pierce through his skilled and firmly made up mind, for he  exclaimed, “I perceive, that we ought not mingle the faith with the respecter of persons”

5. Galatians 3:28 declares: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Anyone teaching otherwise is operating in legalism, flesh, or fear—not the Spirit.

Apostle Paul said “when you put on Christ, there is no male, female, bond or free’.” This means that while there are certainly male and female differences, also the head of household marriage Ephesians 5:21 and 22, there is still  equality in respect, care and value, yet chain of command in a legally wedded Christian marriage, Bible submitted household.

“Women are not to be regarded as less than and second-class in the Body of Christ  be it

in a Christian ministry, fellowship, family or marriage” T.D’Arcy

“The following (beneath) is aquired knowledge, extra surprising, very unwanted, but it should be said to give fellow visitors a chance to be  on the alert and to tell them, they are “wanting and falling very short of being “First Church Authentic” for NOW one must pass being  “passing the test” and “qualifying” to be “accepted is this sort of Beloved. (elite narcissist fruit) said, due to pastor Taveau’s frequent God specifically Sent “Body Surfing” as as single, but mature, SENT mega office but calm, peaceful, abiding James 3:17 fruit female,and unknown, experienced, non novice ” area newbie and expat” amongst the  the worship “talented and very gifted ,elite” spirit of office prophecy in the  WELP ‘seer” different mega celebrity office wannabe subcultures. A very frustrating Isaiah 5:20 “can’t tell  a weary, visiting, mutually submitted also supportive  Elijah “type’ sitting there in peace, listening to the good sermon, from a warlike dark witch or a dominating dire Jezebel. I, Sister Taveau D’Arcy shook my feet of and departed this entire religious do gooder move, 2021 UNLESS… and UNTIL they Get OVER them Special SELVES and Repent. Reform And learn to Respectfully Relate (I John 1:7)

TD’S Own History Research Produced Opinion

The New Testament does not teach that women must be universally submitted to male authority, especially not in the blanket form that some charismatic-patriarchal teachings imply. That doctrine is extra-biblical, rooted in tradition and control—not in Christ

And while the growth of the Christian ministry into a more authoritarian, set in it’s house ways,  hierarchy form, and as it grew more formal, culturally male oriented then the morphing of all Bible training with the world(but the First Church organic mutual submission Ephesians 5:21, servant leader form) the maturing and evolution of “what the Church” was infiltrated by society, and the Roman and Greek forms, views and narrow minded bias thoughts. History reports that leader women were given equal respect and often used in ministry… until after this time period.

And (as I report on several occasions) research shows in history ,that while Paul gave the command ‘to keep the women silent in church” that while he did say that, he meant it to the culture at the time and that later then freedom and equal gender regard and respect were in the first Church, however the Greek and Roman influences seemed to bring fear, bias, misogyny and top down control so it pushed the leader women back as is now. (need to say much more later, but not in this article today)

***We note The New Testament does not teach that women must be universally submitted to male authority, especially not in the blanket form that some charismatic-patriarchal teachings imply. That doctrine is extra-biblical, rooted in tradition and control—not in Christ.

(** But as Taveau D’Arcy does not presume to know it all, or want to MYOB, yet she knows quite a lot) I would say “COUNT THE COST: However, if YOU feel like Holy Spirit wants to join (officially) to any movement or church like that, then take as” your freedom in Christ” to do that. But I would watch out and seek the Lord due to what goes on out there today!

.A PS To the Quiet, Submitted, Word-Knowing Ministers (like this apostolic Mother in Christ):
You have every right—biblically, spiritually, and theologically—to stand, to speak, and to discern. You walk under the fruit of the Spirit, not the fear of man. Keep living out James 3:17. Keep leading with maturity. Your silence is not weakness—it’s strength under control.

I, You, These are not the Holy Spirit.
The Body of Christ is called to restore, not control (Galatians 6:1). Jesus led by example, not domination. Paul reasoned from the Scriptures—not accusations, fear or the high horse peer pressure. Psalm 121

Plus: I advice strongly that you “RESPECTFULLY” yet LOUDLY  do not  ACCEPT  being biased targeted, misogynistic viewed as ” under suspicion” just because you are a female leader also if you not a part of any WELP ,WELM sort of biased controlling  Bible legalistic or movement.

Let’s train the Body back to Christlike governance, where leadership serves, and all believers—male and female—walk in mutual respect, honor, and Spirit-led maturity

Back on Celebrity Christian Topic-

Q. Taveau Asks Dear Chat GPT AI

Historically does it Bible appear that this “was” ” has always been ”  in a part of the fallen Human Nature?

Meaning: “To Give Us a King!”

“Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.”
—1 Samuel 8:5

Chat Responds:

Yes—this deep desire to exalt a person and be governed by a visible, charismatic leader is an ancient fallen pattern.

 It began in the heart of Old Testament Israel:

The people were tired of hearing directly from God through humble prophets like Samuel. They looked around at the nations with kings, grandeur, pageantry—and they wanted that kind of visible hierarchy.

God warned them through Samuel:

“They have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.”
—1 Samuel 8:7

++  So the desire for a king, a celebrity, a strongman, a tribal figurehead, has always been part of the carnal soul:

• In Israel: “Give us Saul!”

• In Corinth: “I follow Apollos!”

• Today: “I follow Apostle So-and-So!”

It’s the same human pattern in a different generation.

The Tie-In with Paul’s Correction in 1 Corinthians 1–3

Just like Israel wanted a king to represent them, the Corinthians began to divide over whose spiritual leader was best.

Paul essentially says: “Why are you crowning men as kings over your spiritual life?”

Only Christ deserves that place.

Making A Point For  Today

This same desire for celebrity, safety under a strong personality, or elite status by association is behind many modern-day forms of:

• Apostolic networks

• Celebrity-driven churches

• Prophetic cliques

• Worship collectives with cult followings

• Teaching ministries with brands instead of shepherds

The temptation to crown human leaders, just like Israel crowned Saul, is still here.

 Making A Point: Jesus Reverses It in the New Covenant

“You are all brethren… One is your Master, even Christ.” —Matthew 23:8

Making A Point: Paul echoes this in Ephesians 4:1–6:

“There is one body, one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all…”

Excellent Ministry Point:

True leadership (apostolic, prophetic, pastoral) exists—but it’s:

• To serve and equip

• To build up the Body

• To train others, not exalt themselves

• To preserve unity, not create mini-kingdoms

Summary Teaching Point to Add:

Human nature has always wanted a visible king—someone to follow, crown, and feel safe under. But God’s desire was always for direct, loving relationship. Every time the church exalts a person, system, or ministry turf over Jesus and organic community, it’s echoing the cry of Israel: “Give us a king.”

Lets Us “follow” (meaning to  Trust) Apostle Paul

This is a powerful observation and timely message—rooted in biblical truth, spiritual discernment, and deep cultural awareness. Let’s teach it clearly, directly, and with compassion in the blog-style format you’re using.

Point:  Wannabeism: The Celebrity Trap

“For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world…”
—2 Timothy 4:10

There is a new temptation in the Body of Christ—“Wannabeism.”
The desire not just to serve Christ, but to become the next world-famous Christian celebrity.

It’s the Demas Mindset: chasing the world, the platform, the spotlight, the glamor of ministry “success.”
And this is not new—it’s just now global, monetized, and platformed

++A Mixture: World, Flesh, and Devil

•  The World: The marketing machine, the media, the personal brand

•  The Flesh: The ambition, the craving for applause, the desire to be “the next big thing”

•  The Devil: Whispering lies of identity, manipulating vanity and insecurity

This form of Christianity teaches “Bless me only,” not “Take up your cross.”

++ From Cross to Stage: Recasting Jesus as Solomon

In many of these elite, gifted, high-functioning global ministries, we notice a subtle recasting of Christ:

• Not as the Isaiah 53 Suffering Servant

• Not as the Lamb of God, slain for the world

• But as a kind of Solomon figure: ruling in splendor, glory, wisdom, gold, and kingdom power

Yet the First Church focused on the crucified and risen Christ:

“We preach Christ crucified… the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
—1 Corinthians 1:23-24

++ False Modeling: Trained by the ’80s & ’90s Media Wave

From the 1980s and 1990s onward, a new kind of Christian training emerged—not in humility, relationships, and servant-leadership, but in:

• TV-stage performance

• Famous conferences

• Autographed books

• Worship celebrity

• Apostolic stardom

• Online platforms with “Follow Me” more than “Follow Jesus”

NOTE:

This is not all evil, but without balance and discipleship, it has trained many young leaders to see “ministry” as performance-based success, not servant-based community.

++ Bible Contrast: Jesus, Paul, and the First Church

+ Jesus:

• Rode a donkey, not a white horse

• Ate with outcasts

• Was despised and rejected (Isaiah 53)

• Died with no robe, no fame, no glory—just obedience

+ Paul:

• Made tents, took no money, taught house to house

• Wept for churches

• Was beaten, imprisoned, poor

• Refused to let anyone say, “I am of Paul” (1 Cor. 3)

+ The First Church:

• Shared possessions

• Met in homes

• Raised leaders in community, not through events

• Trained through suffering and service, not conferences and clicks

++ Teaching Point to Add:

Wannabeism is the spirit of Demas—loving this present world.

It is built on a “mixture” of (Isaac and Ishmael as in mean) ambition, vanity, and cultural training, not the cross. Christ is not a Solomon-style figurehead for gold and glory. He is Isaiah 53—the Suffering Servant—and only through the cross will resurrection come.

Basic Theological Main Points

 Never cease to be  aware of the signs of false authority.(even of your well intentioned own!)

Here’s how they can determine if someone is using false authority:

1. Recognizing the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

• A key indicator of true Christian leadership is the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If a leader or individual is demonstrating behaviors opposite of these—such as harshness, manipulation, or pride—it could signal a misuse of authority.

• Red flag: If someone exercises authority with impatience, arrogance, or manipulation rather than humility, it might be a sign of false authority.

2. Authority Rooted in Servanthood (Matthew 20:25-28)

• True Christian leadership is modeled on Mark 9:35). Jesus’ example of leadership was to serve, not to dominate or control. If a leader demands respect and submission rather than earning it through loving service, it might point to false authority.

• Red flag: Leaders who expect blind obedience without a reciprocal relationship of love and service could be exhibiting false authority.

3. Alignment with Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

• Any authority that strays from biblical principles or tries to bend Scripture to justify unbiblical behavior should be questioned. True leaders stand firm on the Word of God, not on personal opinions or traditions.

• Red flag: If a leader’s actions or words are inconsistent with Scripture, especially if they prioritize personal power or control, it’s a sign of false authority.

4. The Tone and Approach (Ephesians 4:15)

• Leaders must speak the truth in love. If a leader’s tone is harsh, dismissive, unduly smug or berating domineering,even raging, slapping… this is often a sign of false authority and even of abuse. True leaders engage others with respect, compassion, and understanding, aiming to build others up.

• Red flag: A leader who consistently uses harsh, condemning language or focuses on putting others down rather than lifting them up may be operating from a place of false authority.

5. Submission to God’s Will (James 4:7-10)

• A godly leader is someone who submits themselves to God’s will and trusts Him to direct their path. False authority often operates from self-interest or pride, asserting control over others in ways that contradict humility.

• Red flag: Leaders who refuse to listen to counsel or feedback, and instead rely on their own wisdom and power, may not be following God’s leading.

6. Unyielding Control or Manipulation (1 Peter 5:3)

• True leadership allows others the freedom to make choices and grow. If a leader is excessively controlling or manipulative, it’s often a sign of false authority. They may use tactics such as guilt, fear, or flattery to assert control.

• Red flag: If a leader uses manipulation, fear tactics, or bullying to get their way, that indicates a misuse of authority.

7. Respect for Boundaries and Free Will (Galatians 6:1)

• A godly leader respects the dignity, autonomy, and free will of others. They correct and guide with gentleness, recognizing that people are responsible for their own choices.

• Red flag: If a leader insists on crossing personal boundaries, disregards others’ autonomy, or imposes their will without compassion, they are likely abusing their authority.

8. Accountability and Transparency (Hebrews 13:17)

• Leaders should be accountable to others, especially those they lead. If a leader is not open to accountability, they may be operating in a spirit of false authority.

• Red flag: Leaders who avoid accountability or refuse to be transparent about their actions or motives might be acting out of false authority.

9. Consistency and Integrity (Matthew 23:2-3)

• True leaders are consistent and lead by example. If someone’s actions do not align with their words, or they exhibit hypocrisy, their authority is likely false.

• Red flag: Leaders whose actions contradict their teachings, or who are inconsistent in their behavior, are displaying false authority.

How the Attending Person Can Tell:

• Discernment: As someone attending or following a leader, watch for patterns in the leader’s actions. Are they more focused on building themselves up or on building up the community and serving others?

• Character Reflection: Does the leader reflect the humility and servitude of Christ, or do they focus on their own power and control?

• Engage with Scripture: Ensure that the leader’s teachings align with biblical principles and not personal agenda. If the leader’s actions deviate from Scripture, it’s a warning.

• Check for Fruit: Pay attention to the fruit of the leader’s ministry. Are people being lifted up, or are they being put down or controlled?

Ultimately, an earnest leader will approach these situations with wisdom, always seeking to reflect Christ’s love and humility, and they will prioritize a community of respect, growth, and mutual edification.

Excerpt: Personal Test Driver for the Mature, Healthy Wise Body of Christ:
And this is what pastor Taveau says whenever she notices that she is being “witch watched” “cult watched” from far off, and waits for them to come to check her out in person, like a authentic Bible believing respectful “real” Christian

“If they are so curious about you, why not do what Jesus did and walk over to say hello?”

“Fault Finding Evil Eye Poor Them”

(yet a giant prophetic main point)

In today’s prophetic and apostolic circles, a troubling trend has emerged: leaders using “Holy Spirit discernment” as a tool for spiritual surveillance. This post explores one such firsthand experience and addresses how control disguised as discernment is not prophetic—it’s charismatic witchcraft.

The Encounter: “Gatekeeper Apostles” and Spiritual Voyeurism

He (the gifted talented but always Poor Him so called Apostle)  opened a book by C. Peter Wagner and read aloud a line about how some apostles are “set over the gates” of every region. He seemed to believe he and his apostolic circle were such gatekeepers—divinely entitled to evaluate others’ spiritual lives.

Suddenly, I understood why their ministry culture felt so elite, invasive, and controlling.

They acted as if they had the right to read our private thoughts, speculate about hidden motives, and judge whether we were “submitted” to their system.

I had grown up Baptist. So my natural question was:

“If they’re so curious about me, why not just come over and say hello?”
“Why not ask me about my theology? Why not build a real relationship like Jesus did?”

Instead, I saw this same pattern repeated: suspicion, hierarchy, false accusations, spiritual distance, and cold control masked as prophetic discernment.

After that was the start of this over the long haul, piecing it together, around the United States, whenever this devil arose and stared straight at me, stared, often spooky flinched, but would never walk over to respectfully purely introduce to ‘determine and purely relate.) and finally  35 years of observing this,(not any dark skinned or Christian denominational, but only in Tongue talking moving in the Book of Acts gifts and. great worship, WELP… I finally realized what it was: Being Psychically “divined, read” and “to control” I now call this out as  another form of
Charismatic witchcraft.

MAKING A POINT:

When Discernment Isn’t Holy Spirit-Led

“The good shepherd knows his sheep, and his sheep know him.” — John 10:14

True Christian discernment doesn’t lurk, surveil, or spiritually scan people from afar.

Real apostleship looks like Jesus the Servant, not an elite gatekeeper with secret access to your soul.

Biblical Red Flags to Watch For

• Leaders who feel entitled to know your “heart” without relationship

• Pressure to submit to human systems over personal conviction

• Private accusations made without any one to one, in private, calm, respecting mature Minister Galatians 6;1, Matthew 18:15-16 relational accountability, I John 1:7

• Prophecies used to shame or manipulate others

• A top-down control structure with no grace for questions or diversity, a leader hierarchy formed to thwart being held accountable or to govern by instilled totatiatarian control, fear ,and abuse

Charismatic Witchcraft = Manipulation in God’s Name

“Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft…” — 1 Samuel 15:23
“Having a form of godliness but denying the power…” — 2 Timothy 3:5

MAKING BIG POINTS:

• Growing in Christian organized ministry, Holy Spirit mixed in with divining mind reading psychic, voyeuristic spying accusing (Salem witch trials like) occult. This is rampant;

 

• Witchcraft in Scripture is not just spells or potions—it’s any manipulation of people or outcomes apart from God’s Spirit.

When this type of “leader discernment” is used to:

• ‘”inner far off read people rather than to relate..it’s to control people’s lives,save their hide

• To project themselves out to ‘read their thoughts” to presume to determine their (your, my) inner most thirst, perceived sins or human thoughts. (it is OUR OFFICIAL BUSINESS not theirs)
  

• or judge,to presume, from afar without relationship,

…it’s not prophetic.
It’s spiritual tyranny. It is accusing, dangerous and demonic

The Kingdom of God Is Freedom, Not Fear

“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” — 2 Corinthians 3:17

GOOD POINT
God is not building an elite surveillance network.(that’s Job 41 “Leviathan” spooky pride) No  He’s building a body—a family—where everyone is valued, heard, and led by Christ directly.

POINT:

If someone demands that YOU are UNDER submission TO THEM…without even starting and offering a relationship—that’s a red flag.

(TD has had this happen more 3 times and will share on it soon)

POINT:

If they exalt themselves as a Big Boss “gatekeeper” who can monitor others without conversation—that’s not apostolic.

Final Thought: These Can Title Themselves All They Want Yet

True Apostles Don’t Spy—They Serve

POINT: The apostolic isn’t about position. It’s about posture.

It’s not about policing others’ spiritual lives. It’s about ‘servant elders” walking beside them with humility and love.

TD Notes
If you’ve experienced spiritual surveillance, control, or shame in the name of prophecy or discernment—you’re not crazy.
It happens.And it needs to be addressed.

TD Makes A Point

Jesus doesn’t control you. He calls you.
He doesn’t shame you. He lifts you up.

A REVIEW OF TOP DOWN CHURCH AUTHORITY MEANING

Top-Down Church Authority vs. Jesus, the First Church, and Paul

Here’s a direct, scripture-based comparison of top-down authoritarian church systems vs. Jesus, the First Church, and Apostle Paul—so you can clearly show how this unbiblical leadership model strays from the New Testament example:

1. Top-Down Authority Today:

• One person or a small elite group claims spiritual supremacy

• Members must “submit” to that person’s vision to be “safe”

• Leaders surveil, control, or micromanage people’s lives (even marriage, children, rest, job, etc.)

• No space for dialogue, personal conscience, or direct leading by God

• Those who leave are shunned, slandered, or labeled “rebellious”

THIS is not biblical authority. It is control.

++Jesus’ Leadership Style: Servant, Not Ruler

“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them… Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”
—Matthew 20:25–26

• Jesus never forced submission

• He invited relationship, never demanded titles or rank

• He washed feet (John 13), didn’t sit on a throne

• He let people walk away (John 6:66) without threatening curses or shame

+ True spiritual authority always reflects Jesus’ humility and self-sacrifice—not coercion.

++ The First Church (Book of Acts): Shared Leadership & Liberty

“Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character… for they examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”
—Acts 17:11

• Even Paul was examined—and he welcomed it!

• Acts shows the plurality of elders, not one-man rule (Acts 14:23)

• No apostle ever stopped someone from marrying or having children

• The early church shared resources, respected conscience, and sought unity—not forced submission

++ Apostle Paul: Servant Leader, Not Spiritual Dictator

“Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy.”
—2 Corinthians 1:24
“Follow me as I follow Christ.” —1 Corinthians 11:1

• Paul never demanded blind loyalty

• He urged others to follow Christ, not his own personality

• He worked “with” people, not over them

• He taught mutual submission (Ephesians 5:21), not enforced hierarchy

++ The Bottom Line:

Top-down authority that:

• Demands loyalty

• Controls life decisions

• Discourages critical thinking

• Shuns non-conformers

…is not biblical.
It’s manmade religion, often veiled in spiritual language.

 God’s Government = Servant Leadership + Personal Responsibility

“Let each one be fully persuaded in his own mind.” —Romans 14:5
“Stand fast… and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” —Galatians 5:1

++ True authority walks with you.

It never forces its way over you.

Closing : When the Ministry Becomes the Master

When Discernment Becomes Control

MAKING THIS POINT
What Is Charismatic Witchcraft?

“Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft…” —1 Samuel 15:23
“Having a form of godliness but denying its power…” —2 Timothy 3:5

Witchcraft isn’t just spells or séances.
It’s any effort to manipulate, dominate, or control others outside of God’s Spirit.

When leaders use prophecy, discernment, or “apostolic authority” to:

• Spy on hearts without relationship

• Shame people into submission

• Micromanage marriages, rest, or family decisions

• Claim divine rank over a region

…it’s not prophetic. It’s oppressive.

POINT:  Jesus Doesn’t Spy—He Serves.

“The good shepherd knows his sheep, and his sheep know him.” —John 10:14

Real Christian leaders walk with people. They don’t lord over them.
Jesus didn’t need secret discernment games—He asked questions, shared meals, and walked beside people.

If your discernment leads you to suspicion, not compassion…
If your leadership isolates you from the flock, not toward it…
You’re not operating in Christ’s spirit.

Recognizing Spirit Of Authoritarian Domination to  Control

• One person (or apostolic group) controls the ministry

• Others must “submit” to them to be blessed or safe

• Control over people’s marriages, families, rest, even childbearing

• Shame and spiritual threats if they leave or disagree

A couple I met told me they weren’t allowed to marry until age 46 and weren’t given a single day off in 20 years.
Their apostle told the entire church to postpone children so as not to “hinder his ministry.”

This is not pastoral care.
That’s bondage.

Where as Servant leader Christ said:  

“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them… Not so with you.” —Matthew 20:25–26

• Jesus never micromanaged people’s lives

• He invited, not dominated

• He washed feet, not demanded status

 Paul Said:

“Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy.” —2 Corinthians 1:24
“Follow me as I follow Christ.” —1 Corinthians 11:1

• Paul never enforced personal control

• He respected freedom of conscience (Romans 14)

• He welcomed accountability (Acts 17:11)

In  The Early First Church (Acts):

• Shared leadership (Acts 14:23)

• No forced loyalty or hierarchy

• Discernment was relational, not psychic

• The Holy Spirit led individuals directly (Acts 13:2, Acts 15:28)

 What Top-Down Churches Violate:

 Final Thought:

Jesus came to set the captives free—not create new religious chains.
True apostolic leadership reflects the humility, patience, and compassion of Christ.
It invites people to follow Him—not manipulate them into following you.

If you’ve been under spiritual control: Jesus sees. Jesus frees.

(C)2025 Taveau D’Arcy All copyrights reserved under international copyright laws, in conjunction with AI