PART 8 CHRISTIAN GOVERNING PATRIARCHAL MINISTRY FORMS: ASSESS CATHOLICS + SHEPHERDING BIG BOSS MOVE

THE CHRISTIAN GOVERNING PATRIARCHY

MINISTRY  FORMS

Assess Form Of Authority Of Catholics and

A Taste of NAR + The East Coast Charismatic Shepherding Movement

“Mutual submission in the fear of the Lord” First Church Apostle Paul Ephesians 5:21

“No person can serve two masters:

they will either hate one and love the other, or love one, and hate the other….”

Jesus Christ Matthew 6:24

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

FYI I am a fan of many Catholics..at the grass roots level. Therefore I could never be  opposed to Catholics, NOT AT ALL. I sincerely respect them! Also Some of my best, dearest, sweetest also merry and faithful servant leader hallowed friends,  also in family and my barista fellowship (coffee shop) best buddies have (always been from high school on) til now. I am not saying that I know, understand or would fully agree  each of their beliefs, but they would not understand or fully agree with mine or yours. That is part of Life and so called humble Bible servant leader mature, First Church “community.’ Therefore I would never let myself want to ‘ judge, or even think about any, much less all Catholics in any evil or accusing way.Nope. That is not Christ, that is bias..

For the normal humans among us, who are not bought into or  kept by the Systems, who are ever seeking, and trying and want to “know the Lord’ more..So I link my shield of faith with the many of the nice  these. For we are each seekers on Our Own Journey and  ONLY ONE GOD who guards and deeply understands the complex Bible is the Creator Father God. and His Son, the Messiah, Savior Jesus Christ.

Therefore it Ephesians 4 Common Doctrine and Paul’s Philippians 2:12  command for each one of use to “work out each of our own salvation” as unto the Lord.

Therefore For Each Reader:

I will submit whatever beneath and let each  of you,  the reader, decide and  hear from God about it.

NOTE  My dear departed Mama, who was the Baptist preacher’s Bible scholar wife, got diagnosed in the mid 1970s with lumps in her uterus. She and my sister attended the Norfolk, VA Catholic Charismatic Living Waters  Healing Ministry and she got completely healed, (with X rays before and after, ) and lived 40 more years! (until almost 91)

RESOURCE: ANOTHER EXTRA LONG ARTICLE ON THIS SUBJECT This website has More about Catholics (Bible compared to their beliefs, also the Crusades on this website end of 2024)

“No person can serve two masters:

they will either hate one and love the other, or love one, and hate the other…

you cannot serve God and mammon”** Jesus Christ Matthew 6:24

** OFF SHOOT ASIDE
TD Asks
What is mammon?

Chat GPT replies
Mammon is a biblical term that refers to wealth, riches, or material possessions, especially when they become an object of trust, worship, or idolatry. It comes from the Aramaic word “mamona”, meaning riches or money.

Jesus used the term mammon in a spiritual, symbolic sense—never neutrally, but always as a warning.

 Key Verse:

Matthew 6:24 (KJV)
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other… Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

Here, Jesus presents mammon as a rival master—almost personified, like a spiritual power or idol—opposed to the Lordship of God.

 Meaning in Context:

• Mammon = Money + Idolatry
  Not money itself, but the love, trust, or pursuit of it as life’s source or security.

• It represents the world’s system of success, power, greed, and self-reliance.

• Can subtly replace trust in God—even in ministry, religion, or leadership.

 Summary:

Mammon is not just money—it is the spirit behind money, when money becomes your master instead of your servant. It competes with God for your loyalty, trust, and affection.

NOW TD ASKS ABOUT THE CATHOLICS

Sister TD asked Chat GPT AI

Please discuss  the Roman Catholic Model of Governing Authority As Compared to Jesus, Apostle Paul, and the First Church Model

Chat GPT AI replied

The Roman Catholic Church, as it developed historically, differs in several key ways from the First Church of the New Testament, particularly regarding authority, government, and leadership models.

Below is a comparison of the Catholic Church vs. Jesus, Paul, and the First Church in Acts:

1. Authority Structure

Catholic Church:

• Pope is the supreme authority, believed to be the Vicar of Christ (Christ’s representative on earth).

• Hierarchy includes cardinals, bishops, priests, and deacons, with spiritual power flowing top-down.

• Emphasis on apostolic succession—tracing authority back to Peter.

First Church / Bible:

• Jesus is the Head of the Church (Ephesians 1:22–23, Colossians 1:18).

• Leadership was shared among apostles, elders, deacons, with no mention of a Pope or singular human head.

• Paul and Peter never claimed to be over the rest of the church. All were equal as brethren under Christ.

“But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.” (Matthew 23:8)

2. Government and Decision Making

Catholic Church:

• Centralized government, decisions made in Rome (Vatican).

• Doctrinal authority includes Scripture + Church Tradition + Magisterium (teaching authority).

• Councils and Papal decrees hold binding authority over members.

First Church:

• Decisions were made collectively, often in local councils like Acts 15 (Jerusalem Council).

• Authority came from Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and relational submission—not from a central government.

• Leaders were servants, not monarchs or spiritual overlords.

“Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy…” (2 Corinthians 1:24)

3. View of Peter

Catholic Church:

• Teaches that Peter was the first Pope, based on Matthew 16:18–19.

• Belief that authority of Peter passed down in an unbroken line to current Popes.

First Church / Paul’s Teaching:

• Peter was a key apostle, but Paul publicly corrected him (Galatians 2:11).

• No scriptural evidence that Peter acted as Pope or sole authority over others.

• The other apostles and elders made shared decisions (Acts 15).

4. Ministry and Community

Catholic Church:

• Clergy-laity divide is strong; priests mediate sacraments.

• Worship highly liturgical and priest-led.

• Often viewed as a spiritual monarchy (especially in past centuries).

First Church:

• All believers were called a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9).

• Gatherings were participatory: teaching, prophesying, sharing among many.

• Leadership was relational, Spirit-led, and oriented toward equipping the saints (Ephesians 4:11–12).

5. Correction and Accountability

Catholic Church:

• Accountability typically stayed within the hierarchy, and abuse of power sometimes went unchecked.

• Authority sometimes viewed as infallible (e.g., Papal infallibility in specific doctrinal declarations).

First Church / Paul:

• Leaders were corrected openly (e.g., Galatians 2).

• Church discipline was communal, transparent, and restorative (Galatians 6:1, Matthew 18:15–17).

• Paul rebuked those seeking to lord over others (2 Corinthians 11–12).

Summary:

The First Church model was deeply relational, community-oriented, and Spirit-governed, not controlled by a centralized human authority. While the Catholic Church holds to many beautiful traditions and historical continuity, its government structure diverged over centuries from the simplicity and servant-hearted nature of the New Testament church.

Apostolic Sister Taveau says
Please compare the Catholic Church to the First Church model in the New Testament, focusing on authority, leadership, and spiritual government in a clear, respectful, and biblical tone.

Chat GPT replies:

 First Church vs. Catholic Government: A Biblical Look at Authority

In today’s spiritual climate, authority and government in the Church have become major talking points—especially in light of hierarchical systems that seem to mirror man-made kingdoms more than the servant-hearted model of Jesus. One historic example is the Roman Catholic Church, which has shaped much of Western Christianity. But how does its structure line up with the First Church of the Book of Acts and the teachings of Jesus and Paul?

Let’s explore.

1. Who Is the Head of the Church?

The Catholic Church teaches that the Pope is the Vicar of Christ—Christ’s representative on earth—and that he holds supreme authority over all Christians. This office is rooted in a belief that Peter was the first Pope and that this authority has passed down in an unbroken line.

But the Bible teaches:

“And He [God] put all things under His [Christ’s] feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body.”
— Ephesians 1:22–23

In the First Church, Jesus was the only Head, and no human held a permanent, supreme role over all others. The apostles were servants, not monarchs. Even Peter—although respected—was rebuked publicly by Paul when he acted out of step with the gospel (Galatians 2:11–14).

2. How Was the Church Governed?

The Catholic Church has a clear hierarchy: Pope, cardinals, bishops, priests, and laity, with all spiritual authority flowing top-down from Rome.

By contrast, the First Church was Spirit-led and community-based. Authority was shared among elders, apostles, and local leadership. Decisions were made through prayer, Scripture, and group consensus, not dictated from a throne.

“It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…”
— Acts 15:28, after the Jerusalem Council.

There was no centralized earthly headquarters, no emperor-like bishop. Leadership was relational, humble, and accountable.

3. What Role Did Tradition Play?

The Catholic Church holds that Sacred Tradition, alongside Scripture and the Magisterium, guides truth and doctrine.

But Paul warned:

“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.”
— Colossians 2:8

The First Church relied on the Scriptures, the leading of the Holy Spirit, and apostolic teaching rooted in Christ—not man-made religious customs.

4. Was the Church Clergy-Driven or People-Filled?

Catholic liturgy is led by ordained clergy who administer sacraments and function as spiritual mediators.

But the Bible calls all believers:

“A royal priesthood, a holy nation…”
— 1 Peter 2:9

In Acts, gatherings were often participatory. Prophecy, teaching, prayer, and even correction happened in fellowship, not through strict performance or control. Everyone had a role, not just the priests.

5. How Was Correction Handled?

++ The Catholic model places final correction within its top structure—often behind closed doors. Historically, that has allowed abuse and doctrinal error to go unchecked.

In contrast, Paul instructed:

“Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:29

And when Peter acted wrongly, Paul corrected him openly, out of love and alignment with the gospel (Galatians 2).

In Summary…

Final Thoughts: A Return to the Biblical Blueprint

This isn’t to bash Catholics—many love Jesus, do good works, and live lives of sincere devotion. But as we look to reform the Body of Christ today, we must hold every system—charismatic, Catholic, apostolic, denominational—up to the light of Scripture.

Jesus modeled servanthood.

Paul modeled teamwork and accountability.

The First Church modeled mutual respect, shared leadership, and community decision-making.

Let’s return to that—not hierarchy

LP Submissionists: “In their hearts they know they’re right!”

The Leader Her’s Disclaimer: “Hear Ye, One and All”

Before I begin this part, let it be clearly and respectfully stated:

Not one Catholic, not any form of Baptist, nor anyone whose ministry did not stem from a Levitical Patriarchal (LP) doctrinal mindset—has ever publicly called me out, accused me, accosted me, or shamed me simply for quietly sitting in respectful observation within their fellowship.

* Not one of them ever labeled me a “Jezebel,”
* Nor accused me of being “unsubmitted” to their private version of “authority.”
* None of them gave me the smug, prophetic evil eye or tried to read my mind from afar.
* They did not act as if I were invisible, unworthy of a Jesus smile, or not worth healthy, respectful human engagement.

++ Only in movements marked by Levitical Patriarchal control—those with authoritarian, top-down doctrines of domination and spiritual suspicion—have I encountered such public shaming, stereotyping, and invasive, psychic-style behavior.

WHY? Because NON WELP   are the Trustworthy, Sane, Christian mostly sincere, upfront joyful also calm, the  majority are usually  NORMAL caring human true other centric, sincere, respectful true persons( white, black and brown) Plus they are “genuine  servant elders” (and this WHY we are Cross Body Unity and not “UNDER” the famous Patriarchal Famous forms (TD is not a charismatic since 2013 DFW but loves the Holy Spirit, pure worship and moves in the gifts)

DISCLAIMER

This is not an attack against people, but a discerning call-out of unhealthy, unbiblical fruit in certain ministry cultures. Also ,this is to warn Folks and to admonish warn THEM (beneath)

CONCERNING THE NAR GOVERNING MOVEMENT

THEN THE LP SHEPHERDING MOVEMENT

PS Another LP Movement …NAR has already been deeply discussed in the the Part 8 of The Charismatic Cult Dynasties:  The Ministry Is the Master (a subsection and different part of the long Charismatic Levitical Patriarchy in depth series).

And, I would submit that in House NAR’ with it’s  strict beliefs,it big indifferent “respecter of persons” mainly it’s critical, often harsh very accusative “seeming  anti” the non LP person, mostly the NON LP  leader woman, as well as it’s lust for top dog control,a  Big Boss,  All Governing (Western European Deep Ancestry Patriarchal) type of similar authority males, is mixed in the following “winds and trends of subcultural traditions, mindsets and objectifying false ministry even occult ,sly witchcraft similar doctrines.

Plus it’s also ‘celebrity” which creates a lot of “wannabe ”  similar, even abusive “respecter of just some famous pet types of similar style” elite appearing ministry persons. (mind reading, psychic divining, competitive, evil eye, NO REAL LOVE or “holy fear of the Lord” (just want to minister to the elite.) (Plan to share my surprising Luke Eyewitness spectral evidence odd encounters..another time)

So I asked Chat GPT

Please explain the Charismatic Shepherding Movement in light of Bible, First Church, Christ and Paul

Charismatic Shepherding Movement

The Shepherding Movement, emerging in the 1970s, significantly influenced charismatic Christian circles, emphasizing authority, submission, and discipleship. This analysis explores its origins, compares its practices to biblical teachings, examines its treatment of women, and assesses its connections to other movements and historical events.

Origins and Practices of the Shepherding Movement

Initiated by five prominent leaders—Charles Simpson, Bob Mumford, Derek Prince, Don Basham, and Ern Baxter—the Shepherding Movement sought to address perceived shortcomings in contemporary Christian discipleship. They established Christian Growth Ministries in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and disseminated their teachings through New Wine magazine, which, at its peak, reached over 140 nations . The movement advocated for believers to submit to personal pastors or “shepherds” for spiritual guidance, aiming to foster accountability and spiritual growth.​Wikipedia+1Pentecostal Theology+1Everything Explained Today+5Christianity Today+5CSM+5

Comparison with Biblical Teachings and the Early Church

In the New Testament, leadership within the church is characterized by servant leadership and mutual submission. Jesus emphasized servanthood among leaders (Matthew 23:11), and the Apostle Paul highlighted collaborative decision-making among elders and apostles (Acts 15). The Shepherding Movement’s hierarchical structure, which placed significant authority in individual leaders, contrasts with this model, potentially leading to authoritarianism and diminishing the priesthood of all believers .​GotQuestions.org

Treatment of Women and Issues of Control

The Shepherding Movement’s emphasis on authority and submission often extended to strict gender roles, with women expected to submit not only to church leaders but also to male authority figures within their families. This approach has been criticized for fostering environments where women may experience spiritual abuse and marginalization, conflicting with biblical teachings that affirm the equal value and gifting of all believers, regardless of gender (Galatians 3:28).

TD adds “very rigid” “dogmatic”.’ Creates ministry undue accusation, based on false teaching, authoritarian needless ministry views

Connections to Other Movements

The Shepherding Movement shares similarities with the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), particularly in its emphasis on apostolic authority and governance. Both movements advocate for a restored five-fold ministry, including apostles and prophets, and emphasize hierarchical leadership structures .

TD’S Own 1990’s Winds and Trends of Controlling Doctrine Nightmare First Discoveries of what she later define as LP (World Wide WELP) 

However, the NAR extends these concepts further, promoting the idea of apostles exerting authority over societal domains, “teach apostles in the gates of the city” when slowly expanded and is now in charismatic ministry every where and means the following to Taveau who commented after being relentlessly targeted by this demonic controlling, defiling religious spirit…back 2016,  DFW

“There were in the same wide country, many shepherds out in their fields,  watching their flocks:

and every one else”s”

USA WELP Shepherding

Big Boss accusing many of “Church Hopping” and being ““out of control”and “unsubmitted”  started back then, with these, I suppose.

This a concept less emphasized in the Shepherding Movement. ​

Historical Parallels and Cultural Context

While direct historical links between the Shepherding Movement and events like the Salem Witch Trials or the Malleus Maleficarum are tenuous, thematic parallels exist in the use of religious authority to control and marginalize, particularly women. The Malleus Maleficarum, a 15th-century treatise, fueled witch hunts by promoting the persecution of women accused of witchcraft . Similarly, the Salem Witch Trials involved the suppression and punishment of individuals, predominantly women, based on dubious spiritual accusations.​Malorie’s Adventures

In certain rural American contexts, such as the Appalachian regions, religious movements have at times exhibited authoritarian tendencies, with leaders exerting significant control over congregants and emphasizing strict adherence to particular interpretations of scripture. While not directly connected to the Shepherding Movement, these instances reflect broader patterns of hierarchical control and the marginalization of dissenting voices, especially women, within religious communities.​

Conclusion

The Shepherding Movement’s focus on authority and submission, while aiming to promote spiritual growth, often led to practices that conflicted with the New Testament’s emphasis on servant leadership and mutual respect among believers. Its approach to gender roles and control has been critiqued for fostering environments susceptible to spiritual abuse. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for contemporary Christian communities to cultivate leadership models that reflect biblical principles of humility, equality, and service.

TD asks this question to Chat GPT AI

(and this applies to each and every form, version stately LP)

Did Jesus, Paul, nor any of the First Twelve Apostles did not set up one single office, leader, or ministry governing style over all others in the early (First) Church.

Chat GPT AI replies

 The answer is no. Instead, the New Testament shows a plurality of leadership, a diversity of spiritual offices, and a non-hierarchical model where Christ alone is the Head.

Correcting the Levitical Patriarchy: Apostolic Doctrine vs. Authoritarian Control

1. Jesus Christ Is the Only Head of the Church

“And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church.” —Ephesians 1:22 (KJV)
The true model of New Testament government is Christ as the sole Head of His body. There is no man or woman above others in such a way that they usurp Christ’s direct Lordship in the life of a believer.

2. Mutual Submission Is Required, Not Forced Hierarchy

“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.” —Ephesians 5:21 (KJV)
Biblical authority is relational, mutual, and humble. No one should demand submission—especially not based on gender, spiritual gifts, or perceived office rank. Submission must be voluntary and mutual, based on love and respect.

3. The Apostle Paul Taught Servant Leadership, Not Domination

“Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy.” —2 Corinthians 1:24 (KJV)
Apostles and leaders in the first church were not lords over the people. They did not divine, intimidate, or claim territories. They guided the church as servants, not spiritual overlords.

4. No Top-Down Government Structure in the Early Church

There is no biblical record of Paul, Peter, or James installing one ruling apostle per region, nor any model of “apostles in the gates” over entire cities or groups. The early church functioned with shared leadership, teams of elders, and Holy Spirit direction.

5. The Spirit of Christ Respects Individual Conscience and Calling

“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” —2 Corinthians 3:17 (KJV)
Authoritarian patriarchy violates Christian liberty by demanding uniformity, forced submission, and control of women, minorities, or outsiders. The New Testament Church honored individual callings, even among Gentiles and women (Romans 16:1-7).

6. Paul Rebuked Divisiveness and “Celebrity Ministry” Factions

“Every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas… Is Christ divided?” —1 Corinthians 1:12-13
When believers idolized spiritual leaders, Paul rebuked them. Today’s top-down movements that exalt apostles, prophets, and brands mirror this error.

7. The Occult and Psychic Practices Have No Place in God’s Church

Practices such as “divining” a visitor’s spirit, diagnosing people on sight, or publicly exposing people without relationship or context are not from the Holy Spirit. These mimic psychic control and occult mysticism—not Acts 2 Christianity.

8. The Role of Women in the Early Church Was Empowered, Not Suppressed

Phoebe (Romans 16:1), Junia (Romans 16:7), Priscilla (Acts 18), and others were leaders and co-laborers with Paul. The Levitical-style suppression of women is not New Testament doctrine—it is man-made and often abusive.

9. True Apostolic Authority Builds Up, Doesn’t Tear Down

“For even if I should boast somewhat more of our authority… which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction…” —2 Corinthians 10:8
A true apostle uses authority to build people, not control, silence, or terrify them.

10. The Apostolic Model Promotes Multicultural Community, Not Elitism

“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus… there is neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free, male nor female…” —Galatians 3:26-28
The original Church welcomed every kind, every background, every gender and ethnicity. Elitist systems—especially racially or culturally biased ones—have no place in the true Church.

The Chief Apostolic Bible Warning

Any ministry or movement—Black, White, or Brown, Book of Acts or not—that claims spiritual supremacy, demands submission without relationship, fosters fear, enforces control, or isolates dissenters is not in line with the Gospel of Christ.

Such ministries should repent and rebuild on servant leadership, biblical equality, and Christ-centered community.

“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” —1 Corinthians 3:11 (KJV)

+ JESUS’ OWN EXAMPLE: NO ONE-MAN RULE

• Matthew 23:8–10 (KJV)

  “But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
  And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
  Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.”

**  Key Point: Jesus taught that all were brethren, and leadership was to be servant-based, not titled hierarchy.

+ ACTS CHURCH: PLURALITY OF LEADERSHIP

• Acts 13:1 (KJV)

  “Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers;
  as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen… and Saul.”

** Key Point: The Antioch church had multiple prophets and teachers ministering as equals—no one-man rule.

• Acts 14:23 (KJV)

  “And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting,
  they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.”

** Paul and Barnabas appointed plural elders in every church, not one ruler or “covering” over all.

+ PAUL’S TEACHING: DIFFERENT GIFTS, SAME BODY

• Ephesians 4:11–12 (KJV)

  “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

++ Key Point: Paul never ranked these roles. They were different functions, not power hierarchies.

• 1 Corinthians 12:28–29 (KJV)

  “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers…
  Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers?”

++ Paul lists order in function, not superiority. It was about service, not domination.

+NO CENTRALIZED HUMAN GOVERNING BODY

• Galatians 2:6 (KJV)

  “But of these who seemed to be somewhat… it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person…”

** Paul rejected the idea that certain apostles or leaders were “higher.” He did not submit to a central authority.

• Galatians 1:1 (KJV)

  “**Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ…)”

  **Paul claimed his apostleship came from Jesus, not through a human governing board.

+ FIRST CHURCH STRUCTURE: MUTUAL SUBMISSION

• Ephesians 5:21 (KJV)

  “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”

** Mutual, respectful submission—not spiritual hierarchy or spying.

• 1 Corinthians 14:29–31 (KJV)

  “Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
  …For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.”

** All could participate. All were respected. No micromanaging or lone bossing.

THIS PART  CONCLUSION:

* Jesus did not appoint one ministerial “covering” over all.
* Paul did not submit to a controlling central office.
* The First Church operated in shared leadership, mutual honor, diversity of callings, and submission to Christ as the Head.

Colossians 1:18 (KJV)

“And he is the head of the body, the church…”

Only Christ is the Head. Any human system trying to override that creates a false hierarchy.

Here’s how that First Church model directly applies to Jesus’ true Church today, especially in contrast to many modern movements that have drifted into patriarchy, authoritarianism, or spiritual control:

 HOW THE FIRST CHURCH PATTERN APPLIES TO JESUS’ CHURCH TODAY

1. CHRIST ALONE IS THE HEAD—NOT A HUMAN TITLE OR OFFICE

Colossians 1:18 – “He is the head of the body, the church.”

Today, many church movements act as if a senior pastor, apostle, or prophetic leader is the head.
But in Jesus’ true Church, Christ remains the only Head.
No single man, woman, denomination, or movement owns the Church.

2. SHARED LEADERSHIP, NOT A DOMINANT CHAIN OF COMMAND

Acts 14:23 – “They ordained elders in every church…”
Ephesians 4:11 – “He gave some apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers…”

Today’s Jesus-followers must reclaim the model of shared servant-leadership, not boss-based control systems.
Ministry roles are for equipping, not controlling the saints. Every believer has a place, a gift, and a voice.

++  DID JESUS APPOINT PETER AS “HEAD” OVER THE CHURCH?

++ Jesus gave Peter revelation, not supremacy.

Matthew 16:18–19 (KJV)
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church…
And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven…”

** Some interpret this as Peter being the “first pope” or head of the Church—but Jesus never said Peter was the rock. The Greek makes a distinction:

• “Peter” = Petros (a small stone)

• “this rock” = Petra (a massive rock)

* The rock was Peter’s confession of Christ (verse 16):

“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

** Jesus said He would build His Church on that truth, not on one man.

++  JESUS REBUKED POWER STRUGGLES AMONG APOSTLES

Luke 22:24–26 (KJV)
“And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
And he said unto them… he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.”

** Jesus used that moment to reject hierarchy and teach servant leadership.

++ JESUS COMMISSIONED ALL THE APOSTLES EQUALLY

Matthew 28:19–20 (KJV)
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…”

** Jesus gave the Great Commission to all 11 remaining disciples, not to Peter alone.

++ THE EARLY CHURCH HAD SHARED LEADERSHIP

Acts 15:6 (KJV)
“And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.”

** At the Jerusalem Council, Peter spoke, but so did Paul, Barnabas, and James.
In fact, James, the Lord’s brother, gave the final ruling—not Peter (Acts 15:13–19).

++ PETER HIMSELF REFUSED TO BE WORSHIPED OR EXALTED

Acts 10:25–26 (KJV)
“And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.”

* Peter never claimed superiority. He acted humbly and equally.

++ PAUL CALLED OUT PETER PUBLICLY WHEN WRONG

Galatians 2:11 (KJV)
“But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.”

** If Peter were the ultimate authority, Paul could not have corrected him.
This shows mutual accountability, not hierarchy.

 CONCLUSION:

• Jesus never made Peter head over all.

• The Church was built on faith in Christ, not on one person.

• The apostles functioned as a team, under Christ the Head.

• The model was Ephesians 5:21 — “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”

REPRISE
It’s Christian Ministry Governing (all sorts of persons)

MUTUAL SUBMISSION, NOT SPIRITUAL SPYING OR POWER STRUGGLES

Ephesians 5:21 – “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”
Galatians 6:1 – “Restore such a one in a spirit of meekness…”

God never authorized “spiritual watchdogs” or control-based apostles to watch, accuse, and rule over others—especially not without relationship.
True First Church leaders confront personally (Matthew 18:15), not by gossip, slander, or public shaming.
Jesus’ Church operates in humility, respect, and open dialogue, not control or fear.

AND: THERE IS  NO HUMAN “COVERING” SYSTEM REQUIRED FOR VALIDITY OR CALLING

Galatians 1:1 – “Paul, an apostle, not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ…”
Philippians 2:12 – “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”

Today, some teach that a person must be under a “covering” to be valid in ministry.
But Paul shows that God can call, send, and anoint independently of any man-made hierarchy.
All believers are accountable directly to the Lord, and operate in community, not in bondage.

PLUS IT’S RELATIONSHIP-BASED FELLOWSHIP, NOT SPIRITUAL POLICING

1 John 1:7 – “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another…”

Modern misuse of authority often replaces healthy fellowship with surveillance and fear.
But Jesus’ real Church walks in the light of truth, in real love, real respect, and clean conscience.
There is no “inner discernment” that excuses suspicion without actual conversation (Matthew 18:15).

BE VIGILENT TO DETECT IMPURE AUTHORITARIANISM

Addressing authoritarian leadership within certain Christian ministries, particularly among Charismatic and Prophetic movements, requires a careful examination of doctrines that promote a top-down authority structure. Such structures can lead to control and manipulation, deviating from the servant leadership model exemplified by Jesus Christ. Below are common doctrinal threads that contribute to authoritarianism, along with corrective insights:

1. Unquestionable Authority of the Leader

Doctrine: Leaders claim to possess exclusive divine insights, positioning themselves as the ultimate authority within the church. Questioning their decisions is often portrayed as questioning God Himself.​

Correction: Scripture encourages believers to test all teachings against the Word of God (Acts 17:11). True spiritual leadership invites scrutiny and fosters an environment where questions are welcomed and addressed with humility.​

2. Hierarchical Leadership Structures

Doctrine: A rigid, top-down hierarchy is established, often resembling corporate or military structures, where power flows from the top leader downward.​

Correction: The New Testament depicts a model of shared leadership among elders and emphasizes mutual submission among believers (Ephesians 5:21). Leadership is portrayed as a function of service rather than dominion.​

3. Demand for Absolute Loyalty

Doctrine: Congregants are expected to demonstrate unwavering loyalty to their leaders, sometimes at the expense of personal convictions or discernment.​

Correction: Loyalty in the Christian context should be directed foremost to Christ. Leaders are to guide, not control, allowing individuals to follow personal convictions under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:5).​

4. Isolation from Broader Christian Community

Doctrine: Members are discouraged or forbidden from engaging with other Christian communities or teachings, fostering an insular environment.​

Correction: The body of Christ is diverse and interconnected. Believers are encouraged to fellowship broadly, recognizing the manifold wisdom of God displayed through various parts of His Church (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).​

5. Emphasis on External Compliance

Doctrine: Strict rules govern behavior, dress, and personal choices, with spiritual maturity often measured by adherence to these external standards.​

Correction: God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7). Spiritual growth is an internal process that manifests outwardly, not merely conformity to external regulations.​

6. Suppression of Dissent

Doctrine: Disagreement with leadership is labeled as rebellion or influenced by negative spiritual forces, leading to a culture of fear and silence.​

Correction: Healthy churches cultivate open dialogue and address disagreements with grace and truth. Leaders are called to be approachable and gentle, correcting with love (2 Timothy 2:24-25).​

7. Overemphasis on the Leader’s Vision

Doctrine: The leader’s vision is portrayed as the sole direction for the church, with little to no input from the congregation.​

Correction: While visionary leadership is valuable, the collective discernment of the body is essential. Proverbs 15:22 reminds us that plans succeed through many advisers.​

Conclusion

Authoritarian doctrines within Christian ministries can lead to spiritual harm and deviate from the biblical model of servant leadership. Churches should strive for leadership that is accountable, transparent, and characterized by mutual submission and respect. Believers are encouraged to engage with Scripture, seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and participate in communities that reflect the humility and servant-heartedness of Christ.

For Followers in the Future Church