NOTE: We each have right to disagree. I am for that. It’s just the METHODOLOGY and the ‘Jesus heart” TONE.’ Apostle Paul said it first, Philippians 2:12 each one  of us”work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. “

PART 2 HISTORY OF THE MINISTRY PATRIARCHY

# 1 Re: PATRIARCHAL OVERREACH

DEFINITION AND AUTHORITARIAN EXAMPLES

“You will recognize them by their fruits… A good tree cannot bear bad fruit.” — Matthew 7:16–18

“The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.” — 2 Timothy 2:24

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

PART ONE Definitions

A Healthy Patriarch (Hebrew/Biblical Model)

Identifying the Fruit of Levitical Patriarchy and Authoritarianism in Modern Ministry

TD Point: The Authoritarianism NOT Jesus Servant Leader IS the unhealthy point)

In today’s Christian ministry landscape, we are witnessing both healthy leadership models and toxic, controlling structures that can harm individuals and disrupt the mission of the Church. One significant challenge is recognizing when leadership oversteps its biblical boundaries—especially when we look at the rise of Levitical Patriarchy (LP), authoritarianism, and unhealthy leadership structures.

In this article, we will explore the characteristics of Levitical Patriarchy, compare it with healthy patriarchal leadership, and discuss how it has manifested in both historical and modern Christian ministries. By examining scriptural principles and real-life examples, we will gain clarity on the fruit that signals spiritual overreach and abuse, helping leaders and congregations identify and correct these harmful patterns

Mature Point: Defining Healthy Patriarchy vs. Levitical Patriarchy

Healthy Patriarchy: A Biblical and Balanced Model

A healthy patriarch is someone who exhibits wisdom, humility, and governance within their family, tribe, or ministry. They are not controlling but provide stability, guidance, and support. Healthy patriarchs:

• Offer counsel grounded in biblical truth

• Respect and honor all people, regardless of race, gender, or background

• Lead by example, not through coercion

• Have a servant leadership approach, balancing authority with compassion

• Provide stability, emotional support, and material provision to their families and communities

In contrast, Levitical Patriarchy (LP) oversteps these boundaries, using authority to control and dominate others under the guise of biblical rule. It is often rooted in a legalistic, hierarchical system that elevates a leader (usually male) to an unbiblical position of absolute authority, often silencing or dismissing voices that challenge this control, especially women, younger leaders, or independent ministries.

Levitical Patriarchy: A Toxic Leadership Model

Levitical Patriarchy is a term I use to describe an authoritarian, patriarchal system that uses spiritual authority to dominate and control people, particularly within ministry and family structures. This approach often misapplies Old Testament principles to New Testament ministry. The Levitical priesthood in the Old Testament operated in a hierarchical system where specific males from a specific tribe held power over others. When this model is adopted in modern ministry without proper understanding of grace and the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9), it becomes oppressive, focusing on maintaining control rather than nurturing spiritual growth.

A healthy patriarch in the biblical sense:

• Serves as a stable, respected leader and provider (anchor).

• Governs or guides, but not with domination—rather with mutual respect, wisdom, and moral consistency.

• Welcomes and values all types of persons.

• Upholds a godly standard, avoiding false religion or coercive doctrine.

• Offers counsel, provides materially and spiritually, and inspires generational integrity.

  • Name-calling and public accusations of individuals who don’t align with the ministry’s teachings (especially women or Spirit-filled leaders)

  • A “gatekeeper mentality” that limits the ability of ministries or individuals to operate independently

  • A lack of accountability, where leaders are not open to correction or discussion, but demand absolute submission from others

Control over personal decisions (marriage, finances, ministry direction) with little regard for individual freedom or the Holy Spirit’s guidance

Practices servant leadership—he leads by example and earns authority through relationship, not hierarchy.

POINT TWO Big Point: Fruits of Spiritual Overreach: Signs of Levitical Patriarchy in Ministry

TD’S coined term ” Levitical Patriarchy’ /”WELP means usually the ministry character, doctrines, nature of the charismatic Shepherding and similar doctrinal “patriarch” all male moves, the the rougher side “Boys Club”

Levitical Patriarchy manifests itself in various forms of spiritual overreach, often resulting in toxic ministry environments that harm individuals and disrupt healthy relationships. Some of the most common fruits include:

Fault-Finding and Accusation Culture

Levitical Patriarchs often accuse others of being “unsubmitted”, “false prophets”, or “church hoppers” without first following the biblical model of correction, such as Matthew 18:15-17. They engage in public rebukes and name-calling, especially online and from the pulpit, casting judgment on anyone who doesn’t conform to their view or movement.

“Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.” — 1 Timothy 5:19

The fruit of false accusations and unchecked power can have devastating consequences, leading to fear, division, and broken relationships within the body of Christ.

Control and Dominance Over Others

One of the key signs of Levitical Patriarchy is control—not just over people within a ministry, but over anyone who challenges the leader’s authority. This manifests in overreach where leaders demand submission from everyone, even those who are not under their authority or leadership. Often, they will marginalize or suppress women and limit their participation in leadership roles, using “biblical submission” as an excuse to keep them in passive or subordinate positions.

“For there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” — Galatians 3:28

Such actions do not reflect the biblical vision of equality in Christ but distort the intended harmony of the body.

Spotting Levitical Patriarchy in Today’s Ministry

In modern ministry, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and discerning, recognizing when leadership oversteps its boundaries and begins to reflect the toxic fruit of Levitical Patriarchy. Some signs that modern ministries may be exhibiting Levitical Patriarchy or authoritarianism include

• Conclusion: Returning to the Heart of Christ’s Leadership

  Ultimately, Jesus exemplified true, healthy patriarchal leadership in His life and ministry. His leadership was not about control, domination, or patriarchal overreach. Instead, He modeled servant leadership, humility, and sacrificial love.

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

  In contrast, Levitical Patriarchy is rooted in fear, control, and an abusive misuse of spiritual authority. It seeks to maintain power rather than build up the body of Christ in love and humility.

  By focusing on healthy leadership and aligning our ministries with the biblical model of service and respect for all believers, we can avoid the dangers of Levitical Patriarchy and create environments where the gifts of all believers—especially women—are celebrated and nurtured.

  May we lead with humility, ensuring our ministries reflect the heart of Christ, not the authoritarian spirit of Levitical Patriarchy.

• 

TD’S coined term ” Levitical Patriarchy’ /”WELP means usually the ministry character, doctrines, nature of the charismatic Shepherding and similar doctrinal “patriarch” all male moves, the the rougher side “Boys Club”

(This is not referencing the actual Levitical priesthood of the Bible, but a misused concept or cultural distortion.)
A Levitical Patriarch in the negative sense:

• Wields control and spiritual authority to dominate.

• Often excludes or disrespects women, minorities, or differing views.

• Uses titles, hierarchy, and tribal affiliation to justify control or spiritual elitism.

• Practices biased ministry that favors power over humility and position over relationship.

• May focus on outward appearance of religion but deny its inner power (see 2 Timothy 3:5).

PART THREE Biblical Examples

+ Healthy Patriarchs:

1. Abraham – Often called the father of faith. He heard God personally, respected his household, honored even those outside his tribe (like Melchizedek), and was open to God’s correction (Genesis 18:19, Genesis 14).

2. Joseph (son of Jacob) – Became a provider and stabilizer for not just his own family but an entire nation. He used wisdom, forgiveness, and discernment without abusing his authority (Genesis 50:20).

3. Boaz – A wealthy, godly man who protected and honored Ruth, a Moabite woman, showing inclusive and just character (Ruth 2–4).

4. Mordecai – A steady, wise relative to Esther who gave counsel, supported a woman in leadership, and never sought self-glory (Book of Esther).

5. Jesus Christ – The ultimate model of servant leadership and holy authority. He never forced control, welcomed outsiders, respected women, and corrected religious authoritarianism.

+ Levitical Patriarchy / Controlling  or Dysfunctional “Christian Patriarchs”:

These are men who may hold religious or leadership authority but misuse it or fail to steward it responsibly. They often:

• Allow spiritual compromise in the name of position or family loyalty.

• Neglect accountability, especially when it involves their own group or “in-crowd.”

• Enable systemic sin or corruption while maintaining an outer appearance of piety.

Biblical Examples:

1. Eli and his sons, Hophni and Phinehas (1 Samuel 2–4)

• Eli, a high priest, was personally devout but failed to restrain his corrupt sons.

• His sons abused their priestly roles—stealing offerings and sexually exploiting women at the temple (1 Samuel 2:12–17, 22).

• Though Eli mildly rebuked them, he did not remove them or stop their abuse of power, and God judged him for honoring his sons over God (1 Samuel 2:29).

• This reflects a boys’ club mentality—a reluctance to confront wrongdoing within one’s own ranks

2. Diotrephes – A New Testament leader who “loved to be first,” rejected apostolic correction, and controlled who could be part of the church (3 John 1:9-10).

3. King Saul – Though anointed, he disobeyed God, became insecure and dominating, and used authority for control and self-preservation (1 Samuel 15–16).

4. Religious Pharisees and Sadducees – Used spiritual status to burden people with rules while avoiding accountability themselves (Matthew 23:1-7).

5. Nabal – Abigail’s husband, harsh and foolish, unyielding and self-centered—a “boys club” personality who nearly got his household destroyed (1 Samuel 25).

++ Modern Application

A modern-day healthy patriarch might look like:

• A wise, educated leader (like your father), grounded in faith, respectful to all, including women and different cultural styles.

• A community-minded provider who doesn’t boast but builds others up.

• A father, mentor, or pastor who embodies Ephesians 6:4—not provoking to wrath, but bringing others up in nurture and instruction.

PART FOUR
When Authority Becomes Abuse — The Overreach of Levitical Patriarchy in Media & Ministry

“The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.” — 2 Timothy 2:24 “Relationship Respect”

 Overview

The Levitical priesthood had divine function—but it was never meant to become a “boys’ club,” a watchdog syndicate, or a weaponized pulpit. When misused, it:

• Shames, silences, and scapegoats outsiders or the “different.”

• Publicly names and targets fellow believers—even women, spirit-filled leaders, or those of different theological streams.

• Confuses control with discernment.

 1. Scriptural Foundation for Levitical Authority (Old Testament)

God-ordained purposes of the Levitical order (Numbers 3, Leviticus 8):

• Handle holy things with reverence

• Teach the Word (Deuteronomy 33:10)

• Represent the people before God, not weaponize God against the people

2. False Authority, Human Nature Rather Holy Spirit

Examples of Abuse of Levitical Authority in Scripture:

*  Eli’s Sons (1 Samuel 2–4):

• Took offerings by force

• Slept with women at the entrance of the temple

• Eli warned, but did not remove them—enabling abuse within a “club” of unaccountable insiders

* Pharisees (Matthew 23):

• Sat in Moses’ seat but loved the title more than the truth

• “Tied up heavy burdens” but didn’t lift a finger to help

• Used scripture as a sword to shame, not heal

“You shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces.” — Matthew 23:1

 God Following Character Point: . Jesus’ Rebuke of Power-Based Religion

Jesus directly challenged abusive Levitical patterns:

• He refused to publicly humiliate sinners (John 8:1–11)

• He honored the faith of outsiders (Luke 7:9; Mark 7:24–30)

• He welcomed Spirit-led women (John 4, Luke 10:38–42)

“Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees…” — Luke 12:1

Modern-day translation?

“Beware of the spiritual influencers, ministries, and media who act as if they’re God’s gatekeepers—especially if they:

• Mock Spirit-filled leaders, especially women

• Accuse people by name in public platforms

• Judge denominations or movements like Charismatics, Pentecostals, or Cessationists

  • Titles like “Rabbi,” “Master,” and “Father” were signs of prestige and spiritual superiority in Jewish religious culture.

  • Jesus is warning against creating a spiritual class system in the Church — a hierarchy where some are above and others are beneath.

  • He’s promoting humility, equality, and servant leadership.Misuse discernment by using “inner readings” or “dreams” as factual evidence (modern-day “spectral evidence”)

CALL NO MAN RABBI (Titles)  Jesus and the Patriarchy: Example

Matthew 23:8–10 (KJV): “Call No Man Rabbi” — In Context and Meaning

Here is the King James Version of Matthew 23:8–10:

Matthew 23:8-10 (KJV):
8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.

Context: What Is Jesus Addressing in Matthew 23?

Matthew 23 is Jesus’ powerful rebuke of the scribes and Pharisees, Israel’s religious leaders at the time. The entire chapter is often referred to as the “Seven Woes” because Jesus denounces the hypocrisy, pride, and spiritual abuse practiced by many of these leaders.

Jesus begins by saying in verses 2–3 that the scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat (i.e., they teach the Law), but:

“…do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.”

They taught one thing but practiced another — loading others with religious burdens they themselves would not bear.

Verses 8–10: What Jesus Meant

Now, in verses 8–10, Jesus tells His disciples not to seek or accept elevated religious titles such as Rabbi (teacher), Father, or Master. Why?

1. Because Christ Is the Only True Authority

• Jesus is saying, don’t elevate yourself above others by adopting authoritative titles that suggest spiritual superiority.

• Only Christ is the Master (Teacher/Lord).

• All disciples are equals in the family of God: “Ye are all brethren.”

2. To Reject Spiritual Elitism and Hierarchies

POINT: THE APOSTLE PAUL
Character Point. Paul’s Example – Bold Yet Respectful Correction

Paul models how to confront false doctrine without becoming spiritually abusive.

+ Paul Names Names… Carefully

• Calls out Hymenaeus & Alexander (1 Timothy 1:20) but with a goal of correction, not public spectacle

• Respects differing roles (1 Corinthians 12), especially women co-laborers (Romans 16:1–3, 6–7)

• Teaches boldly against error (Galatians 1:6–9), but also says:

“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.” — Galatians 6:1

++ Contrast: The Modern Media Pulpit

• YouTube call-outs, livestream rebukes, exposé-style “discernment ministries” often operate as unauthorized priests

• No relational accountability

• No private Matthew 18:15-17 first step

• Often monetized or designed for influence—not real correction

+ Historic Patterns of Abuse in God’s Name

 Past:

• Salem Witch Trials (1690s): Women executed based on “spectral evidence” (inner readings, dreams, suspicion)

• Inquisition: Public naming, torture, spiritual tyranny in the name of “truth”

• Cessationist attacks on Spirit-filled revivals (e.g., Azusa Street, Brownsville): Accusations of emotionalism, demonic deception

Present:

• Online patriarchal (and many immature local) caring movements naming ministers, especially women, as “Jezebel,” “witch,” or “false prophet”

• Discrediting respected Spirit-led leaders (like Francis Chan, Christine Caine, Jackie Hill Perry, or Beth Moore, anyone who is charismatic, spirit filled and famous “viewed as a Prosperity Teacher” or women in ministry) without due process

• Tribal warfare between Spirit-filled, cessationist, and progressive camps

These often reflect Levitical overreach, not New Testament order

  OFFICE TD SAYS
“BRUH’S..IT’S USING WRONG,

INEFFECTIVE METHODOLOGY

AND THE SINISTER ATTACKING  TONE”

Big Main Point:

Christlike Correction vs. Carnal Exposure

 MAIN POINT: Biblical Model of Christlike Correction

Galatians 6:1 – Restore with gentleness

Matthew 18:15–17 – Go privately first

Titus 3:10 – Warn divisive people, but don’t attack

Romans 14:4 – “Who are you to judge another man’s servant?

“

Jesus – The Perfect Model of Servant Leadership (Not a Patriarch)

Jesus didn’t come to model human family dominance but to redefine leadership as service. He corrected the corrupted patriarchal mindsets of His day.

“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 vs. Levitical Patriarchal Control:

TD’S POINT: Closing Thoughts: Restoration Over Reputation

The goal of New Covenant (First Church) leadership is never to destroy—it’s to restore.
True apostolic and prophetic ministry calls people higher, not just calls them out.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14
“We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.” — 1 Thessalonians 2:4

To Google search:

TD ads what about the bye gone “Relationship” negotiation, personal humility, personal tough, restoration “humble” ISAIAH 1:18 which I and many,  abide by?

I close for now, but will surely redo and add too later, added too, make another article on the Called Out leader Women who are married (My Christian Authority Point)

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