SPIRITUAL COVERING : WAS IT COMMANDED BY THE FIRST CHURCH?

SPIRITUAL COVERING : WAS IT COMMANDED BY THE FIRST CHURCH?

“God’s love covers a  multitude of sins.”
— 1 Peter 4:8, KJV

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A Biblical Look vs. American Church Traditions & Modern Movements

For New Believers, Expats, and Those Hurt by Control-Based Church Culture

I. What Is Spiritual Covering?

Many churches today teach that believers must be “under a spiritual covering” or submitted to a pastor or apostle—or risk deception, rebellion, or spiritual danger. But is that what Jesus or Paul taught?

Let’s trace this concept through Old-Time American churches, modern-day apostolic/prophetic networks, and the Bible itself.

II. Spiritual Covering in Old-Time USA Churches

In early American churches (Holiness, Pentecostal, Baptist), “covering” often meant family structure or community respect, not a required theology.

• Wives submitted to husbands (based on cultural and biblical norms).

• Churchgoers respected pastors, but weren’t told to fear spiritual punishment for leaving.

• Women often preached and led revivals (especially in Black and frontier movements).

However, some preachers taught fear-based submission, claiming a woman or churchgoer who left their “covering” would be cursed or unprotected. These were add-ons, not rooted in clear New Testament doctrine.

III. Rise of Covering in the Shepherding Movement (1970s)

In the 1970s, the Shepherding Movement in Florida began teaching:

• You must be under a shepherd (sr pastor).

• You need “your pastors’ (apostle, prophet’s permission to make personal decisions.

• Leaving your leader is considered “unsubmitted” and rebellious, .

This “covering” system quickly spread into charismatic circles but resulted in widespread spiritual abuse. Some of the original leaders later repented publicly.

IV. Covering in Modern Movements (NAR, Patriarchism, Gatekeeping)

1. NAR (New Apostolic Reformation)

• Apostles in this sect believe that God’s called them to “cover” entire regions.

• Prophets “submit” to apostolic order.

• Church members “align” for protection and favor.

 2. Levitical Patriarchal Ministries (The Christian Ministry Patriarchy)

• Men are considered coverings for all women.

• Churchgoers are told to submit unquestioningly to male leadership.

• Independent voices, especially women, are labeled rebellious or Jezebel-like.

 3. Gatekeeping by Prophetic Networks

• People must belong to a “network” to be seen as legitimate.

• Prophetic words are rejected unless passed through leadership.

• Ministries control access to platforms, mentorship, and opportunity.

V.  New Section: Spiritual Hierarchy vs. Gatekeeping

Many of these teachings rely on a system of spiritual hierarchy—but enforce it through gatekeeping.

For the Newbie: What Is Spiritual Covering?

A Bible-Based Teaching for New Believers

Introduction: What You Might Hear

If you’re new to church or growing in your walk with Jesus, you may hear phrases like:

• “You need to be UNDER a spiritual covering.”
• “You can’t be blessed unless YOU’RE SUBMITTED to leadership.”
• “You’re NOT COVERED , that’s why bad things are happening.”

But what does the Bible actually teach about “spiritual covering”? Is it a real doctrine—or a man-made idea used to control?

This teaching breaks it down simply, with Scripture and love, to help you walk in truth and confidence.

I. The Only Spiritual Covering in the New Testament Is Jesus Christ

The Bible teaches that:

• Christ is the Head of every believer (Colossians 1:18).
• He is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11).
• We are complete in Him (Colossians 2:10).

There is no Scripture that says you must be “covered” by a human pastor, apostle, or spiritual leader to be protected or valid. That teaching is not found in the early Church.

1 Timothy 2:5 – “There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”

II. What About Hebrews 13:17?

Some churches use this verse to teach forced submission:

Hebrews 13:17 – “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves…”

But the Greek words help us understand:

• “Obey” (Greek: peitho) = to be persuaded, convinced by character or teaching.
• “Rule” (Greek: hegeomai) = to lead, guide—not dominate.

It does not mean blind obedience. It refers to trusting godly, humble leaders who live like Jesus.

III. What Did Paul Do as a Leader?

Paul planted churches and taught people, but he never said:

• “I’m your covering.”
• “You’re not under authority unless you report to me.”

Instead, Paul said:

2 Corinthians 1:24 – “Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy.”

That is the heart of real biblical leadership: partnership, not ownership.

IV. Covering in the Old Testament: Levitical vs. New Covenant

Some ministries base “covering” on Old Testament priesthood:

• Levites wore garments of covering.
• People went through priests to access God.

But Jesus fulfilled all that. Now:

• You are a priest (1 Peter 2:9).
• You have direct access to God (Hebrews 4:16).

There is no longer a need for a human priest as a covering. Christ did away with that system.

V. What Is Real Accountability and Fellowship?

The Bible teaches healthy spiritual community:

• Submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21).
• Correct each other in love (Galatians 6:1).
• Love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8).

These are mutual, relational, not top-down or fear-based.

1. True spiritual safety comes from walking in light, not hiding under a title.

VI. Red Flags to Watch For

Be careful of ministries that:

• Teach you can’t be safe or blessed unless under their “covering.”
• Threaten loss, curse, or demotion if you leave their network.
• Use “spiritual fathering” to control, not guide.
• Label people as “unsubmitted,” “rebellious,” or “Jezebel” when they disagree.

These patterns are often used to create fear and control. They are not Jesus’ way.

VII. The Truth? You Are Covered in Christ

If you’re born again:

• You are washed, sealed, and covered by Jesus’ blood.
• You are led by the Holy Spirit, not man’s opinions.
• You are accepted in the beloved (Ephesians 1:6).

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” – Psalm 23:1

VIII. What Does the Bible Actually Teach?

Spiritual Hierarchy vs. Gatekeeping – What’s the Difference?

Encouragement

Dear new believer: You don’t need to chase spiritual approval. You already have it in Christ.

Stay humble, teachable, and in community—but never let anyone take the place of Jesus in your spiritual life.

You are covered. You are secure. You are loved.

In Christ alone.

The Modern Phrase: “Do You Have Enough Covering?”

Some leaders today ask:

“Who are you under?”
“Do you have enough covering?”
“Who’s covering your ministry?”

These questions are not rooted in Scripture, but in spiritual branding and platform validation. It’s more about control, optics, and institutional loyalty than it is about Jesus’ model.

 Truth to Hold On To

Biblical Accountability ≠ Spiritual Covering

Now, the Bible does support the idea of godly accountability:

Leaders watch over your soul (Hebrews 13:17)

Elders can offer wise counsel (Titus 1:5)

We confess sins and pray for one another (James 5:16)

But this is relationship-based, not fear-based. It’s done through trust, maturity, and willingness—not pressure or control.

You can have biblical accountability without unbiblical “covering.”

Taveau Asks: What About “Love Covers”?

People sometimes misuse this verse:

“Charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”
— 1 Peter 4:8, KJV

This refers to forgiveness and mercy, not “covering” people under authority. God’s love, flowing through believers, extends grace—it does not require submission to a person for protection.

There Is No “Spiritual Covering” Doctrine in the New Testament

Let’s be clear:
There is no official spiritual doctrine of “covering” by a man, pastor, apostle, or overseer found anywhere in the teachings of Jesus, Paul, or the First Church.

POINT What the New Testament Does Teach:

“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”
— Ephesians 5:21, KJV

This is mutual submission — not a top-down hierarchy. It’s about humility, love, and respect among all believers, not fear-based control, rank, or chain-of-command.

 What’s Not in the Bible

The following ideas are popular in modern ministry culture, but absent from Scripture:

• “You must be under an apostle to be safe.”

• “You’re spiritually uncovered if you don’t belong to a pastor.”

• “You can’t grow unless you’re aligned under authority.”

POINT: Jesus never said “Get under a man to stay spiritually protected.”
POINT: Paul never wrote “If you leave your leader, you are spiritually naked.”
POINT: The early Church never taught “covering” as protection from curses.

“Stand fast in the liberty by which Christ has made us free.” – Galatians 5:1

If you’re walking in humility, testing the spirits, and seeking Christ—you are covered. No man, title, or movement can add to what Jesus finished at the cross.

But get mature PRAYER COVERING economy:

  “One puts a thousand to flight, 2 ten thousand” Deuteronomy 32