PART 1 “AI AND I” CHRISTIAN MINISTERS & SUPER SPIRITUAL FALSE AUTHORITY

Kenneth Hagin Sr. and the “Word of Faith” Movement

Kenneth Hagin Sr. was a key figure in the Word of Faith movement, which emphasized the power of faith in the believer’s life, the authority of God’s Word, and the believer’s ability to claim divine promises, especially in areas like healing, prosperity, and spiritual authority. His teachings, especially in his book “The Authority of the Believer,” were grounded in a belief that Christians could walk in victory over sin, sickness, and evil by exercising their spiritual authority in Christ.

Hagin’s Focus: Healthy and Needed Teachings

Hagin’s teachings in the 1980s, especially regarding the believer’s authority, emphasized:

• Faith in God’s Word: He taught that believers must trust in the Bible as the ultimate authority and that through faith, they could overcome obstacles and live victorious Christian lives.
• Spiritual Authority: “The Authority of the Believer” encouraged Christians to recognize their identity in Christ and the authority they had to resist the devil and enforce God’s will on earth (e.g., healing, deliverance from oppression).
• Balanced Faith: While Hagin strongly promoted the idea of faith, he generally avoided the extreme authoritarian practices and teachings that developed in later Word of Faith circles.

For many, Hagin’s teaching on spiritual authority was empowering, encouraging believers to take responsibility for their spiritual lives and resist the enemy through faith, without necessarily adopting a dominating or authoritarian stance toward others.

Again: Taveau asks about the rise of Christian ministry celebrity and showbiz in the unfolding into modern day Christian Authority ministry equipping:

The Rise of “Showbiz Believers” and Authoritarianism

As the Word of Faith movement gained popularity, especially through TV evangelism and the rise of “celebrity preachers,” many of Hagin’s original teachings were taken to extremes. While Hagin himself was often regarded as humble and focused on biblical teaching, later iterations of the movement (especially in the prosperity gospel and celebrity-driven ministries) became marked by:

• Showbiz Christianity: Preachers who emphasized wealth, success, and miracles but often in a way that promoted personal gain and power. This trend led to a commercialized, performance-driven style of ministry that sometimes lacked the humility and grace found in Hagin’s earlier work.
• Extreme Authoritarianism: The concept of spiritual authority morphed into an unhealthy authoritarianism, where church leaders began to use their “God-given authority” to dominate, control, and manipulate congregations. Instead of using authority to serve and protect, it became about power and submission, demanding unwavering obedience from members.

This shift gave rise to a phenomenon you referred to as “the submissionites”—a group of believers who are hyper-focused on authority, submission, and control, often distorting biblical principles to maintain power over others.

“Submissionites” and Spiritual Abuse

The submissionites you describe—a combination of faith-filled, authoritarian, accusatory individuals—represent an extreme and damaging version of what began as a healthy teaching. They tend to:

• Accuse and Control: Labeling people as “unsubmitted,” “church hoppers,” “Jezebels,” or “witches” without relationship, personal knowledge, or understanding. This practice mirrors the witch hunts of the past, where accusations were based on fear, suspicion, and subjective spiritual readings, rather than grounded in biblical confrontation (Matthew 18:15-17).
• Watchful Surveillance: There is a sense of spiritual paranoia, where believers are constantly on the lookout for those they deem “unsubmitted,” exerting control over people’s movements, church attendance, and spiritual journeys.
• False Authority: They often use their position of spiritual leadership to intimidate, manipulate, and control others, claiming special insight from God but acting in ways that contradict the loving and servant-oriented leadership of Jesus.

This kind of behavior, which combines religious authoritarianism with spiritual abuse, results in harm to the body of Christ. It creates environments of fear and spiritual control that contrast sharply with the freedom and grace of the Gospel.

Taveau’s Asks Chat GPT AI to address one. her own modern ministry big red flags, also ministry pet peeves in office  prophecy:

“Reading persons rather than Christian Minister Respectfully Relating”

AI demurely responds:

Divination and “Reading” People from a Distance

You referred to the practice of “far-away ‘reading out private thirst'”—where people claim to know intimate details about others’ spiritual lives, struggles, or sins without any direct interaction, relationship, or conversation. This seems to describe a form of spiritual divination, which is biblically condemned.

• Divination in biblical terms refers to the practice of seeking hidden knowledge or insight through supernatural means that are not from God (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). In the Old Testament, divination was strictly forbidden, as it involved relying on occult practices or powers outside of God’s revelation.
• False Prophecy: In some modern charismatic circles, individuals may claim to have prophetic insight into someone’s personal life or character without any basis other than their own subjective impressions. This form of “reading” someone from a distance can easily lead to false accusations, especially when labeling someone a “witch” or “Jezebel” without evidence or relationship.

This practice resembles psychic divination, where one claims to receive knowledge about someone without their involvement. In Christian contexts, it is dangerous because it opens the door to false prophecy, gossip, and slander—all of which are contrary to biblical love and justice.

Comparing This to Jesus and the First Church

1. Jesus’ Approach:

Jesus never accused anyone without relational context. When He spoke to the woman at the well (John 4), He revealed knowledge of her life, but He did so in a personal and redemptive way. He didn’t label her as “unsubmitted” or a “witch”—instead, He offered grace, truth, and transformation.

2. First Church Leadership:

In the First Church, there was an emphasis on mutual submission (Ephesians 5:21) and relational accountability. Paul taught leaders to shepherd the flock (1 Peter 5:2-3), to serve with humility, and to be examples rather than lords over others. There was no indication of leaders “reading” people from a distance or labeling them as witches or Jezebels based on suspicion.

3. True Spiritual Authority:

True authority in the church comes from servanthood (Matthew 20:26-28), not domination. Jesus modeled a leadership style that was based on humility and compassion, not authoritarian control. He confronted sin, but always with the goal of restoration (Galatians 6:1), and never based on hearsay or false spiritual impressions.

Conclusion:

Kenneth Hagin’s original teachings on “The Authority of the Believer” were meant to empower Christians to walk in victory, relying on faith in God’s Word. However, as the Word of Faith movement evolved, certain sectors took those teachings to an unhealthy extreme, resulting in authoritarian leadership styles, accusations, and control.

The submissionites you describe are an unfortunate distortion of biblical teachings on spiritual authority and submission. Their practice of reading people from a distance—especially in labeling others as “unsubmitted” or “witches”—closely resembles divination and is both spiritually and relationally harmful. This stands in stark contrast to the example of Jesus and the early church, which emphasized grace, respect, and relational accountability.

True leadership in the body of Christ must always be marked by humility, love, and mutual respect, rather than control, suspicion, and domination.

Taveau asks Chat GPT AI:

Q. What about authority in each of the above. Is any of it in danger of being Matthew 7:21-23 false authority,? And “Beware of the strange children” in Psalm 144: 7-11 “right hand of false hood” and any  verses to help clarify true and false ministry leader authority in every one of the above.

Chat GPT AI replies:

The issue of true vs. false authority in ministry, especially in light of modern charismatic movements and authoritarian leaders, is central to the biblical critique of certain leadership styles. Let’s explore how biblical principles of authority and leadership apply to each of the movements or groups you mentioned, considering verses like Matthew 7:21-23 and Psalm 144:7-11, alongside other key passages.

1. Matthew 7:21-23 – False Authority

Jesus warns about false claims to spiritual authority:

“Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:21-23, KJV)

This passage highlights the difference between outward spiritual activity and authentic obedience to God’s will. Many may claim spiritual authority (through prophecy, miracles, or casting out demons), but Jesus emphasizes relational knowledge (“I never knew you”) and obedience to the Father’s will as the markers of true authority. Spiritual leaders who rely on power, status, or showy acts may deceive themselves into thinking they have God’s approval, but if their heart is far from Him, they risk becoming false authorities.

2. Psalm 144:7-11 – “Right Hand of Falsehood”

Psalm 144 speaks of deliverance from those who practice deception and falsehood:

“Send thine hand from above; rid me, and deliver me out of great waters, from the hand of strange children; Whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood.” (Psalm 144:7-8, KJV)

The “right hand of falsehood” refers to the misuse of power and authority by deceptive individuals. In the context of church leadership, this could refer to leaders who present themselves as righteous but deceive through manipulation or hidden agendas. Those who seek control over others through authoritarianism, spiritual manipulation, or false claims of prophetic insight could be operating from this kind of deceptive authority.

False Authority in Modern Movements

1. “Submissionites” and Authoritarian Movements (NAR, Shepherding):
   • These movements can fall into false authority when they:
     • Use control and manipulation to force submission (e.g., “church hoppers” or “Jezebels” accusations).
     • Claim spiritual superiority and enforce a “one-size-fits-all” teaching, which ignores individuality and the Holy Spirit’s unique work in each believer.
     • Prioritize power over service. In contrast to Jesus’ model of servant leadership (Matthew 20:26-28), these leaders often demand unquestioned obedience, turning their authority into a tool of self-promotion rather than service.

   Supporting Verses:

   • Ezekiel 34:2-4: God condemns shepherds (leaders) who feed themselves and do not care for the flock. Spiritual leaders who abuse their authority for personal gain or control are condemned as false shepherds.
   • 1 Peter 5:2-3: Peter warns against lording over the flock. True leaders are shepherds, not dictators. They lead by example, not coercion.
2. The Saul Spirit vs. David:
   • King Saul represents false authority in his later years. Although chosen by God, his disobedience and pride led to his downfall. He sought control and honor from men, even consulting a witch for guidance (1 Samuel 28), showing his deviation from true godly leadership.
   • King David, though imperfect, sought to rule with a heart after God’s own (1 Samuel 13:14). His repentance and submission to God’s will mark him as a model of true authority.

   Supporting Verses:

   • 1 Samuel 15:23: Saul’s rebellion is likened to witchcraft, showing that disobedience and control (like many modern authoritarian leaders) is equivalent to using spiritual power for the wrong purposes.
   • Acts 13:22: David is praised as a man after God’s heart, which represents the key difference between obedient and self-centered leadership.
3. King Ahab vs. Elijah:
   • Ahab symbolizes false authority—he enabled and tolerated the idolatry of Jezebel, while Elijah stood for the truth of God. Ahab’s compromise and fear of man contrast sharply with Elijah’s courage to speak truth, regardless of the cost.
   • Many leaders today who use their power to control or manipulate others mirror Ahab’s passive leadership, enabling spiritual deception to take root.

   Supporting Verses:

   • 1 Kings 21:25: Ahab sold himself to do evil in the sight of the Lord. Leaders who compromise for personal or political gain operate under false authority.
4. NT Saul (Paul’s Transformation):
   • Saul the Pharisee persecuted the church, believing he was acting in religious zeal. His transformation into Paul shows that even those who act under false authority can repent and find true authority through submission to Christ.
   • False authority in ministry often arises from zeal that lacks knowledge or relationship with Christ (Romans 10:2).

   Supporting Verses:

   • Philippians 3:7-8: Paul forsook his former status and power, recognizing that all authority comes through Christ. Leaders today must recognize that their authority is not in titles or control but in their submission to Christ.

True Authority and Servant Leadership

In contrast to these forms of false authority, true spiritual authority is grounded in servanthood, humility, and obedience to God:

1. Matthew 20:26-28: Jesus teaches that true greatness in leadership comes through serving others. Leaders who use their authority for personal power or control are false; true leaders serve and uplift those under their care.
2. Philippians 2:3-4: Paul calls for humility and valuing others above ourselves. True leaders are humble, seeking the good of others before themselves.
3. Galatians 5:13: We are called to serve one another in love. Leaders must lead with love, not coercion or authoritarianism.
4. 2 Corinthians 10:8: Paul says that true authority is given for building up, not for tearing down. When leaders use their power to manipulate, control, or accuse, they are misusing the authority given to them.

Summary of Key Dangers and Scriptures on False Authority:

• Matthew 7:21-23: False authority is characterized by outward works without genuine relationship or obedience to God’s will.
• Psalm 144:7-11: The “right hand of falsehood” represents leaders who misuse their power and operate through deception.
• 1 Samuel 15:23: Rebellion and disobedience in leadership is likened to witchcraft, showing that false authority often stems from pride and control.
• 1 Peter 5:2-3: True shepherds lead by example and humility, not by domination or lording over others.

In each of these cases, whether it be the submissionites, those operating under the spirit of Saul, or modern-day charismatic leaders who accuse without relationship, the key issue is a misuse of authority for control, power, or manipulation, rather than serving and loving others as Christ did. True spiritual authority is always marked by humility, love, and service, in line with the teachings of Jesus and the early church

Sr apostle Taveau asks:

Address what is “abuse, false authority, mixture” in I Sameul 1-2 Eli and his two minister associate pastor sons. Also is any of this “submission” reading persons from afar witchcraft, As  in “rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft” I Samuel 15:23, or whatever the bible says (divining??) what is divination exactly?