What Even is Post-Evangelicalism?

Part 1 of the series: Almost Christian: The Subtle Drift of Post-Evangelical Faith

How I Found Myself on This Trail

Earlier this year, I was researching for a post titled Compassion Without Compromise: Holding Fast to Biblical Truth. My goal was to address a troubling trend I was seeing in the church. Well-meaning believers embracing teachings that seemed compassionate, nuanced, and inclusive, yet when held up to the light of Scripture, they feel devastatingly short.

That post walked through examples like Revoice, Side B Theology, Preston Sprinkle, and a local group called Sacred Spaces. But what started as a specific deep dive quickly turned into a broader discovery. As I followed the trail of voices influencing these teachings, I kept running into a term I hadn’t explored before: Post-Evangelicalism.

At first, I thought it was just another word for deconstruction. But the more I dug, the more I realized it was something deeper and, honestly, more dangerous. Why? Because it doesn’t sound radical. It sounds biblical. It uses familiar Christian language. It cloaks itself in love and healing. And it’s quietly reshaping how people view the faith.

“I’m spiritual, not religious.” “Church trauma ruined my faith.” “That verse doesn’t mean what you think it does.”

You’ve probably seen posts like this pop up on your feed. They sound thoughtful, emotionally raw, maybe even wise. But if you look closely, there’s a common thread weaving them together: a reimagined version of Christianity that rejects structure, doctrine, and accountability, while keeping the comforting language of faith.

It’s not always loud. In fact, it’s usually gentle, creative, aesthetically curated, and wrapped in words like “freedom,” “authenticity,” “deconstruction,” and “liberation.”

That’s post-evangelicalism. And it’s gaining traction fast.

Why This Matters to Me and Why It Should Matter to You

As women, we’re often drawn to messages that feel relatable, emotionally validating, and encouraging, and there’s nothing wrong with that. God made us relational and tender-hearted for a reason. But those good gifts can be twisted if we start following voices that sound kind but quietly lead us away from biblical truth.

That’s why I believe it’s especially important for women to be grounded in scripture and to know how to recognize truth from error. I’ve seen too many “Christian” books, social media posts, and podcasts aimed at women that offer comfort without correction, affirmation without accountability, and emotion without theology.

Here’s the thing: this kind of Christianity cannot peacefully coexist with the true, historical, biblical faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). We are called to contend for the faith, not water it down so it feels more palatable. Truth divides. It always has. And if a so-called gospel doesn’t line up with scripture in context, we don’t get to blend it in and call it unity.

I care deeply about other women who are seeking the Lord. And I want us to be women who are not easily swayed, not easily impressed, and not easily deceived. We don’t need to be scholars. We just need to be women who love the Bible, read it in context, and refuse to settle for something that only sounds Christian.

And if you’ve been drawn to a version of Christianity that feels more freeing or inclusive, I gently want to ask: Is it actually biblical or just comfortable?

Could it be that the discomfort you feel with doctrine or correction isn’t spiritual harm, but Holy Spirit conviction?

I’m not asking you to take my word for it. Take it to scripture. Read it carefully. Pray over it. Ask God to show you truth, even if it challenges your current beliefs.

Because the truth, real truth, can stand up to scrutiny. It always has.

So… What Is Post-Evangelicalism?

It’s a term used to describe people who once identified as evangelical Christians but now reject or redefine major aspects of that faith tradition. They may still say they follow Jesus, but it’s often a Jesus who never judges, never requires repentance, and conveniently affirms their personal truth.

Instead of throwing out Christianity altogether, post-evangelicals often rebuild a faith that aligns with their feelings, cultural values, and personal experiences. It looks like:

  • Dismissing the authority of scripture (“That was cultural, not for today”)
  • Redefining sin as “trauma” or “shame-based control”
  • Using therapeutic language to avoid repentance
  • Believing doctrine divides, but vibes unify
  • Elevating personal revelation over scriptural truth

This movement isn’t just happening in academia or progressive churches. It’s all over Instagram, TikTok, and “Christian” book aisles.

If you find yourself nodding along with much of what post-evangelical voices are saying, I’m not here to shame you. I’m simply asking you to pause and consider:

Does the Jesus they describe match the Jesus revealed in scripture, or one shaped more by culture, hurt, or preference?

He is better than the soft, edited versions we’ve created. He is holy, loving, just, and trustworthy. Even when His truth feels hard.

It’s Not Just a Trend. It’s a Different Gospel.

Galatians 1:6-9 speaks to this clearly:

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel…”

Post-evangelicalism doesn’t just adjust the packaging of Christianity; it changes the message. It makes the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14) wide, softens sin, and rebrands holiness as legalism.

And here’s the danger: it sounds good. It feels kind. And it often comes from people who look and sound like us.

Maybe you’ve walked away from traditional churches because of hurt, inconsistency, or a lack of grace. That’s real, and I don’t dismiss it. But don’t let human failure drive into a theology that makes Jesus smaller.

If you’ve replaced biblical truth with something that “feels more loving,” I urge you—test it. Hold it up to the Word of God, not just what resonates with your heart.

The narrow gate isn’t oppressive. It’s where true freedom begins.

The Berean Mindset in a Deconstructing Age

In Acts 17:11, the Bereans were called noble because they examined the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true. That’s our model.

We don’t need to deconstruct our faith. We need to reconstruct our understanding of scripture, letting God’s Word shape our theology, not TikTok therapists, not cute Instagram quotes, and definitely not influencers with no biblical training but lots of charisma.

Let’s be women who test every voice. Even the soft ones. Even the popular ones. Even the ones that sound like healing but contradict the Word of God.

Maybe this feels foreign, or even offensive, to you. Maybe you’ve been told that questioning progressive or post-evangelical theology is close-minded or harsh.

But what if it’s actually loving to ask hard questions?

What if the God of the Bible isn’t afraid of your questions but instead invites you to seek Him through His Word, not just through voices that echo your current views?

Friend, if you’ve read this far, please don’t dismiss it. Sit with it. Open your Bible. Ask the Lord to show you what’s true. He is faithful to answer.

Coming Next:

Post 2 – From Church Hurt to Doctrinal Drift: The Path of Post-Evangelicalism
We’ll unpack how real wounds can become the gateway to real deception and how the enemy uses hurt to lead women into a false gospel.

The Day of Distinction: Living as Women Who Belong to Him

Today at church, I was left almost speechless.

Not because I couldn’t find words but because I didn’t want to interrupt the wonder of what God had just stirred in me.

We’ve been going verse by verse through the book of Malachi, yes Malachi!, and once again, I walked away convicted, comforted, and full of gratitude for a church that simply preaches the Word of God. Verse by verse. No shortcuts. No gimmicks. No cherry-picking. Just scripture, in context, laid bare before the congregation and applied to our lives with boldness and humility.

There is nothing quite like expositional preaching.

Yes, topical sermons can have their place. But at the heart of faithful shepherding is a pastor who takes the people through the Bible without apology. The Word is sufficient. It is reliable. It is rich with everything we need for life and godliness. No matter what century or culture we’ve been placed in. It is timeless. And it is always relevant, whether the world agrees or not.

Today’s sermon, titled “The Day of Distinction,” was drawn from Malachi 3:13-4:3, and it lit a fire in me to write. Not to recap the sermon, but to respond to what it stirred in my heart.

There is a day coming.
A day when every heart will be laid bare.
A day when there will be no gray area.
No middle ground.
No hiding behind performance, ministry, reputation, or theological vocabulary.

Just this: Do you belong to Him—or not?

Sheep or Goats: There Is No Third Option

Malachi makes the distinction clear. So does Jesus in Matthew 25: sheep on the right, goats on the left. No overlap. No third option. There is a clear dividing line in the mind of God, even if the world tries to blur it.

Now, before we go canceling goats entirely, let’s pause for a second.

Yes, goats are objectively cute. My neighbor has a whole herd, and I’ll admit they’re entertaining little creatures. But in biblical times, goats weren’t admired for their charm. They were known for being stubborn, independent, and prone to wandering. Sheep, on the other hand, symbolized those who trusted and followed their shepherd. Not perfect, but dependent. The distinction Jesus makes isn’t about barnyard aesthetics. It’s about spiritual allegiance. Sheep follow the voice of the Shepherd. Goats do their own thing.

So no, you don’t have to boycott goat cheese. But you should ask: am I living like someone who follows the Shepherd or someone who prefers my own way?

How We Respond Matters

We don’t sit with a message like this. We respond. As women who belong to Jesus, we press in, examine our lives, and walk in the truth with joy and reverence.

Here are four responses I can’t stop thinking about, and maybe they’ll challenge or encourage you, too.

1. Speak rightly of God.

In Malachi 3, the wicked scoffed, saying, “It is vain to serve God.” That’s not ancient rebellion; it’s the default posture of the sinful heart.

Left to ourselves, we question God’s goodness when life feels hard. We grumble when obedience doesn’t produce instant results. We convince ourselves that faithfulness should come with a visible reward. And without the Word of God renewing our minds, we start sounding more like the world than the redeemed.

But those who feared the Lord spoke differently.
They held fast to the truth. They remembered who God is.
And the Lord heard them.

Sister, our words matter. Not just the ones we speak out loud, but the ones we dwell on in the quiet. Scripture rehashes those words. It reminds us who God truly is when our flesh wants to complain, compare, or give up.

If we want to speak rightly of God, we must know Him rightly through His Word.

“Let the words of my mouth and meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord.” Psalm 18:14.

2. Remember that He is keeping record. 

Not to shame you but to steady you.
God, in His mercy, “gave heed and heard,” and a book of remembrance was written. Not because He needs a reminder, but because He delights to remember those who fear Him.

He sees the late nights.
The unseen faithfulness.
The prayers prayed through tears.
He records every thought.

Let that not terrify you but transform you.

And let it not become a burden of performance, either.

God’s record-keeping isn’t like ours. He’s not standing over us with a clipboard, waiting for us to mess up. He’s not keeping score to determine if you’re worth loving. No—your value was fixed at the cross. You are already His.

But like a father who treasures the handmade card from his child, God delights in the genuine, worshipful obedience of His people. He remembers it. Not because He has to, but because He wants to.

So let your obedience come from love, not pressure.
From joy, not fear.
From reverence, not religion.

This is grace: that the One who knows our every thought still calls us His treasured possession. That even our most faltering faithfulness is noticed by the God of the universe.

“God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for His name.” – Hebrews 6:10

“He will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart.” – 1 Corinthians 4:5

3. Find your worth in being His. 

The righteous are called God’s “treasured possession.” That’s not sentimental fluff. That’s identity.

And it’s the exact opposite of what the world is preaching to women right now.

Culture says your worth is in how you look, how well you perform, how empowered you feel, how loud your voice is, how many likes you get, or how much you’ve “healed.” Even Christian circles can get swept into this, tying women’s value to their marriage status, her motherhood, her platform, her productivity, or her personality type.

But here’s the truth:
Your worth was not found in you.
It was fixed at the cross.
You were bought with a price, and that price was the blood of Christ.

The world will keep screaming that you are not enough until you do more.
Jesus says HE is enough and we are His.

You don’t have to hustle to be valuable.
You don’t have to be known by others to be treasured by God.
You don’t have to fear being unseen because your name is written on eternal paper in a book that cannot be erased.

It’s a sweet thing to feel seen by a friend, a spouse, or a community, especially when you’ve been walking through something hard or hidden. But be gently cautious, sister. Being seen by people is never where your ultimate worth should rest.

Feelings fade. People overlook. Even the most loving relationships will fall short. But your heavenly Father never misses a moment. He sees you completely. Always has, always will. And still calls you His own.

You are a daughter of the King, a sheep of His pasture, a member of His household, a vessel of His mercy, a people for His own possession. That is your worth.

So stop chasing what the world says will complete you.
Stop measuring yourself by what you haven’t done yet.
Start anchoring your identity in what cannot be lost: You are His.

“You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19b-20

“You are a people for His own possession.” – 1 Peter 2:9

“They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession.” – Malachi 3:17

4. Look forward to the Day

Let’s be honest. It’s hard to watch those who live in rebellion against God thrive.

It can wear you down.
It can make you question.
It can even lead you to resentment if you’re not careful.
Why do the wicked prosper while the faithful seem to suffer? Why does obedience sometimes feel like a loss?

I’ve been there. It’s frustrating. It feels unfair. But scripture never hides that tension—it answers it. Over and over, God’s Word reminds us: a Day is coming. A day of distinction. A day of reckoning. A day of radiant, breathtaking glory for those who are His.

“For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble… But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings.” – Malachi 4:1-2

For those in Christ, that day will not bring terror; it will bring healing.
The weight of sin will be gone. The struggle will be over.
The righteous will rise with Him, not because we earned it, but because He secured it.

And what a Day it will be.

“They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads.” – Revelation 22:4

“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man… He will wipe away every tear… and death shall be no more.” – Revelation 21:3-4

“The Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.” – Revelation 22:5

No more pain.
No more injustice.
No more wondering if it’s worth it.

It is. And one Day, we’ll see just how worth it all of it truly was.

Faith in Christ is the only way to cross the great divide. But those in Him, the Day ahead is not something to dread, it’s something to long for.

“We know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is.” – 1 John 3:2

“Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above.” – Daniel 12:3

Sister, don’t lose heart.
Don’t let the temporary shine of the wicked make you forget the eternal glory of the redeemed.

Keep watching.
Keep hoping.
The Day is coming.

Let Us Live in Joyful Distinction

So today I ask myself, and I ask you, dear sister:

Are we living like those who know the distinction?
Are we casual with our thoughts, our words, our choices, forgetting that He sees every one of them?
Or are we pressing on in faithfulness, not to be noticed, but because He already knows us?

May we be found among the ones who feared the Lord,
who spoke of Him,
who clung to Him,
who delighted in being His.

The Day is coming.

Let us live in joyful distinction.

Why I Warn About Bethel

This post has been brewing in my heart for a while now. And if I’m honest, it comes with a knot in my stomach and a deep ache in my chest. Not because I’m nervous about posting it, but because I love Jesus. And because I care deeply about women who are being shaped by teachings, music, and ministries that twist the truth of His Word.

I know this might land hard. But I’m not writing from a place of defensiveness or argument. I’m writing with urgency and love. Because I used to be that woman who grew through Bethel’s worship and teaching. I cried during their songs. I felt spiritually “lit up” at the height of their emotional bridges. And for a season, I thought the “signs and wonders” crowd just had more faith than I did.

But now I see things much differently, and it’s not because I’ve become hardened or jaded. It’s because I’ve grown in sound doctrine, and I’ve learned how to test the spirits, just as scripture commands.

The Problem: It’s Not Just “Different Style” or “Minor Theology”

I’ve heard it all:

  • “Well, I grew through their music.”
  • “Don’t discredit how God uses them.”
  • “We shouldn’t be so picky.”
  • “You sound judgmental.”

But here’s the thing: I’m not discrediting the fact that God can use broken vessels because He used Bethel’s songs during a season of my life, too. But the presence of fruit doesn’t validate the tree. And scripture is clear: we are called to expose false teaching, not excuse it.

“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” Ephesians 5:11
“Test everything; hold fast what is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21
“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.” Romans 16:17

Jesus did this. Paul did this. Timothy was instructed to do this. And so are we. It’s not judgmental. It’s obedience.

Let’s Talk Theology: What’s Actually Being Taught?

One of the most disturbing teachings I’ve come across and one that’s central to Bethel’s supernatural worldview is their claim that Jesus laid aside His divinity to model what we can do. That sounds subtle, but it radically distorts who Christ is and why He came.

Here’s a direct quote from Bill Johnson’s book When Heaven Invades Earth:

“Jesus lived his earthly life with human limitation. He laid his divinity aside as He sought to fulfill the assignment given to Him by the Father… He performed miracles, wonders, and signs, as a man in right relationship to God… not as God. If He performed them as God, I’m still impressed, but I’m not compelled to follow. What is the point of that?” – Chapter 7

In a podcast interview, Johnson admits he would rewrite that section because of how misunderstood it’s been. Yet he still clings to the core of this teaching: that Jesus chose to limit Himself in a way that believers should emulate. His concern is not that the theology is wrong, but that people mistakenly think he’s saying Jesus is not God. He explicitly states that Jesus never ceased to be God. His issue is with how the language has been interpreted, not with the teaching itself.

But scripture teaches a different story.

“In Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.” Colossians 2:9
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
“Before Abraham was, I AM.” John 8:58

Let’s be honest, this whole thing is confusing, and honestly, my eyes went a little crossed the first time I heard it. Bill Johnson wants to assure listeners that Jesus never stopped being God, while also saying Jesus laid aside His divinity to model how we should live. That’s not a harmless mystery. It’s theological double-speak. You can’t claim Jesus retained His divinity and then teach that He didn’t operate in it. The Bible isn’t confusing when read in context. This is what happens when people try to make deep-sounding statements that don’t hold up to biblical scrutiny.

Jesus did not stop being God. He didn’t lay aside His divinity to show off what we could eventually do. He came to live sinlessly, fulfill the Law, and die as the only sufficient sacrifice for sinners.

And that brings me to another troubling quote. This time from Kris Vallotton, another leader at Bethel. In a 2025 Leaders Gathering message, Vallotton said:

“One of the greatest lies in Christendom is ‘I’m a sinner saved by grace.’ I’m sorry, that’s not true. That statement is never mentioned in the Bible. … When you receive Christ … you became a new creation. … You are not a sinner anymore.”
Listen to it here, timestamp 22:03

While this may sound empowering, it dangerously contradicts scripture’s clear teaching that we are both sinner and saint, redeemed and justified, but still in ongoing need of sanctification and confession (1 John 1:8-10, Romans 7). Vallotton appeals to 1 John 3, which says, “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning,” but he uses this without the full context of John’s letter. Just a few verses earlier in chapter 1, John writes: “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.” These verses aren’t contradictory. They show the tension of the Christian life: sin is no longer our master, but we still battle it daily. Vallotton ignores this tension and ends up misrepresenting the whole counsel of scripture.

Here is another clip from a Bethel sermon where this kind of theology is reinforced.

As a biblically faithful alternative, I want to recommend a sermon from my own church that beautifully explains the tension of the Christian life: we are both sinner and saint. Not one or the other. It’s a scriptural and. Watch it here.

The Fruit: Strange Baptisms & “Treasure Hunts”

In the same docuseries I watched, I saw videos of Bethel’s baptism services. Some of the testimonies were heartbreaking. People wanting to be baptized “for a fresh start,” or “to find my destiny,” or “because I feel God calling me to creativity.” These weren’t confessions of repentance. There was no gospel message: just emotional experiences and vague spiritual talk.

Another oddity: something called “Treasure Hunting”, where Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry (BSSM) students pray for clues, like a red hat or a location, and then go out to find people who match, believing God has given them prophetic insight. This isn’t evangelism. It’s spiritual scavenger hunting. And it isn’t rooted in scripture.

Preparing for Pushback: What Scripture Actually Says

Let’s walk through the common pushbacks and how we can lovingly respond:

Pushback 1: “I don’t agree with everything, but their worship really helps me connect with God.”

What they’re really saying:
“I can separate the good from the bad, and music is just music.”

Biblical response:

  • 1 Corinthians 5:6: “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.”
     → False teaching doesn’t stay isolated. It spreads. Bethel’s songs are not theologically neutral; they reflect their teaching.
  • 2 Timothy 4:3-4: “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching… they will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”
     → Enjoying something emotionally doesn’t mean it’s spiritually sound. Many are drawn by experience rather than truth.

Apologetic angle:
Worship isn’t just about melody. It’s discipleship through song. We are teaching when we sing together. Bethel’s songs promote a theology of breakthrough, emotionalism, and man-centered spirituality. Ask: Is this music forming me into a more faithful follower of Christ, or a more emotionally-driven consumer of “experience”?

Pushback 2: “If we throw out Bethel, we should throw out the Psalms. David was a sinner too!”

What they’re really saying:
“God uses imperfect people, so Bethel’s theology shouldn’t disqualify their music.”

Biblical response:

  • David’s repentance is key. See Psalm 51: “Against you, you only, have I sinned.”
     → David was never leading Israel into false worship. When he sinned, he repented publicly and pointed people back to the holiness of God.
  • 2 Peter 2:1: “But false prophets also arose among the people… who will secretly bring in destructive heresies…”
     → The issue isn’t that Bethel leaders are sinners. It’s that they promote false doctrine under the name of Jesus. That’s a different category than moral failure.

Apologetic angle:
This is a category error. David was a sinner, yes, but he was not a false teacher. Bethel’s leaders actively teach unbiblical doctrines that distort the gospel, the nature of Christ, and the role of miracles in the Christian life. That’s not fallibility. That’s heresy.

Pushback 3: “Who are we to judge?” / “Only God can judge.”

What they’re really saying:
“You’re being divisive or unloving by naming names.”

Biblical response:

  • Matthew 7:1-5. Often misused. Jesus says not to judge hypocritically, not to avoid all judgment. In fact:
  • John 7:24: “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”
  • Romans 16:17: “Watch out for those who cause divisions… contrary to the doctrine you have been taught; avoid them.”
  • Ephesians 5:11: “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”

Apologetic angle:
We are not judging hearts, we are judging teaching. Scripture commands discernment, especially within the church. Pointing out error isn’t unloving; ignoring it is.

Pushback 4: “But people are being healed and saved!”

What they’re really saying:
“The fruit proves the ministry is of God.”

Biblical response:

  • Matthew 7:21-23: “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name… cast out demons… do mighty works?’ And I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you.’”
     → Miracles, even if real, do not validate someone’s theology or salvation.
  • Deuteronomy 13:1-3: God warns that even if a sign or wonder comes true, if it leads people away from sound doctrine, it is a test.

Apologetic angle:
God may use moments for His purposes, but results don’t validate doctrine. Mormonism produces strong families. Jehovah’s Witnesses are morally upright. But that doesn’t mean their teaching is true. Truth is measured by faithfulness to scripture, not outcomes.

Pushback 5: “You’re quenching the Spirit!”

What they’re really saying:
“You’re limiting what God can do.”

Biblical response:

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21: “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.”
     → The command not to quench the Spirit is paired with the command to test everything. Testing protects us from being led astray.
  • Acts 17:11: The Bereans were commended for testing Paul’s teaching against the Scriptures. If they tested Paul, we should test everyone else, too.

Apologetic angle:
Testing spirits is a command, not a rejection of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit will never contradict the Word He inspired.

Pushback 6: “God can use anything. Don’t limit Him.”

What they’re really saying:
“Just because it’s flawed doesn’t mean God isn’t in it.”

Biblical response:

  • Yes, God can use anything, but He never asks us to ignore error.
  • In Galatians 1:6-9, Paul says any other gospel is accursed, even if preached by an angel.

Apologetic angle:
God using something despite its flaws doesn’t mean we should endorse it. God used Pharaoh, a donkey, and even Judas to fulfill His purposes. That’s sovereignty, not permission to promote unsound teaching.

On Treasure Hunting & Signs Culture

If someone defends practices like “treasure hunting” (where BSSM students seek clues from God to find people for prophetic ministry), ask:

  • Where is this found in scripture?
  • Where do we see Jesus or the apostles operating this way?
  • Are we making up methods to feel powerful, or are we following Christ’s call to preach repentance and faith?

Scripture is richly sufficient for how to evangelize, serve, and grow. We don’t need “Holy Spirit scavenger hunts.” We need the plain gospel.

Why I Speak Out And Why I Don’t Sing Their Songs Anymore

I don’t write this to stir controversy. I write because I care deeply about the gospel. I want women to know the real Jesus. Not a miracle-performing model, but the Savior who took on flesh, died for our sins, and rose again in power.

The concern with Bethel is not just that they have some bad teaching. It’s that their entire foundation is off-center. It prioritizes power over repentance, emotion over truth, and supernatural over scripture. It teaches people to imitate the miracles of Jesus instead of surrendering to the finished work of Jesus.

So yes, I’m cautious about churches that sing Bethel music. Not because the melody is bad. But because what we sing shapes what we believe. And it’s worth asking: if a song comes from a ministry with false doctrine, do we really want to feed on that? Do we want to lead others there?

Final Thoughts

This isn’t about being picky. It’s about honoring God’s Word and guarding His sheep. If you’ve grown through Bethel, I get it. I really do. But growth doesn’t mean endorsement. You can thank God for how He worked in your life and still walk away from what’s false.

If you’ve made it this far, thank you. I pray this post doesn’t lead to defensiveness, but to discernment. And if you’re someone who’s still attached to Bethel’s music or teaching, would you be willing to examine it again through the lens of scripture?

You don’t need “more power.” You need more of Jesus.
And you’ll find Him in His Word. Where the gospel is clear, unchanging, and oh so good.

With love and truth,

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Susannah Spurgeon: Quiet Faithfulness, Eternal Impact

“If we would trust Him for the keeping, as we do for the saving, our lives would be far holier and happier than they are.” – Susannah Spurgeon

There are women whose names we’ll never find trending, whose lives unfolded in the background of history, and yet their faithfulness quietly shakes the world. Susannah Spurgeon was one of those women.

She was the wife of Charles Spurgeon, yes, the “Prince of Preachers”, but she never overshadowed him. Not in the ways that matter most. While history books may focus on the pulpit, heaven sees the prayers, the perseverance, and the hidden work of those like “Susie.”

What moves me about her story isn’t just her legacy of ministry. It’s her stewardship of suffering. After giving birth to twin boys, Susannah battled chronic health challenges that confined her to her home and often left her bedridden. The temptation to retreat, to grow bitter, to feel forgotten… it had to be real. But her story doesn’t read like resignation. It reads like quiet, determined trust.

She once wrote, “If we would trust Him for the keeping, as we do for the saving, our lives would be far holier and happier than they are.” That kind of trust, resting in God not just for eternity, but for the pain of today, is rare. It’s not flashy. But it’s beautiful.

And isn’t that the invitation for us, too?

More Than Her Limitations

In 1875, Charles handed her a draft of Lectures to My Students. Susie read it and said, “I wish every pastor in England could have a copy.” His response? “Then why not make that happen?”

So she did.

Out of her tiny room and aching body was born Mrs. Spurgeon’s Book Fund, a ministry that would end up giving away over 200,000 theological books to poor pastors who couldn’t afford them. But it wasn’t just books. She also sent notes of encouragement, clothing, and even financial help—tangible care for fellow believers quietly laboring in difficult places.

When I read that, I was undone. She didn’t see her pain as permission to pull back from serving. She saw it as a reason to press even more deeply into the strength of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:16 comes to mind: “Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” That was Susie. Her body was frail, but her soul was anchored.

She knew the difference between being sidelined and being sanctified.

She Saw the Need and Stepped In

Later in life, as a widow in her 60s, Susannah planted a church, Beulah Baptist Chapel in Bexhill-on-Sea. Her health was still delicate. The work was anything but easy. But she prayed, sought counsel, and obeyed the Lord’s nudge.

The result? A gospel-preaching church, opened debt-free, where Christ would be proclaimed for generations. Not because she had great means, but because she had a great God.

For the Woman Reading This Today

You may not relate to Susannah’s season or her suffering, or maybe you do. Maybe your pain is invisible. Maybe your days feel small. Maybe you wonder if your faithfulness matters.

Let me assure you, it does.

Susannah’s life reminds us that the Lord sees. He sustains. He works through our limitations, not in spite of them. Philippians 2:17 says, “Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering… I am glad and rejoice with you all.” Her life was just that. Poured out. Not wasted. Not shelved. Poured out.

So where God has placed you, in motherhood, in singleness, in ministry, in the quiet corners of care, serve Him there. Feed on His Word. Love His people. Steward the small. Trust Him in the waiting.

And maybe, just maybe, eternity will tell the story of your quiet faithfulness, too.

Want to Know More?

Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon, wife of Charles H. Spurgeon, by Ray Rhodes Jr.
A Biography of Susannah Spurgeon (The Reformed Reader)

When Admiration Becomes Idolatry

It’s been many years since I struggled with placing pastors or ministry leaders on pedestals, but I’ve done it. Not because I wanted to worship them (God forbid), but because I admired their knowledge of Scripture, the clarity they brought to hard truths, and how they seemed so grounded when I was still figuring things out.

I was recently accused of idolizing a recent Pastor of mine. There is more to the story, of course, but the comment wasn’t just unkind, it wasn’t true. And while it would’ve been easy to get defensive, it actually got me thinking.

The truth is, I have wrestled with this in the past. And I know others do too. Especially in a time when celebrity pastors, bestselling authors, and well-branded podcasts can shape our theology more than our Bibles do.

So let’s talk about it. Not to defend or accuse, but to examine our hearts, recalibrate our focus, and remind ourselves of who we truly follow.

From Admiration to Idolatry

Admiring a godly leader isn’t wrong. In fact, Scripture says we should respect those who labor in teaching and preaching (1 Timothy 5:17). But admiration becomes idolatry when:

  • We accept everything they say without testing it against God’s Word.
  • Their approval matters more than God’s.
  • Their failure feels like our faith is crumbling.
  • Their name is on our lips more than Christ’s.

I remember years ago, while attending a church in Chicago, this tendency was even encouraged. It was subtle, but there was this unspoken belief that the pastors were the final word. Their interpretations were right. Their theology was unquestionable. And if you had doubts? You must not be mature yet. Add to that, if you had questions or wanted to meet with these pastors, it was nearly impossible unless you were in their inner circle. So weird now looking back!

What I’ve learned since then, through study, godly friendships, and being part of a church that treasures expositional preaching, is that any leader who invites that kind of loyalty without pointing you back to the Word is leading you into dangerous territory.

It’s Not Just Pastors

This isn’t just about the pulpit. It’s about podcasts, blogs (yes, even mine!), books, Instagram posts, and YouTube channels.

We’ve seen the rise and fall of many prominent Christian voices:

  • Ravi Zacharias: revered for decades, only to be exposed after death for predatory behavior.
  • Mark Driscoll: captivating speaker, strong theology in some areas, but known for pride, harshness, and an abusive leadership style.
  • Jen Hatmaker: once embraced by evangelicals, now a symbol of progressive deconstruction and departure from biblical truth.
  • Beth Moore: widely popular but increasingly aligned with emotionalism and, more recently, theological confusion.
  • Steven Furtick, Mike Todd, Christine Caine, Sarah Jakes Roberts: blending scripture with hype, mysticism, or motivational fluff.
  • Leighton Flowers: once aligned with traditional Southern Baptist views, now known for promoting provisionism and misrepresenting Reformed theology.
  • Steven Lawson: Formerly a respected Reformed preacher, Lawson admitted to a grievous moral failure involving an inappropriate relationship, leading to his removal from ministry.
  • Josh Buice: Founder of G3 Ministries, Buice resigned after it was revealed he used anonymous accounts to slander fellow Christian leaders, including Voddie Baucham.

Now, I know for some of you, these names might be surprising to see. You may have done Beth’s Bible studies (so did I). You might have listened to Steven Furtick’s sermons or enjoyed Steven Lawson’s expository preaching (I did too). There was a time I quoted some of them regularly and admired their ministries. But over time, through study, prayer, and discernment, I began to notice concerning patterns, theological shifts, and even clear departures from sound doctrine.

My goal here isn’t to shame anyone. It’s to say: we all grow, we all learn, and sometimes that means re-evaluating who we listen to and why. Sometimes it means saying, “I didn’t see it then, but I do now.”

These names aren’t listed to throw stones. It’s just… reality. We’ve watched many of them shift over time or reveal what was there all along.

Charisma is not the same as Christlikeness. Popularity is not the same as faithfulness.

And just because someone sprinkles Bible verses doesn’t mean they’re teaching the Bible in context.

The Danger of Disillusionment

One of the clearest signs that we’ve put someone too high in our hearts is how we respond when they fall or when they simply disappoint us.

Maybe they shift their theology. Maybe they say something careless. Maybe they sin, get called out, and instead of repenting, they double down or disappear. Suddenly, we feel rattled. Shaken. Betrayed. Some even begin to question their faith. 

But that’s the danger: if your foundation is someone talking about Jesus rather than Jesus Himself, it’s only a matter of time before the ground starts to crumble.

I’ve been there. Not in a “walked away from the faith” way, but I’ve had moments of deep discouragement when someone I trusted as a faithful voice turned out to be not so faithful. It’s a gut punch. But the longer I’ve walked with the Lord, the more I see those moments as grace, not punishment.

They remind me that no one is worthy of our trust, loyalty, or reference like Christ is.

And they push me back to the Word. Not a devotional book. Not a livestream. Not a conference. Just the Word. Living. Active. Enough.

If you’re feeling disillusioned because someone you looked up to let you down, let me gently say this: that ache in your heart isn’t because God failed you. It’s because someone tried to take a seat that only He belongs in.

A Good Leader Points You to Jesus

Here’s the thing: we need faithful leaders. God has given pastors, teachers, and shepherds as gifts to the Church (Ephesians 4:11-12). When handled rightly, their influence can be life-giving. But when the spotlight shines brighter on the leader than on the Lord they proclaim, something’s gone off course.

A good leader doesn’t try to be your anchor.

They remind you that Christ already is.

A good leader isn’t offended when you test their teaching.

They invite it and rejoice when you hold fast to Scripture.

A good leader doesn’t need your loyalty.

They want your loyalty to be rooted in truth, not personality.

The most faithful pastors I’ve known, like my current ones, aren’t looking for applause or a following. They’re simply preaching the Word, pointing to Jesus, and helping the sheep stay focused on the Chief Shepherd. They aren’t perfect, and they don’t pretend to be. But their desire is clear: that you would know, love, and follow Christ, not them.

I’ve sat under pastors who made it all about themselves. I’ve also sat under those who quietly and consistently preached the Word, week in and week out, with zero fanfare. Guess which one helped me grow in my love for the Bible?

Here’s the test:

When you leave a sermon, podcast, or book, are you more impressed by the messenger or more in awe of Jesus?

Pray for Discernment and Redirection

Let’s be real: this isn’t a one-and-done issue. Our hearts are always looking for someone to follow. Someone we can admire, learn from, and maybe even emulate. And that’s not inherently wrong. But if we’re not prayerful, that admiration can quietly drift into misplaced loyalty.

That’s why we need to be praying regularly:

  • “Lord, help me see You more clearly than I see any human leader.”
  • “If there’s anyone I’m putting too high in my heart, show me.”
  • “Redirect my gaze. Re-center my trust. Guard my discernment.”

Ask the Lord for wisdom to evaluate the voices you’re letting shape you. He will answer. He’s not trying to trick us or leave us blind. James 1:5 says He gives wisdom generously to those who ask in faith.

And don’t just pray for yourself. Pray for your pastors and teachers, too. The good ones don’t want to be idolized. They want to be faithful. And they’re just as prone to temptation as anyone else. Pray that they would continue to point people to Christ, not to themselves.

The Christian life is one of constant realignment. Not because God moves but because we drift. And the more we soak ourselves in Scripture, the quicker we’ll notice when something feels off.

Be Thankful, Be Discerning, Be Rooted

I’m thankful for the faithful pastors and teachers God has used in my life. I really am. Some taught me to love doctrine. Others modeled humility. A few helped me walk through seasons I didn’t think I’d survive. 

But here’s what I’ve learned:

No one is above being tested by Scripture.

No voice should carry more weight than God’s Word.

No teacher should ever take the place of the One they teach about.

Be thankful for those who point you to Christ. Learn from them. Encourage them. Support them. But never confuse their faithfulness with infallibility.

Discernment isn’t cynicism. It’s love for the truth, for the Church, and for your own walk with the Lord. And staying rooted in the Word—reading it, studying it, sitting under sound preaching—is how you keep your gaze where it belongs.

So, if you’ve found yourself disillusioned, disoriented, maybe even defensive at times, I get it. I’ve been there. But don’t stay there.

Fix your eyes on Jesus.

Let every book, podcast, and sermon be a lens that helps you see Him more clearly and not a replacement for His voice.

And pray. Pray that your heart stays humble. That your admiration stays rightly ordered. That your faith stays fixed not on a person with a platform, but on the Savior who laid down His life for you.

He is worthy. Only Him.

Soli Deo Gloria!