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Hi my pastor just asked us to raise 1 million pound so we can buy a new building for church. We already rent out a school hall for fellowship. Is this good or bad as I'm wrestling with it ? Shouldn't we be happier where we are I mean we dint even have enough church members to fill the hall we sit in so why a new building. Just a question I'm asking my self what us your thoughts please? ❤
One narcissistic pastor I knew said that anyone was "deluded" who didn't agree with his perceptions, even when it came to the other person's childhood. He filled his elders board with his relatives and closest friends who were all his "yes" men and thus opposed anyone who spoke the truth.
I went through this during my first marriage to a man pretending to be a Christian whom ended up domestically abusing me, and sometimes our 3 kids, for years. The narcissistic pastor of that small church was manipulated by my narcissistic husband at that time and sided with him, accusing me of lying. With that said, 13 years later, JESUS delivered our children and myself from that, showed us how to forgive all of them, and literally saved my life from my first husband as he had many tools that could kill. JESUS kept us safe and gave me a new start with a godly husband. If your pastor is narcissistic, run away as fast and as far as you can, but also pray for them. It is all demonic and destructive.
My mum did they same thing married a child molestor from the church all he sexually verbally abused us severely from the age of 6 throughout the whole 20 years . They’d be together this day it’s just sick
@@rhiannaloft3158 I am so very, very sorry this happened to you. Dear LORD JESUS, our REDEEMER and COMFORTER, I ask in your holy, precious name, to wrap your loving arms around Rhianna and comfort her with your unfailing love and healing. Please HEAVENLY FATHER, give her the ability to forgive those who have hurt her and that she would grow closer to you, JESUS. In the name of JESUS CHRIST I pray, Amen. ~Marjorie🙌✝️
Sharing an instance: the first sermon I attended at a local church the Pastor literally shared boastfully that he sold his home for a million dollars and pays cash for his vehicles. Huge RED FLAG especially because it is a very small poorish farming community. So disappointing. 😢
Hi Matt Yes I’ve experienced this in my last church, a Pentecostal church. It’s very uncomfortable and very sad to know these horrible pastors exist. The saddest part of this situation is the congregation purposely being denied the truth of the Gospel. These pastors are doing Satins work, failing to lead these people into a relationship with Jesus. Satin loves these churches and is hovering around them in happiness. Praying this message is seen to those in need. Fantastic work Matt. 🙏❤️
Such a true word. This description fits exactly the unimpeachable Pentecostal pastor whose church I attended in my 20's, right down to his flash suits in a congregation dressed in grey, a luxury car that always made his arrival at church 'an occasion' and his constant use of psychological and dismissive control freakery to pursue his own agenda to the exclusion of anyone else. He was 'The Man!' In 22 years he built a large church from nothing on the backs of a coerced congregation with the support of a team of 'yes men'. His eventual reward was his appointment to the top job: Secretary General of the denomination. After he moved to church headquarters his over-large church eventually split in half without his overbearing influence and many people left to form a new congregation. Soon, despite his age, he had to come back and perform a salvage operation. When people started saying that, "He is strutting about as if he owns the place," I knew it was time to leave. 40 years later it is now a VERY different church with a very different community-based agenda and is run by a team, not an egotist.
You nailed it perfectly!! I was in this church for 9 years and was part of the leadership team. Then I noticed that everyone was wrong except for the pastor. Then he bought a brand new pick up truck and his wife got a Lexus. Then he handpicked his Board of Directors. Then he decided to violate the building/fire code and started blocking escape egress. When I (a firefighter) told him that was against the law, I was suddenly removed from leadership 2 weeks later for no reason. If any member tries to talk to him about a biblical issue he doesn’t agree with, he refuses to engage and won’t return phone calls and then claims he can’t waste his time on swine stuff. Thanks for helping me understand I’m not going crazy 😊
Amen to this! Pastor Craig Groeschel is also on the list...I used to volunteer at Life Church Online, and thank the Lord that He woke me up, and helped lead me out of there. Craig has given "sermons" on how people "attack" us as Christians. He wasn't referring to the world, he was referring to Christians that were using the Bible. P.S. I was talking to a current volunteer at Life Church Online just yesterday, and she said that I should be careful about questioning a man of God. When people don't know the Word, they defend people who don't follow the Word.
All of this is 💯. It took me 2 years to recover from the slander and smear campaign one launched at me when I exposed his inappropriate behavior. The gaslighting is mystifying; the shame that was projected toward me almost had me wanting to end my own life when it was at its worst. I was also having panic attacks at the mere sight of this church when the abuse was at its worst. They are evil to the core and are carrying out the enemy’s work. The church needs to become educated so they can weed out the wolves from the get go.
Yes, there have been times where I addressed some issues to leadership only to be ostracized, told indirectly I was being divisive and in one situation they turned my best friend away from me telling her NOT to even spend time with me. Very dysfunctional church.
Similar to my story. It definitely felt like my pastor was threatened by me in the church (I wanted to teach Bible study and lead a HOPE group). He said I wasn't qualified and women can't teach. He later said they can teach only women, but that was after He said I wasn't qualified and my "house wasn't in order," meaning, he said I couldn't teach because my family wasn't saved. (I'm pretty sure my walk is about me). He would use his sermons to shame me, ostracize me, and mock me. It hurts deeply. I prayed for months on what to do. I finally decided a pastor should be shepherding me, encouraging me to share the message and helping me do such. I still have not found a new church. Please pray for me.
My experience has led me to be involved in smaller churches/congregations because Everything is less complicated....Yes, of course, Narcissism/cultish behavior exist in Any size church. Christians have to be critical thinkers And discerning. But...Worldly Success can change people.
I was in a very small church and when I started sharing God's Word or wanting to teach Bible study, the pastor changed. He went from telling us to go out and share the Word, to you can't because you're female, you aren't qualified, "your house isn't in order" (the last one he was using because my family isn't saved). I was very confused by this. I started researching more about what Jesus taught because even Scripture can be taken out of context. I believe the core of what Jesus taught us that ALL are to spread His Good message and we know that it's the Holy Spirit who equips us to such good works (not my level of education, whether I've attended seminary school, or based on how many years I've attended church). I pray that this pastor realizes this is not good shepherding and that truth is revealed to him. I pray for all in leadership to not succumb to our fleshly temptations. We all can easily get hooked and trapped. Let us remember to pray for leaders AND ourselves if we are going out sharing the Gospel so that none of us falls into any traps of the devil.
I have experienced this and it's very painful. I pray God reveals truth to them and they don't hurt others who are genuinely seeking the Lord and wanting to share the Good News. It's easy to think we cannot be tempted either, but the fact is, one of us are immune to temptations. Satan knows EXACTLY where our own weaknesses are. I pray we each know our weak areas, surrender them to God and pray for deliverance from them daily so none of us falls into Satan's traps.
You nailed it. Unlike John the Baptist, who would not loose the sandals from Jesus, some of these pastors have no trouble loosing, them, strapping themselves inside, and strutting about in them. They do not truly see Jesus as the head of the church. But look to the example of the Holy Spirit. He is the parakletos, the one who 'comes along side,' because even He will not try to stand between us and Jesus. He calls to our mind what Jesus said, and guides us in truth, to minister to us of the things that belong to Christ. All of His work is to draw us to Jesus, help us understand Him, and help us become more like Him.
These signs all made me think of the pastor of the church I grew up in. I remember when I first left the faith (not to worry, all, I'm back and more in love with Jesus than ever), I swore that if I ever came back, I wouldn't come back to that church specifically. Also, while I was gone, I found out countless others, while remaining strong in their Christian faith, at least left that church as well.
Thank you for these 5 points. My family left the church where we were very involved. There were other reasons but the main reason is b/c I was reprimanded for teaching against false teachers. I found out that a few people in the class I taught asked the pastor why they weren't hearing from the pulpit what they were hearing in the class I taught. Soon I was called before the elder board where they made several false accusations against me and affirmed some of the so-called pastors and teachers I was teaching against including the two you mentioned. I knew that pastor was and still is very insecure but I never realized that he is also narcissistic.
We were leaders in a church with many plants in different countries and by God’s grace came togeather, realizing that we all had the same experience. We spoke out against abuse and then were blamed, slandered, shunned and silenced by the main leader; as you said, all of it to maintain his image. So we started a group to help others because this man, David Lynn, is very crafty in his victimhood even though he is the abuser. He has even played victim and fooled people on national news, even having you make a video, falling for his fake persecution. But the points you brought up were very much the way he operates, especially about never taking ownership and using "division" as a tactic to silence people and objections.
I was, very unfortunately, a follower of Furtik for a short time. But quickly his narcissism started tearing the blinders on my eyes and the Holy Spirit started to convict me against listening to his teachings. I remember the first time it finally dawned on my it was time to be done with him. His wife was actually doing the sermon, and she said "i have learned more about God from pastor Steven than i ever have reading this book" as she held it and shook it around like it was some kind of useless piece of literature. That was it for me.
I dealt with this for quite some time in a local church. Without going into great details. It did take me some time to become totally aware of the pastors narcissitic ways. He was a very likable person. It has been 4 years since my wife and I left the church as did that pastor. The congregation dwindled down to about 15 but that pastor left a mark on the remaining elders and congregation. There is no desire to have new people in the church. No desire for evangelism.
I used to go to a WOF "church" who loved Steve and Todd and Joel etc. The female "pastor" there dressed very shiny clothes and expensive things especially the $2000 louise veton bag.
Let’s be honest, at most churches, people leave on Sundays less confident about sharing their faith than they woke up with. Most pastors are narcissistic and monopolize speaking and deprive members of opportunities to exercise faith. If they don’t feel comfortable speaking in church surrounded by fellow believers, how can they possibly share their faith in the harsh world? Narcissistic pastors pre-persecute their congregations. It’s often the little pieces of “advice” that many pastors give that discourage individuals from speaking roles in church that reveal their narcissism. Or informing individuals of anonymous complaints that divide the church while making people self conscious and suspicious of others, all while the pastor preaches about forgiveness and grace.
That part, using sermons to cause division or keep people fearful of stepping out to share or teach the gospel. I was told I wasn't qualified (hadn't been to church long enough, hadn't had any formal training and am a woman). I was also told I can't teach because my house isn't in order (meaning my family isn't saved therefore I have no business sharing the message). I had a private meeting and he told me I flat out couldn't teach (Bible study) or a HOPE group. I was like, isn't that the point of Bible study to learn? There's more, but the point is he felt threatened. The people who were "approved" seemed to be people who would just go with the flow "yes men and women." When I continued attending church, he used his sermons to shame me, and mock me. The words he used were "some people think they have the super super anointing on them." I realized then he was not a shepherd of my soul and I needed to find a different church. This was the beginning of the summer. I still have not found one (haven't even looked yet to be honest). I've been grieving the loss of church family. You know, not one person has asked me where I've been. That hurts too, but I also realize most won't because they don't want to be ostracized. I feel sad for them. please pray for me. I pray that pastors who behave this way will be shown truth by the Holy Spirit. I pray that all leaders are delivered from temptations that we ALL have and that spreading and sharing God's Word is front and center.
I was going to this one church when I moved to a new town. When the pastor gave an entire sermon on following the pastor, I was out. After being out, I heard from several other past members, things that went on in that church.
I have been through many unfortunate things with leadership in churches. However, these were not famous pastors or members. The point is, these problematic guilty people don't have to be famous. They bring reproach to the body of Christ. One sad instance is one of the pastors who died about two years ago, never made any attempts at reconciliation with me. In fact, in my lifetime, no one who ever took part in harassment, gangland stalking, defamation or blacklisting ever came forth in any way to me. And I never expected they would either. Let that sink in.
I know the type of pastor you're talking about. They like to foster a mentality that they are like David and his band, on the run from the established church - King Saul. Since they are surrounded by enemies, they circle with their backs together ... and never really see the real enemy, inside their circle, who is manipulating them. Their fellowship seems to be based on how much dirt they have on each other, so if you stay close, your secret is safe. But if you question, everything comes out and you're ostracized and disgraced. Only the pastor gets to be above reproach. This scratches the surface; there's way more beneath it.
@@ernies8828 That must mean you're sincerely following the Lord! Most good Christians have been 'encouraged' to leave a church at least once in their past 🙂
@PulpitoftheLastDays -brother, I was banned from two churches and left others by choice. I was chastised by the pastor's mother for leaving over a phone call. Plus, the organization they were connected to was Kenneth Copeland. I knew more over time how crazy these pasrors and leaders really are.
@@ernies8828 I've also been asked to leave twice, and seen some lesser forms of that, such as persistently blocking you from meaningful roles. So when the Lord is the one telling you to leave, it's time to go.
I am in bed traumatized after a meeting with our new "priest" last Wednesday.. I am 69 years old and had only asked a benign question two weeks before. It escalated into a meeting with priest threatening to call the cops on us. He was out of his mind. I am still shaking.
Satan always puts himself first. His 5 "I Will" statements in Daniel shows his rebellion. Contrary to Jesus statements you quoted false shepherds walk with selfish pride. Pride does come before a fall. Jesus testified: "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven." These false shepherds are not only setting themselves for a fall, but are stumbling blocks that lead Jesus sheep astray. Ezekiel Chapter 34 tells us what happens to false shepherds. Verse 10: This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Look, I am against the shepherds, and I will demand my sheep from their hand. I will no longer let them be shepherds;[d] the shepherds will not feed themselves anymore. I will rescue my sheep from their mouths, so that they will no longer be food for them. Thanks for warning our brothers and sisters of wolves in sheep's clothing. They are after power not the Power of the Holy Spirit.
Mike Todd, is someone i wouldn't follow if i was at his church i would run outta there i couldn't be under his ministry. He needs a reality check an needs to re-read the Bible, fast & Pray for discernment. He needs to repent too
Blessings Matt! Wow, you mention Steven Furtick , i watch him on Sundays on TV sometimes, i thought he was good! He seems anointed with the Holy Spirit!
The problem with Furtick is that he never calls out sin..ever. He will read a couple bible verses and then spend the entire time sounding like a life coach instead of a pastor. He spews psycho babble with no meat, only milk.
Yes, it does. Well, at least in the larger sense! The Pope is the prime example! Not to mention that the RCC is the prime example of covering up wrongs (eg. Pedophiles)
@@lionoffireraw You are absolutely correct. The Church did not handle the Pedophile problem properly. Any one involved will have to answer before God. Any Popes who have sinned will also be judged. Like i have said the Church is full of corruption. That is why it will remain on earth before it can be perfected at Christ's Second Coming.
Actually, that's a real key to unraveling this sort of abusive situation. Jesus never gave pastors authority over other Christians (Matt 20:25-26). As Matt shared, they serve over us by example. The real dynamic in scripture is 'submission-to,' leadership (and each other,) and not their 'authority-over' us. All authority is given to Jesus in heaven and on earth, so when He is truly represented in their example -- that's the real authority showing up.
I think we are not meant to judge others. Mike Todd has taught me so much, and drawn me closer to God. Now I just listen directly to God through His word and the Holy Spirit. I don't listen to him or others much anymore. But at least I was steered into the right direction. I think God uses many different people to hear His message. Often its narcissistic type personalties that have the boldness to preach really well!! Mike is so passionate he often cries on stage. He has a beautiful heart for God. It actually makes me feel quite uncomfortable when Christians talk against each other. If their preaching has brought others to salvation, that's a good thing.
Please someone should help me, i am slowly dying of emotional pain, it is just yesterday that i came to realise that there is a word as narcissism, and all these points you enumerated are found in my senior pastor, i have been in pain for a month now and sunday he adds more,
For these pastors to promote themselves instead of keeping the focus on God sounds like blasphemy since it sounds like they want to be God! Thats not good! But my pastor always stresses that hes a bible based person focusing on God ! Hes truly anointed with the Holy Spirit!
Sat under pastor who really showed these traits just before he had to resign…I’ll leave it at that. He blamed the congregation for revival not coming to that individual church. Hmmm…
Church of today in a nut shell:- Worship is no different than secular concert. Sermon starts with a joke and it resembles a motivational speech sprinkled with some verses. Congregation never opens the Bible. Sin, way of salvation, prophecy, hell are a no no words. Sexual immorality is rampant and sadly the pastor is immersed in it and never called out until tragedy hits. Oh,tithing will get you to Heaven on foot though while your pastor gets there before you on that jet plane you contributed to buy! ( being sarcastic) In the end the pastor and not Christ is worshipped ! Wisdom nugget from Charles Spurgeon :- “A time will come when shepherds instead of feeding the sheep, they will entertain the goats.” Are we there yet? Absolutely we are! Flee from such churches that are led by charlatans, wolfing sheep’s clothing, and find a true one that worships God and not man! I did!
Also, the street pastors who always filming going out to these places where they know will receive push back. All to post on RUclips to get hits and popularity. Jesus told us to do our deeds in secret and preach in love. I noticed many street preachers are teaching with an attitude rather than in a loving way to get some to hear.
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Hi my pastor just asked us to raise 1 million pound so we can buy a new building for church. We already rent out a school hall for fellowship. Is this good or bad as I'm wrestling with it ? Shouldn't we be happier where we are I mean we dint even have enough church members to fill the hall we sit in so why a new building. Just a question I'm asking my self what us your thoughts please? ❤
Run!!!!
One narcissistic pastor I knew said that anyone was "deluded" who didn't agree with his perceptions, even when it came to the other person's childhood. He filled his elders board with his relatives and closest friends who were all his "yes" men and thus opposed anyone who spoke the truth.
I went through this during my first marriage to a man pretending to be a Christian whom ended up domestically abusing me, and sometimes our 3 kids, for years. The narcissistic pastor of that small church was manipulated by my narcissistic husband at that time and sided with him, accusing me of lying. With that said, 13 years later, JESUS delivered our children and myself from that, showed us how to forgive all of them, and literally saved my life from my first husband as he had many tools that could kill. JESUS kept us safe and gave me a new start with a godly husband. If your pastor is narcissistic, run away as fast and as far as you can, but also pray for them. It is all demonic and destructive.
Praise God you have a good husband & father for your children now.💟
My mum did they same thing married a child molestor from the church all he sexually verbally abused us severely from the age of 6 throughout the whole 20 years . They’d be together this day it’s just sick
@@rhiannaloft3158 I am so very, very sorry this happened to you. Dear LORD JESUS, our REDEEMER and COMFORTER, I ask in your holy, precious name, to wrap your loving arms around Rhianna and comfort her with your unfailing love and healing. Please HEAVENLY FATHER, give her the ability to forgive those who have hurt her and that she would grow closer to you, JESUS. In the name of JESUS CHRIST I pray, Amen.
~Marjorie🙌✝️
This happened to me too! My husband ended up passing away. Praying for a good husband as I have 3 young children.
Sharing an instance: the first sermon I attended at a local church the Pastor literally shared boastfully that he sold his home for a million dollars and pays cash for his vehicles. Huge RED FLAG especially because it is a very small poorish farming community.
So disappointing. 😢
Hi Matt
Yes I’ve experienced this in my last church, a Pentecostal church. It’s very uncomfortable and very sad to know these horrible pastors exist. The saddest part of this situation is the congregation purposely being denied the truth of the Gospel. These pastors are doing Satins work, failing to lead these people into a relationship with Jesus. Satin loves these churches and is hovering around them in happiness.
Praying this message is seen to those in need.
Fantastic work Matt. 🙏❤️
Such a true word. This description fits exactly the unimpeachable Pentecostal pastor whose church I attended in my 20's, right down to his flash suits in a congregation dressed in grey, a luxury car that always made his arrival at church 'an occasion' and his constant use of psychological and dismissive control freakery to pursue his own agenda to the exclusion of anyone else. He was 'The Man!'
In 22 years he built a large church from nothing on the backs of a coerced congregation with the support of a team of 'yes men'. His eventual reward was his appointment to the top job: Secretary General of the denomination. After he moved to church headquarters his over-large church eventually split in half without his overbearing influence and many people left to form a new congregation. Soon, despite his age, he had to come back and perform a salvage operation. When people started saying that, "He is strutting about as if he owns the place," I knew it was time to leave.
40 years later it is now a VERY different church with a very different community-based agenda and is run by a team, not an egotist.
You nailed it perfectly!!
I was in this church for 9 years and was part of the leadership team. Then I noticed that everyone was wrong except for the pastor. Then he bought a brand new pick up truck and his wife got a Lexus. Then he handpicked his Board of Directors. Then he decided to violate the building/fire code and started blocking escape egress. When I (a firefighter) told him that was against the law, I was suddenly removed from leadership 2 weeks later for no reason. If any member tries to talk to him about a biblical issue he doesn’t agree with, he refuses to engage and won’t return phone calls and then claims he can’t waste his time on swine stuff.
Thanks for helping me understand I’m not going crazy 😊
I’m sorry to hear that.
I’m glad the video helped!!
Yes I ran in the opposite direction of Steve fruit from elevation he’s a red flag he loves himself and said that he is Like God almighty
I hear Steven Furtick preaches a lot of truth. 😂
Amen to this! Pastor Craig Groeschel is also on the list...I used to volunteer at Life Church Online, and thank the Lord that He woke me up, and helped lead me out of there. Craig has given "sermons" on how people "attack" us as Christians. He wasn't referring to the world, he was referring to Christians that were using the Bible. P.S. I was talking to a current volunteer at Life Church Online just yesterday, and she said that I should be careful about questioning a man of God. When people don't know the Word, they defend people who don't follow the Word.
All of this is 💯. It took me 2 years to recover from the slander and smear campaign one launched at me when I exposed his inappropriate behavior. The gaslighting is mystifying; the shame that was projected toward me almost had me wanting to end my own life when it was at its worst. I was also having panic attacks at the mere sight of this church when the abuse was at its worst. They are evil to the core and are carrying out the enemy’s work. The church needs to become educated so they can weed out the wolves from the get go.
I’m sorry you experienced this. God bless you, Matt
Yes, there have been times where I addressed some issues to leadership only to be ostracized, told indirectly I was being divisive and in one situation they turned my best friend away from me telling her NOT to even spend time with me. Very dysfunctional church.
PS, now I say NOTHING even in my new church because I have found it's never received even when I do it as gently as possible.
@@kellyhiller3977 I’m sorry that you had such a horrific experience. 🙏🏽✝️🤍
Similar to my story. It definitely felt like my pastor was threatened by me in the church (I wanted to teach Bible study and lead a HOPE group). He said I wasn't qualified and women can't teach. He later said they can teach only women, but that was after He said I wasn't qualified and my "house wasn't in order," meaning, he said I couldn't teach because my family wasn't saved. (I'm pretty sure my walk is about me). He would use his sermons to shame me, ostracize me, and mock me. It hurts deeply. I prayed for months on what to do. I finally decided a pastor should be shepherding me, encouraging me to share the message and helping me do such. I still have not found a new church. Please pray for me.
On it. 🫂 @@allisontyrrell2560
My experience has led me to be involved in smaller churches/congregations because Everything is less complicated....Yes, of course, Narcissism/cultish behavior exist in Any size church. Christians have to be critical thinkers And discerning. But...Worldly Success can change people.
I think it runs in many sized churches@@SophieSurrenderingtoJesus
@@PhilAlumb✝️❤️
I was in a very small church and when I started sharing God's Word or wanting to teach Bible study, the pastor changed. He went from telling us to go out and share the Word, to you can't because you're female, you aren't qualified, "your house isn't in order" (the last one he was using because my family isn't saved). I was very confused by this. I started researching more about what Jesus taught because even Scripture can be taken out of context.
I believe the core of what Jesus taught us that ALL are to spread His Good message and we know that it's the Holy Spirit who equips us to such good works (not my level of education, whether I've attended seminary school, or based on how many years I've attended church).
I pray that this pastor realizes this is not good shepherding and that truth is revealed to him. I pray for all in leadership to not succumb to our fleshly temptations. We all can easily get hooked and trapped. Let us remember to pray for leaders AND ourselves if we are going out sharing the Gospel so that none of us falls into any traps of the devil.
Thats a beautiful looking area you are in, my brother!'Peace and Love always, my brother!
Yep! I have seen this many times, sadly these false pastors manipulate others to treat disrespectfully those who challenge them with Scripture.
I have experienced this and it's very painful. I pray God reveals truth to them and they don't hurt others who are genuinely seeking the Lord and wanting to share the Good News. It's easy to think we cannot be tempted either, but the fact is, one of us are immune to temptations. Satan knows EXACTLY where our own weaknesses are. I pray we each know our weak areas, surrender them to God and pray for deliverance from them daily so none of us falls into Satan's traps.
Great video, thank you, Matthew! It is sad you need to address this issue. A Pastor should be led by the Holy Spirit and act via Biblical precepts.
The pastors who chase after materialism more often than not, show narcissistic qualities
You nailed it. Unlike John the Baptist, who would not loose the sandals from Jesus, some of these pastors have no trouble loosing, them, strapping themselves inside, and strutting about in them. They do not truly see Jesus as the head of the church. But look to the example of the Holy Spirit. He is the parakletos, the one who 'comes along side,' because even He will not try to stand between us and Jesus. He calls to our mind what Jesus said, and guides us in truth, to minister to us of the things that belong to Christ. All of His work is to draw us to Jesus, help us understand Him, and help us become more like Him.
These signs all made me think of the pastor of the church I grew up in. I remember when I first left the faith (not to worry, all, I'm back and more in love with Jesus than ever), I swore that if I ever came back, I wouldn't come back to that church specifically. Also, while I was gone, I found out countless others, while remaining strong in their Christian faith, at least left that church as well.
Flee mark and avoid Narcissistic so called pastors
Thank you for these 5 points. My family left the church where we were very involved. There were other reasons but the main reason is b/c I was reprimanded for teaching against false teachers.
I found out that a few people in the class I taught asked the pastor why they weren't hearing from the pulpit what they were hearing in the class I taught. Soon I was called before the elder board where they made several false accusations against me and affirmed some of the so-called pastors and teachers I was teaching against including the two you mentioned.
I knew that pastor was and still is very insecure but I never realized that he is also narcissistic.
Thanks for sharing, brother. I’m sorry you experienced that. Matt 🙏
We were leaders in a church with many plants in different countries and by God’s grace came togeather, realizing that we all had the same experience. We spoke out against abuse and then were blamed, slandered, shunned and silenced by the main leader; as you said, all of it to maintain his image.
So we started a group to help others because this man, David Lynn, is very crafty in his victimhood even though he is the abuser. He has even played victim and fooled people on national news, even having you make a video, falling for his fake persecution. But the points you brought up were very much the way he operates, especially about never taking ownership and using "division" as a tactic to silence people and objections.
I was, very unfortunately, a follower of Furtik for a short time. But quickly his narcissism started tearing the blinders on my eyes and the Holy Spirit started to convict me against listening to his teachings. I remember the first time it finally dawned on my it was time to be done with him. His wife was actually doing the sermon, and she said "i have learned more about God from pastor Steven than i ever have reading this book" as she held it and shook it around like it was some kind of useless piece of literature. That was it for me.
I dealt with this for quite some time in a local church. Without going into great details. It did take me some time to become totally aware of the pastors narcissitic ways. He was a very likable person. It has been 4 years since my wife and I left the church as did that pastor. The congregation dwindled down to about 15 but that pastor left a mark on the remaining elders and congregation. There is no desire to have new people in the church. No desire for evangelism.
I used to go to a WOF "church" who loved Steve and Todd and Joel etc. The female "pastor" there dressed very shiny clothes and expensive things especially the $2000 louise veton bag.
Let’s be honest, at most churches, people leave on Sundays less confident about sharing their faith than they woke up with. Most pastors are narcissistic and monopolize speaking and deprive members of opportunities to exercise faith. If they don’t feel comfortable speaking in church surrounded by fellow believers, how can they possibly share their faith in the harsh world? Narcissistic pastors pre-persecute their congregations.
It’s often the little pieces of “advice” that many pastors give that discourage individuals from speaking roles in church that reveal their narcissism. Or informing individuals of anonymous complaints that divide the church while making people self conscious and suspicious of others, all while the pastor preaches about forgiveness and grace.
That part, using sermons to cause division or keep people fearful of stepping out to share or teach the gospel.
I was told I wasn't qualified (hadn't been to church long enough, hadn't had any formal training and am a woman). I was also told I can't teach because my house isn't in order (meaning my family isn't saved therefore I have no business sharing the message).
I had a private meeting and he told me I flat out couldn't teach (Bible study) or a HOPE group. I was like, isn't that the point of Bible study to learn? There's more, but the point is he felt threatened.
The people who were "approved" seemed to be people who would just go with the flow "yes men and women."
When I continued attending church, he used his sermons to shame me, and mock me. The words he used were "some people think they have the super super anointing on them."
I realized then he was not a shepherd of my soul and I needed to find a different church.
This was the beginning of the summer. I still have not found one (haven't even looked yet to be honest). I've been grieving the loss of church family. You know, not one person has asked me where I've been. That hurts too, but I also realize most won't because they don't want to be ostracized. I feel sad for them. please pray for me.
I pray that pastors who behave this way will be shown truth by the Holy Spirit. I pray that all leaders are delivered from temptations that we ALL have and that spreading and sharing God's Word is front and center.
My my Matt! You are 100% correct..
I was going to this one church when I moved to a new town. When the pastor gave an entire sermon on following the pastor, I was out. After being out, I heard from several other past members, things that went on in that church.
I have been through many unfortunate things with leadership in churches. However, these were not famous pastors or members. The point is, these problematic guilty people don't have to be famous. They bring reproach to the body of Christ. One sad instance is one of the pastors who died about two years ago, never made any attempts at reconciliation with me. In fact, in my lifetime, no one who ever took part in harassment, gangland stalking, defamation or blacklisting ever came forth in any way to me. And I never expected they would either. Let that sink in.
I know the type of pastor you're talking about. They like to foster a mentality that they are like David and his band, on the run from the established church - King Saul. Since they are surrounded by enemies, they circle with their backs together ... and never really see the real enemy, inside their circle, who is manipulating them. Their fellowship seems to be based on how much dirt they have on each other, so if you stay close, your secret is safe. But if you question, everything comes out and you're ostracized and disgraced. Only the pastor gets to be above reproach. This scratches the surface; there's way more beneath it.
@@PulpitoftheLastDays-it's all that and more. I was shunned and banned more than once.
@@ernies8828 That must mean you're sincerely following the Lord! Most good Christians have been 'encouraged' to leave a church at least once in their past 🙂
@PulpitoftheLastDays -brother, I was banned from two churches and left others by choice. I was chastised by the pastor's mother for leaving over a phone call. Plus, the organization they were connected to was Kenneth Copeland. I knew more over time how crazy these pasrors and leaders really are.
@@ernies8828 I've also been asked to leave twice, and seen some lesser forms of that, such as persistently blocking you from meaningful roles. So when the Lord is the one telling you to leave, it's time to go.
...IMPASTORS....
Love it!! 😂
@@lionoffireraw THE LORD GAVE ME THAT TERM
I am in bed traumatized after a meeting with our new "priest" last Wednesday.. I am 69 years old and had only asked a benign question two weeks before. It escalated into a meeting with priest threatening to call the cops on us. He was out of his mind. I am still shaking.
Amen brother!
Nothing but “Prosperity” egotistical and Narcissistic at best…Rotten to the core..Amen ❤
Satan always puts himself first.
His 5 "I Will" statements in Daniel shows his rebellion.
Contrary to Jesus statements you quoted false shepherds walk with selfish pride.
Pride does come before a fall.
Jesus testified:
"I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven."
These false shepherds are not only setting themselves for a fall, but are stumbling blocks that lead Jesus sheep astray.
Ezekiel Chapter 34 tells us what happens to false shepherds.
Verse 10:
This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Look, I am against the shepherds, and I will demand my sheep from their hand. I will no longer let them be shepherds;[d] the shepherds will not feed themselves anymore. I will rescue my sheep from their mouths, so that they will no longer be food for them.
Thanks for warning our brothers and sisters of wolves in sheep's clothing.
They are after power not the Power of the Holy Spirit.
Thank you for the warning.
🙏
Mike Todd, is someone i wouldn't follow if i was at his church i would run outta there i couldn't be under his ministry. He needs a reality check an needs to re-read the Bible, fast & Pray for discernment. He needs to repent too
Yes..what people must do in 6his situation
My former pastor was like this.
I have been with a church for about 31 years I know how it is not easy to bear
Blessings Matt! Wow, you mention Steven Furtick , i watch him on Sundays on TV sometimes, i thought he was good! He seems anointed with the Holy Spirit!
The problem with Furtick is that he never calls out sin..ever. He will read a couple bible verses and then spend the entire time sounding like a life coach instead of a pastor. He spews psycho babble with no meat, only milk.
There are lots of videos showing the problems with him!
@@orborn3580 wow, I didn't recognize that about Steven
@@lionoffireraw wow, I wasn't aware, thanks Matt!
oh plenty in anglican and most churches today ohhhxx bless ya Lord Jesus help us sydney Australia
This problem does not occur in my Church.
That is rare. Praise JESUS❤❤
Yes, it does. Well, at least in the larger sense! The Pope is the prime example!
Not to mention that the RCC is the prime example of covering up wrongs (eg. Pedophiles)
@@lionoffireraw You are absolutely correct. The Church did not handle the Pedophile problem properly. Any one involved will have to answer before God. Any Popes who have sinned will also be judged. Like i have said the Church is full of corruption. That is why it will remain on earth before it can be perfected at Christ's Second Coming.
Always question authority!!
Actually, that's a real key to unraveling this sort of abusive situation. Jesus never gave pastors authority over other Christians (Matt 20:25-26). As Matt shared, they serve over us by example. The real dynamic in scripture is 'submission-to,' leadership (and each other,) and not their 'authority-over' us. All authority is given to Jesus in heaven and on earth, so when He is truly represented in their example -- that's the real authority showing up.
I think we are not meant to judge others. Mike Todd has taught me so much, and drawn me closer to God. Now I just listen directly to God through His word and the Holy Spirit. I don't listen to him or others much anymore. But at least I was steered into the right direction. I think God uses many different people to hear His message. Often its narcissistic type personalties that have the boldness to preach really well!! Mike is so passionate he often cries on stage. He has a beautiful heart for God. It actually makes me feel quite uncomfortable when Christians talk against each other. If their preaching has brought others to salvation, that's a good thing.
Please someone should help me, i am slowly dying of emotional pain, it is just yesterday that i came to realise that there is a word as narcissism, and all these points you enumerated are found in my senior pastor, i have been in pain for a month now and sunday he adds more,
Yep.
Great video
Good luck!
For these pastors to promote themselves instead of keeping the focus on God sounds like blasphemy since it sounds like they want to be God! Thats not good! But my pastor always stresses that hes a bible based person focusing on God ! Hes truly anointed with the Holy Spirit!
Sat under pastor who really showed these traits just before he had to resign…I’ll leave it at that. He blamed the congregation for revival not coming to that individual church. Hmmm…
Thank you. I remember your your healing testimony, are you now a cessaionist?
No, I’m not.
Here are my thoughts on the matter below ⬇️
ruclips.net/video/Xu1Dn6kiPGA/видео.htmlsi=ULhCFrwxFNh7VdEF
Church of today in a nut shell:-
Worship is no different than secular concert.
Sermon starts with a joke and it resembles a motivational speech sprinkled with some verses.
Congregation never opens the Bible.
Sin, way of salvation, prophecy, hell are a no no words.
Sexual immorality is rampant and sadly the pastor is immersed in it and never called out until tragedy hits.
Oh,tithing will get you to Heaven on foot though while your pastor gets there before you on that jet plane you contributed to buy! ( being sarcastic)
In the end the pastor and not Christ is worshipped !
Wisdom nugget from Charles Spurgeon :-
“A time will come when shepherds instead of feeding the sheep, they will entertain the goats.”
Are we there yet? Absolutely we are!
Flee from such churches that are led by charlatans, wolfing sheep’s clothing, and find a true one that worships God and not man! I did!
Is another sign not encouraging their congregants to open their Bibles in service and read/study them on their own?
Also, the street pastors who always filming going out to these places where they know will receive push back. All to post on RUclips to get hits and popularity.
Jesus told us to do our deeds in secret and preach in love. I noticed many street preachers are teaching with an attitude rather than in a loving way to get some to hear.
That’s an interesting point!
John MacArthur, Justin Peters, Paul Washer for sure fit the profile.
I disagree with you on that... they are God fearng men and preach the gospel.
I wouldn’t necessarily say they are narcissistic. But they are certainly deceived regarding Calvinism, and that can bleed into arrogance.
@@childofGod3n1 Thete is no good news in calvinism/ reformed theologies.