When Revival Loses Focus: Lessons from Glad Tidings Temple | John Ryan | Podcast Episode 407

John invites John Ryan to share his story about how spiritual hunger and religious zeal brought him into the orbit of Glad Tidings Temple—a prominent charismatic church in Vancouver—and how that same zeal eventually contributed to its collapse. Raised Catholic but turned off by what he experienced, John Ryan recounts his dramatic conversion at a Salvation Army mission and his reluctant but ultimately passionate embrace of the culture at Glad Tidings. He recalls both the vibrant spiritual community and the troubling signs of imbalance and spiritual pride that began to emerge. His story is one of deep conviction, sincere worship, and eventual disillusionment as leadership failures and a shift from scriptural grounding to personality-driven prophecy caused the church to implode.

The conversation explores how large-scale revival efforts, when rooted more in emotionalism, entertainment, and unchecked prophetic voices than in scripture, can lead entire congregations astray—often with devastating financial and emotional consequences. The two Johns reflect on how revival movements repeat many of the same patterns, the tragic cost to sincere believers, and how mature prayer, humility, and biblical discernment are essential in rebuilding after spiritual disappointment. They also discuss the legacy of Reg Layzell, early prophetic movements like the Latter Rain, and how historical awareness can help Christians avoid repeating the same harmful cycles.

00:00 Introduction
0:31 John Ryan’s background and early life in Ontario
2:48 First visit to Glad Tidings and initial reluctance
4:19 Decision to join and early spiritual impact
6:03 Comparing personal journeys and early excitement
7:38 Positive aspects of Glad Tidings: hunger for God, missions, community, worship
12:30 The rise of pride and unhealthy boasting
13:36 Unity of the body, teaching on prophecy, and eschatology
14:10 Departure from scripture and flawed church governance
15:28 Music, business influence, and crowd-building tactics
18:09 Building campaign, fundraising, and large-scale borrowing
20:53 Prophecy over a businessman and resulting financial collapse
24:15 Manipulative prophecies and lack of accountability
28:04 Pastor’s moral failure and congregational split
29:53 Lessons learned and speaking up against wrongdoing
31:15 Emphasis on prayer at Glad Tidings—strengths and weaknesses
36:58 John Collins’ reflections on prayer and authenticity
40:42 Congregational versus personal prayer balance
41:48 Importance of scripture before prayer and Paul’s example
43:34 Reg Lazelle’s leadership and Latter Rain connections
47:53 Structural issues rooted in revival-era influences
48:17 Call to edify the body through prayer for unity and maturity
50:58 Recurring leadership scandals and history repeating itself
53:52 The dangers of elevating leaders to undue reverence
54:58 Advice for former Glad Tidings members
57:21 Closing remarks and resources
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Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:
Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962
Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K
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