Name: Little Gods and Big Control: Escape From NAR Authoritarianism | Episode 486
Uploaded: 2025-12-12T12:28:49+00:00
Duration: 1 h 6 min 53 s
Description: John and Joey reveal how devotion to Jesus can slowly be entangled with authoritarian control inside the New Apostolic Reformation. Joey describes how constant pressure to obey “apostles,” secrecy aro

1 day ago

Podcasts NAR authoritarianism new apostolic reformation survivor spiritual abuse warning five-fold ministry abuse little gods teaching danger charismatic cult escape apostolic authority corruption passion translation controversy bait of satan book criticism ex-NAR interview testimony

John and Joey reveal how devotion to Jesus can slowly be entangled with authoritarian control inside the New Apostolic Reformation. Joey describes how constant pressure to obey “apostles,” secrecy around finances, plagiarism from the pulpit, and emotional manipulation led to a crisis of trust in leadership—yet not in Christ. This deep and honest conversation shows that spiritual abuse thrives wherever human power replaces biblical accountability, but freedom and healing are possible.

This testimony offers hope to anyone escaping high-control churches: you can leave toxic authority behind without leaving Jesus. Your faith can survive—and grow stronger—after the NAR.

00:00 – Introduction
00:31 – Joey’s Background, Bible College, and Early Charismatic Influence
05:04 – Entering the Charismatic Church and the First Major Crisis
10:05 – Transitioning Into the NAR Church and Early Warning Signs
15:06 – Financial Secrecy, Control, and the Breakdown of Accountability
20:04 – Hidden Sin, Outbursts, and the Culture of Image-Protection
24:01 – Confusion in Teaching, Borrowed Sermons, and Doctrinal Drift
29:01 – Spiritual Abuse, Emotional Manipulation, and Loss of Trust
33:21 – The “Little Gods” Doctrine and the Collapse of Discernment
38:02 – Leaving the Church, Family Impact, and Social Fallout
43:05 – How Abuse Warps Faith and Why Many Lose Their Religion
48:05 – The Passion Translation, Authority Claims, and Scripture Distortion
53:03 – Preaching *At* the People vs. Leading Them Toward Christ
57:04 – If You Could Go Back: What Joey Would Tell His Earlier Self