By Rick Becker 21 November 2024
It’s been some time… the reason for this is that I’ve been creating content for our YouTube channel. I’ve produced 16 videos, and the latest one focuses on the topic of this article, featuring video clips and additional information. If you haven’t checked out the channel yet, please take a moment to visit! I have noticed that false teachers often employ recurring strategies and tactics aimed at achieving wealth, status, recognition, and power. They amass a significant following, as more followers can lead to greater revenue and influence. They use their influence and platform to feed their narcissistic natures, and prey on the weak and vulnerable. Unfortunately, as we’ve witnessed, this can encompass various forms of abuse, including criminal behavior. Here are seventeen key points that address the strategies and tactics employed by false teachers.
THEY CLAIM TO HAVE EXPERIENCED AN AMAZING SUPERNATURAL ENCOUNTER WITH GOD.
This is probably one of the most important tactics they employ, claiming to have some kind of experience with God, it’s a claim made by most cult leaders. This claim fosters the perception that they have been specially chosen, and very often these encounters include revelations that they receive from God. Naturally, this claim is subjective, leaving their followers either in awe or too intimidated to pose any questions. Regardless, it positions them as a mediator between God and their followers, solidifying their authority at the top of a hierarchy.
THEY CHOOSE A TITLE THAT EMPOWERS THEM AND ESTABLISHES THEIR VOICE AS AUTHORATATIVE.
Titles and claiming to function in a specific office are another vital component in establishing their authority. None of them are content with being a pastor, or a teacher that simply exegetes the scriptures to a small flock. Their focus is on achieving broader recognition, and selecting a prestigious position within the visible church is a clear path to that goal. Consequently, they align with the prevailing belief that God is apparently restoring the office of apostle and prophet within the church. These two offices give them the authority they crave, and they’re aware that by simply identifying as an apostle or prophet automatically puts them in the limelight. These two influential offices enable them to participate in the church’s “governing” leadership while also receiving divine strategies for the church from Heaven.
THEY DISCOVER A CAPTIVATING MESSAGE OR PRACTICE TO FOCUS THEIR MINISTRY AROUND.
The role of a pastor or teacher is to interpret the scriptures by thoroughly examining specific passages and books of the Bible. They should systematically address the major doctrines of the Bible, which often include challenging truths, but their job is to teach the whole counsel of God!
In contrast, false teachers recognize that their success hinges on delivering ear tickling messages or engaging in practices that attract attention. They concoct various teachings that captivate the gullible – such as how to hear God’s voice, or how to walk in the supernatural, etc. They make sure they video their exploits, which typically focus on deliverance or healing.
THEY UNDERMINE THE AUTHORITY AND SUFFICIENCY OF SCRIPTURE.
Without something new to offer their followers, they’re not going to be able to entertain goats or seduce a few gullible sheep. Consequently, they create new teachings derived from their vain imagination or promote different forms of mysticism that lead individuals into a subjective realm – a space where the objective word of God is disregarded. They assert that their teachings or methodologies are essential for truly understanding God and walking in freedom. Additionally, by taking scriptures out of context, they can impose their own interpretations and, in the process, replace divinely inspired words with their falsehoods. This fundamentally constitutes an assault on the integrity of scripture.
THEY TELL ALL KINDS OF OUTLANDISH SUPERNATURAL STORIES.
This reinforces the perception that they and their followers receive unique advantages, showcasing that God is performing incredible miracles among them. It creates the impression that those who don’t witness these supernatural occurrences are missing out and have accepted a lesser form of Christianity. The unfortunate reality is that individuals who are swayed by these falsehoods often feel that something is amiss in their own lives. They may believe they lack faith or haven’t been chosen to experience such extraordinary events. Consequently, they may feel disillusioned or continue to persevere, hoping for that elusive breakthrough that will elevate them to a supernatural way of living.
THEY CREATE THE IMPRESSION THAT THEY’RE INTIMATE WITH GOD.
They’ve already established their special relationship with God by claiming to have a unique encounter with him. But they have to build on that, and make sure that their followers think the reason they receive revelations from God or perform signs and wonders and prophesy, is because of their intimate relationship with God. They often romanticize their relationship with God, and will claim to have an intimate friendship with with God or “Holy Spirit.” They argue that God shares his secrets with friends, not slaves – hence they reason they receive downloads or private revelations from God.
THEY CLAIM SOME FORM OF DIVINE INSPIRATION FOR THEIR TEACHINGS.
They frequently advertise their teachings or books by asserting that they are divinely inspired, claiming that “God told them” to write and that they received a download from Heaven. This claim positions their teachings above those of individuals who have not asserted divine inspiration. Moreover, it may cause ignorant followers to accept their teachings uncritically.
THEY CLAIM TO RECEIVE MESSAGES FROM GOD FOR THE WHOLE BODY OF CHRIST.
The typical pastor or teacher serves their local congregation, and is content with shepherding the flock God has entrusted them with. False teachers however want a wider reach and influence, and one of the ploys they use is to pretend that they have a revelation for the whole body of Christ (another attack on the sufficiency of scripture). They aspire to have a prominent voice within the global visible church, which brings us back to an earlier point that highlighted their desire for the roles of apostle or prophet.
THEY PRETEND THAT GOD IS MOVING ON THEM WHILE THEY’RE MINISTERING.
Here’s another straightforward tactic that’s incredibly easy to implement. False teachers will pretend to be under the power of God while they’re teaching. This may manifest in different forms; they may shake or even jerk violently and stagger around. Some will pretend to be unable to speak, and only manage to utter a few phrases or expressions – which gives the impression of being overwhelmed by God’s presence or anointing to the point of incapacity. This performance is designed to impress their audience and fool them into believing that God is moving in their midst and upon the false teacher. Additionally, it serves to elevate the atmosphere in the room and creates a sense of anticipation among the audience.
THEY PRETEND TO HAVE THE ABILITY TO RELEASE SPIRITUAL POWERS AND THAT THEIR DECREES AND DECLARATIONS ARE CAUSATIVE.
False teachers create the impression that they have the same power and authority as Christ. They do this by pretending that their words are causative, and that they have powers that are exclusively reserved for someone with their title or position. This is why you’ll often see them rebuking the weather or performing ceremonies consisting of false spiritual warfare and “apostolic decrees” in order to conquer certain evils in society. Instead of praying for the sick, they’ll simply speak healing over them or command them to be healed. Two false teachings that have contributed to these delusional practices are dominion theology, and word of faith heresy – both of which are components of New Apostolic Reformation teachings.
THEY TELL PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT TO HEAR.
Attracting a large following won’t come from preaching the message of the cross. False teachers understand that those with itching ears desire their passions to be fulfilled (2 Tim 4:3). Popularity won’t be achieved by sharing many scriptural truths that challenge our natural inclinations. People often resist the idea that many of their issues stem from their own desires; instead, they want assurance that these problems can be solved by simply casting out a spirit with the help of a demon slayer. They are reluctant to accept that their difficult circumstances might persist, and that suffering in different forms is part of the Christian life. They would rather hear promises of guaranteed health, wealth, and significant breakthroughs that ensure a comfortable life on earth. They want to hear that they can perform the same miracles as Jesus, and have dominion in this present world. Consequently, they are swayed by the persuasive words and flattering rhetoric of deceitful teachers.
THEY CREATE EXPECTATION.
False teachers excel at keeping their followers focused on the future or impending events. You might recognize common phrases such as “the best is yet to come” or “there is more.” They must divert their followers from engaging in critical thinking, which could lead them to realize that previous prophecies or promises of breakthroughs never came to fruition. You have likely encountered advertisements for upcoming events, conferences, or courses that guarantee miracles and prophetic words. For example, in a course about spiritual gifts, they may promise demonstrations, activations, and impartations.
Often, they encourage attendees to come with an expectant attitude. This not only fosters a sense of anticipation but also subtly implies that if you don’t have a significant experience, it’s due to a lack of expectation or faith on your part.
THEY HARNESS THE POWER OF MUSIC TO INFLUENCE EMOTIONS AND INSTILL IDEAS.
Worship songs not only reflect a church’s theology, but they also possess the ability to shape it. This theology subsequently influences practices. Worship plays a vital role in creating the right atmosphere during meetings. In many Charismatic or NAR-influenced congregations, “worship” serves to prepare the audience. Through intentional key changes, dim lighting, and contemporary songs designed to evoke emotions, the worship leader can proclaim that “the presence of God is in this place.” This assertion accomplishes three key objectives: it reassures the audience that they are in the correct environment, as this is apparently where God is moving. If they experience any sensation, even slight goosebumps, it reinforces their decision to return, as their Christian journey often relies on personal feelings and various manifestations. Lastly, these captivating effects distract them from critically assessing the teachings against scripture, leaving them to wonder how any teaching could be flawed when God’s presence is so palpable.
THEY GIVE THEIR FOLLOWERS THE FREEDOM TO PURSUE EXPERIENCES AND PRACTICES THAT SCRIPURE CONDEMNS.
False teachers ignore biblical boundaries and encourage their followers to take risks. Practically, this means they encourage, and even compel their followers or students to prophesy, perform miracles, speak in tongues collectively, receive words of knowledge, and pursue heavenly encounters. Unfortunately, there are damaging consequences; in many cases, a false prophetic word has shipwrecked the faith or ruined the life of an individual—causing them to marry someone they shouldn’t have, or selling all they have and relocate to be a part of some “anointed apostle’s” ministry. Others have donated substantial sums of money based on such prophecies. Aside from those practical implications, the real danger in pursuing subjective and mystical experiences is that you’re actually engaging in occultic practices.
THEY EXCUSE THE DAMAGING CONSEQUENCES.
Naturally, any type of hit-and-miss philosophy is going to cause damage. But from the false teacher’s perspective, there’s nothing to lose. They are aware that eventually, someone will achieve what is viewed as a successful outcome—be it an accurate prophecy, healing of a back problem, someone’s conversion to Christianity, or an encounter with God or an angel. This success then becomes yet another “testimony” they can share to motivate other followers, further strengthening the belief that they are encountering the supernatural.
THEY MAKE MERCHANDISE OF PEOPLE.
One of the primary motivating factors behind false teachers is greed (2 Peter 2:3). They’re looking for a means to support a comfortable and affluent lifestyle and build their empires. So it should come as no surprise that they are experts at manipulating people to sow into their ministry. One of the means to ensure a consistent flow of finances into their ministry is to manipulate people into tithing. Their approach is twofold: one aspect is positive, while the other is negative. They teach that if you tithe you’ll be blessed financially, while also claiming that failing to tithe equates to robbing God, potentially exposing individuals to demonic attacks.
THEY CREATE DIVISION.
The very characteristic they ascribe to their critics – being divisive, is exactly what they manifest themselves – they create division. This behavior arises because false teachers feel threatened by challenges to their beliefs or movements. Their main concern lies in maintaining their followers, since a larger audience leads to greater status and revenue. To deflect criticism, they often accuse their opponents of having a religious or divisive spirit. Identifying the divisive individuals that scripture warns against is relatively straightforward:
• Their teachings contradict sound doctrine.
• They employ smooth talk and flattery to deceive the hearts of the naive (Romans 16:17-18).