This article is actionable and will help you in recognizing and guarding against Cover-Up Culture.

Get ready — We’re going on a deep dive. The Cover-Up Culture in the Church today is absolutely nefarious. It’s shielding a very dark network of people, church brands, spiritual movements, heretical doctrines, and even entire denominations while they hide in some of the grossest sin, being nearly unmentionable. People have been hurt, traumatized, abused, deceived, and have even died. 

The Church today has largely accepted a Cover-Up Culture that allows sinful practices, doctrines, and predatory behaviors to go unchecked. It’s given license to some of the most heretical theologies, spiritual abuses, and criminal behaviors. We are beyond the point of moral injury. The Church has moved into the arena of horrific transgression and blasphemy, reaching a pinnacle that begs for God’s judgment. We need radical change in how we approach sin, doctrine, biblical ethics, and fundamental Christian morale both with leadership and laity.

If you have been in a church that has practiced Cover-Up Culture; if you’ve been a victim yourself but don’t know what to do; or if you’re in leadership and are caught in a tangled web that seems impossible to escape from — this article is for you. Please read this and share it. The damage and destruction are widespread, being perpetuated by beliefs that are dogmatically heretical. As the Body of Christ, we must return to sound biblical doctrine, judgment, and justice.

Here, we’re going to discuss what Cover-Up Culture really is, why and how it operates, and how to stop it. We’re covering all the bases. I strongly encourage you to read the linked scriptures and articles, as they will help clarify and validate the following points.

Table of Contents

I. What is Cover Up Culture?
II. How Does Cover Up Culture Operate?
III. The Root of Cover Up Culture
IV. Why Cover Up Culture is Practiced
V. The Biblical Solutions to Cover Up Culture
VI. Twelve Key Points That Will Protect You and Others

What Is Cover-Up Culture?

Cover-Up Culture quells or staves off any confrontation, effectively eliminating accountability. Therefore, it implicitly justifies or hides sin. It is inherently covert, stealthy, and uses systemic manipulative tactics to ensure the protection of its perpetrators. Victims of its abuses and those it serves are silenced, being held in fear, creating various degrees of trauma. Believers who endorse Cover-Up Culture espouse the belief that people cannot or should not be judged, confronted, exposed, or held accountable for their sin; and that leadership figures, specifically, are to be protected at all costs, and therefore, are untouchable or above reproach by virtue of their position, which is viewed as coming directly from God.

This dangerous precedent is largely embraced within the Church today among various Christian movements and mainline denominations (both Protestant and Catholic). Rogue leadership is especially insulated, precisely because there is no denominational oversight. Likewise, laity also goes unaddressed when personal and social sins grieve the Body of Christ, for multiple reasons we will soon outline here. The mass effect is destructive to the global Church community, being pervasive, and it continues to spread today.

Thankfully, the LORD is exposing Cover-Up Culture. Christian teachers and leaders such as Mike Winger, Allen Parr and Melissa Dougherty are doing their best to expose the heresy and repair the trust of believers and non-believers alike. I encourage you to visit their platforms in addition to reading this article.

How Does Cover-Up Culture Operate?

Here are the most common tactics used to employ Cover-Up Culture within modern Church brands:

— DARVO: Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender.

— SPIRITUAL BYPASSING: The misuse of love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness to dismiss legitimate allegations.

— WEAPONIZING SCRIPTURE: Specific scriptures are used to exonerate leadership and condemn those who seek to hold them accountable. Scripture is twisted to distort, hide, and legitimize sin.

— REPUTATION or BRAND MANAGEMENT: Prioritizing the church’s brand and protecting the reputation of the leadership over vulnerable and traumatized individuals.

— NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS: Many pastors and leadership use NDA’s to silence their boards, eldership, deacons, and victims whereby those who sign forfeit their ability to speak out against a church or individual, or report offenses to civil authorities. Some offenders are moved to other churches where there is a new environment of trust so they can continue to practice and profit, hence the spread.

— CELEBRITY WORSHIP: Leaders are insulated by a carefully selected network of elders and boards who protect them, yet who remain powerless to hold them accountable. These boards cannot unseat or remove them from their position of power and authority. Leaders remain throned above those they serve, being secured by carefully selected henchmen, and they enjoy a celebrity status hedged by prolific amounts of money and influence, becoming virtually untouchable.

— GASLIGHTING: Controlling the narrative in such a way that makes the truth a lie, and a lie the truth in a manner that is wholly convincing and believable, causing spiritual, mental, and emotional trauma.

— FALSE NARRATIVES: Spinning a web of carefully crafted collaborative stories that support their cause and hide their sin, further insulating and protecting them from any accountability.

— SPIRITUAL COVERINGS: People are taught to give blind trust and obedience. They cannot question leadership or they are labeled as insubordinate and rebellious. Leaders are seen as a type of spiritual covering above reproach that demands the unwavering trust and loyalty of their followers and congregants.

— PROTECTING THE REPUTATION OF GOD: Leaders hide sin in an effort to protect God’s reputation and that of the Church, giving clear preference to shielding sin and any consequences.

The Root of Cover-Up Culture

There are two sides to Cover-Up Culture: the Predators who perpetrate it, and those who placate it.

But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived,” (2 Timothy 3:13, KJV).

The Predators and Perpetrators

Sadly, and to the chagrin of many, Church leaders around the world have marketed Christianity in a manner that has merely lined their pockets and financial portfolios instead of the path to Christ. They have scaled the proverbial walls of the world to reach the mountain top of financial and social success, power, and prowess. They enjoy lifestyles that very few can obtain. Obscene amounts of money coupled with worldwide influence has insulated them, making them untouchable. Their carefully selected network of henchmen continues to protect their reputations and investments. But it doesn’t stop there. Not hardly. These leaders have learned to carefully and skillfully employ deceptive means (as shown above) to keep their followers in check, all being woven together with twisted scripture. Their bait and hook tactics are carefully crafted, ensuring a steady flow of monetary wealth, social influence, and church growth via the vulnerable sheep who so naively feed at their gilded troughs.

The Predator and Perpetrator Playbook:

ATMOSPHERE
• Make sure followers are comfortable, keep them happy, and never offend them
• Entertain them with lights, music, signs, and wonders
• Emotionally manipulate and hijack them
• Isolate by keeping sanctuaries dark to ensure minimal interaction with others under the guise of privacy and security

THEOLOGY & DOCTRINE
• Discourage bibles by posting “doctored” scripture on large screens
• Prime them for guests by referencing other leaders
• Preach soft messages and push carefully crafted doctrines that insulate Church leaders
• Avoid topics of sin, repentance, sanctification, or hell
• Have Guest Speakers who support the brand and further reinforce the doctrines
• Tell them love covers a multitude of sin and convince them they are eternally secure

FUNDING
• Scripturally extort them for continued funding
• Leverage special holidays and leadership birthdays to secure monetary gifts and offerings
• Emotionally manipulate and control them through fear and guilt
• God’s blessings are promised to those who give
• God’s curses are threatened for those who do not give
• Lack of various benevolence ministries

ENGAGEMENT
• Employ data-mining, social media scraping, etc. to deceive people receiving prayer and ministry
• Let them do what they want under the guise of biblical leadership
• Support their habits and coddle their sinful lifestyles with sloppy grace and eternal security
• Stroke their egos by telling them they are blessed and highly favored
• Keep them engaged through social media
• Publish your own bible version and sell them your book
• Bait and hook them, ensuring they come back and remain involved
• And by all means — shut down any opposing views or voices who would call everything into question.

Examples of Predators and Perpetrators in Cover-Up Culture (LINKED ARTICLES):

• 2026 — Todd White PRIVATE PETITION and OPEN LETTER to the CHURCH (Bible Thinker)
• 2026 — Bethel Church of Redding, California (Roys Report)
• 2026 — The Charismatic Church (Roys Report)
• 2025 — Assemblies of God (NBC News)
• 2025 — Robert Morris (Sokolove Law)
• 2025 — Greg Locke (Roys Report)
• 2024 — Mike Bickle of IHOPKC (The Kansas City Star)
• 2024 — Benny Hinn (Mike Winger)
• 2023 — Archdiocese of Baltimore, Maryland (PBS)
• 2022 — Hillsong Church (Time Magazine)
• 2022 — Southern Baptist Convention (NPR)
• 2020 — Ravi Zacharias (Ministry Watch)
• 2002 — Catholic Church (Boston Globe and Pennsylvania Grand Jury)

And there are yet many more. Some of these people have been uncovered as total frauds. This is how Christianity is largely seen by the world today. I think it’s important to note that secular news outlets and journalists who have a global reach have covered these stories in depth. It’s not enough for Christian news and journalism to do a cover story. The unbelieving world is in on this, too. This is not trite. The repercussions of this are beyond massive. These podcasts, articles, and videos candidly reveal, in detail, how deceptive and dark these practices have become in the modern church at large, irrespective of the denomination. It’s astonishingly pervasive.

3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. 6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. 7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. 9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. 10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. 11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. 12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; 13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. 14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. 16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.

17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.  18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. 19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit,”(Jude 3-19, KJV).

Cover-Up Culture is a very slick spiritual heist that is funded by obscene amounts of money and protected by a network of cons. It’s been very calculated indeed — for decades. Big auditoriums. Emotional Hype. Entertainment. “Wealth, Health, Prosperity. It can all be yours. But don’t you dare question me… What’s your name?”

All the while, these Christian celebrities gleefully play in their sandbox of sin.

What has been uncovered is a growing list of narcissistic sociopathic con-artists. These are abusers. Predators. Financial gurus. All who have built private empires upon the backs of very naive, vulnerable, and unsuspecting sheep who trusted and believed them, and furthermore touted their message.

This brand of Christianity has influenced the global Church to such a degree that it’s become mainstream, and has even infiltrated mainline denominations. It is for this reason the unbelieving world has a negative perception of Jesus Christ and Christianity. But how do we change it and regain that trust once it’s been lost? That is one of the most important questions of our era. If we are going to see Jesus Christ glorified and His kingdom advancing, Cover-Up Culture must be addressed vehemently.

Vanishing are the days of humble servants who open the church doors on Sundays so they can care for the flock of God. Fleeting were the days when churches prayed, fed the hungry, cared for the sick, or visited the dying. We now have Christian incantations and mantras. We’ve offloaded and outsourced to social media portals and nursing homes. As for true pastors, there may be a few out there, but they are becoming a rarity. True pastoral leadership is universally demanding, can be quite lonely, and the ingratitude is often heart-breaking. It can be impressively grueling, and for that reason it is truly a role of sacrifice and servanthood. But pastoral leadership today has also taken on a flavor which really does not emerge except from behind the pulpit. Community and Service beyond a Sunday sermon is rarely found, and that is heartbreaking as well. Because true Christianity isn’t necessarily fun. In fact, it plays hardball. It demands extraordinary sacrifice, servanthood, and sanctification to be a steward of souls. Sheep require great care. On the contrary, Christianity sells like spiritual candy when it’s packaged for shop.

Case and point: This stuff works. Once people caught onto it, everyone wanted a piece of the proverbial pie. Televangelism, non-denominationalism (sans overseers), and grandiose megachurches were burgeoning prolifically throughout the 1990’s and beyond. Pastors who were not proven took to pulpits. Self-proclaimed prophets and apostles were suddenly headlining. Healers and spiritual magicians were raking in millions. Christianity became the mother lode; the cash cow. Why? Because people flock to it. It had the ‘clairvoyant ring of eternity’. So, the sheep kept coming. People from all over the globe now graze in this pasture. The propaganda works. What is so incredibly sad is that sincere believers are so easily deluded by this. They follow this brand of Christianity by the millions, yet unbelievers can smell it from across the pond and easily abstain. It’s not true biblical Christianity — and they know it.

Rampant deception is in the Church today.

The perpetrators craftily hedged every bed. Finances? Check. Security? Check. Reputation? Check. Influence? Check. Theology? Whoops! This area was uniquely vulnerable and required something fail-safe. So, they hedged their theological bed with the clever doctrine of Cover-Up Culture, earnestly kept intact and funded by placaters who were conned into giving their hard-earned money even when they were flat broke, and furthermore would not dare speak a word against the Lord’s anointed.

The Placaters

So, let’s talk about the common arguments followers make when asked about the conduct of their leaders.

Enter the placaters, who sincerely follow this doctrine to dissuade any disapproval or anger from their leaders, fellow believers, and most importantly God Himself.

The theological support for Cover-Up Culture is just as vehement and dogmatic, citing scriptures: most notably the flagship scripture which says, “Touch not mine anointed and do my prophets no harm” (1 Chronicles 16:22 and Psalm 105:15). Of course, this scripture is taken entirely out of context. It’s origin in the Bible is when God spoke to heathen nations and kings who were unjustly threatening to kill His people in an age when Israel, as a vulnerable infant nation, was in desperate need of God’s stern parental guidance, protection, and salvation. His Prophets at the time (namely Moses and Aaron) were the ones who brought correction to Israel in tandem with warnings God decreed. Throughout Israel’s history God raised up prophets such as Samuel, Nathan (who rebuked King David), and later Isaiah and Jeremiah (to name a few). People didn’t take kindly to these prophets. In fact, Israel had them killed. Just as modern believers are doing today: Israel turned aside from sound doctrine and the Word of God. With that being said, when we weigh this flagship scripture against the command to judge with righteous judgment (John 7:24 and 1 Corinthians 5:12 & 6:2) and expose the fruitless deeds of darkness (Ephesians 5:11), it holds no weight or authority whatsoever in absolving leadership of biblical accountability, whereby they would be permitted the spiritual authority to commit heresy and sin.

The common arguments presented by those who practice Cover-Up Culture are fear-based. Many who participate in Cover-Up Culture fear reaping the judgment of God (Matthew 7:2), blaspheming the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:29), being aligned with Satan as the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10), or they directly fear those whom they expose and the consequences of doing so on a larger social scale, which is the fear of man (Matthew 10:28 and Proverbs 29:25). They even claim to fear harm to the Body of Christ at large, or furthermore, the consummate Kingdom of God. When these scriptures are misunderstood, they can indeed be terrifying. What people fail to realize is that sin (in all its various forms, both public and private) when unaddressed, is what truly harms the Body of Christ and His Kingdom — as we have clearly witnessed today. The recognition of sin and evil evidenced by bad fruit, questioning areas that are troublesome and incongruent with scripture, and anything that is either harmful or disturbing, is something we as believers are taught to perform boldly and without apology (Hebrews 5:14). God honors those who seek righteousness and who stand for His truth. Discipleship in these areas of biblical and spiritual discernment are paramount to a victorious Christian life and in guarding against the onslaught of deception and seduction within the global Church today.

Sadly, most placaters have no idea what they’ve endorsed or been involved with until they become victims themselves. They keep pushing the narrative until it hits home. They may have been physically, spiritually, and financially molested, threatened, ex-communicated, ostracized, or neglected in times of hardship. Once they become a victim, that’s when eyes are suddenly opened to the reality of manipulative heretical teachings and the Cover-Up Culture that insulates these nefarious leaders. They are left traumatized, disillusioned, and shocked. The spiritual, mental, emotional, social, and financial (and in some cases sexual and otherwise physical) damage can be life-altering. It can take years for victims to fully recover and heal. Some never do. Victims have required therapy to undo brainwashing and indoctrination. Many remain spiritually abused, threatened, harassed, manipulated, sued, or outcast when they seek justice against these predators and perpetrators.

It’s Origin: Why Cover-Up Culture is Practiced

Aside from the obvious more nefarious reasons previously discussed, proper judgment is simply misunderstood, and consequently the Church has long avoided the means by which it can be held accountable. In fact, in many cases it’s gone to great lengths to insulate against it. Proper accountability requires righteous judgment, and careful yet deliberate proof of conduct coupled with appropriate biblical confrontation. It requires verifiable evidence, which in biblical times was effectual by two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15 and Matthew 18:16 and 1 Timothy 5:19). This has been the standard of measure since the Law of Moses, reiterated by Jesus Christ, and later by the Apostle Paul — all which directly address the means by which someone is found guilty and held accountable. It settles the matter. The commandment “Thou shalt not bear false witness” (Exodus 20:16) suddenly carries a heavy weight, and with such a severe liability, to which Christ tells us all liars will have their place in the Lake of Fire (Revelation 21:8). Case and point: When you bring damning evidence against someone that could destroy their life and livelihood, their reputation, their family, or even bring spiritual punishment or condemnation, it must be absolutely true and proven. With that said, pastors and elders simply don’t want the liability today, and what is more: they cannot afford to take the investigative time. It is both risky and costly. This is a moral failure by the Church — without question. It simply has not developed the internal construct by which to effectively prove or disprove a matter by modern standards, to which biblical standards now commonly fail. It becomes a very tenuous honor system; being one borne of trust that is difficult to earn, measure, or furthermore employ.

There are prohibitive laws as well, whereby defamation claims can be made. Reputations and livelihoods are at stake. Families can be irreparably broken. Therefore, very few denominations have elderships or boards with any power to provide proper oversight or biblical accountability. People are afraid of backlash and the legal repercussions. As we can clearly see, Churches and Christian organizations often end up in the hands of the Justice System — with lawsuits, prosecutions, convictions, and sentencing — because they are wholly impotent, being unable to handle a matter independent of the State. Yet if the Church did what was scripturally prescribed at the very onset of sin, it is very likely things would not progress to this level. Many times sin issues in the Body of Christ don’t require stern castigation — they simply require scriptural reproof and gentle guidance. Sin is not always deliberate or intentional. It can be hidden or nuanced, being brought about by ignorance and immaturity, insomuch that well-meaning believers simply fail to recognize it.

None of these give reason to endorse Cover-Up Culture.

The Biblical Solutions to Cover-Up Culture

I. Relationship & Accountability

Establishing proper authority in the Church does not mean we go around policing people like Pharisees. Nor does it mean we excuse sin.

When people live under constant scrutiny, being micromanaged, that is spiritual abuse. The manner in which we are meant to hold one another accountable happens naturally through intimate relationships and transparent lives that are bonded by mutual trust, with leadership that provides oversight, moral guidance, and biblical accountability. Control, coercion, or manipulation is not only harmful, but demonic in origin. It’s a type of witchcraft. Even God Himself, as the Almighty, gave us freewill. He established that precedent and has never rescinded it. Jesus Christ never forced anyone to follow Him. Therefore, any means by which churches try to control and manipulate people should be met with more than just caution — but with grave warning. With that said, real relationships of substance are one of the greatest safeguards against sin in the Body, and is a key indicator of spiritual health.

However, that model in the Church today is far from a reality for most. People are lucky if they even know their pastor, much less the person sitting in the next row. When real relationships are prioritized in the Body of Christ, the natural outgrowth is accountability. Relationships are key to a healthy church body. Pastors who understand this will eagerly nurture people toward relationship-building, whether through small groups, bible studies, fellowships of various kinds, prayer groups, volunteer work, missions, or church projects. The church should host ample opportunities for people of all ages and demographics to find relationships that provide the sustenance of life, service, and fellowship. Pastors who are focused on shepherding the sheep instead of their Sunday sermon will be so inclined toward relationship building, interacting with their sheep, and providing that biblical oversight and moral guidance. However, most pastors today stop at the pulpit, teaching a thirty-minute sermon once a week. This is a sad misunderstanding of true biblical pastoral leadership. If that is the crux of pastoral leadership, then it is no wonder why the Church is in trouble.

When meaningful relationships are thwarted by virtue of a church’s culture or constitution, or stifled by authoritarian leaders who fear the gifted influence of its members, churches either become stagnant or begin to die. Instead isolation becomes the natural outgrowth, and not only do people turn to sin more readily in the absence of meaningful relationships, but sin can also easily hide. Leaders naturally become more removed OR distinctly separate from the collective body, giving opportunity for sinful lifestyles, injustices, abuses, and other hidden practices. Authoritarian pastors prefer the elevated and segregated power of a pulpit, rather than a relational setting wherein the collective body grows and shares life together. As such, this is where Cover-Up Culture thrives, nearly unabated.

II. Biblical Authority, Confrontation, and Judgment

When confrontation is rightfully employed, people generally respond in one of three ways: (1) They become defensive, (2) They submit, or (3) They simply walk away. All three responses are plausible in either case of guilt or innocence. If they’re guilty, they will often just continue in their sin somewhere else, unless they are genuinely repentant. However, if they’re innocent yet stand wrongly accused, it can leave someone with irreparable damage that affects their spiritual and personal life with Christ, which they can find nearly impossible to resolve or overcome. When an individual’s reputation is so damaged beyond repair, it affects every subsequent area of their lives. It is an abomination to God to condemn the innocent and acquit the guilty (Proverbs 17:15). For this reason, the Church must be able to rightfully employ the biblical prescription for accountability in a manner that is both just and accurate, and deal with matters in a manner that is mete. The consequence must fit the proverbial crime.

What was biblically prescribed and practiced by the Apostle Paul is what he exhorted all believers to employ, which is to rebuke with all authority (Titus 2:15), expose the deeds of darkness (Ephesians 5:11), and to restore those who have gone wayward in a spirit of meekness lest they also be deceived or tempted (Galatians 6:1). Paul, admittedly, was far too removed to always do this himself, as he fathered many churches. He required that they know how to take the spiritual reins and heed his example, and gave clear teachings in how to do so. That being said, not all sin, as we will soon see, is treated the same. The Apostle Paul understood this, and brought hefty rebukes to the churches he fathered, rightly using his spiritual authority as an Apostle. But he also exposed hidden sin publicly. In one specific instance of incest he turned a man’s soul over to Satan that he might be saved on the Day of the LORD (1 Corinthians 5:5). Furthermore, he condemned and cursed those who preached a false gospel, which mislead many into very dangerous deception (Galatians 1:9). Interestingly, he also cursed others who did not love Jesus Christ saying, “Anathema!” (1 Corinthians 16:22). Likewise, we see Jude making a difference between those who are ignorant and in error for whom he tells us we must show compassion, versus those who remain in deliberate unrepentant sin, for whom he exhorts us to save with fear, rescuing them from the fire, hating even the clothes stained by their flesh (Jude 1:22-23). Most of these examples have one thing in common: the desire to ultimately redeem.

We must realize that if the Body of Christ is to be whole and functioning as Jesus Christ intended, we must confront sin with righteous judgment (John 7:24) and in a timely manner. As Paul states, “a little leaven, leavens the whole lump” (Galatians 5:9 and 1 Corinthians 5:6). Meaning, it doesn’t take long for sinful practices and beliefs to spread. And if one part hurts, the entire body suffers with it (1 Corinthians 12:26). We all bear the pain, as we can clearly see today with some of the widespread theological practices and egregious sins which are so devastating and destructive. That means we address issues properly and judiciously, both in administering grace, mercy, and compassion; as well as stern rebuke, exhortation, punishment, and perhaps even condemnation when it is justly deserved and absolutely necessary.

III. The Need for Discipleship and Proven Leadership

Discipleship is sorely lacking in the Church at large, despite earnest evangelism, which can also account for much of the sin and error in the Church today. Few believers are biblically literate, including those in leadership positions. Instead, they gorge themselves on whatever voices they can accumulate to tickle their ears, and are consequently very vulnerable to false teaching. Human beings (whether believers or not) will commonly accept what makes them feel good, and are generally avoidant of any confrontation — whether scriptural or spiritually endorsed. Very few, as Paul prophesied, will endure sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3) . Hence, the pervasive errors in the Body of Christ at large, both among leadership and laity.

Christ set up His Church in a manner that allowed for proper accountability and correction. This requires confrontation, discipleship, biblical literacy, which must be done with righteous judgment. Yet it also requires reproof, rebuke, and exhortation coupled with appropriate measures of grace, mercy, and compassion, which Christ clearly outlined in Matthew 18. The Apostle Paul further expounds upon this in his epistles to Timothy and Titus. We all have an obligation to rebuke, reprove, and exhort other believers when opportunities arise. The problem is very few know or understand how to exercise this appropriately. Again, fear is the overwhelming cause for restraint among most. Yet people must be held accountable both to God and each other. How we go about doing that must follow the clear scriptural precedent established by Jesus Christ and His Apostles, who are the foundation for the Gospel. We cannot ignore, dismiss, excuse, endorse, hide, or gloss over sin. We must address it head on, biblically, in a manner that is mete according to the precedents and principles set forth in scripture. We must learn to distinguish between a mere fault, error, heresy, blasphemy, willful transgression, and unrepentant sin — and deal with them accordingly. They are not all the same, and God does not call us to deal with them in the same manner. Gentle reproof is sufficient for one; entire disqualification for others, and as Paul demonstrated, there remains the curse of condemnation yet for others. Let us all be reminded that we are to endure the cross of Christ and resist sin, looking unto Jesus as we run the race, and that God chastens those He loves to make us partakers of His holiness. If we are not chastened by Him, we are bastards (illigetimate children) (Hebrews 12:1-13).

If we fail to bring righteous judgment and the correction that accompanies it, we end up with deception en masse, which is what has happened today. It runs wild; totally unchecked. The widespread damage and destruction is sweeping. Sheep are led astray — even to their deaths. Vile leaders (who I dare say are imposters), are left entirely insulated, even being reinstated when they should be entirely disqualified. Some, I personally believe, are in grave danger of condemnation. Cover-Up Culture is overtaking the Church in waves that has permitted widespread deception and destruction, spiritual abuses, and heresy. Mature believers can often see this and escape it. But the vulnerable newborn lambs are not adequately equipped to escape such heresy without adequate help from their more mature brethren (Hebrews 5:13). We cannot allow Cover-Up Culture to continue. Therefore, we maintain that proper accountability is not merely a suggestion — rather, it is an obligation among all who bear the name of Jesus Christ.

Leadership must be tested and proven — never self-appointed. They must have proper oversight and accountability by people who are not an inside job, who have gone rogue, or who have hired a private ring, a network of cons, a line of henchmen who are waiting in the wings, or an undercover security detail who operate more like the mafia than Christ’s disciples.

When genuine qualified pastors and leaders do not know their sheep, they simply cannot hold them accountable. By virtue of sheer numbers alone, it becomes statistically impossible. Leaders who fail to establish proper order and nurture relationship in their church are often insulated from any rebuke or reproof. Sadly, this has led to overwhelming numbers of fallen leaders, both those who are genuine as well as predatory. It has also led to a litany of broken, abused, deceived, and even apostate believers for whom these leaders were entrusted a solemn stewardship of soul. Furthermore, the immense shame and embarrassment brought upon the name of Jesus Christ and His Church has led to many non-believers abstaining from Christianity, the doctrine of Jesus Christ and His salvation, and even the Bible — which is an irreparable harm for which the Church will suffer grave judgment.

Twelve Key Points that Will Protect You and Others

Finally, it is my hope that you can escape Cover-Up Culture and the subsequent damage and destruction it brings. Please remember: leadership is accountable to (1) Christ and (2) those they serve. Laity is also accountable to (1) Christ, to (2) each other, and (3) to their leadership. You should never be accountable to a leader who is not accountable to you.

Here are twelve key biblical points that will serve to protect you and others:

#1. REPORT —Do not ever sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement. Do not ever participate with anyone who wants you to sign one. Please take the time to say something if you see something.  Matthew 18 gives us clear direction. I advocate for reporting directly to the Church AND POLICE. Law enforcement should always be informed. When you report to your church/organization there needs to be more than one person (at least two, possibly three), otherwise that one singular individual will be at liberty to just toss it at will. Always put your grievance in writing. A legal notarized affidavit may be necessary when there are instances of illegal activity, crime, or abuse.

#2. STOP IGNORING RED FLAGS — Pay special heed to red flags. Stop ignoring, excusing, and dismissing them. Stop compromising. If something ‘feels’ off — then it is. 

#3. NEVER BETRAY YOUR CONSCIENCE — We are to be as shrewd as serpents and gentle as doves (Matthew 10:16).  Our conscience is both shrewd and tender when it’s healthy. It’s where the Holy Spirit speaks. Stop justifying and excusing what you already know is wrong. If something grieves your conscience — STOP. You don’t necessarily have to know why. That’s okay. You’re not the investigator. STOP. Step away. Learn to give yourself pause. Never betray your conscience.

#4. ASK QUESTIONS — Think critically. Be willing to ask hard, uncomfortable, and critical questions. Demand clear, biblically solid answers from your leadership. If they dismiss you, can’t give an answer, are not available, treat you tritely, or become defensive, then you should be seeking Christ and biblical counsel before trusting them with your spirit and soul. People who are servants of Christ will gladly answer questions, they will serve you with joy, they remain humble, and they will genuinely desire your safety and be willing to earn your trust.

#5. STOP APOLOGIZING — People who don’t want to be held accountable will often employ DARVO: Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender. Be respectful, but be bold and unapologetic. Stop apologizing for holding them accountable.

#6. DRAW STRONG BIBLICAL BOUNDARIES — Fortify your spiritual life. When things cross the line, know what to do ahead of time. Predetermine your plan of action (like a fire drill for the soul). Know precisely where there is zero tolerance. Depending upon who you are and your personal life and calling, those boundaries may need to be very strict and strong. Plan ahead.

#7. FULFILL YOUR DUTY — If you are a leader yourself, you already have a greater stewardship and a stricter judgment. Take initiative to make the necessary changes for proper biblical relationship, transparency, accountability, correction, and consequence in guarding the Body of Christ against hidden sin, false doctrines, predatory behaviors, and other deceptions that creep into the Church. Administer your duties biblically, and do it in a timely manner.

#8. REPENT QUICKLY — If the trespass is legitimate, being true and right, then own it. And be grateful to the person who has revealed this to you. Apologize and repent. Sometimes we honestly don’t see or understand what we’re doing, and we just need another person to show and teach us. People can and should work things out between themselves (Matthew 18). It doesn’t always need to escalate.  But if and when it does, repent quickly and implement change. Read here for more on addressing blind spots.

#9. BE WILLING TO FLEE — If you are caught in a place where Cover Up Culture is being implemented to protect someone in their sin, be willing to flee. Anytime you are in danger because of a rogue leader get out as quickly as possible. Waste no time. Protect yourself and your family, and those around you whenever possible.

#10. BE WILLING TO WARN (STAND in A.W.E.) — Abstain. Warn. Exit. Throughout the Bible warnings were given to the people to protect them, both by leaders and laymen. This is when you sound the trumpet of alarm for others who could become vulnerable prey. That means you are honest and forthright. This is not about spreading gossip; rather, speak when opportunity arises. Make statements of fact and remain circumspect. Know there is always inherent risk. Be ready for retaliation, backlash, etc.

#11. CHOOSE YOUR LEADERSHIP WISELY — Be very careful about who you allow to have spiritual authority over you. Your pastor, preacher, clergy, etc. should be people you both know and trust. They need to be proven. Take the time to get to know them, even as they get to know you. If that kind of pastoral relationship is not possible, then I humbly suggest reconsidering. A good pastor will always know his own sheep, and care for them accordingly. His stewardship will be evident.

#12. BECOME BIBLICALLY LITERATE — It is imperative that you study to show yourself approved, being able to rightly divide the Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15). Embrace sound doctrine. No one can do this for you. Implement a reading and study plan that is realistic for you. Be disciplined and do your due diligence to test all things.  Be Berean in your approach to biblical literacy.

This will protect you and others from the many deceptions circulating widely in the Church today. Never cover anything up. Please take heed as you navigate your spiritual life within the Church — both personally, and at large. Be safe and well, and please share this with those you love.

Cheers & Shalom,

Image Credit: Engin_Akyurt | Pixabay

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