In August 2017, Christianity Today's Bob Smietana interviewed authors Brad Christerson and Richard Flory about their book, The Rise Of Network Christianity.
Their book is about the group of mostly self-proclaimed “apostles,” leading ministries from North Carolina to California, has attracted millions of followers with promises of direct access to God through alleged "signs and wonders."
The following are some insightful, albeit disconcerting, excerpts that resonate with what I have perceived and discerned. To me, these observations are disconcerting to me - because it always concerns me when emotionalism, devotion to a “chosen” leader, and financialization are driving forces in a movement.
I've seen first-hand the abuses of power that often result from the lack of oversight and accountability and celebrity-leader dynamism. I've observed the kind of misguided teaching and psychologically damaging cultures that result from it.
I know many people who have suffered long-term emotional and relational trauma from attending these types of churches.
Multi-level marketing reaps millions
Many of these "apostles" run megachurches, among them Bethel Church in Redding, California. But their real power lies in their innovative approach to selling faith. They’ve combined multi-level marketing and Pentecostal style alleged signs and wonders to connect directly with millions of spiritual customers. That allows them to reap millions in donations, conference fees, and book, MP3, worship cd and DVD sales.
Trickle-down spirituality, devotion to the leader
The leaders of this movement don't have the same "priesthood of all believers" theology as the Protestant Reformers, because their power flows down from particular "apostles," and then others who are "under them" can access it.
Despite being similar to established prosperity gospel preachers, this group is unique in that they really think God has put these "apostles" on earth to transform the world. It's a sort of trickle-down Christianity, which spreads its ideas through marketing and media production.
No oversight and accountability, lots of hype.
They consciously avoid any kind of formal organization or denomination (aka "oversight and accountability"). They can just go straight to the market activities.
Between social media, the internet, and conferences, they have figured out ways to leverage big, hyped-up, (emotionally-manipulative) experiences. It is a completely different discipleship than the weekly rhythm of church life in community.
These leaders don't engage in a lot of self-reflection about the dangers of holding major power without any oversight. We haven't seen a lot of self-awareness on their part. They think they are an instrument of God - and that's all they need. There's a suspicion of accountability structures.
