Church Disrupted

For this week's episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, we are re-airing our docu-style expose on miracle offering season (episode 13) in churches from 2023. Miracle offering season in the mega-church ramps up every Fall as celebrity pastors and their churches manipulate people into giving millions of dollars in a single weekend. Under the guise of "missions" and "outreach," big churches scam people out of more money to expand their existing ministries, grow their revenue, and get even bigger. In this video, we expose the common money manipulation tactics of churches and the playbook churches use to pull off miracle offerings every year. We also discuss the selling of miracles and the strategies toxic churches use to get church members to give sacrificially beyond what they can afford. We also arm you with questions to ask to know whether your church can be trusted financially and to help you know whether an offering is legit or a scam. IWant to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/. Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Miracle Offering Season 06:08 C3 Church Case Study 11:53 Manipulative Tactics in Miracle Offerings 18:04 Stories of Sacrificial Giving 24:09 The Broader Evangelical Landscape 41:31 Miracle Offering Season: Timing and Strategy 47:43 Subtle Manipulation: Elevation Church's Approach 53:28 Legacy and Generosity: The Church of the Highlands 01:01:17 The Pressure to Give: Guilt and Fear Tactics 01:21:24 The Role of Prayer in Church Offerings 01:27:34 Understanding the Prosperity Gospel 01:33:39 The Modern Church's Approach to Offerings 01:42:58 Biblical Theology of Offerings 01:49:39 Red Flags in Modern Church Offerings 02:02:51 The Financial Goals of Modern Churches 02:12:05 The Revenue and Assets of Mega Churches 02:22:28 Manipulative Money Systems in Church Offerings 02:30:39 Celebrity Preaching and Financial Scandals 02:41:20 Questions to Consider About Church Offerings

In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran interviews author and pastor Tommy Preson Phillips about his new book "Invisible Jesus." They ask the question, what if people aren't deconstructing and leaving the church because they don't want Jesus? But what if they are leaving the church to find Him? This conversation will challenge what you think you know about the church, following Jesus, and the deconstruction movement. It's a can't miss conversation for Christians in the moment in time we find ourselves in today. Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign Get Tommy's NEW BOOK, "Invisible Jesus," here: https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Jesus-Leaving-Church-Looking-ebook/dp/B0CW1MS88W THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/. Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:04 Deconstruction: A Prophetic Movement 05:57 The Role of Pastors in Deconstruction 08:50 Power Dynamics in the Church 12:12 Rummage Sale: Reassessing Church Practices 15:06 The Impact of Technology on Faith 18:02 Love as the Foundation of Faith 21:09 Navigating Differences in Beliefs 24:00 The Future of the Church: Embracing Change 30:34 Transformative Love and Acceptance 35:10 Navigating Differences in Faith 40:54 The Role of the Church: From Performance to Community 54:17 Deconstruction and the Journey Back to Faith

In this episode of the Church Disrupted podcast, host Jeff Cochran talks with author and theologian Scott McKnight about his new book 'Invisible Jesus.' They explore the concept of deconstruction within the church, discussing its prophetic nature and the reasons behind people seeking a more authentic connection with Jesus. The conversation emphasizes the importance of rebuilding trust in the church and understanding the painful journey many face during deconstruction. What if deconstruction is not merely a trend but a necessary process for many believers seeking truth and authenticity in their faith. Want to support SAI financially?https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/. Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z Please Subscribe and Share!

Navigating the journey to find a safe church after experiencing hurt can be daunting. Learn how to spot red flags by evaluating church governance and financial practices. The hosts review two mega churches, comparing their transparency and accountability. Discover essential questions to ask and indicators to look for, from leadership structures to sermon originality. This insightful discussion empowers listeners to assess church environments and ensure a supportive community for healing.

Arresting Dissenters, removing critics, threatening whistleblowers, and trying to silence critics and destroy their reputations. This sounds like mob-type behavior... but what if we told you this all describes large and well-known CHURCHES?!? That's right, in unsafe and unhealthy churches, questions, criticism, and any allegations of sin and immoral behavior are met with bully tactics like these. While this is not the case at all churches, it should NOT be the case in ANY CHURCH. In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran takes a look at concerning mob style behavior by four large church bodies in recent months. As well as how to recognize the red flags that lead up to this type of behavior. Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/. Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters: 00:01 - When churches act like mobsters 02:53 - Fellowship Church & Pastor Ed Young ARRESTS film-maker and donor for asking financial questions. 29:13 - Immanuel Baptist Church Revises its BYLAWS to RESTRICT FREE SPEECH and SILENCE DETRACTORS. 37:21 - Troll Account Uses DECEASED MAN’S Obituary Picture on Account Used to Silence Detractors, Former Staff Members, and Former Congregants of Faith Promise Church. 57:22 - D.C. Area Mega Church With Celebrity Pastor ARRESTS and EXCOMMUNICATES Members Who Ask Questions!!!

Chelsea Brooke Cole, a bestselling author and expert on narcissism, joins the discussion to unpack the complexities of narcissistic behavior in church settings. They explore the weaponization of forgiveness, stressing the importance of boundaries. Cole explains the DARVO technique—deny, attack, reverse victim and offender—highlighting its role in manipulative interactions. The conversation encourages listeners to recognize spiritual narcissism and provides strategies for healing and maintaining emotional well-being in toxic relationships.

Tim Ross, creator of the Basement podcast and the B-Side app, dives into the pressing need for transparency and accountability within the church. He discusses the troubling prevalence of scandals among pastors and advocates for vulnerability in leadership as a path to healing. Ross emphasizes that transparency, especially regarding finances, can combat the corporate culture that often stifles honesty. He challenges the notion of moral failure, calling for open discussions about failures and a transformative approach to church practices.

In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran, Shawn Reece, and Corey Laster talk about how unlearning cultural Christianity can actually lead us closer to Jesus. But its definitely not easy!!! Unlearning the traditions and systems we have known comes with painful cognitive dissonance. This unlearning is painful but worth it. So, if you are brave enough to check your preconceived notions at the door, press play, and let's dive into this conversation together. Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/. Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters 00:00 Unlearning Cultural Christianity 05:56 Cognitive Dissonance in Faith 12:03 The Nature of Church and Community 18:03 The Impact of Financial Structures on Ministry 24:14 The Evolution of Pastoral Roles 29:52 Redefining Church and Community Engagement 54:32 Understanding God's Love and Acceptance 58:34 Navigating Church Dynamics and Questions 01:00:02 The Role of Pastors and Church Staff 01:01:27 The Complexity of Theological Teachings 01:02:25 The Fear of Being Wrong in Teaching 01:04:49 The Misconception of Defending the Gospel 01:06:13 The Nuance of Paul's Teachings 01:08:05 The Prophetic Nature of Deconstruction 01:10:00 Rethinking Salvation and Baptism 01:12:48 The Importance of Discipleship 01:14:17 The Church's Response to Deconstruction 01:16:41 Creating Safe Spaces for Questions 01:18:33 The Role of the Holy Spirit in Understanding 01:20:54 The Importance of Different Perspectives 01:22:22 God's Sovereignty in Our Mistakes 01:24:18 The Fear of Man vs. Fear of God 01:26:35 The Foundation of Our Faith 01:28:27 Encouragement for Questioning Faith 01:30:18 The Journey of Faith and Certainty 01:32:11 The Importance of Solidifying Beliefs 01:34:37 The Need for Empathy in Faith Discussions 01:36:28 The Simplicity of Faith 01:38:49 Building on the Foundation of Christ 01:40:18 The Importance of Care in Building Faith 01:42:17 Remodeling Faith vs. Deconstructing 01:44:07 Encouragement for Big Questions in Faith

In this episode of the Church Disrupted podcast, host Jeff Cochran talks with pastor Melody Winderweedle about rethinking church structures and practices. They explore the early church's simplicity, the role of pastors, the importance of discipleship, and the impact of consumerism on modern church dynamics. Melody shares insights on creating gatherings that look more like the early church and emphasizes the need for community involvement in decision-making. The discussion encourages listeners to reflect on their own church experiences and consider the potential for change within their communities. Want to support SAI financially? https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign THANK YOU to our podcast partner, the East TN Mentorship Association! Find out more information about what they do or connect with them at https://earnyoursanctuary.com/ . TELL THEM WE SENT YOU for a special rate that is ONLY for Church Disrupted Podcast listeners. Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/. Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z Please Subscribe and Share! Chapters 00:00 Rethinking Church Structures 09:25 Exploring Early Church Practices 17:10 The Role of Pastors and Leadership 25:17 Discipleship: A Slow and Organic Process 33:21 Navigating Church Growth and Community 41:51 The Impact of Consumerism on Church 49:46 Creating Inclusive Gatherings 58:15 Final Thoughts and Encouragements

Dive into a thought-provoking discussion about the Growth Track model and its potentially damaging effects on genuine discipleship. Examine the contrast between early church practices and today's megachurch culture. The hosts explore the dangers of prioritizing institutional growth over authentic relationships within the church. They critique standardized assessments and the role of personality tests in spiritual growth, advocating for a return to meaningful community engagement and servanthood in leadership. It's a compelling call for reform in modern church practices!