Church Disrupted

What happens when a pastor actually gets honest about church scandals and spiritual abuse? In this raw conversation with Pastor Derek Dunn, we talk openly about the failures of church leadership, the silence around abuse, and why pastors need to break the cycle of cover-ups.

This isn’t a safe, polished PR interview — it’s real, unfiltered, and MUCH needed.

🔗 Watch The Religion Business now (with 10% off): https://www.thereligionbusiness.com/purchase/JEFFC83

Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/.Want to support SAI financially?https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaignJoin the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6ZLearn more about the Safe Church Pledge Here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledgeCheck out our Awareness Apparel HERE: https://church-disrupted.sellfy.storePlease Subscribe and Share!Fair Use Disclaimer:This video may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. All clips used are protected by the Fair Use Doctrine within Title 17 of the United States Code. This doctrine safeguards the use of copyrighted material for transformative purposes, such as commentary, criticism, review and news reporting. Under Title 17 U.S.C. § 512(f), any person who makes a false, bad faith, or misleading copyright claim or uses a copyright takedown to infringe on free speech, criticism, or commentary can be held liable for damages to the content creator.Hosseinzadeh v. Klein, 276 F.Supp.3d 34 (S.D.N.Y. 2017); Equals Three, LLC v. Jukin Media, Inc., 139 F. Supp. 3d 1094 (C.D. Cal. 2015).

Lisa Bickle Stribling stood at Hope City KC and declared a “pardon from God” for her brother, disgraced pastor Mike Bickle. In this reaction, Jeff Cochran walks through her words line by line — exposing the manipulation, gaslighting, and false teaching hidden behind “Thus saith the Lord.” Let’s walk through the sermon, expose the manipulation, and center the conversation on truth, repentance, and real accountability.Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/.Want to support SAI financially?https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaignJoin the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6ZLearn more about the Safe Church Pledge Here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledgeCheck out our Awareness Apparel HERE: https://church-disrupted.sellfy.storePlease Subscribe and Share!Fair Use Disclaimer:This video may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. All clips used are protected by the Fair Use Doctrine within Title 17 of the United States Code. This doctrine safeguards the use of copyrighted material for transformative purposes, such as commentary, criticism, review and news reporting. Under Title 17 U.S.C. § 512(f), any person who makes a false, bad faith, or misleading copyright claim or uses a copyright takedown to infringe on free speech, criticism, or commentary can be held liable for damages to the content creator.Hosseinzadeh v. Klein, 276 F.Supp.3d 34 (S.D.N.Y. 2017); Equals Three, LLC v. Jukin Media, Inc., 139 F. Supp. 3d 1094 (C.D. Cal. 2015).

The Bible is meant to bring life, not be used as a weapon. In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran breaks down how some pastors twist Scripture to protect themselves, silence questions, and control people — and why that’s the opposite of Jesus’ heart. This isn’t about attacking the church. It’s about exposing harmful teaching so we can return to the truth, freedom, and grace the Gospel offers.Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/.Want to support SAI financially?https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaignLearn more about the Safe Church Pledge Here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledgeCheck out our Awareness Apparel HERE: https://church-disrupted.sellfy.storePlease Subscribe and Share!00:00 Intro - The Problem of Twisting Scripture06:45 Jeremy Johnson - Misusing Matthew 24:1049:07 Shane Pruitt - False Ecclesiology59:31 Craig Groeschel - Peddling an Empty Promise of Man1:13:36 The Importance of Checking Scripture for yourselfFair Use Disclaimer:This video may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. All clips used are protected by the Fair Use Doctrine within Title 17 of the United States Code. This doctrine safeguards the use of copyrighted material for transformative purposes, such as commentary, criticism, review and news reporting. Under Title 17 U.S.C. § 512(f), any person who makes a false, bad faith, or misleading copyright claim or uses a copyright takedown to infringe on free speech, criticism, or commentary can be held liable for damages to the content creator.Hosseinzadeh v. Klein, 276 F.Supp.3d 34 (S.D.N.Y. 2017); Equals Three, LLC v. Jukin Media, Inc., 139 F. Supp. 3d 1094 (C.D. Cal. 2015).

WE’VE MADE TITHING AN IDOL — AND IT’S HURTING PEOPLE.For years, I taught what most churches preach about tithing: “10% minimum or you’re robbing God.” Then I actually studied the Bible. What I found changed how I viewed tithing and generosity!In this video, we discuss some toxic teachings crushing believers:⚡️ The LIE that Malachi 3 applies to modern day christians⚡️ The DANGER of “sacrifice = worship” theology⚡️ The SHOCKING truth about the widow’s mite (it’s NOT what you think)⚡️ How pastors misuse “storehouse” giving (sometimes for control)⚡️ Why the early church NEVER tithedThis isn’t about not giving, it’s about GENEROSITY WITHOUT GUILT. If you’ve ever felt manipulated by tithing demands, spiritually abused by money sermons, or wondered, “Does God really curse me over not giving 10%," this should bring you clarity and freedom.We cover:• The 3 OLD TESTAMENT TITHES churches ignore• Why "TEST ME IN THIS” (Malachi 3:10) WASN’T FOR YOU• How ROBBING GOD became weaponized• What NEW TESTAMENT GENEROSITY really looks likeSPOILER: Not one verse commands Christians to tithe. Let’s reclaim giving from manipulation and burden and restore it to joyful generosity instead.Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/.Want to support SAI financially?https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaignLearn more about the Safe Church Pledge Here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledgeCheck out our Awareness Apparel HERE: https://church-disrupted.sellfy.storePlease Subscribe and Share!Fair Use Disclaimer:This video may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. All clips used are protected by the Fair Use Doctrine within Title 17 of the United States Code. This doctrine safeguards the use of copyrighted material for transformative purposes, such as commentary, criticism, review and news reporting. Under Title 17 U.S.C. § 512(f), any person who makes a false, bad faith, or misleading copyright claim or uses a copyright takedown to infringe on free speech, criticism, or commentary can be held liable for damages to the content creator.Hosseinzadeh v. Klein, 276 F.Supp.3d 34 (S.D.N.Y. 2017); Equals Three, LLC v. Jukin Media, Inc., 139 F. Supp. 3d 1094 (C.D. Cal. 2015).

Big money. Troubling patterns. Silenced voices.In Part 2 of our ARC investigation, we examine the current leadership, financial model, and potential legal threats behind one of America’s most influential church planting networks. What we found raises serious questions: Who’s really being protected — the people or the platform?🔍 This episode exposes:• Public scandals and systemic silence• How ARC’s financial model mirrors an MLM• Legal terms used to chill transparency• Why so many leaders keep their bylaws secretWatch PART 1 here: https://youtu.be/PoUu1k5LRo4🔗 Watch The Religion Business now (with 10% off): [https://www.thereligionbusiness.com/purchase/JEFFC83 Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/.Want to support SAI financially?https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaignJoin the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6ZLearn more about the Safe Church Pledge Here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledgeCheck out our Awareness Apparel HERE: https://church-disrupted.sellfy.storePlease Subscribe and Share!00:00 Intro02:31 Is ARC Producing Integrity or Protecting Power?03:53 Who’s Leading ARC... a05:07 Stovall Weems Speaks Out: From Insider to Whistleblower06:54 From Relationships to Revenue: How ARC Became a Machine09:53 What Happens When Growth Becomes the God?15:42 Power Without Protection: The Crisis of Accountability19:03 Meet the Inner Circle: A Network of Reproach42:21 Casey Treat, Caleb Treat, and the Cost of Silence44:16 The Scorecard So Far: Integrity, Reproach, or Just Plain Silence?45:58 When Whistleblowers Tell the Truth51:54 The Celebrity Preacher Circuit: Money, Power, and Platforms01:07:33 Tavner Smith and the Governance Loophole01:15:29 Misconduct Isn't Rare — It's Repeated01:20:49 Copy-Paste Church: The ARC Growth Formula01:21:41 Where Are the Bylaws? Demanding Governance Transparency01:26:59 ARC’s Money Funnel: Church Planting or Empire Building?01:37:59 $29 Million in Revenue, $7 Million Surplus: Where Does It Go?01:45:52 Legal Threats and Information Control: Read the Fine Print01:59:36 Call to Action: If You Love the Church, Ask the Hard QuestionsFair Use Disclaimer:This video may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. All clips used are protected by the Fair Use Doctrine within Title 17 of the United States Code. This doctrine safeguards the use of copyrighted material for transformative purposes, such as commentary, criticism, review and news reporting. Under Title 17 U.S.C. § 512(f), any person who makes a false, bad faith, or misleading copyright claim or uses a copyright takedown to infringe on free speech, criticism, or commentary can be held liable for damages to the content creator.Hosseinzadeh v. Klein, 276 F.Supp.3d 34 (S.D.N.Y. 2017); Equals Three, LLC v. Jukin Media, Inc., 139 F. Supp. 3d 1094 (C.D. Cal. 2015).

In this first episode of our two-part look into ARC (Association of Related Churches,) we expose the reality of the governance structure behind many ARC churches and the systems that allow pastors to lead without true accountability.From shell boards to insider networks, we’re breaking down the documents, the silence, and the spiritual cost of ignoring transparency and accountability.If you’ve ever been part of an ARC church or wondered how so many of them operate the same way, this episode pulls back the curtain.📌 This is Part 1. Watch Part 2 for the rest of the story and to hear from a former ARC insider.Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/.Want to support SAI financially?https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaignLearn more about the Safe Church Pledge Here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledgeCheck out our Awareness Apparel HERE: https://church-disrupted.sellfy.storePlease Subscribe and Share!Fair Use Disclaimer:This video may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. All clips used are protected by the Fair Use Doctrine within Title 17 of the United States Code. This doctrine safeguards the use of copyrighted material for transformative purposes, such as commentary, criticism, review and news reporting. Under Title 17 U.S.C. § 512(f), any person who makes a false, bad faith, or misleading copyright claim or uses a copyright takedown to infringe on free speech, criticism, or commentary can be held liable for damages to the content creator.Hosseinzadeh v. Klein, 276 F.Supp.3d 34 (S.D.N.Y. 2017); Equals Three, LLC v. Jukin Media, Inc., 139 F. Supp. 3d 1094 (C.D. Cal. 2015).

A mega church pastor just blew up online... and it backfired. Pastor Russell B. Johnson went off on The Religion Business documentary days before it dropped. But instead of silencing critics, his tirade raised even more questions about church transparency and looked completely un-Christlike. Here’s what really happened, and why it matters.Be one of the first people to watch the Religion Business docu-series and get 10% HERE: https://www.thereligionbusiness.com/purchase/JEFFC83 WATCH Nathan and Chris's response to Russell here: https://youtu.be/HkvlEVoD8VYWATCH our original interview about the docu-series here: https://youtu.be/gNlwIC7xwOAFind out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/.Want to support SAI financially?https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaignJoin the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6ZLearn more about the Safe Church Pledge Here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledgeCheck out our Awareness Apparel HERE: https://church-disrupted.sellfy.storePlease Subscribe and Share!Fair Use Disclaimer:This video may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. All clips used are protected by the Fair Use Doctrine within Title 17 of the United States Code. This doctrine safeguards the use of copyrighted material for transformative purposes, such as commentary, criticism, review and news reporting. Under Title 17 U.S.C. § 512(f), any person who makes a false, bad faith, or misleading copyright claim or uses a copyright takedown to infringe on free speech, criticism, or commentary can be held liable for damages to the content creator.Hosseinzadeh v. Klein, 276 F.Supp.3d 34 (S.D.N.Y. 2017); Equals Three, LLC v. Jukin Media, Inc., 139 F. Supp. 3d 1094 (C.D. Cal. 2015).

What happens when a mega church pastor publicly lashes out at a video series exposing how the church has been co-opted by power and profit? In this episode, the creators of The Religion Business, Nathan Apffel and Chris Ayoub, sit down to respond to Russell B. Johnson's social media allegations against them. Not with outrage, but to bring clarity. Nothing is off the table in this honest and direct conversation.* Russell Johnson was invited to join this conversation but declined. Here is is official statement: “I think Nathan is wrong regarding the conclusions he’s reached about tithing. but he’s been an entertaining person to go back and forth with on social media. Ruslan offered to moderate a debate, happy to do it.”Be one of the first people to watch the Religion Business docu-series and get 10% HERE: https://www.thereligionbusiness.com/purchase/JEFFC83 WATCH our original interview about the docu-series here: https://youtu.be/gNlwIC7xwOAFind out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/.Want to support SAI financially?https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaignJoin the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6ZLearn more about the Safe Church Pledge Here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledgeCheck out our Awareness Apparel HERE: https://church-disrupted.sellfy.storePlease Subscribe and Share!Fair Use Disclaimer:This video may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. All clips used are protected by the Fair Use Doctrine within Title 17 of the United States Code. This doctrine safeguards the use of copyrighted material for transformative purposes, such as commentary, criticism, review and news reporting. Under Title 17 U.S.C. § 512(f), any person who makes a false, bad faith, or misleading copyright claim or uses a copyright takedown to infringe on free speech, criticism, or commentary can be held liable for damages to the content creator.Hosseinzadeh v. Klein, 276 F.Supp.3d 34 (S.D.N.Y. 2017); Equals Three, LLC v. Jukin Media, Inc., 139 F. Supp. 3d 1094 (C.D. Cal. 2015).

When I sat down with Ruslan KD, things got tense. We tackled NDAs, sermon plagiarism, spiritual abuse, and the messy truth behind deconstruction. We didn’t always agree, but we didn’t hold back either.This is a conversation every christian should here, especially church leaders!Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/.Want to support SAI financially?https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaignJoin the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6ZLearn more about the Safe Church Pledge Here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledgeCheck out our Awareness Apparel HERE: https://church-disrupted.sellfy.storePlease Subscribe and Share!

CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to a Controversial Church Convo01:53 Why This Conversation Happened03:19 Ruslan's weighs in09:17 Ruslan's Reaction to Dr. Michael Brown16:46 Too Charitable OR Too Critical?24:54 Sin is Sin?31:34 NDAs in Churches44:46 Power Dynamics47:27 Legal and Ethical Questions50:47 Real Church NDAs57:23 Non-Disparagement vs. Defamation01:06:17 A Better Approach to NDAs01:11:13 Legal Loopholes and NDAs in Churches01:16:19 SAI's Perspective01:20:58 Deconstruction - Good or Bad?01:27:13 Reconstruction and Faith Journeys01:37:58 Responding to Deconstruction01:43:48 Church Trends01:50:47 Celebrity Conversions and Faith Journeys01:53:33 Reasons for Deconstruction?01:56:17 Extreme Swings02:02:19 To the hurting02:15:30 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Fair Use Disclaimer:This video may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. All clips used are protected by the Fair Use Doctrine within Title 17 of the United States Code. This doctrine safeguards the use of copyrighted material for transformative purposes, such as commentary, criticism, review and news reporting. Under Title 17 U.S.C. § 512(f), any person who makes a false, bad faith, or misleading copyright claim or uses a copyright takedown to infringe on free speech, criticism, or commentary can be held liable for damages to the content creator.Hosseinzadeh v. Klein, 276 F.Supp.3d 34 (S.D.N.Y. 2017); Equals Three, LLC v. Jukin Media, Inc., 139 F. Supp. 3d 1094 (C.D. Cal. 2015).

John Bevere’s Bait of Satan teaching has influenced churches for decades, but is it really biblical? In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran responds to Bevere’s comments about offense on Lecrae’s podcast and unpack why this approach can be harmful, especially when used to dismiss spiritual abuse. If you've ever been told you're “just offended,” this one's worth your time.Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/.Want to support SAI financially?https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaignJoin the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6ZLearn more about the Safe Church Pledge Here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledgeCheck out our Awareness Apparel HERE: https://church-disrupted.sellfy.store

Please Subscribe and Share!00:00 John Bevere's Controversial Teachings05:14 Analyzing Matthew 24: A false foundation?12:37 Examining Context & Original Language20:42 Understanding Offense in Scripture31:43 Translation Notes34:14 Checking the Greek39:37 Misinterpretation and Spiritual Abuse48:32 John Bevere's Teachings and Their Impact01:01:29 Concluding Thoughts on Offense and SinFair Use Disclaimer:This video may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. All clips used are protected by the Fair Use Doctrine within Title 17 of the United States Code. This doctrine safeguards the use of copyrighted material for transformative purposes, such as commentary, criticism, review and news reporting. Under Title 17 U.S.C. § 512(f), any person who makes a false, bad faith, or misleading copyright claim or uses a copyright takedown to infringe on free speech, criticism, or commentary can be held liable for damages to the content creator.Hosseinzadeh v. Klein, 276 F.Supp.3d 34 (S.D.N.Y. 2017); Equals Three, LLC v. Jukin Media, Inc., 139 F. Supp. 3d 1094 (C.D. Cal. 2015).