Church Disrupted

Is Easter still about Jesus... or has it become a flashy production built on gimmicks, entertainment, and clickbait ads?In this episode of the Church Disrupted podcast, Jeff peels back the pastel curtain on what’s really happening in churches this time of year—from helicopter egg drops and 4/20-themed promotions to salvation “metrics” that would make the Apostle Paul cringe.We’re diving into 3 troubling trends that reveal a deeper issue in the modern church:🚨 Churches advertising to people instead of engaging with them🚨 Church becoming more of an event to attend than a community to belong to🚨 A shallow version of salvation that doesn’t reflect the call to count the cost✝️ Using scripture, real examples, and honest questions, Jeff challenges both church leaders and everyday believers to rethink how we measure impact—and what we’re actually offering people this Easter.Whether you agree, disagree, or land somewhere in between, stick around to the end for practical takeaways to help your church center Jesus, not gimmicks, this Easter season.👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments:Are we reaching people with the gospel or just selling a religious product? Let’s talk about it.Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast at https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/.Join the disrupt campaign by giving here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/about/disruptgivingcampaignJoin 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:0:00 - Helicopters, Hashtags & Hype: A Gospel Wake-Up Call2:40 - Why This Conversation Matters4:28 - Trend #1: Ads Over Actual Engagement14:25 - Trend #2: Entertainment Over Ecclesia24:52 - Trend #3: Easy Believism & Shallow Salvation42:25 - A Better Way: 3 Challenges for the ChurchFair 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 if the way we’re planting churches is actually HARMING the Church?In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran takes a closer look at the launch of the WIN Network—a new church planting network started by Faith Promise Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. With a vision to "WIN" 70,000 people in Tennessee, this network raises big questions about scalability, transparency, and church health.We’re not just asking how many churches are being planted—we’re asking what kind of churches?! Are leaders being set up to thrive or to burn out? Are systems being built for health or for hype? And at what point does church “growth” start to look like a dangerous game?Whether you're a pastor, a church planter, or a Christian who just cares deeply about the future of the Church, this conversation is one you can't afford to miss.👉 Watch till the end for practical insights and red flags to look out for in any fast-growing church movement.Use these Chapter markers to skip ahead in the action:0:00 - Intro03:28 - Important Disclaimers04:22 -Jeff used to be part of this Church08:25 - How this Network got on our Radar13:35 - We Had Some Questions... and they BLOCKED US!20:01 - Church Growth Games that Get in the Way of Love23:28 - The Lens of Christianity... & the Solution to the Games27:48 - Do you feel the love?28:49 - Watch Out for this Part of Church Growth Culture29:31 - Churches Either Live it OR Talk About it41:38 - 7 Reasons Why the WIN Network may be a LOSING Proposition42:29 - REASON 1: Living Up to their OWN Standard47:36 - REASON 2: Concerning Past Behaviors50:41 - REASON 3: Navigating Internal Challenges1:15:04 - REASON 4: Are There Better Options?1:19:44 - REASON 5: Unclarity in Vision & Direction1:24:15 - REASON 6: A Concerning History & Troubling Stat1:38:31 - High Control Concerns & Language Over Clarity?1:47:20 - WINNERS & LOSERSArticles Referenced:- https://www.disrupted.church/tennessee-mega-church-launches-risky--questionable-new-ministry- https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-cult-5078234Find 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 if the way we "do church" today isn’t actually biblical?In this eye-opening episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran sits down with Dr. Tom Wadsworth, a biblical scholar, to explore how the early church functioned—and why modern worship services may have more to do with tradition than Scripture. From worship and leadership to buildings and Sunday routines, we’re asking: What did Jesus really have in mind for His church?Whether you're a church leader, a curious believer, or someone burned out by organized religion, this conversation will challenge assumptions and invite you to look at the Church with fresh eyes.🧠 Subscribe for more conversations that challenge toxic systems and reimagine church with Jesus at the center.👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments: Is today’s church structure biblical—or broken?Please Subscribe and Share!Check out Tom's channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@tomwadsworthJoin the disrupt campaign by giving here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/about/disruptgivingcampaignFind 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/nbWwg8Sz6ZLearn more about the Safe Church Pledge Here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledgeCheck out our Awareness Apparel HERE: https://church-disrupted.sellfy.storeWant to support SAI financially?https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaignFair 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 if I told you that church scandals aren’t random? The biggest church failures, cover-ups, and abuses all follow a repeatable, predictable pattern. In this episode, we’re breaking down groundbreaking research that exposes the hidden warning signs of toxic leadership and church misconduct.The Building Safer Churches Report analyzed 100 churches that faced public scandal and uncovered shocking insights. If churches don’t change, the next scandal is already brewing.This isn’t about tearing down the church—it’s about saving it from itself. We’re exposing the three-step pattern that fuels church corruption and giving practical steps to break the cycle before the next scandal hits. It all starts with radical transparency, real accountability, and committed protective measures.💡 WATCH NOW to uncover the data that could prevent the next big church scandal.📖 Read the full research report: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/about/researchprojects📌 Sign the Safe Church Pledge: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledge💙 Support This Work With a Financial Gift: https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaignFind 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/nbWwg8Sz6ZCheck 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).

Is this mega church pastor biblically qualified to lead their church? According to Scripture, pastors and church leaders must meet clear biblical standards—but does this pastor's leadership align with those qualifications?

In this video, we break down:

✅ The biblical requirements for pastors and elders (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, James 3:1)

✅ Where this pastor fails the biblical test for leadership

✅ How this church's leadership model raises serious concerns

✅ Why biblical accountability is necessary for church leaders today

Many churches today prioritize influence over integrity—but true biblical leadership is about servanthood, accountability, and godly character. This isn’t just about one pastor—it’s a conversation about how the church should handle leaders who fail biblical qualifications.

💬 Do you believe this pastor should step down? Does your church hold leaders accountable? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments.

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-campaign

Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z

Learn more about the Safe Church Pledge Here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledge

Check out our Awareness Apparel HERE: https://church-disrupted.sellfy.store

Please Subscribe and Share!

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction: The Need to Address Dangerous Pastors

00:16 Identifying the Dangerous Pastor

00:57 The Good and Bad News

02:09 The Importance of Early Intervention

03:24 Zero Tolerance for Spiritual Abuse

4:04 Seven Charges Against Landon Schott

07:29 Biblical Case for Disqualification

14:20 Misuse of Scripture and False Teachings

20:17 The Accuser of the Brethren

34:32 The Importance of Elders' Reputation

36:22 Misuse of Scripture and Image Repair Tactics

37:56 Examples of Abusive Pastors

40:44 Accusations and the Abusers' Playbook

46:15 Landon Schott's Disqualification and Public Backing of Dr. Michael Brown

56:57 The Call for Repentance and Accountability

01:03:17 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

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 if everything you thought you knew about church discipline was wrong? Many pastors avoid talking about the truth behind church discipline, leaving Christians confused, misinformed, or even spiritually harmed when it’s applied incorrectly.In this video, we’re uncovering what most pastors won’t tell you—the real purpose of church discipline, where churches get it wrong, and how the Bible actually teaches us to handle sin, correction, and accountability in a way that restores and protects, not destroys.🚨 We’ll cover:✅ Why church discipline often fails—and how it should actually work✅ The biggest church discipline mistakes pastors make✅ What the Bible REALLY says about church discipline ✅ How to recognize when church discipline is being misused💬 Have you ever seen church discipline done well? Or have you experienced it being abused? Let’s talk in the comments!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/safechurchpledgePlease Subscribe and Share!Chapters:00:00 Introduction: The Misunderstood Biblical Teaching00:47 The Importance of Church Discipline01:16 Jesus' Warning in Matthew 18:603:13 The Biblical Guide to Church Discipline03:31 Misconceptions About Church Discipline04:17 Understanding Matthew 18:15-2007:21 The Role of Witnesses in Church Discipline08:37 Public Correction and Its Implications15:33 Paul's Approach to Church Discipline15:46 The Case of the Corinthian Church20:12 The Broader Impact of Sin in the Church21:35 Paul's Instructions on Handling Sin26:10 Restoration After Discipline29:28 Rebuking Church Elders30:14 Establishing Credibility Before Accusing Elders31:09 Public Reprimand as a Deterrent31:45 Historical Context of Elders in the Church33:11 Case Studies and Modern Examples34:07 The Importance of Public Rebuke35:16 Scriptural Basis for Public Rebuke39:06 Misinterpretations and Correcting Divisions42:12 Examples of Public Rebuke in Scripture51:28 Practical Takeaways for Modern Church Discipline58:23 Final Thoughts and Viewer EngagementFair 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).

Churches should be places of healing, accountability, and truth—but too often, their very systems enable spiritual abuse instead. How do church structures—whether in mega churches, mid-sized congregations, or independent churches—allow unchecked power, lack transparency, and silence victims? And more importantly, what needs to change now?In this special episode, the tables are turned as Jeff Cochran, host of Church Disrupted, becomes the one interviewed by David Santistevan on the Beyond Sunday Worship Podcast. Together, they explore:✅ How church systems create environments where abuse can thrive✅ Why churches protect institutions over people (and how to stop it)✅ The role of mega church systems, mid-sized churches, and denominations in spiritual abuse✅ How financial transparency, governance, and accountability can reform the churchIf you care about holding church leaders accountable while still fighting for the good of the church, this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss.💬 What do you think needs to change in today’s churches? Drop your thoughts in the comments.📌 Support the Beyond Sunday Worship Podcast👉 Check out David Santistevan’s Beyond Sunday Worship Podcast for more deep conversations on faith, worship, and leadership: https://beyondsundayworship.com/347-jeff-cochran/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/safechurchpledgePlease Subscribe and Share!Chapters00:00 Intro01:48 Defining Spiritual Abuse05:15 Church Hurt vs. Spiritual Abuse07:21 Protecting the Organization vs. Protecting People07:54 The Role of Self-Preservation in Church Leadership09:05 Misunderstanding the Church and God's Reputation24:04 Balancing Accountability and Transparency in Churches30:46 The Influence of ARC Churches33:12 Encouragement for ARC Church Leaders33:55 The Safe Church Pledge35:19 Governance and Accountability Issues39:37 Financial Transparency in Churches47:17 Spiritual Abuse in Worship Ministry49:32 Balancing Excellence and Authenticity in Worship58:25 Final Thoughts and ResourcesFair 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 episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran and Drew Cordell (the author of Honest Christianity) explore the pressing need for reformation within the church, discussing the decline in trust towards church leadership, the troubling intersection of business practices and church operations, and the importance of accountability and transparency from churches and pastors. This conversation highlights the tension of frustration and hope for the church's future at the same time.

Follow Drew's work and get his book here: https://www.honestchristianity.org/

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-campaign

Join the church disrupted COMMUNITY here: https://discord.gg/nbWwg8Sz6Z

Learn more about the Safe Church Pledge Here: https://www.spiritualabuse.institute/safechurchpledge

Please Subscribe and Share!

Chapters00:00 Introduction to Drew Cordell and His Journey

07:07 The Need for Reformation in the Church

12:52 Cultural Shifts and the Church's Response

18:09 Business Practices vs. Church Values

25:05 The Role of Systems in Church Growth

31:11 Identifying Areas for Change in the Church

37:42 Disruption vs. Reformation in the Church

43:22 The Importance of Questions in Faith

44:47 Reallocation of Resources in the Church

47:05 Restoration vs. Reformation in the Church

50:56 Curiosity and the Pursuit of Truth

56:43 The Priesthood of All Believers

01:02:02 Safe Church Practices and Accountability

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).

In this episode of the Church Disrupted Podcast, Jeff Cochran addresses a public rebuke directed at Landon Schott, the senior pastor of Mercy Culture Church, over bully pulpit tactics that demonize detractors and questioners of Mercy Culture. This episode focuses on the importance of correction, repentance, and restoration in church discipline and sets a Biblical foundation for how to bring correction and church discipline to leaders and pastors in the church.Read the original article about what's going on at Mercy Culture here:https://julieroys.com/dallas-area-megachurch-pastor-calls-neighbors-evil-and-demonic-in-clash-over-building-project/Find out more about the Spiritual Abuse Institute and the Church Disrupted Podcast athttps://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/safechurchpledgePlease 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).Chapters00:00 Public Rebuke and Its Purpose05:48 Understanding Church Discipline12:03 The Context of the Rebuke18:12 Behavioral Concerns and Spiritual Abuse23:54 Conclusion and Call for Restoration39:36 The Dangers of Othering in Community Discussions45:09 Prophetic Words and Accusations53:45 The Complexity of Good and Bad in Ministry01:01:52 The Importance of Correction and Truth01:12:46 The Need for Healing and Restoration01:17:58 A Call for Unity and Constructive Dialogue01:25:55 Scriptural Context and Accusations01:32:39 Power Dynamics in Leadership01:39:10 Fear Language and Its Impact01:46:42 Hubris and Community Relations01:54:08 Witch Walks and Community Tensions01:59:16 The Role of Narrative in Accusations02:06:01 The Misuse of Scripture in Spiritual Abuse02:12:05 The Call for Repentance and Restoration02:22:22 Identifying Signs of Spiritual Abuse02:30:00 A Path Forward for Mercy Culture

In this episode of the Church Disrupted podcast, Jeff Cochran engages with David Ruybalid, a trauma-informed theologian, discuss his journey from faith deconstruction to healing. they talk together about the complexity of spiriutal abuse, how to deal with conflict in the church, the need for accountability, and how churches can create safe and trauma informed environments.