Church Disrupted

Church Disrupted

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Church Disrupted episodes

  • 59.5 EXPOSING Miracle Offerings & Church Money Manipulation Schemes to WATCH OUT For!!!

    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

    2 hr 44 min
  • 059: Are People LEAVING The Church To FIND Jesus?!

    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

    1 hr 1 min
  • 058: Why Deconstructing Christianity is a GOOD THING for the Church

    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!

    53 min
  • 057: How To Check For Church Red Flags BEFORE Visiting A Church

    Finding a church after experiencing church hurt or spiritual abuse can be really difficult, Because if you've been through that, the last thing you want is to be hurt again. But what if you could learn a lot about how safe a church is just by looking at their publicly available information?In this episode of the Church Disrupted podcast, host Jeff Cochran introduces red flag reviews, and he reviews two mega churches from the lens of a religious trauma survivor who is looking for a safe church to re-engage with.Practical and transparent, red flag reviews will help you learn what to watch out for and good questions to ask before attending a church.

    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 - INTRO
    02:26 - Introducing Red Flag Reviews
    17:14 - Reviewing First Baptist Church, Tifton, GA
    01:10:01 - The Verdict on FBC
    01:13:03 - Reviewing Daystar Church, Cullman, AL
    02:05:29 - The Verdict on Daystar
    02:10:01 - Comparing the two churches and what we can learn from them.

    2 hr 17 min
  • 056: When Churches Act Like MOBSTERS To SILENCE Their Critics!!!

    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!!!

    2 hr 5 min
  • 055: Narcissism Expert Shares How to Recognize & Respond to Spiritual Narcissists

    In this episode of the Church Disrupted podcast, host Jeff Cochran and best-selling author and narcissism expert Chelsea Brooke Cole delve into the complexities of narcissism, particularly within church settings. From how forgiveness is weaponized by narcissists to the dangers of DARVO (you need to know what this is,) they talk about how to recognize narcissistic behaviors in church leaders and how you can respond in healthy and effective ways.

    If you have ever been on the other side of narcissism in the church, this is a must watch episode!
    Want to support SAI financially?
    https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign
    Get Chelsey's book here and find out more about her work here: https://www.chelseybrookecole.com/
    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 Introduction to Narcissism in the Church
    02:54 The Weaponization of Forgiveness
    05:47 Understanding DARVO: Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender
    11:51 The Impact of Narcissism on Relationships
    18:00 Systemic Responses to Abuse Allegations
    23:49 The Role of Churches in Addressing Abuse
    29:55 Forgiveness and Boundaries in Healing
    41:51 Navigating Forgiveness and Boundaries
    49:25 Understanding Narcissistic Behaviors
    57:53 Recognizing Projection and Baiting
    01:11:42 Addressing Faux Apologies and Fairness
    01:16:27 Creating Safe Church Environments

    1 hr 24 min
  • 054: Tim Ross on Why Transparency is the ANTIDOTE to Church Scandals & Spiritual Abuse

    In this episode of the Church Disrupted podcast, Jeff Cochran is joined by Tim Ross of the Basement podcast to talk about accountability within the church, why there have been so many church scandals and fallen pastors recently, and how transparency is the antidote to it all.

    Want to support SAI financially?
    https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaign
    Find out more about Tim's podcast and the B-Side App Here:
    - https://www.youtube.com/@UCqzgGwRrOLH20OIc8bM_VAg
    - https://www.bsideapp.com/
    Follow Tim Ross on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upsetthegram/
    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 Podcast OPENER
    03:13 Introducing Tim Ross
    07:41 The Basement Vision15:54 How to be Un-Cancellable
    25:40 NDAs in the Church
    29:25 When Churches Run Like Big Business
    33:11 Above Reproach & Protecting People
    48:22 Where's Your Anchor?
    49:35 Transparency in the Church, Especially with finances
    53:58 Finding Freedom in Transparency55:35 Embracing Accountability
    01:04:03 Let's STOP Calling it Moral Failure
    01:09:42 Church Elders Make BAD PR People01:11:49 Are you complicit?01:15:13 Are Pastors staying too long, stuck, or both?
    01:20:02 Tim's Advice for Hurt people in the church and church staff.01:29:03 - How to follow Tim's work

    1 hr 34 min
  • 053: Unlearning Christianity: What if What We THINK We Know About Christianity is Keeping Us From Jesus?

    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

    1 hr 50 min
  • 052: Re-Thinking Church In An Age Of Scandals, Consumerism, And Church Hurt

    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

    1 hr 32 min
  • 051: Exploring Growth Track & Why It Can Be Damaging to the Church

    In this episode of the Church Disrupted podcast, Jeff Cochran, Abby Fleming, and Buck Fleming delve into a controversial church system that is extremely popular today but can also be extremely damaging. They dive deep into the Growth Track model, discussing its implications for discipleship and community involvement, and emphasize the need for reform in church practices to prioritize genuine discipleship over assimilation into church systems. The conversation also explores the historical context of early church practices and the balance between the business side of church and its spiritual mission.Want to support SAI financially?https://donorbox.org/sai-initial-funding-campaignTHANK 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/nbWwg8Sz6ZPlease Subscribe and Share!Chapters00:00 Introduction to Controversial Church Systems03:06 Narcissistic Church Systems and Their Impact06:10 Historical Context of Early Church Practices09:00 Critique of Growth Track Systems11:51 The Dangers of Assimilation in Church15:13 The Role of Systems in Church Growth18:02 The Balance Between Business and Ministry20:53 The Need for Reform in Church Systems24:06 Understanding Membership and Purpose26:52 The Factory Model of Church Involvement30:07 The Call to Discipleship vs. Assimilation32:48 The Importance of Individual Purpose36:05 The Role of Community in Church38:56 The Dangers of Manipulation in Church Systems41:51 Conclusion: The Future of Church Systems01:04:00 Being the Church in Everyday Life01:07:51 Discovering Purpose and Design01:10:42 The Limitations of Personality Assessments01:13:31 The Role of Spiritual Gifts01:16:10 Scriptural Integrity and Context01:19:24 The Danger of Self-Righteousness01:22:43 Simplifying the Spiritual Journey01:25:14 The Problem with Church Systems01:28:03 The Call to Authentic Church Planting01:31:20 The Burden of Professional Christianity01:34:11 Reforming Church Systems01:37:34 The Messiness of Ministry01:40:52 The True Meaning of Leadership01:43:10 The Leadership Honor Code01:46:59 The Issue of Giving in the Church01:51:18 The Pursuit of Excellence vs. Anointing01:54:10 The Need for Reform in the Church

    2 hr 8 min

About Church Disrupted

From the publisher's feed

Taking on church hurt and spiritual abuse one conversation at a time. If you’ve been hurt by the church, you’re not alone. Together, we can heal. Together, we can bring about change. It’s time to take a stand!

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