Climbing the Mountain of God

Episode 6, the final episode—for now—jumps forward in time to the end of Trump’s Presidency to describe the out-of-control political bandwagon Andrew Wommack hitched himself and his ministry to—including the direct ties Charis Bible College has to the January 6, 2021 riots and insurrection at the US Capitol. To conclude the series, I offer some personal insights into how my faith has evolved since my time at Charis and finish with a word of encouragement to those who may be listening that have had similar experiences at Charis or in other Christian ministries, churches, or schools. Take care, and enjoy the climb!

Episode 5 details the entanglement of American Christianity and politics that I witnessed during my time at Charis, contextualized by Andrew Wommack's response to the US Supreme Court ruling in favour of same-sex marriage, Obergefell vs. Hodges. I also share my experience of being a Canadian in the US during the 2016 Presidential election cycle. I also offer my observations, from a distance, of the 2020 Presidential Campaign and its aftermath.

Episode 4 breaks down the overarching and evolving mission of Charis Bible College to create “World Changers” influencing all aspects of culture and society. I briefly introduce Christian Dominionism and the Seven Mountains Mandate before sharing how I saw myself fitting into that worldview and what my personal assignment from God was.

It’s easy to “believe” when you’re living in a bubble. Episode 3 brings you inside the “Charis Bubble”—the harmonious, feel-good atmosphere that permeates the experience of attending Charis Bible College. Closely tied to the American Christian notion of the "Prosperity Gospel," the Charis Bubble emphasizes and affirms the blessing of God over all negative emotions or experiences. From belief in supernatural healing to God's "supernatural" provision for all of life's needs, the atmosphere inside the Charis Bubble quickly becomes a self-fulfilling and self-reinforcing prophecy of toxic positivity.

Episode 2 breaks down the experience of becoming part of the student body at Charis Bible College. Set in the picturesque Front Range of Colorado, overlooking Pike's Peak, the main campus of Charis Bible College has a magnetic charm to it. This episode addresses many of the major reasons students attend Charis, and through my own experience of attending Charis, I aim to give you an inside look at what it what it is like to be a student at the school Andrew Wommack founded in the shadow of "America's Mountain."

Episode 1 introduces the man behind Charis Bible College, televangelist and faith healer, Andrew Wommack. Understanding Andrew’s personal life and Christian “testimony” is important background information to have before diving into the history and atmosphere of Charis. Andrew's charismatic, down-to-earth style and personality is one of the main attractions drawing students to Charis, myself included.

Episode 0 is the first and introductory episode in the new podcast, "Climbing the Mountain of God." In my early 20s, I made the life-changing decision to attend a charismatic evangelical Bible college in the mountains of Colorado. As a closeted gay man with a sincere desire to serve God, I was seeking change in my life. Little did I know how drastically my life would change over the course of the three years I spent at Charis. In Episode 0, I share my story of deciding to attend Charis and introduce the next 6 episodes that make up this limited series podcast.