What is God doing in the church today?In this conversation, I sit down with JonMark Baker of the Minor Prophets Podcast to discuss what many believers are witnessing across the Charismatic movement: a growing call to repentance, biblical fidelity, and the restoration of the fear of the Lord.Together we discuss:• Why God is cleansing His Church• The Passion Translation and Brian Simmons• Bethel theology and the dangers of adding to Scripture• Church discipline and biblical restoration• Abuse, accountability, and protecting Christ's sheep• Jonathan Welton and the theology of Unpunishable• Why Scripture—not personalities or spiritual experiences—must remain the Christian's final authorityThis is an honest conversation about truth, discernment, and what faithful leadership should look like in the days ahead.If this interview encourages you, consider sharing it with another believer.Subscribe for weekly biblical teaching, discernment, and conversations designed to strengthen the Church.👉 Visit JonMark's website: https://jonmarkbaker.com/👉 Watch JonMark Baker's, David Fish's, & Mike Winger's video on Brian Simmons and the Passion Translation: https://youtu.be/k9--owgBjtA?si=ugBFXT5ELqbXM2rj👉 Watch JonMark Baker's and Ron Cantor's video on Jonathon Welton, Danny Silk, & the book Unpunishable: https://youtu.be/Jl_adsdcA5c?si=N0zQ9jInjIzJFrbA👉 Sign the petition to remove TPT from the You Version Bible App: https://c.org/bmVvdpyHjw📩 Subscribe to Stephen’s Substack to get weekly teaching sent straight to your inbox for free!https://stephenpowell907.substack.com/🎧 Check out Stephen’s Podcast:🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Ep1hLKznCyVQgDFtXpfqI?si=0ea953aa0871443e 🎧 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-stephen-powell-podcast/id1887423492 🎧 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpwroeyfRvludhJvEkzkAZxKUdx73sAj5 🎧 Substack: https://stephenpowell907.substack.com/podcast 💰Support the MinistryStephen Powell Ministries is supported entirely by viewers and listeners who believe in this work.💲 Donate- Text "Give" to: (916) 398-4629 - Website: https://www.stephenpowellministries.com/pages/donate-now - PayPal: http://paypal.me/stephenpowell33- Cash App: https://cash.app/$stephenpowell33- Venmo: http://Venmo.com/stephenpowell33- Zelle: stephenpowell907- Mail checks to: Stephen Powell Ministries | PO Box 912 | Maricopa, AZ 85139🚀 Become a Monthly PartnerPartnership helps support the ongoing teaching, writing, and production of this ministry.🚀 Become a partner through our Website: https://www.stephenpowellministries.com/pages/partner-with-us 🚀 Become a partner through Youtube | Become a Member:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJUKChRYv48j9MHgxInqopw/join 🚀 Become a partner through Substack | Become a Paid Subscriber:https://stephenpowell907.substack.com/subscribe 📖 CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction03:10 The Call for Integrity in the Charismatic Movement06:09 God's Discipline and the Church's Response07:54 Misunderstanding God's Character12:02 The Perils of Institutionalization in the Church18:13 The Influence of the Charismatic Movement22:29 Claims of Divine Revelation in the Passion Translation28:02 Plagiarism in the Passion Translation31:22 The Rejection of Ministries33:47 Concerns Over Handling Scripture36:11 Credentials and Claims of Brian Simmons39:54 Pastoral Responses and Accountbility43:44 The Impact of Hyper-Grace Theology46:54 Exposing Jonathan Welton52:14 The Need for Fear of the Lord01:02:34 The Ecosystem of Charismatic Ministry01:06:42 Accountability and the Church's Priorities01:09:27 The Pendulum Swing: From Legalism to Excess01:11:52 The Need for Integrity in Ministry01:14:45 Navigating Personal Challenges in Ministry01:17:12 Finding Rest and Reconnection with God01:19:54 A Call to know Christ and Prayer for Restoration#thepassiontranslation #bethelchurch #unpunishable #bethel

One of the most effective ways influencers gain power is by convincing their audience that they are the hero and everyone else is the enemy.In Episode 17, we continue our examination of the tactics commonly used by influencers within the Woke Right movement.Topics covered include:✅ The Hero Narrative✅ Creating an Enemy✅ Fear and Bullying✅ Strategic Ambiguity✅ Burden Shifting✅ Gish Galloping✅ Repetition in Place of Evidence✅ The "God Told Me" CardThe purpose of this series is not political tribalism. The purpose is biblical discernment.Scripture warns repeatedly about deception, false narratives, manipulation, and the dangers of following personalities rather than truth. Christians must learn to recognize these tactics regardless of who uses them.Whether the influencer is on the left or the right, truth remains truth.If this episode encourages or equips you, please like, subscribe, and share it with others.📩 Subscribe to Stephen’s Substack to get weekly teaching sent straight to your inbox for free!https://stephenpowell907.substack.com/🎧 Check out Stephen’s Podcast:🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Ep1hLKznCyVQgDFtXpfqI?si=0ea953aa0871443e 🎧 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-stephen-powell-podcast/id1887423492 🎧 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpwroeyfRvludhJvEkzkAZxKUdx73sAj5 🎧 Substack: https://stephenpowell907.substack.com/podcast 💰Support the MinistryStephen Powell Ministries is supported entirely by viewers and listeners who believe in this work.💲 Donate- Text "Give" to: (916) 398-4629 - Website: https://www.stephenpowellministries.com/pages/donate-now - PayPal: http://paypal.me/stephenpowell33- Cash App: https://cash.app/$stephenpowell33- Venmo: http://Venmo.com/stephenpowell33- Zelle: stephenpowell907- Mail checks to: Stephen Powell Ministries | PO Box 912 | Maricopa, AZ 85139🚀 Become a Monthly PartnerPartnership helps support the ongoing teaching, writing, and production of this ministry.🚀 Become a partner through our Website: https://www.stephenpowellministries.com/pages/partner-with-us 🚀 Become a partner through Youtube | Become a Member:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJUKChRYv48j9MHgxInqopw/join 🚀 Become a partner through Substack | Become a Paid Subscriber:https://stephenpowell907.substack.com/subscribe 📖 CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction02:18 Lies and Deception05:50 Re-writing History09:58 Bullying and Fear Tactics13:32 Shifting the Burden of Proof14:39 The Hero Narrative; Creating an Enemy19:40 Repetition in Place of Evidence25:49 Shifting the Burden of Proof29:41 Motive Substitution30:47 Poisoning the Well35:44 "God Told Me" Tactic43:54 Conclusion#candaceowens #stephenpowellministries #christianpodcast

In Episode 16 of Examining Candace Owens, Stephen moves beyond specific controversies and begins exposing some of the tactics commonly used by influencers within the growing woke right movement.

From "just asking questions" and information overload to moving goalposts, secret revelations, emotional manipulation, and strategic ambiguity, this episode examines how influence can be used to persuade, manipulate, and mislead audiences.

Jesus warned that deception would be one of the defining characteristics of the last days. As Christians, we must learn not only to evaluate what people say, but also how they communicate and influence others.

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📖 CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction

02:02 Understanding the Woke Right

04:57 Examining Tactics of the Woke Right

07:39 The "I'm Just Asking Questions" Tactic

12:27 Stringing People, Information Overload

14:46 Moving the Goalposts

18:03 Novel and Secret Revelations

21:46 Emotional Manipulation

26:40 Refusing to Agree on Terms

30:08 Conclusion

#CandaceOwens #WokeRight #ChristianDiscernment #TuckerCarlson #BiblicalWorldview #ChristianPodcast #StephenPowell

In this episode, I examine what I believe is one of the most dangerous trends in modern media and online culture: the conspiracy mindset.

Using Candace Owens as a case study, I explore how conspiracy thinking can shape the way people interpret events, institutions, public figures, and even reality itself. While genuine conspiracies do exist, Scripture calls believers to be people of truth, evidence, wisdom, and discernment—not suspicion, speculation, and reckless accusations.

Together we'll examine documented examples from Owens' public statements, discuss the difference between legitimate investigation and conspiratorial thinking, and consider the spiritual, psychological, and cultural consequences that follow when everything becomes a conspiracy.

This episode is not primarily about politics. It is about truth. It is about discernment. And it is about the Christian responsibility to test every claim carefully before embracing it.

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📖 CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction

01:13 Examining Conspiratorial Thinking

03:13 Candace Owens' Claims and Allegations

09:22 The Impact of Candace's Statements

14:21 Charlie Kirk's Legacy and Misrepresentation

20:06 Understanding Anti-Semitism

24:50 Candace Owens and Anti-Semitic Rhetoric

31:52 Conclusion and Call to Discernment

#CandaceOwens #CharlieKirk #ChristianDiscernment #ConspiracyTheories

Following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Candace Owens launched a series of public accusations against Charlie's widow, Erika Kirk, Turning Point USA, and individuals connected to Charlie's legacy.

In Episode 14, Stephen Powell begins a new investigative series examining Candace Owens' public conduct through a biblical lens. He explores allegations Owens has made concerning Erika Kirk, TPUSA, Charlie Kirk's death, and respected Christian leaders such as Frank Turek, while discussing what Scripture teaches about truth, slander, false witness, discernment, and the treatment of widows.

This is not a political episode. It is a biblical discussion about truth, character, influence, and the responsibility Christians have to test the fruit of influential voices.

Topics include:

• Candace Owens' allegations against Erika Kirk and TPUSA
• Claims surrounding Charlie Kirk's assassination
• The IRS findings regarding TPUSA finances
• Frank Turek and accusations against Charlie's associates
• Biblical warnings against false witness and reckless accusations
• Discernment vs. conspiracy thinking
• Why Christians must evaluate public figures by biblical standards

Scriptures Referenced:

John 14:6, Ephesians 5:11, Deuteronomy 19:15, 2 Corinthians 13:1, 1 Timothy 3:7

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📖 CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Candace Owens' Influence

01:56 Concerns About Candace Owens' Rhetoric

06:27 Personal Reflections and Conversations

09:29 Goals of the Series

11:05 Candace Owens' Attacks on Erica Kirk

23:01 The Spiritual and Biblical Evaluation

24:07 Conclusion and Future Topics

In this powerful and honest conversation, Stephen Powell sits down with Wanda Alger to discuss the current shaking happening in the Charismatic Church, the prophetic movement, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the Church today.

Together they discuss:

- The difference between true and false prophetic ministry

- Character, integrity, and spiritual gifts

- The recent wave of exposure in the Church

- Angelic encounters and supernatural experiences- Discernment, deception, and spiritual mixture

- Restoration, accountability, and church leadership

- The future of revival and the next move of God

This is a deep conversation about truth, discernment, holiness, and preserving the genuine move of the Holy Spirit in a time of great confusion and exposure.

If this episode encouraged you, make sure to subscribe, like, and share.

👉 Visit Wanda's website to find out more about her ministry:https://wandaalger.me/

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📖 CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

02:24 Wanda's Journey into Prophetic Ministry

06:29 The Role of Worship in Prophetic Gifts

09:08 Angel Encounters and Spiritual Gifts

11:23 The Nature of the Holy Spirit's Work

15:21 Identifying False Prophets vs. Struggling Ministers

20:08 The Spectrum of Prophetic Integrity

22:38 Navigating the Supernatural Realm

26:36 The Balance of Personal Experience and Doctrine

27:53 The Challenge of Distorted Messages

31:13 The Need for Collaboration in Ministry

32:57 Preserving the Move of the Spirit

37:25 Faith in the Face of Disillusionment

40:40 Understanding Seasons of God

47:36 Weighing the Messenger and the Message

56:31 Navigating Ministry and Personal Struggles

59:12 Restoration Philosophy in the Charismatic Church

01:01:34 The Dynamics of Exposure and Accountability

01:01:35 The Case of Nancy Knopp and Jeremiah Johnson

01:10:29 Church Governance and Accountability

01:16:29 Stewarding the Next Wave of Outpouring

01:25:28 Introduction to the Ministry's Mission

01:27:06 The Importance of Partnership in Ministry

Can the Church be restored?

In this final installment of The Rise of Exposure Ministry series, Stephen Powell explores the necessary reforms needed in the modern church after years of corruption, compromise, abuse, and spiritual confusion.

This episode addresses:

• Biblical accountability
• Character over giftedness
• Calling out wolves
• Prophetic integrity
• Servanthood over celebrity culture
• The fear of the Lord
• Hope for the future of Christ’s Church

Despite the darkness of this hour, Christ remains faithful to build, cleanse, and perfect His Church.

📖 Read the full article:

https://stephenpowell907.substack.com/p/can-the-church-be-restored-necessary?r=73jcgx

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📖 CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction

01:16 Necessary Reforms for the Modern Church

02:55 The Importance of Biblical Accountability

05:08 Restoring the Full Counsel of God's Word

07:06 Observing Orthodox Boundaries

08:59 Qualifications and Disqualifications for Leadership

10:49 Identifying and Confronting Wolves in the Church

13:14 The Call for Prophetic Purity and Integrity

21:53 Restoring Safety, Trust, and Credibility in the Church

25:05 The Need for Education and Wisdom in Leadership

28:54 The Importance of the Fear of the Lord

33:04 Biblical Accountability and Governance

36:03 Prioritizing Character Over Giftedness

38:18 Emphasizing Servanthood Over Celebrity

41:41 Returning to the Role of Shepherds

43:56 Hope for the Future of the Church

In Episode 11, Stephen Powell examines the deeper systemic issues behind the growing exposure crisis in the modern church. Rather than viewing recent scandals as isolated moral failures, this episode explores how weakened accountability, celebrity leadership culture, apostolic networks, hyper-grace theology, and modern technology have combined to create environments where abuse can flourish while meaningful biblical discipline disappears.

Topics discussed include:

• The rise of celebrity pastors and apostolic leaders
• The breakdown of biblical accountability
• The influence of modern technology on church governance
• Hyper-grace theology and failed restoration models
• “Cover-up culture” in modern ministry
• Why exposure ministry has emerged in response to institutional failure

This episode is based on Article 10 of The Rise of Exposure Ministry series: “The Collapse of Accountability in the Modern Church.” Click here to read the article: https://open.substack.com/pub/stephenpowell907/p/the-collapse-of-accountability-in?r=73jcgx&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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00:00 Introduction01:19 Historical Context of Church Governance03:14 The Rise of Celebrity Culture in the Church05:08 The Shift Towards Centralized Authority06:39 The Impact of Technology on Church Leadership08:26 The Emergence of Apostolic Networks09:48 The Consequences of Unchecked Authority11:42 The Evolution of Church Polity14:00 The Future of Church Governance16:49 The Need for Accountability in Church Leadership18:23 Breakdowns in Church Governance and Justice21:59 The Importance of Justice and Consequences25:12 The Crisis of Restoration and Qualification for Ministers28:23 The Dangers of Hyper-Grace and Unsanctified Mercy33:59 The Consequences of Inadequate Discipline37:50 Addressing Systemic Issues in Church Leadership39:13 Hope for Reform and Moving Forward

Why does deception continue in the church—even after it’s been exposed?

In Episode 10 of The Rise of Exposure Ministry, we confront a difficult but necessary truth:

deception is not sustained by leaders alone—it is sustained by people.

While much attention is given to false apostles, prophets, and corrupt systems, Scripture reveals a deeper issue—one rooted in the desires, needs, and responses of the people themselves.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why deception requires participation
• The meaning of “itching ears” (2 Timothy 4)
• How desire, identity, and emotional needs open the door to deception
• Why people remain loyal to false leaders—even after exposure
• And how deception becomes normalized within church culture

This is one of the most confronting teachings in the series—calling the church not only to recognize false leadership, but to examine the condition of its own heart.

If you’ve been helped by this podcast and want to support the ministry, you can become a monthly partner or a paid subscriber through the links provided:

👉 Become a monthly partner:https://www.stephenpowellministries.com/pages/become-a-partner👉 Become a paid subscriber on Substack (articles + podcast delivered weekly):https://stephenpowell907.substack.com/subscribe

📖 CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction03:01 Understanding the Dynamics of Deception04:19 The Biblical Warnings Against False Teachings06:45 The Demand for False Teachers08:20 The Significance of Ears in Scripture10:34 The Desire for Supernatural Leadership12:34 The Danger of Seeking Power Over Holiness14:42 The Need for Identity and Validation16:27 The Role of Inner Needs in Following False Leaders18:36 The Pursuit of the Spectacular vs. the Subtle20:22 The Narcissism of False Leaders22:06 The Cult-like Dynamics in Modern Church Movements24:00 Facing the Truth: Loyalty vs. Reality25:41 The Cost of Confrontation: Identity and Community27:48 Idolatry and Familial Bonds: Breaking Free30:23 The Price of Leaving: Personal Testimonies31:43 Evaluating Loyalties: God vs. Man32:15 Emotional Manipulation: The Deceptive Comfort34:14 The Power of Feelings: Evaluating Spiritual Experiences35:34 False love and grace38:17 When You're Raised in it, it's all You Know39:33 Charismatic Money-Making Schemes42:47 A Call for Maturity: Responsibility in the Church44:54 Maturing as we confront our own hearts47:49 Conclusion

What happens when those called to shepherd God’s people… become the ones who harm them?

In this powerful and sobering episode, Stephen Powell sits down with Dr. Ron Cantor to address one of the most urgent issues facing the modern Church: abuse, deception, and the growing wave of exposure.

Drawing from his new book When Shepherds Prey and years of firsthand experience, Ron shares insight into what’s really happening behind the scenes—and how the Church must respond.

In this conversation, we discuss:

- What grooming and predatory behavior look like in ministry

- Why many victims don’t come forward for years

- How spiritual authority can be abused

- The difference between restoration and disqualification

- What God may be doing in this season of exposure

This is not an easy conversation—but it’s a necessary one.

📚 Get Ron’s Book: When Shepherds Prey: drron.org/wsp

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📖 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Ron Cantor

03:51 Journey to Israel and Ministry Background

05:34 The Shift in Ministry Focus

07:17 Advocacy for Victims of Abuse

2:29 Restoration and Disqualification in Ministry

18:54 Identifying Predatory Behavior

28:41 Recent Developments in Advocacy Work

38:03 The Consequences of Deception in the Early Church

39:21 The Fear of the Lord and Modern Church Accountability

40:20 The Importance of Advocacy and Speaking Out

41:55 Healing Through Voice: The Journey of Survivors

42:20 Understanding Grooming and Delayed Disclosure

43:55 The Psychological Impact of Manipulation

45:10 The Complexity of Victim Blame

46:56 The Need for Spiritual Formation in Ministry

51:58 The Cost of Speaking Out Against Abuse

54:44 The Role of Shepherds in Protecting the Flock

01:00:19 Preparing for a New Move of God

01:04:21 The Purpose Behind 'When Shepherds Pray'