⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 4 min read
The Seven Mountain Mandate: A Biblical Examination
Show Summary
In this episode of Contending for the Word, Dave Jenkins is joined by Amy Spreeman (Berean Research) to launch a new series tied to January’s theme: Discerning Truth in a Deceptive Age. Together, they define what the Seven Mountain Mandate teaches, explain why it has gained traction in churches and online spaces, and evaluate its core claims in light of Scripture. While Christians should live faithfully in every sphere of life, this episode examines why the Seven Mountain Mandate goes beyond faithful presence and reframes the mission of the Church toward cultural control something Scripture never authorizes.
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Key Scriptures
- Matthew 28:18–20
- John 18:36
- Acts 1:6–8
- 1 Thessalonians 5:21
- 1 Timothy 2:1–2
- 2 Corinthians 10:3–5
- Hebrews 12:1–2
- John 14:15
Episode Highlights
- What the Seven Mountain Mandate teaches: the push to “take” seven cultural spheres (government, education, media, business, family, religion, entertainment).
- Influence vs. authority: why “influence” language often functions as a softer entry point to a dominion-driven agenda.
- Mission drift: how the Seven Mountain Mandate can reshape the Great Commission into cultural conquest rather than gospel proclamation.
- Scripture in context: how commonly cited passages are broadened or repurposed to justify a modern strategy Scripture does not teach.
- Kingdom now claims: why the New Testament presents the Church as ambassadors and disciple-makers—not rulers in waiting.
Full Article
The Seven Mountain Mandate has moved from fringe charismatic circles into broader evangelical conversations often under the banner of “being salt and light” or “cultural engagement.” But at its core, the Seven Mountain Mandate is not merely about Christians living faithfully in their vocations or seeking the good of their communities. It is a theology of dominion: the belief that the Church is called to take authority over society’s major institutions in order to establish God’s kingdom on earth in visible, cultural ways before Christ returns.
In this episode, Dave Jenkins and Amy Spreeman define the Seven Mountain Mandate in plain terms, clarify why the
distinction between influence and authority matters and show how this teaching can subtly replace gospel proclamation with power-centered strategies. Scripture calls believers to faithfulness, obedience, and disciple-making. It does not authorize the Church to “take the mountains,” occupy cultural systems, or measure success by political and institutional control.
The New Testament presents a clear mission for the Church: proclaim Christ, make disciples, teach the Word, and trust the Spirit of God to regenerate hearts. Christians can and should live with biblical conviction in every area of life, but the Church is never commanded to seize society in order to usher in Christ’s return. As Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). This episode helps believers test claims that sound spiritual but quietly redefine the mission Christ has already given.
Takeaways / Reflection Questions
- How does Scripture define the mission of the Church (Matthew 28:18–20) compared to the goals of the Seven Mountain Mandate?
- Where do you see “influence” language used in ways that actually imply control or dominion?
- What safeguards help you evaluate popular movements biblically (Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21)?
- How can Christians pursue faithfulness in their vocations without confusing that with the Church’s mission?
Related Resources
- Berean Research (Amy Spreeman)
- A Word Fitly Spoken
- Contending for the Word archives on Servants of Grace or at our YouTube.
Call to Action
If this episode helped you think more clearly and biblically, please share it with a friend, pastor, or small group.
And be sure to subscribe to Contending for the Word so you don’t miss the next episode in this series, where we will examine the history and development of the Seven Mountain Mandate and how it became tied to the New Apostolic Reformation.
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
