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Abuse, Prophetic Authority, and the NAR: A Biblical Response
Show Summary
In this special episode of Contending for the Word, Dave Jenkins is joined by Dawn Hill to provide a careful, biblical, and practical response to abuse allegations connected to figures within the prophetic and New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) movement.
This episode examines prophetic authority, abuse allegations within the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), and the importance of biblical accountability in church leadership. We evaluate these issues through the lens of Scripture, not speculation.
This is not outrage commentary or speculation. Our aim is to speak factually and carefully, help believers understand theological patterns (not just personalities), equip Christians to think biblically about authority and church leadership, and protect consciences—especially those who are hurt, confused, and destabilized.
As we close, we want to remind you: you are not disloyal for asking questions, not rebellious for testing teaching, and not faithless for stepping away from error. Discernment is obedience, and clarity is loving God and loving others.
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Episode Notes
- Why we’re addressing this: not breaking news—biblical discipleship and theological clarity.
- Three categories to keep distinct: (1) what is alleged, (2) how institutions respond, (3) how the underlying theological system must be evaluated biblically.
- Why these situations are destabilizing: when prophetic authority becomes personalized and insulated, followers are often conditioned to fear questions and equate scrutiny with “touching the anointed.”
- Patterns worth evaluating: personality-centered authority, platform-driven influence, relational accountability (instead of biblical oversight), internal review (instead of external correction), and restoration processes that prioritize platform return.
- Biblical leadership contrast: authority in Scripture is local, elder-led, plural, and character-qualified.
- Pastoral encouragement: “Shaken does not have to mean unanchored… Christ is not shaken. His Word is not unclear.”
Key Scriptures
- Acts 20
- 1 Timothy 3
- Titus 1
- 1 Peter 5
- Matthew 18
- Colossians 1:13–14
- 1 John 4:1
Call to Action
If this episode helped you, please consider subscribing to Contending for the Word and sharing it with a friend or your church leadership.
If you have been hurt, confused, or destabilized by apostolic or prophetic movements and need help, you can reach out privately through our contact form at Servants of Grace.
For more from Contending for the Word please visit our podcast page at Servants of Grace or our YouTube playlist.
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah, and lives in beautiful Southern Oregon. He is a writer, editor, and speaker who loves Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology.
Dave serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries and the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine. He is the Host and Producer of the Equipping You in Grace Podcast and a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word.
He is the author of The War of Worldviews: Truth, Lies, and the Battle for the Christian Mind (Theology for Life, 2026), Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021).
You can connect with Dave on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, or subscribe to his newsletter.
When he is not engaged in ministry work, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife, going to movies, sharing a meal at a favorite restaurant, or playing a round of golf with friends. He is also a voracious reader, particularly of Reformed theology and the Puritans, and is often found working through a stack of new books from a wide range of Christian publishers.
Dave earned his M.A.R. and M.Div. from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
