The Stephen Powell Podcast

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 participationThe meaning of “itching ears” (2 Timothy 4)How desire, identity, and emotional needs open the door to deceptionWhy people remain loyal to false leaders—even after exposureAnd how deception becomes normalized within church cultureThis 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 exposureThis is not an easy conversation—but it’s a necessary one.📚 Get Ron’s Book: When Shepherds Prey: drron.org/wsp🤝 Partner With This Ministry:If this content is impacting you and you want to support what we’re doing:👉 Become a monthly partner: https://www.stephenpowellministries.com/pages/partner-with-us👉 Become a paid subscriber on Substack: https://stephenpowell907.substack.com/subscribe📖 Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Dr. Ron Cantor03:51 Journey to Israel and Ministry Background05:34 The Shift in Ministry Focus07:17 Advocacy for Victims of Abuse2:29 Restoration and Disqualification in Ministry18:54 Identifying Predatory Behavior28:41 Recent Developments in Advocacy Work38:03 The Consequences of Deception in the Early Church39:21 The Fear of the Lord and Modern Church Accountability40:20 The Importance of Advocacy and Speaking Out41:55 Healing Through Voice: The Journey of Survivors42:20 Understanding Grooming and Delayed Disclosure43:55 The Psychological Impact of Manipulation45:10 The Complexity of Victim Blame46:56 The Need for Spiritual Formation in Ministry51:58 The Cost of Speaking Out Against Abuse54:44 The Role of Shepherds in Protecting the Flock01:00:19 Preparing for a New Move of God01:04:21 The Purpose Behind 'When Shepherds Pray'

In this episode, I address a growing crisis in the modern church: the exposure of serious sin among leaders who claim supernatural authority and power.Why is this happening?And how do we make sense of it biblically?Scripture makes it clear that not everything supernatural is from God. In fact, Jesus warned that many would operate in power—even performing miracles—yet still be unknown to Him. That reality demands discernment in an hour where confusion is increasing.This episode breaks down the connection between spiritual deception, false authority, and moral compromise, and why many believers struggle to distinguish between what is truly from God and what is not.📖 Read the full article (Episode 8):👉 https://stephenpowell907.substack.com/p/the-sins-of-apostles-and-prophets-c53?r=73jcgx 🤝 Support the ministry / Become a partner:This channel is supported by viewers and partners.Partnership starts at $10/month and includes:Weekly mentorship classes (PMC)Q&A and teaching sessionsPersonal mentorship opportunities👉 https://www.stephenpowellministries.com/pages/become-a-partner 📌 Subscribe for more content on biblical truth, discernment, and the state of the church.🔖 Chapters00:00 Introduction02:42 When God Began to Open My Eyes09:25 Dark Angels and False Prophecy14:02 Dark Angels and Sexual Sin18:42 Idolatry, Witchcraft, & the Works of the Flesh21:25 The Pattern Continues26:50 Conclusion📖 Scriptures ReferencedMatthew 7:21–232 Corinthians 11:13–15Galatians 5:19–23Revelation 2:20–231 Corinthians 10:20–21⚠️ DisclaimerThis content is intended for biblical teaching and discernment. The goal is not personal attack, but to bring clarity through Scripture.

In this episode, we expose the deeper roots behind the growing crisis in the modern church—especially within apostolic and prophetic movements.This isn’t just about a few bad leaders. It’s about patterns.From self-deception…to unchecked selfishness…to the elevation of leaders beyond accountability…to systems of exploitation and manipulation…We’re tracing how deception takes root—and how it spreads.Jesus warned that in the last days, many would come in His name and deceive many. What we are seeing today is not random—it is the fruit of deeper spiritual and structural issues that must be understood if the church is going to walk in truth again.In this episode, we break down:Why many false prophets are themselves deceivedHow “honor culture” can enable abuseThe rise of prophetic manipulation and exploitationThe difference between true and false spiritual authorityThis is not a message of despair—it’s a call to clarity.God is exposing these things not to destroy His church, but to purify it...📩 Subscribe to Stephen’s Substack to get weekly teaching sent straight to your inbox for free!https://stephenpowell907.substack.com/📖 Get Stephen’s book “Blessing & Cursing”: https://www.stephenpowellministries.com/collections/books/products/blessing-cursing 💰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 here:https://www.stephenpowellministries.com/pages/become-a-partner#Christianity #FalseProphets #Discernment #ChurchReform #BiblicalTruth #EndTimes #SpiritualDeception

Is it possible to be deceived by something that looks supernatural… even something that appears to come from God?In this episode, we confront one of the most dangerous and misunderstood realities in the Church today—spiritual deception that comes through the supernatural.From the warning of an “angel of light” to the story of Balaam, Scripture shows us that not everything spiritual is from God. In fact, some of the most convincing deception carries elements of truth, power, and even real prophetic gifting.In this episode, we break down:Why supernatural experiences are not the ultimate test of truthThe warning of “another gospel” in ScriptureHow false prophets gain influence through spiritual encountersThe Balaam pattern—when real gifting becomes compromisedWhy discernment is more important now than ever in the last daysJesus warned that deception would become so strong that even the elect could be misled. This is not just theology—this is a real-time issue affecting the modern Church.If you care about truth, discernment, and walking with God in a generation of confusion… this episode is for you.----------------------------------------------------------📩 Subscribe to Stephen’s Substack to get weekly teaching sent straight to your inbox for free!https://stephenpowell907.substack.com/📖 Get Stephen’s book “Blessing & Cursing”: https://www.stephenpowellministries.com/collections/books/products/blessing-cursing 🚀 Become a Monthly PartnerPartnership helps support the ongoing teaching, writing, and production of this ministry.Become a partner here:https://www.stephenpowellministries.com/pages/become-a-partner#christianity #bibleteaching #falseprophets #spiritualdiscernment #endtimes #charismatic #prophetic #jesus #church #faith 00:00 Introduction02:39 The Scriptural Foundation of the Apostles, Prophets, & Jesus Christ04:35 Islam, Mormonism, & Branhamnism09:39 The Mormon & Branhamite Appeal to Christians Desiring the Supernatural15:04 Even if an Angel of Light17:40 The Complexity of False Apostles and Prophets22:40 Conclusion

In this episode, we’re continuing our series The Rise of Exposure Ministry by looking at a sobering but necessary reality—the sins of leadership and how they shape the culture of the Church.When leaders fall, the impact doesn’t stay at the top. It flows down into the body, forming cultures of compromise, silence, and confusion. But in this hour, God is confronting these patterns—not to destroy His Church, but to cleanse and restore it.This episode is adapted from my latest Substack article. Click here to read it:  https://open.substack.com/pub/stephenpowell907/p/the-sins-of-leadership-when-leaders?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=webIf this episode was helpful to you, consider becoming a paid subscriber to support this work and receive ongoing teaching, writing, and partner mentorship content. 👉 https://www.stephenpowellministries.com/pages/become-a-partner#ChurchLeadership #SpiritualAbuse #Discernment #BiblicalTruth #Christianity 00:00 Introduction03:45 A Love for the World and it's Ways06:49 When a Culture of Sin is Created by Leaders10:58 When Sin is Normalized in the Body18:20 The Sin of Eli23:22 Bill Johnson: A Modern Eli36:08 Conclusion

In this episode, Stephen Powell examines how corruption in leadership does not remain isolated to individuals, but spreads through spiritual families, church cultures, and entire movements. Drawing from Scripture, he explores the biblical reality of the “sins of the fathers,” the danger of iniquity being normalized in the church, and why sin in leadership must be confronted with courage, clarity, and submission to the Word of God.This episode addresses generational sin, abuse culture, leadership elitism, pride, celebrity culture in the church, and the urgent need for repentance and true transformation in Christ. From Jezebel to Uzziah, and from the warnings of Paul to the call of the gospel, this is a sobering but necessary conversation for the body of Christ in this hour.📩This episode is adapted from an article Stephen released this week on Substack. Subscribe to receive Stephen’s written articles each week (free): https://stephenpowell907.substack.com/💰Support the MinistryStephen Powell Ministries is supported entirely by viewers and listeners who believe in this work.💲 Donate- 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 here:https://www.stephenpowellministries.com/pages/become-a-partner#ChurchLeadership #ChristianPodcast #Discernment #Repentance #AbuseInTheChurch #BiblicalTruth #StephenPowell00:00 Introduction01:00 Thesis01:36 Understanding Sin and Iniquity09:13 Generational Sin and the Gospel18:46 A Culture of Abuse in the Church24:15 The Sin of Leadership Elitism and Pride31:14 We Must Boldly Confront Sin in the Church50:31 Conclusion

In this episode of the Stephen Powell Podcast, Stephen explores the deeper forces behind the crisis currently shaking institutions across society—and especially within the Church.The exposure of corruption, abuse, and doctrinal compromise in recent years is not an isolated phenomenon. It is part of a much broader pattern of institutional destabilization affecting governments, media, education, and religious institutions alike. As trust collapses and long-standing narratives fracture, institutions are being forced into a moment of reckoning.Scripture anticipates such seasons of shaking. Hebrews 12:27 reminds us that God allows what can be shaken to be shaken, so that what cannot be shaken may remain. In this episode, Stephen explains why this moment of upheaval should not ultimately be viewed as chaos, but as part of God’s process of purification—preparing His Church to stand faithfully as history moves toward the Day of the Lord and the coming Kingdom of Christ.This episode is adapted from Stephen’s article: “The Institutional Shaking of Our Time”, part of the ongoing series examining the rise of exposure ministry and the prophetic moment facing the modern Church.📖 Read the Article:https://open.substack.com/pub/stephenpowell907/p/the-institutional-shaking-of-our?r=7ubywv&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web📩 Subscribe to receive Stephen’s written articles each week (free):https://stephenpowell907.substack.com/Support the Ministry:Stephen Powell Ministries is supported entirely by viewers and listeners who believe in this work.💲 DonateWebsite: https://www.stephenpowellministries.com/pages/donate-now PayPal: http://paypal.me/stephenpowell33Cash App: https://cash.app/$stephenpowell33Venmo: http://Venmo.com/stephenpowell33Zelle: stephenpowell907Mail checks to: Stephen Powell Ministries | PO Box 912 | Maricopa, AZ 85139🤝 Become a Monthly Partner:Partnership helps support the ongoing teaching, writing, and production of this ministry.Become a partner here:https://www.stephenpowellministries.com/pages/become-a-partnerYou can also partner through:YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@stephenpowell33Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/stephenpowell907Topics Covered:- Institutional shaking in the modern world- The crisis of trust in major institutions- Exposure and accountability in the Church- Biblical perspectives on seasons of upheaval- Hebrews 12 and the theology of shaking#institute #church #bethelchurch #christian#reformation00:00 The Institutional Shaking of Our Time01:03 Understanding Institutional Shaking03:54 Defining Institutional Shaking15:08 The Rise of Disruptive Leaders22:51 The Role of Trumpets in Transition24:51 The End of the Post-War Order

In this episode, Stephen Powell addresses the growing crisis of clergy sexual abuse and institutional cover-up within parts of the charismatic church. In recent years, a wave of testimonies, investigations, and public exposures has revealed patterns that many believers are only now beginning to understand.Stephen explains how what some have called “exposure ministry”—though painful and disruptive—has become a necessary and biblically grounded means of bringing sin into the light, protecting victims, and restoring integrity within the church.While controversial to some, the exposure of hidden sin has often been the very means God uses to purify His church and protect His people.This episode is adapted from an article Stephen released this week on Substack.📩 Subscribe to receive Stephen’s written articles each week (free):https://stephenpowell907.substack.com/Stephen Powell Ministries is supported entirely by viewers and listeners who believe in this work.💲 DonateWebsite: https://www.stephenpowellministries.com/ PayPal: http://paypal.me/stephenpowell33Cash App: https://cash.app/$stephenpowell33Venmo: http://Venmo.com/stephenpowell33Zelle: stephenpowell907Mail checks to: Stephen Powell Ministries | PO Box 912 | Maricopa, AZ 85139Partnership helps support the ongoing teaching, writing, and production of this ministry.Become a partner here:https://www.stephenpowellministries.com/pages/become-a-partnerYou can also partner through:YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@stephenpowell33Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/stephenpowell907#CharismaticChurch#ChurchAccountability#ClergyAbuse#ChristianPodcast00:00 The Rise of Exposure Ministry07:56 The Role of Exposure Ministries17:37 High-Profile Cases of Abuse24:46 The Need for Reform in Leadership31:35 Systemic Abuse and the Church's Responsibility38:09 Understanding Exposure Ministry45:50 Biblical Foundations of Exposure Ministry53:32 Introduction to the Ministry and Partnership Opportunities