Is Your Church Becoming a Cult? 4 Red Flags You Can't Ignore
Is Your Church Becoming a Cult? 4 Red Flags You Can't Ignore  
Podcast: The Remnant Radio's Podcast
Published On: Fri May 16 2025
Description: Is your church drifting into dangerous territory? In this episode of Remnant Radio, Joshua Lewis exposes four major red flags that signal when a church culture is becoming toxic, manipulative, and cult-like. From authoritarian leadership and elitist indoctrination to behavioral control and fear-based intimidation, these warning signs aren’t just unhealthy—they’re unbiblical. Many believers find themselves in high-control church environments without realizing it, often because of powerful experiences, spiritual language, and the promise of revival. But when the fruit is fear, silence, and control, it’s time to take a closer look.This video isn’t just for those sitting in the pews—it’s for pastors and church leaders too. Even if you’ve never endorsed these patterns from the pulpit, they can still spread within your community through unchecked leaders, small groups, or rogue ministries. As shepherds, we’re called to protect the flock, not to dominate it. Join us as we explore what real, Christlike leadership looks like—and how to discern whether your church is cultivating spiritual health or harboring spiritual abuse.00:00 – Introduction: When Good Churches Go Bad02:04 – Red Flag #1: Authoritarian Leadership11:58 – Red Flag #2: Indoctrination, Isolation, and Elitism20:18 – Red Flag #3: Behavioral Control Masquerading as Discipleship27:08 – Red Flag #4: Fear, Intimidation, and Spiritual Abuse35:00 – Final Thoughts: Real Leadership Looks Like Jesus Hey Guys, Josh Lewis here. Have you ever wondered if the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit—like prophecy, healing, and tongues—really stopped after the apostles? Cessationists claim they vanished throughout church history, but that's a myth. In Remnant Radio’s new ebook, History of Spiritual Gifts: The Myth of Cessationism, I dive into church history to reveal the active use of spiritual gifts by early church fathers 🙏 God’s been GOOD! 🙏 Watch our year-end message from Joshua Lewis & see how your support helps us resource & equip believers in God's Word & Spirit!If Remnant Radio has blessed you, would you consider partnering with us as we step into the new year? Your support helps us produce content, courses, conferences & more! Thank you!Donate Today: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=GC2Z86XHHG4X6&ssrt=1686780016992  Support the showABOUT THE REMNANT RADIO: 📧 SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER 📚 COURSES & CONFERENCES 🛒 SHOP MERCH 💝 SUPPORT OUR MINISTRY: • Leave a Tip• Become a Patron• Make a Tax-Deductible Donation 🌐📧 Check Out Our Church PagesJosh's ChurchMiller's ChurchRowntree's Church