In my recent post, “Communion America on the National Mall: 7 Theological Red Flags Every Christian Must Spot,” I exposed the subtle perils beneath revivalist spectacles. Lou Engle’s Communion America (October 9–12, 2025), with its mile-long Communion table and cries for a “blood-washed America,” kindles zeal for awakening. Yet, its New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) roots—which include extra-biblical dreams, dominionist ambitions, and unaccountable “apostles”—risk exalting human platforms and man’s plans over the Cross’s finished work (John 19:30).
Today, we deepen this call to discernment, inspired by a brother’s bold witness. Thank you, Kevin from Pellegrino Walk, for braving the chilled air to proclaim Christ’s light yoke (Matthew 11:28–30) on your YouTube channel—a faithful stand against man-made burdens. History’s lessons urge us: Beware the siren’s song of earthly kingdoms, for the Bridegroom comes on His timetable, not ours (Revelation 22:20).
Jesus’ Victory Over Satan: Why We Can’t Fight Temptation Alone
When Jesus fasted 40 days in the wilderness, facing Satan’s temptations (Matthew 4:1–11), He stood as the sinless Son, uniquely equipped to resist the devil’s offers. Perfect and divine, Jesus wielded Scripture to triumph where Israel failed (Deuteronomy 8:3), proving His messianic authority.
We, marred by the fall (Romans 5:12), cannot resist Satan’s deceit—master of the world’s lies (John 8:44)—through willpower or ritual fasts. Our strength lies solely in the Holy Spirit, guided by God’s unchanging Word (2 Timothy 3:16–17). We must study Scripture diligently, testing every spirit (1 John 4:1), for human additions—prophetic dreams or revivalist formulas—lead astray when they stray from truth.
Oneida Community’s Dark Legacy: The Perils of Pursuing Sinless Perfection
The Oneida Community (1848–1881) stands as a grim warning of human striving. Founder John Humphrey Noyes, swept by revivalist zeal, preached “sinless perfection,” claiming believers could eradicate sin in this life. Twisting Matthew 5:48, he declared himself sinless, rejecting “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves” (1 John 1:8) {Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2023}. His 300-member commune in Oneida, New York, pursued “Bible Communism” in a vast Mansion House.
Yet, perfectionism birthed horror: “complex marriage” dissolved monogamy, with girls as young as 12 initiated into polyamory by Noyes and elders under holiness’ guise {The Atlantic, 2018}. “Scientific breeding” and “male continence” tightened control, but by 1879, rape indictments and dissent collapsed the experiment, leaving broken families {History.com, 2021}. Pride preceded destruction (Proverbs 16:18), showing human bids for sinlessness breed exploitation, not holiness.
IHOPKC Scandal Exposed: How Unaccountable “Apostles” Enable Abuse
The International House of Prayer Kansas City (IHOPKC), tied to Communion America’s founder Lou Engle, mirrors Oneida’s errors through unchecked authority. A January 2025 Firefly investigation revealed founder Mike Bickle sexually abused or committed misconduct against 17 women, including minors, over decades, using his “prophetic” mantle to groom victims {Firefly Investigation Report, January 2025}. IHOPKC’s leadership suppressed reports, forced victims to confront abusers, and discouraged law enforcement, prioritizing the ministry’s image {Christianity Today, January 2025}.
Like Oneida’s cover-ups of sexual exploitation under “perfection,” IHOPKC’s “anointed” culture shielded sin, silencing justice (James 5:1–6). This underscores the peril of exalting leaders over accountability, echoing Kevin’s warnings against man-made burdens.
Shout-Out to Kevin from Pellegrino Walk: A Faithful Voice of Discernment
Amid these shadows, Kevin from Pellegrino Walk shines. I recently discovered his YouTube channel, and his diligent, discerning exposé of Communion America, alongside his faithful defense of God’s Word and Christ’s finished work—a work that does not burden yet frees us from legalistic weights—is a profound witness. He bravely proclaims Christ’s light yoke (Matthew 11:28–30) against the burdens imposed by IHOPKC and similar movements, embodying a watchman’s courage (Ezekiel 33:6). Thank you, Kevin, for pointing to the real Christ who saves, not movements that ensnare.
Pattern of Abuse in Modern Ministries: Hillsong, RZIM, and Beyond
This is no isolated failure; a chilling pattern emerges across contemporary Christian systems, where elevated leaders wield sexual control under spiritual pretexts, with institutions shielding them at victims’ expense. Naming the poison is crucial to breaking its grip:
| Ministry | Key Scandals | Cover-Up Details | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hillsong Church | Frank Houston abused boys (incl. 7-year-old) in 1970s; Brian Houston groomed staff/16-year-old in 1980s. | Quiet retirement, hush money, no police; prioritized reputation until 2023 acquittal. | {BBC, 2023; Australian Royal Commission, 2015; Hillsong Board Statement, March 2022; The Guardian, March 2022} |
| RZIM | Ravi Zacharias: Serial abuse of massage therapists; secret apartment for encounters. | Board ignored complaints for years to protect “platform.” | {RZIM Investigation Report, 2021; Christianity Today, February 2021} |
These systems echo Oneida and IHOPKC: “anointed” fathers exploiting the vulnerable, birthing systemic poison that destroys lives (Ephesians 5:11–12). Naming these—Mike Bickle, Brian Houston, Ravi Zacharias—breaks the silence, not to shame the fallen, but to dismantle systems that pervert grace into license. As Paul urged, “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5:11). Only Christ’s light heals the broken, calling us to accountability that honors His bride (Revelation 19:7–8).
Rest in Christ Alone: Rejecting NAR Dominionism and Revivalist Burdens
Beloved, the siren’s song of earthly kingdoms—whether Oneida’s utopian dreams, IHOPKC’s “anointed” facades, or Communion America’s grand spectacles—lures with promises of revival but risks drowning out the gospel’s simple truth: Christ’s work is finished (John 19:30).
From Noyes’ perfectionism to Bickle’s abuses, from Hillsong’s cover-ups to Zacharias’ hidden sins, history and today shout the same warning: Human platforms crumble when built on pride (Proverbs 16:18). Naming these fallen leaders and institutions is not judgment but obedience to “expose the fruitless deeds of darkness” (Ephesians 5:11), breaking the poison of sexual control to protect the vulnerable and purify Christ’s bride (Revelation 19:7–8).
The NAR’s emphasis on sacramental mysticism—casting Communion as a national catalyst—and its focus on platforms and influence (like Rick Warren’s “three-legged stool”) invert the Great Commission, trading disciple-making amid persecution (Matthew 28:19–20) for strategy and sovereignty. As Kevin from Pellegrino Walk testifies, true revival flows not from mile-long tables or 40-day fasts, but from hearts surrendered to Christ’s light yoke (Matthew 11:28–30).
Reject the heavy burdens of man-made doctrines. Embrace the apostolic call: a Church standing apart from worldly systems (James 4:4), proclaiming the gospel until the Bridegroom returns—not by our striving, but because He promised (John 14:3). Test every spirit (1 John 4:1). Study Scripture diligently. Pray for discernment to spot red flags. Share this truth lovingly, that others find rest in His grace alone (Hebrews 4:16). The King is coming—on His timetable, not ours (Revelation 22:20). Will you stand with Him?
Call to Action: Guard Your Faith Today
- Pray for wisdom to discern revivalist errors like those in Communion America and NAR teachings.
- Immerse yourself in God’s Word to know Christ truly and test every spirit (1 John 4:1).
- Share this post to guide others to His rest—tag a friend burdened by man-made revivalism.
What red flags have you spotted in modern ministry movements? Share in the comments below.
