The Stephen Powell Podcast

Ep.12 | Can the Modern Church Recover? How do we Turn Things Around?

Can the Church be restored? In this final installment of The Rise of Exposure Ministry series, Stephen Powell explores the necessary reforms needed in the modern church after years of corruption, compromise, abuse, and spiritual confusion. This episode addresses: * Biblical accountability * Character over giftedness * Calling out wolves * Prophetic integrity * Servanthood over celebrity culture * The fear of the Lord * Hope for the future of Christ’s Church Despite the darkness of this hour, Christ remains faithful to build, cleanse, and perfect His Church. 📖 Read the full article: https://stephenpowell907.substack.com/p/can-the-church-be-restored-necessary?r=73jcgx 🤝 Partner with this ministry: 🚀 Become a partner through our Website: https://www.stephenpowellministries.com/pages/become-a-partner [https://www.stephenpowellministries.com/pages/become-a-partner] 🚀 Become a partner through Youtube | Become a Member:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJUKChRYv48j9MHgxInqopw/join [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJUKChRYv48j9MHgxInqopw/join] 🚀 Become a partner through Substack | Become a Paid Subscriber:https://stephenpowell907.substack.com/subscribe [https://stephenpowell907.substack.com/subscribe]  📖 CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:16 Necessary Reforms for the Modern Church 02:55 The Importance of Biblical Accountability 05:08 Restoring the Full Counsel of God's Word 07:06 Observing Orthodox Boundaries 08:59 Qualifications and Disqualifications for Leadership 10:49 Identifying and Confronting Wolves in the Church 13:14 The Call for Prophetic Purity and Integrity 21:53 Restoring Safety, Trust, and Credibility in the Church 25:05 The Need for Education and Wisdom in Leadership 28:54 The Importance of the Fear of the Lord 33:04 Biblical Accountability and Governance 36:03 Prioritizing Character Over Giftedness 38:18 Emphasizing Servanthood Over Celebrity 41:41 Returning to the Role of Shepherds 43:56 Hope for the Future of the Church

Ep.11 | The Failure of Modern Church Government

In Episode 11, Stephen Powell examines the deeper systemic issues behind the growing exposure crisis in the modern church. Rather than viewing recent scandals as isolated moral failures, this episode explores how weakened accountability, celebrity leadership culture, apostolic networks, hyper-grace theology, and modern technology have combined to create environments where abuse can flourish while meaningful biblical discipline disappears. Topics discussed include: * The rise of celebrity pastors and apostolic leaders * The breakdown of biblical accountability * The influence of modern technology on church governance * Hyper-grace theology and failed restoration models * “Cover-up culture” in modern ministry * Why exposure ministry has emerged in response to institutional failure This episode is based on Article 10 of The Rise of Exposure Ministry series: “The Collapse of Accountability in the Modern Church.” Click here to read the article: https://open.substack.com/pub/stephenpowell907/p/the-collapse-of-accountability-in?r=73jcgx&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Partnership helps support the ongoing teaching, writing, and production of this ministry. Become a partner here: https://www.stephenpowellministries.com/pages/become-a-partner 00:00 Introduction01:19 Historical Context of Church Governance03:14 The Rise of Celebrity Culture in the Church05:08 The Shift Towards Centralized Authority06:39 The Impact of Technology on Church Leadership08:26 The Emergence of Apostolic Networks09:48 The Consequences of Unchecked Authority11:42 The Evolution of Church Polity14:00 The Future of Church Governance16:49 The Need for Accountability in Church Leadership18:23 Breakdowns in Church Governance and Justice21:59 The Importance of Justice and Consequences25:12 The Crisis of Restoration and Qualification for Ministers28:23 The Dangers of Hyper-Grace and Unsanctified Mercy33:59 The Consequences of Inadequate Discipline37:50 Addressing Systemic Issues in Church Leadership39:13 Hope for Reform and Moving Forward

Ep.10 | Why Christians Keep Following False Leaders

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 participation * The meaning of “itching ears” (2 Timothy 4) * How desire, identity, and emotional needs open the door to deception * Why people remain loyal to false leaders—even after exposure * And how deception becomes normalized within church culture This 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

Ep.9 | When Shepherds Prey: The Truth About Abuse in the Church (w/ Dr. Ron Cantor)

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 exposure This 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 Cantor 03:51 Journey to Israel and Ministry Background 05:34 The Shift in Ministry Focus 07:17 Advocacy for Victims of Abuse 2:29 Restoration and Disqualification in Ministry 18:54 Identifying Predatory Behavior 28:41 Recent Developments in Advocacy Work 38:03 The Consequences of Deception in the Early Church 39:21 The Fear of the Lord and Modern Church Accountability 40:20 The Importance of Advocacy and Speaking Out 41:55 Healing Through Voice: The Journey of Survivors 42:20 Understanding Grooming and Delayed Disclosure 43:55 The Psychological Impact of Manipulation 45:10 The Complexity of Victim Blame 46:56 The Need for Spiritual Formation in Ministry 51:58 The Cost of Speaking Out Against Abuse 54:44 The Role of Shepherds in Protecting the Flock 01:00:19 Preparing for a New Move of God 01:04:21 The Purpose Behind 'When Shepherds Pray'

Ep.8 | The Sins of Modern Apostles & Prophets: Deep Gross Darkness

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.