So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 1 Peter 5:1-3

A leader who has assumed the title of both pastor and apostle teaches on the importance of having a spiritual covering. He references Numbers 11:16,17, pointing to the account of Moses selecting seventy men to aid him in carrying the burden of the people. He tells the people how important it is to recognize the call on that leader’s life and to understand that like Moses, this leader has been able to give some of the Spirit and grace upon his life to those who come under his vision. This vision is said to be given by God Himself to this leader, and this vision that takes priority in the church. The people are also instructed in the importance of honoring the leader, and according to the leader, the Biblical definition of honor is to do as this leader would do.

This teaching is something I am personally familiar with having been taught about spiritual coverings and the importance of honor to leaders in this apostolic/prophetic movement. Many of you may be familiar with this as well. For those of us familiar with it, we have heard things stated about a spiritual covering being a form of protection and blessing for those who are under that specific leader and the associated ministry. Some of us can even attest to what is said about someone when they leave from under a spiritual covering, especially if they leave without the blessing of the leader. It is believed that in leaving the covering, that person is now exposed to curses and the attacks of Satan. In questioning the leader and leaving the ministry, one is viewed as being dishonorable and will not attain honor from others themselves. I wanted to talk about this today because this has been around for many years, and this belief and teaching can be abusive and manipulative, especially when appropriating Scripture to it in order to validate its practice.

This is part of the belief of the spiritual covering: you are to be in alignment with the vision from the man or woman of God. You are to submit to that vision that has been entrusted to them alone. Honor is found in serving that vision, and you are told that when you do that, God will fulfill what He has called you to do personally because you helped to fulfill what God told this leader to do. People are rewarded by the leader for their honor to the leader and their loyalty. Blessings follow those who submit to this leader and emulate his/her actions, such as acting like the leader, talking like the leader, and even giving like the leader. Perceived disloyalty and dishonor to the leader can result in punishment and demotion. This is not to be confused with proper church discipline, which Scripture clearly instructs to take place when necessary.

With regards to a spiritual covering and honor, a teaching may be presented from Scripture, and that leader will be prescriptively inserted into the text. Moses is a common individual used to drive this point home. The blessing is on one man/woman, and you must come under that vision in order to have the fullness of that blessing. To honor the leader is to sound like that leader and to demonstrate the anointing that is testifying of that leader. Though some leaders may say that they do not want someone to be just like them, the expectation is to exhibit a semblance of followers having that leader’s “spiritual DNA”, and in doing so, they are honoring that leader. When you give to the ministry, you are honoring that leader’s vision. When you serve in the ministry, you are honoring that leader’s vision because you are under their covering, and you will reap the benefits of being under that covering. At least, this is the belief and teaching surrounding this.

It is important to keep in mind what Scripture says about to whom we are to be conformed. The focus is not to be on a man or woman. The focus is on Jesus Christ, and that focus cannot alter course. No man or woman is the standard for holiness or the model for how to conduct oneself. Biblical humility will point back to Jesus Christ as receiving all the glory for someone who has been transformed.

As believers in Christ, spiritual coverings are not a Biblical requirement or command. Much of this stems from the Shepherding Movement began in the 1970’s. Being a part of a solid Bible teaching church is vital for us as believers, and having sound pastors and elders who honor God’s Word above all things is essential to our spiritual well-being. There is no question or mystery as to what you and I are to do. We certainly do need Godly leaders and Godly pastors who will teach God’s flock well and guide the flock in His ways. When a leader establishes a vision that furthers their agenda and their personal empire, it is wise to ask some questions and to test what is being taught. The “vision” is the gospel of Jesus Christ, making disciples for Him and not in the image of any other. The ultimate Shepherd is Jesus Christ, and good under shepherds always point back to Him in their service unto the Lord, and He is the One who is to receive all the glory.

Listen to this podcast episode regarding the teaching of spiritual covering and honor within the New Apostolic Reformation: The Lovesick Scribe Podcast: Spiritual Coverings and the Culture of Honor on Apple Podcasts