If you are considering commenting or sending me an e-mail objecting to the fact that I warn against false teachers, please click here and read this article first. Your objection is most likely answered here. I won’t be publishing comments or answering emails that are answered by this article.
This article is kept continuously updated as needed.
Priscilla Shirer is a wife and mom of three boys hailing from the Dallas area. Though you may have become acquainted with her over the last several years from her roles in the movies Overcomer and War Room, she has been writing women’s Bible studies and has been a popular speaker at women’s conferences and other events for many years. Together with her husband, Jerry, she heads up Going Beyond Ministries.
When I participated in Priscilla’s DVD study He Speaks to Me several years ago, I found her to be an engaging writer, a witty storyteller, and charismatic speaker. Priscilla’s friendliness and genuine care for Christian women seem to shine through every word she speaks and writes. And to top that all off, she’s beautiful and sharp as a tack. It’s very easy to think of Priscilla and think, “What’s not to love?”
Which is why it grieves me to have to answer that question with: “Her theology.” Unfortunately, there are serious red flags about some of the things Priscilla does and teaches that Christian women who follow her, or are considering following her, need to be made aware of. And because of those issues, I deeply regret that I am not able to recommend her as I would like to. Should she repent in these areas in which she has broken Scripture and align herself with biblical principles, she would have no bigger fan than I, and I would rejoice to be able to point Christian women to her as a doctrinally sound resource.
Until that time, however, it saddens me to have to recommend that Christian women not follow Priscilla Shirer or any materials or activities from Going Beyond Ministries for the following reasons:
Preaching to Men
Priscilla unrepentantly preaches to and instructs men in the Scriptures in violation of 1 Timothy 2:12-14 (as well as other passages of Scripture that do not allow this). If you have followed me for any length of time, you have seen me raise this issue repeatedly regarding female Bible teachers and speakers. Yes, it’s a big deal and, yes, I will continue to teach and write about it. There are two crucial reasons for this.
First, this is a sin. I am finding that more and more Christians have to be told this. When the Bible says not to do something and you do it anyway, that’s a sin. And the Bible says that women are not to preach to or instruct men, or to hold authority over men in the gathered body of Believers, the church. Though the consequences of the sin of instructing men may not appear to be severe, it is just as much of a sin as any other sin you can think of: adultery, lying, stealing, drunkenness, and so on. If you wouldn’t follow a male pastor or Bible teacher who was open and unrepentant about committing adultery or shoplifting or getting plowed every weekend, why would you follow any female Bible teacher who preaches to and instructs men?
Second, almost without exception, every female Bible teacher I know of who unrepentantly instructs men also teaches other doctrinal error (usually Word of Faith, New Apostolic Reformation or seeker driven false doctrine). So instructing men is a red flag to watch for if you’re looking for a doctrinally sound teacher.
If a woman is supposedly knowledgeable enough about the Bible to be in the position of teaching and authoring, yet doesn’t understand or obey such a basic biblical truth, what does that say about the rest of her knowledge of the Bible? How can you trust that anything else she teaches you about the Bible is accurate and true?
Partnering with False Teachers
Priscilla partners and associates with false teachers such as Joyce Meyer, Christine Caine, Joel and Victoria Osteen, Beth Moore, and T.D. and Serita Jakes (see below). All of these people are proponents of the false and anti-biblical Word of Faith (prosperity gospel) doctrine, and the Jakeses are also modalists. Paul is quite clear that people who preach “another gospel” are “accursed”, or damned, and that we are not to partner with them. John says virtually the same thing, and adds that to partner with false teachers is to take part in their wicked works. Again, when the Bible says not to do something, and a person does it anyway, this is sin.
On October 16, 2016, Priscilla and her husband, children, and mother were in attendance at T.D. Jakes’ “church,” The Potter’s House, where, during a God’s Leading Ladies graduation ceremony, Priscilla accepted the “Lady of Destiny” award. As you can see, she has warm words of praise and admiration for Serita Jakes (T.D.’s wife).
Here’s an example of Priscilla preaching to men and yoking with a false teacher as she preaches the Sunday sermon at Joel Osteen’s Lakewood “Church”:
Unbiblical Teaching
Priscilla teaches Christians to “listen for God’s voice” in an unbiblical form of “prayer” called contemplative prayer. Combining elements of Eastern mysticism and New Age spirituality, this practice of emptying the mind and listening for God’s voice is found nowhere in Scripture. When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, He taught them:
Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Matthew 6:9-13.
No mention of sitting in silence or listening here nor in any of the other passages in which the Bible teaches about prayer. Jesus taught us the way He wanted us to pray. Priscilla teaches something different.
Priscilla often uses poor hermeneutics when handling God’s word. Looking back over my copy of He Speaks to Me, and sifting through numerous videos of her teaching, it’s clear that her method of teaching is mainly eisegesis. She begins most lessons with a story or personal experience, uses these stories to formulate her own spiritual principles, and then adds in a smattering of Bible verses (often out of context) to support her ideas. Priscilla has also admitted in her book Discerning the Voice of God, p.39, that she reads herself into Scripture, an unbiblical practice sometimes called “narcissistic eisegesis” or “narcigesis”.
The proper method of teaching Scripture is exegesis. Exegesis is taking a passage of Scripture in context, and “leading out” of it- teaching what the passage means.
One example that best showcases Priscilla’s penchant for eisegesis and poor hermeneutics can be found in this promotional video for her study, One in a Million:
0:46- This same God was supposed to be speaking to me, teaching to me, making Himself relevant to me…in the regular rhythms of my everyday living…
Where does the Bible teach this? It doesn’t. God speaks to us and teaches us through the careful study and preaching of His word, not through subjective voices, feelings, and experiences in the “rhythms of everyday living” (what, precisely, does that phrase even mean?) Where does Priscilla get the idea that God is “supposed” to be speaking in these ways? Not from Scripture.
1:37- When these believers…who had experienced different things about God became part of my life, my eyes were opened to see God in a brand new way.
These “believers from different denominations” Priscilla references who rattled her “theological box” may have been part of Priscilla’s initial exposure to false Word of Faith teaching and false teachers such as the aforementioned Meyer, Caine, and Osteens.
Notice the emphasis around the 1:37 mark on people’s personal experiences (praying for miracles, etc.) rather than on the Bible. We do not build doctrine or what we believe about God on people’s subjective experiences. What we believe about God must come from Scripture alone. Personal experiences can be evidence of the truth of rightly handled and understood Scripture, but not vice versa.
2:57- Do you know that of the original two million Jewish people only two actually ever made it? (This is where the video above ends. The original promo video I used for this article has been deleted, {so I replaced it with the one above}, but in the original video, Priscilla goes on to say…) That’s one in a million. Well, man, if there’s only going to be a handful of people experiencing what we’ve learned on the pew…then I want one of those to be me.”
The story of Joshua and Caleb being the only ones to enter the Promised Land has absolutely no connection whatsoever with how many Christians today will be able to achieve intimacy with God. None. The Bible doesn’t say anywhere that because only two people out of two million entered the Promised Land that only “a handful of people” will be able to “experience” (there’s that word again) “what we’ve learned on the pew.”
Furthermore (since Priscilla looks to tangible experiences and anecdotal evidence as support for her ideas), both anecdotal church history and the experiences of Christians who are alive today prove this idea to be false. Untold millions of Christians over the last two thousand years have studied God’s word, grown close to Him, matured in their faith, and walked faithfully with Him throughout their lives. God doesn’t limit to a select few the number of Christians who are able to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus the way He limited entrance to the Promised Land. In fact, the Bible says the opposite. It is God’s plan for every Christian to grow to spiritual maturity and intimacy with Him.
But growth to spiritual maturity through the study of God’s word and faithful obedience to Him isn’t what Priscilla is offering through this study. Instead, she is dangling in front of Christian women an emotionally appealing and unbiblical carrot of miraculous and unique personal experiences with God instead of teaching them to properly study their Bibles and rely on Scripture alone for their doctrine and practices.
Though there are others, these are the major doctrinal errors in this video, which is less than four minutes of teaching from Priscilla.
1 Corinthians 4:6 says:
I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.
It is a sad irony that Priscilla Shirer opted to name her ministry “Going Beyond,” because this is exactly what she is choosing to do right now. She goes beyond what is written in teaching men, in partnering with false teachers, in teaching unbiblical prayer practices, and in using improper hermeneutics. Therefore, it is my recommendation that women not follow, support, or receive teaching from Priscilla Shirer or Going Beyond Ministries at this time.
Additional Resources:
Disclaimer: The specific links below are provided and endorsed as evidence pertaining to this article only. I do not endorse any of these sites in so far as any of them might deviate from Scripture or conflict with my beliefs as outlined in the “Welcome” or “Statement of Faith” tabs at the top of this page.
Preaching to Men:
These are just a few of the dozens of examples available on YouTube and elsewhere of Priscilla Shirer preaching to men. If you need more examples, simply go to YouTube and type “Priscilla Shirer sermon” into the search bar.
Going Beyond Ministries with Priscilla Shirer – The Mercy of Our Great God (March 24, 2017) Priscilla preaches the Sunday sermon at Celebration Church (co-“pastored” by a woman)
Priscilla Shirer: YOUR Spiritual Battle & the Armor of God (Full Teaching) | Praise on TBN (May 21, 2021) Priscilla preaching to a co-ed audience at Passion 2018
Special Guest Priscilla Shirer (October 11, 2015) Priscilla preaches the Sunday sermon at The Refuge Church (co-“pastored” by a woman)
What Are You Looking At | Priscilla Shirer | Hillsong East Coast (October 4, 2020) Priscilla preaches the Sunday sermon for Hillsong East Coast
Women Teachers? Kay Arthur, Beth Moore, and Priscilla Shirer Believe In Teaching Men Too at Surph’s Side
Partnering with False Teachers:
If you’re not familiar with the false teachers cited below, click the Popular False Teachers and Unbiblical Trends tab in the blue menu bar at the top of this page.
What Are You Looking At | Priscilla Shirer | Hillsong East Coast (October 4, 2020) Priscilla preaches the Sunday sermon for Hillsong East Coast
Priscilla Shirer: Living Your Life For Christ (Full Teaching) | Praise on TBN (February 18, 2021) Priscilla speaks at Christine Caine’s Propel Women’s Conference
Pink Impact Conference Priscilla joined with faith healing “apostle” of the New Apostolic Reformation, Todd White, as well as false teachers Christine Caine, Lisa Harper, and “Pastor” Debbie Morris.
Love Your Life 2018 (March 20, 2019) with Victoria Osteen and Terri Savelle Foy
Know Your God | Joyce Meyer and Priscilla Shirer (In this clip, Priscilla also gushes over Henry Blackaby who mishandles Scripture and teaches a form of mysticism.)
Priscilla Shirer Talks Women and the Church, Moving From the Pew to the Pavement and Why Christine Caine Is at the Top of Her List at the Christian Post
Priscilla Shirer recommends Joyce Meyer, Ann Voskamp, Beth Moore, Jen Hatmaker, Jennie Allen, etc., “Bible” studies on her blog at Going Beyond
Priscilla Shirer speaks at Joyce Meyer’s women’s conference alongside false teachers Joyce Meyer, Lisa Harper, and Sarah Jakes Roberts (T.D. Jakes’ daughter)
Priscilla Shirer’s promo page at Hillsong
Meet Christine Caine at Going Beyond
Priscilla Shirer, featured speaker at Hillsong’s 2016 Colour Conference with Brian Houston, Bobbie Houston, and Christine Caine
Stay the Path (book) Promo Priscilla endorses Bobbie Houston’s book.
Unbiblical Teaching:
Priscilla Shirer on Hearing the Voice of God on Issues, Etc. – Pastor Chris Rosebrough explains why Priscilla’s twisting of John 10 to mean that we can hear God speak to us is unbiblical.
The False Teaching of Priscilla Shirer on the Here I Stand Theology Podcast
Is Priscilla Shirer a Sound Exegete? on Fighting for the Faith
True Woman Conference Speaker Priscilla Shirer Hears God’s Still, Small Voice at Apprising Ministries
Priscilla Shirer and Contemplative/Centering Prayer at Apprising Ministries
He Speaks to Me (April 24, 2008) promo video by Priscilla Shirer
War Room’s Priscilla Shirer’s Contemplative History, and Why It Matters at Berean Research
Review of Priscilla Shirer’s Sermon: “The Multitude” by Chris Rosebrough
Priscilla Shirer- Mystic by David Sheldon
Priscilla Shirer: Out Of The Closet At The Alpha Leadership Conference 2017 at Emergent Watch
Priscilla Shirer at Fighting for the Faith
Fervent Warning on Priscilla Shirer at Christian Answers for the New Age
War Room Reviews and Critiques
Why I do not recommend Kendrick Brothers’ new movie, “War Room”, part 2 at The End Time
War Room: A Review by Justin Peters at Worldview Weekend
War Room- A Review at Hip and Thigh
Stand Firm: A Review of War Room at Satisfaction Through Christ
Michelle Lesley 
Reblogged this on Seth Dunn and commented:
Here’s the thing…
You may not agree with all of these points, but there is enough here to indicate that you should be very wary of getting involved with Priscilla Shirer studies.
You may have loved her in War Room and want to buy her books. Let me tell you something, if your church recommended War Room, you can almost be certain that its leadership knew next to nothing about Shirer. Pastors don’t read LifeWay studies or pay attention to the false teaching crowd, for the most part. They are busy caring for their churches.
Unfortunately, they depend on LifeWay to deliver sound material. It often times fails.
You should bring these points about Shirer up to your pastor if her studies are being pushed in your church.
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Any more credible sources out there? Like The Gospel Coalition, CARM, Tim Challies, etc?) or even some reformed guys or women who speak against Schirer. I’m not seeing anyone speaking against her except small sources. I can’t but take this article with only a grain of salt.
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Hi Taylor-
(Edited to add- After I posted this comment, I noticed your comment was addressed to Seth Dunn, not to me. Unfortunately, Word Press doesn’t show me that kind of thing until after I’ve published my own comment. Grr! I hope you’ll find my response helpful anyway :0)
It sounds like you want to be discerning and weigh things carefully. That’s very wise, and I respect that. We shouldn’t believe just whatever we see on the internet.
A couple of points, though:
First, just because you’ve never heard of someone doesn’t mean he’s not a credible source (likewise just because someone is well known doesn’t mean he is a credible source). All of the resources and links I’ve included are from credible sources (The disclaimer at the top of the list simply means I have not read everything ever written by every single resource I’ve listed. These are sources I’m familiar with and consider doctrinally sound, but if someone digs up an article one of them wrote from ten years ago that says something biblically askew, I obviously do not endorse that.) Two of the three best known sources I’ve listed, Justin Peters and Aimee Byrd, are Reformed. The third, Chris Rosebrough, is Lutheran (AALC), and much of his theology is in line with Reformed theology. (I’m also about 90% Reformed if you didn’t get a chance to look at my statement of faith page.)
Next, you’re not going to see an article like this from TGC or Challies. I’ve subscribed to both for several years, so I can tell you that’s not the kind of writing they do (though Challies did feature and link to Aimee Byrd’s review of “Fervent” in his 12/21/15 A La Carte segment). Their focus is on “Christian living” type articles, not discernment (which is certainly fine, everybody has his own genre). CARM has done articles on Beth Moore, Joyce Meyer, and some other well-known false teachers, which I’ve linked to in other articles. Priscilla Shirer is not as well known, which is probably why they haven’t gotten to her yet. (Also, their main genre is apologetics, not discernment.) If they ever do an article on her, I will add it to my list of resources here.
Finally, I agree we should seek out credible sources when reading news reports and things like that where we’re called upon to simply believe what we’re being told, but that’s not the case here. This article is more along the lines of a court case where you’re on the jury and I’m showing you the evidence of Priscilla Shirer breaking the law. The “law” in this case, being Scripture.
For example, the Bible clearly says that women are not to preach to or teach men in the church (2 Timothy 2:12). I have provided you video and audio evidence that Priscilla Shirer has done exactly that, and continues to do so unrepentantly. You do not have to know whether or not I’m a credible source to examine the evidence in light of Scripture and come to the conclusion that she is sinning.
If you don’t trust the evidence I’ve presented here, I encourage you to do your own research. Watch videos of Shirer speaking, listen to her sermons, read her books, and compare them all with what Scripture says. I don’t want my readers to believe something just on my (or anyone else’s) say so. I want people to study their Bibles and use Scripture as the measuring stick for the things that are happening and being taught in the church today.
Hope this helps, and thanks for the comment :0)
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Pirate Christian is a source on her.
But read her “He Speaks to Me” Bible study for yourself if you want to assess.
Also, the small sources don’t have skin in the book and lecture circuit game. If a big guy writes against a LifeWay person, he might not get anymore invitations.
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I am not sure that the Gospel Coalition is a credible source. Here they are promoting silence. Michelle, what do you think about this article?
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/christ-centered-silence-for-noisy-advent-season
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I don’t follow TGC any more. There are still some good, solid blogs over there (such as Kevin DeYoung’s and Erik Raymond’s), and they frequently put out helpful, doctrinally solid articles, but I’ve chosen to use other sources instead.
I wish this particular writer would have more clearly defined what he means by “silence”. The silence he describes in the paragraph titled “Line 1…” could easily be construed to mean mystical/contemplative (i.e. unbiblical) meditation. However, under “Three Suggestions” he mentions “biblical reflection,” “meditate on His word,” and “Christ-centered silence.” There’s too much wiggle room in this article to pin him down on exactly what he means by “silence.” I’d like to see him go back and tighten it up one way or the other to give clarity to his readers.
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Priscilla is Tony Evans’ daughter. I’d be interested in hearing what Tony Evans says about his daughter’s doctrine.
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I knew she was his daughter, but I’m completely unfamiliar with him or his doctrine. I’d be interested, too! :0)
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Hey brother Saiko Woods! I run into you everywhere man YouTube, Twitter, and now here lol. Glad to know i am not the only dude that reads this wonderful sister’s blog. And i have my wife to thank actually, because she asked me to help her find some pretty theologically sound ladies, and it was in a post Michelle did that she found what she was looking for.
So we both have been grateful ever sense, me personally because; as her husband she is my most important ministry, so besides Church, we do studies both together and private, and then share them with one another, we also pray together and so on, but i know (because i have learned, and it is also true of men) sometimes women need women.(Titus.2:3-4)
My wife is grateful because of the resources, and because of what she said is best described as like mindedness,(She is sitting beside me by the way!) she said what she means by that is, to see biblical womanhood flourish would be a great joy! And the only way to do that is to not only study/read the Word of God in it’s *entirety* but believe and apply it. And then help teach it to other women.
As for the topic of this post neither of us have heard of her, but thanks for the heads up and good article as always. but me and the wife basically just wanted to thank and encourage you 🙂 sorry for the wall of text! Grace&Peace in Christ brother travis & sister tori
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Thanks so much, Travis. You are very kind and encouraging :0)
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I am curious about this comment, I realize this post is old so I don’t know if it will be read however, based on the above article and your statements in your article referenced at the top this man who is talking about reading from your blog and learning from you is sinning by being under your teaching. And yet you thank him as opposed to rebuking him. Can you explain ?
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Hi Tiffany- Thanks for asking! I think the following articles will be helpful in answering your question:
Rock Your Role FAQs (#3)
Jill in the Pulpit
You might also want to take a look at the other articles in my Rock Your Role series.
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i listen to Dr. Tony Evans and i love to hear him preach, he is a good pastor and knows the word of God, so i do not understand why all this negativity about his daughter, i agree with the bible about women being pastors, and she is not a pastor according to how much i know about her( i only know about her from war room). I do not think the bible says anything about women speaking in public as long as their not pastors, and she is not talking to men she is talking to ladies. but i will look to the word of God , and i will talk to my pastor.
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Hi Elise-
I think the articles in my Rock Your Role series will help you better understand God’s role for women in the church. It’s not simply a prohibition against women having a job as a pastor- there’s more to it than that. Click here– I would suggest beginning with the article entitled “Jill in the Pulpit” (you’ll have to scroll down a bit to get to it).
I’d also like to recommend my article that’s linked at the very top of this page: Answering the Opposition. It will help you better understand biblical discernment and the fact that Jesus, Paul, John, Jude and others were pretty “negative” when it came to false teachers, too! :0)
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She also hangs out with Beth Moore. This article really turned me off on her. http://the-end-time.blogspot.com/2012/10/introducing-priscilla-shirer-and-jesus.html
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True, and there are many problems with Beth Moore as well.
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Wow, I found Ms. Shirer’s book “Fervent” very helpful and uplifting. I felt the Lord provided it at the very time I needed it. Now, reading your post, I see that your words against her work and I do not understand why believers behave the way they do against fellow believers. Could it be that, as Ms. Shirer, writes in the book “Fervent” once again Satan is working to confuse and stir up evil among believers?
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Hi Teresa-
Yes, I’m afraid that’s exactly what’s happening. Scripture is very clear that people like Priscilla Shirer who teach false doctrine “confuse and stir up evil among believers”:
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
Romans 16:17-18
They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.
Jude 18-19
Like you, I also don’t understand why believers behave the way they do- taking to task those who stand firmly upon the truth of God’s word instead of rebuking and rejecting false teachers such as Priscilla Shirer, when this is so clearly what Scripture says to do. If false teachers and their followers would simply repent and believe and obey Scripture, there would be no more division in the Body. We would be unified around the truth of Scripture.
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We have just joined a new church and I was completely disheartened to find they were about to start two women’s Bible studies both by Priscilla Shirer. I shared this post on Facebook the same day my new pastor friend requested me. Tonight at church he came up and thanked me for sharing and said he hated that these studies got past him. He said he met with the teachers of the studies and told them to go over and compare everything biblically and under his guidance to finish out the study and after that thereally will be no more Priscilla Shirer in our church.
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Wow! Thanks so much for sharing this with me, Kelly! What an encouragement! I’m so happy for you that you have a discerning pastor. That’s a rare find these days.
If your ladies need a doctrinally sound Bible study in the future, they’re welcome to use anything under the “Bible studies” tab at the top of this page. Also, there are some great resources here.
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Thank you, Michelle! Our young ministry assistant, a woman, is using Discerning God’s Voice for our women’s Bible study. Have been vetting her – this was very helpful!
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Glad to be of service, Maria :0)
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:0)
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Michelle,
I am curious, have you confronted Priscilla Shirer of this sin. In Matthew 18:15-18, It carefully lays out a process of correcting fellow Christians that have sinned. Otherwise, it appears this is a form of gossip.
Based on Saikowoods earlier post, you are not even familiar with the fact that Dr. Tony Evans is her father. It would definitely be interesting to hear his perspective.
Lastly, although you are not directly in front of Travis Arnett, Saikowoods, Taylor Dunn & Seth Dunn, all of which are men who have posted here… They are Reading & commenting on your comments and blog, thus you are teaching men. How is this different?
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“I am curious, have you confronted Priscilla Shirer of this sin. In Matthew 18:15-18, It carefully lays out a process of correcting fellow Christians that have sinned. Otherwise, it appears this is a form of gossip.”
No, I have not confronted Priscilla Shirer about her sin (and thank you for realizing that what she’s doing is, in fact, sin). Here’s why:
1. I have no doubt that others have confronted her about these things. Plus, she has a Bible and supposedly knows it well enough to teach it. If so, then she is well aware of what the Bible says about these issues. If not, she does not know the Bible well enough to be teaching (James 3:1).
2. I have attempted plenty of times to contact people like Priscilla Shirer. One of two things happens: either I’m ignored altogether, or one of her underlings gets back in touch with me to defend her. It’s a complete waste of time.
3. Matthew 18 does not apply to public false teaching. It is about sin in the local congregation where you actually know the person personally and have access to him/her. Paul refuted public false teaching publicly many times. Here’s more info. on that if you’re interested.
4. Warning people away from false teaching is not gossip. If it were, Paul, Jude, Peter, and even Jesus would be guilty of that sin. Was Jesus gossiping in Matthew 16:6, 11,12 when He said, “Beware the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees”? Romans 16:17-18 tells us we’re to mark false teachers and avoid them. In Acts 17:11, the Bereans are praised for comparing everything Paul said to Scripture to see if it was true. A large chunk of the New Testament (Matthew 7:15-23, 2 Peter 2, 2 Timothy 3:1-7, the book of Jude, and many other passages) is devoted to warning people against false teaching. Why would the Bible give us both descriptive and prescriptive instruction to warn against false teaching if doing so is a sin (gossip)?
“Based on Saikowoods earlier post, you are not even familiar with the fact that Dr. Tony Evans is her father. It would definitely be interesting to hear his perspective.”
I don’t think you read my comment carefully enough. My exact words were: “I knew she was his daughter, but I’m completely unfamiliar with him or his doctrine.” Since I made that comment, I’ve seen several endorsements of Priscilla Shirer and her materials by Tony Evans, so I guess that tells us his perspective and the fact that he’s not very discerning. Still, knowing his perspective and the fact that he’s her father doesn’t change the fact that what Priscilla Shirer is doing is wrong.
“Lastly, although you are not directly in front of Travis Arnett, Saikowoods, Taylor Dunn & Seth Dunn, all of which are men who have posted here… They are Reading & commenting on your comments and blog, thus you are teaching men. How is this different?”
No, I’m not violating Scripture by teaching men when they read or comment on my blog. Here’s why.
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Olga Souders As I mentioned in my comment, I was here with my wife, completely of my own volition, in no way did Michelle do anything unbiblical. 1. This is not a “Church”. 2. No where did she usurp authority etc. 3. She has no control over who reads her blogs. Also your references in Matthew do not apply, and sadly this out of context mess gets regurgitated as much, if not more so, as Matthew 7, and the whole “Do not ever judge crowd”. With all that said, I do not say any of this out of ill intent, anger, or anything along those lines, I simply wanted to clarify, and say, that I agree with Michelle’s exegesis of (Matthew. 18:15-18), although I would add: The minute someone puts something on Youtube, Face Book, Twitter, or any other social media, or public outlet for that matter, your proof text falls flat in on itself, because more than anything this text deals with proper Church discipline. And besides all these big names, aren’t just claiming to over see a “church”, they are writing “New York best sellers”, etc. To think one can just enter there work into the public domain without criticism, is simply ludicrous!
in Christ
brother
travis
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Reblogged this on Roni Bat Tzion.
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Reblogged this on queeninchrist's Blog and commented:
God has not instructed women to preach to or instruct men…
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I am gonna pray for you. As a sister in Christ, I believe we should be happy for their success and teaching us the Word of God. If you don’t sync with their teaching, don’t follow them. Amen.
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Thank you, Daisy. I can always use more people praying for me.
Could you please show me the Bible verse that says we’re supposed to be happy for people who achieve financial and popularity success by twisting God’s word, teaching false doctrine, and walking in disobedience to Him? What we “believe” about that is irrelevant. As Christians, we are to follow and obey God’s written word, the Bible, not our own opinions.
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Thank you MIchelle Lesley. You are spot on. Just got home form a conference defending the faith. It was stated, that the big name pastors are no where to be found when standing against these deceptions. That is why there is so much confusion in the flock, they don’t rebuke the error as Paul did, but are now hobnobbing with them.. It is called cross promotion. Yes it is the little people or the less known that are standing against these deceptions and I am so glad that you are and there are many more. ROger Oakland of understanding the times and a few good men, are putting together a web site. where those who recognize the deception and want to speak up, will have a place to go. It will be called the good shepherd calls…
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Thanks, Karen! :0)
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I am more of an egalitarian, but Shirer rubs me the wrong way too. She seems somewhat self righteous. I also dislike how she makes a career of telling women not to have careers. If you believe women shouldn’t work, this includes you.
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I’m surprised to hear that’s her position. Could you please provide me with a link to an article or video where she says that so I can check it out? (Also, let’s please try to keep things friendly and polite, OK?)
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Reblogged this on Eternally Secured and commented:
After a bit of research on Ms. Shirer, I’m determined that she’s one to beware of.
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Hummm…. Are you into apologetics or something?
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Well, technically, this article would fall under the category of discernment, but yes, I guess you could say I’m into apologetics as all Christians are called to be :0)
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I attended a conference with Beth Moore, whom I know you have accused also of teaching and preaching to men, and before she began she said that she was there under the guidance of her pastor and that if men were present, they should understand that her teachings were meant for women. I also have a few tape recording of her Bible Studies that were done either in her Sunday School or her Tuesday Bible Study Meetings where she actually dismisses men from the room when she was at a church in Houston. NOW, I have to preface this with this was MANY years ago. As far as Priscilla, I am unsure of this. Are they preaching from a church pulpit on a Sunday morning as a pastor would? Are they guiding and leading a flock ( a church )? I have to admit that I do not know the entire Biblical passage on this, but in my mind, if there is a WOMENS Conference, and books written for women, and Bible Studies written for women, all of them are geared to women, they cant really “help” men being in attendance of their own perogative, but any time I have been to a conference where these women spoke and I looked across an entire arena of seats, very very few of them were occupied by men. Also, and I am not downing what you say, as you obviously have many wonderful people reading your blog, these women are an excellent entry way in to the faith. There CAN be women from different denominations there, what is so wrong with that? There is only ONE requirement for salvation, and that is accepting that Jesus Christ’s blood took the place of our sin, recognize our sin and confess it, believe that Jesus is God’s son. It does NOT say, and be baptist. Or and be ….. Yes, all of this is important, NO it is not vital. In a day and age where any type of hope is needed, especially to the unchurched, I would listen to either Beth Moore or Priscilla Shirer any day of the week over the news. And, sometimes, basic is enough. I dont know half of your theological terminology, but I do know that I love Jesus and Im going to heaven, so Im just fine with that.
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Hi Stephanie-
Before I address some of your specific concerns, two things:
First, thank you for the kind and civil tone of your comment. Often, when readers express their disagreement, they do so in a very vicious and attacking way, so I really appreciate it when someone politely expresses herself.
Next, as I hope you would agree, Scripture is our final authority as Christians. We are to base everything we think, do, and believe on Scripture. Yet, I noticed in your comments that you did not once appeal to Scripture or support your position with Scripture. Your defense of Moore and Shirer is based only on your own experiences and opinions. This is a very good reason not to sit under their teaching. They point you to your own experiences and opinions, not to Scripture, as your authority for what you think, believe, and do. That is not what the Bible says that preachers and teachers are to do.
I attended a conference with Beth Moore, whom I know you have accused also of teaching and preaching to men,
“Accused” is a very loaded, and in this case, inaccurate term. She does teach and preach to men whether I say she does or not. She has been doing so for years. She admits it. There’s plenty of video evidence of it and witnesses who could testify to it. That’s not an accusation, it’s a statement of fact.
That preaching to and teaching men is a violation of Scripture is also not an accusation, but a statement of fact. The Bible says don’t do X, Beth Moore does X. That’s breaking God’s command, which is sin.
In addition, Beth Moore violates other Scriptures including the ones prohibiting the teaching of false doctrine and yoking ourselves together with those who do. She is a false teacher, not because I say so, but because when you compare her teachings and behavior to Scripture, you will find them consistently in conflict with Scripture. I’d encourage you not to take my word for it, but to examine the evidence against Scripture (in context, of course) for yourself.
and before she began she said that she was there under the guidance of her pastor and that if men were present, they should understand that her teachings were meant for women. I also have a few tape recording of her Bible Studies that were done either in her Sunday School or her Tuesday Bible Study Meetings where she actually dismisses men from the room when she was at a church in Houston. NOW, I have to preface this with this was MANY years ago.
That must have been before she asked for (and received) her pastor’s and husband’s permission to teach men in her Sunday School class. I’ve read her own account explaining this. Going by her recent appearances, she no longer seems to have any reservations about violating the Scriptures that prohibit her from teaching and preaching to men.
Another important point on this subject: Can you think of a Scripture that says pastors can give people permission, guidance, or authority to sin by disobeying God’s word? There is no passage of Scripture that says it’s OK for a woman to preach to, teach, or hold authority over men in the gathered body of believers as long as she has permission from her pastor or husband. It just says “don’t.” Period. If a pastor (or husband- Beth has also said she is acting under her husband’s “mantle of authority”) tries to give her that authority, he is putting himself in the place of God who has prohibited it and he is sinning, too.
Before we move on to Priscilla, I just want to reiterate that preaching to men is not the only way Beth is unrepentantly breaking Scripture (although that is certainly enough to disqualify her as a teacher). She also teaches false doctrine (things that either are at odds with Scripture or aren’t in Scripture at all) and partners with other false teachers (people who teach false doctrine).
As far as Priscilla, I am unsure of this.
Did you mean you’re unsure whether or not she preaches to men? She does. There’s more than one link in the article providing video evidence of this.
Are they preaching from a church pulpit on a Sunday morning as a pastor would? Are they guiding and leading a flock (a church)?
Scripture doesn’t specify that only preaching from a pulpit on Sunday morning as a pastor would or leading a church qualifies as preaching to or teaching men, but, yes, they have both done the former and neither has indicated repentance over it or any plans to stop doing so.
I have to admit that I do not know the entire Biblical passage on this,
If I might, it would be my joy to help you out with this. My article, <em>Jill in the Pulpit examines 1 Timothy 2:11-12 (the clearest and most concise passage addressing this topic) in context and explains it (in what I hope is a clear and understandable way- if not, please feel free to let me know if you have any questions).
but in my mind,
Remember, Scripture, not our ideas and opinions are what we must follow and obey.
if there is a WOMENS Conference, and books written for women, and Bible Studies written for women, all of them are geared to women, they cant really “help” men being in attendance of their own perogative,
With regard to books, Bible studies, even blogs like mine, I completely agree with you! (I’ve addressed that here in case you might be interested.)
But books and blogs written for women are not what 1 Timothy 2:12 refers to, and it’s not the same as willingly allowing men to attend (which is something Beth and Priscilla both do) an event where a woman, in an authoritative position, is teaching God’s word to believers, or accepting speaking engagements that are open to men. If you carefully examine Beth’s and Priscilla’s events over the last several years, you’ll see that they headline plenty of events that are wide open to both men and women. It’s not like they bend over backwards to exclude men and can’t help it if men stay, short of being bodily removed.
but any time I have been to a conference where these women spoke and I looked across an entire arena of seats, very very few of them were occupied by men.
That’s good, but that doesn’t change the fact that neither Beth nor Priscilla turn down speaking events that are open to both men and women. They both willingly, and without reservation, preach to co-ed groups all the time.
There are some instances in which it is biblically permissible for a man to be in the room while a woman is teaching the Bible, but if the men you saw were there for biblical instruction from a woman, they were violating Scripture (see #1 & 2 here https://michellelesleybooks.com/2015/12/18/rock-your-role-faqs/)
These women are an excellent entry way in to the faith.
No, I’m afraid there’s no such thing as a false teacher being an entryway into the faith any more than a bowl of cyanide can be a good appetizer before a healthy dinner. Beth and Priscilla both teach a false Jesus and a false gospel. There is no way to be saved by putting your faith in a false christ. Scripture (Romans 16:17-18, 2 John 9-1, Titus 3:10-11, and others) says we are to run from them, not listen to them, and certainly we should not encourage lost people to listen to them, lest they put their faith in a false christ and remain in their sin.
There CAN be women from different denominations there, what is so wrong with that?
Again, just because it’s your opinion that there’s nothing wrong with it doesn’t mean it’s OK if the Bible says otherwise. We’ve got to act on what the Bible says, not our own opinions.
I’m not sure if you’re referring to Beth’s inclusion of Catholicism, or both Beth’s and Priscilla’s joining with people who subscribe to Word of Faith (prosperity gospel) false doctrine. Either way, while it is fine to fellowship and join with people of other denominations who hold to biblical doctrine (I have plenty of friends, and listen to plenty of teachers, outside of my own denomination, but they all teach and conduct themselves in line with the Bible’s teachings. Likewise I will not listen to Beth or Priscilla despite the fact that they are both Southern Baptist {as am I} because they teach false doctrine.), but 2 Corinthians 6:14ff and 2 John 9-11, among other passages, are very clear that we are not to partner with those who teach false doctrine, which Catholicism, Word of Faith, and many other churches do. Again, since Scripture, not our opinions or feelings, is our authority, we have to obey that.
There is only ONE requirement for salvation, and that is accepting that Jesus Christ’s blood took the place of our sin, recognize our sin and confess it, believe that Jesus is God’s son.
Yes, that’s basically the requirement for salvation, but Christians are required to obey ALL of God’s instructions, including the ones about not joining with people who call themselves Christians yet hold to teachings and beliefs that conflict with Scripture. Beth and Priscilla both disobey this biblical instruction.
It does NOT say, and be baptist. Or and be ….. Yes, all of this is important, NO it is not vital.
What do you consider important/non-important and vital/non-vital, and on which Scriptures do you make these distinctions?
In a day and age where any type of hope is needed, especially to the unchurched, I would listen to either Beth Moore or Priscilla Shirer any day of the week over the news.
Yes, hope is needed, and no you’re not going to find it on the news, but you’re not going to find true hope in Beth Moore or Priscilla Shirer, either, because – not only can you not find hope in bad news (like the TV news) but you can’t find hope in false news either, and that’s what they teach. Fortunately, those aren’t your only two choices. You could choose to simply pick up your Bible and study it.
Real hope is only found in the true Christ of Scripture, and that’s not what Beth and Priscilla teach. They teach a false hope that will eventually let you down and disappoint you.
You know, your making this comment right now is very interesting timing. If you’ve poked around the blog a bit, you might have noticed that we just started a new Wednesday Bible study on the book of Colossians. The problem at the Colossian church (the reason Paul wrote this epistle to them) was that false doctrine was starting to creep in. They had started out on the right foot with the biblical gospel, but false teachings were beginning to take hold. The Holy Spirit decided that what this church needed to combat that false teaching was a refresher course in Christology (the study of Christ- who He was, what He did, and why). They needed to be reminded of who the true Christ of Scripture was. You’re more than welcome to join the study if you’d like.
And, sometimes, basic is enough.
Basic is enough for brand new believers (and again, what Beth and Priscilla teach is not “basic,” it’s false doctrine). But believers are to grow to maturity in their relationship with Christ and their knowlege of His word. Remember what Hebrews 5:12-14 says:
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
I dont know half of your theological terminology,
Then please feel free to ask – I’d be glad to help you – or look it up. You are an intelligent woman. I can tell that just from your comment. Like I said in today’s article God has more for you and expects more from you than from you than settling for fluff and false doctrine. He wants you to learn good theology and sound doctrine. The riches of His word are amazing! Just put the books aside and pick up His word and study it for yourself. God made you capable and smart enough to read His word in a systematic way, understand it, and grow from it. (And if you need any help getting started, I’ve got some resources that will help you under the “Bible Studies” tab at the top of this page.) And His promises will never let you down or disappoint you.
but I do know that I love Jesus and Im going to heaven, so Im just fine with that.
Maybe I’m misunderstanding you, but it sounds like you’re saying, “I’m going to Heaven and that’s enough for me. I don’t really care about pursuing holiness and growing in Christ.” If that’s not what you’re saying, I apologize for the misunderstanding, but if it is, I’m concerned for your eternity. People who are genuinely born again have a hunger and thirst for studying the truth of God’s word and growing in Christ. The New Testament knows nothing of a Christian who’s satisfied just to escape hell.
Amber, you seem like a very dear sister, and I love you. My heart longs for you to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ by learning the truth of His word. I would love for you to hang out with us here at the blog and/or on social media (links at the top of this page). Sometimes the Bible can be difficult because it steps on our toes, but I promise, I will always point you Scripture, not to stories, fluff, false doctrine, or your own opinions, feelings, and experiences.
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to me she lacks conviction of the word I don’t hear it; she reminds me of Joel Osteen and that’s not a compliment. She sounds really nice and charismatic and that’s about it but my spirit doesn’t bear witness with her. It was an immediate NO after I listened to less than 1 minute of her reference about Oprah
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Hi Lynette-
Thanks so much for your comment. You’ve come to the correct conclusion about Priscilla’s teaching, and the Holy Spirit does direct genuine believers away from false teaching (John 10:5), but I want all of my readers who happen across this comment to please make sure (as I’m sure Lynette did) – you ALWAYS base your beliefs on what Scripture says, not on feelings and impressions. Remember, the Bible says our hearts are deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9), so we can’t trust our feelings unless they line up with, and are based on, the truth of God’s word. If our feelings, opinions, or experiences contradict God’s word, then those feelings, experiences, and opinions are wrong and we need to repent and believe God’s word instead. It is teachers like Priscilla who want us to base our beliefs on our feelings and experiences, and that is not biblical.
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I think you are judging and do not agree with you. I understand that you have your opinion about Mrs Shirer but to judge I do not think God led you to write this check your heart. and also I feel you need to reach out to her for yourself. I just do not think its right to judge anyone’s ministry it causes division with in the body of Christ why cant we just celebrate each other then we can learn from each other. I totally disagree with you on this.
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“I think…” “I don’t think…” “I feel…” If you’re a Christian, what you think, feel, believe, say, and do is supposed to be governed by Scripture. Christians don’t get to have our own personal opinions. We only get to have the opinions of Christ as stated in the Bible. If you could give me some rightly handled, in context, chapter and verse Scripture to back up your opinions and beliefs, we could talk about it. Also, if you will read the article hyperlinked at the very top of this article, right underneath the title, where it says, “If you’re considering commenting…” it will answer your objections- with Scripture.
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Michelle,
Can you please provide a list of female speakers/writers whom you do recommend?
Thanks.
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Certainly. Scroll up to the top of the page and click on the Recommended Bible Teachers tab. There are two lists of women and two lists of men. (These are not exhaustive lists, I just haven’t gotten to the next installmets yet :0) Do keep in mind that there are many fantastic male teachers out there, and it’s perfectly fine for women/women’s groups to use materials written by men.
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Hi Michelle~
Our ladies Bible study is just about to start a Priscilla Shirer study and I was doing some research on Priscilla and found your blog (whew! That’s a long sentence!). Some of the points you bring up give me pause. I really don’t want to study scripture with/ from someone who is knowingly sinning by leading His lambs astray. So I was wondering if I could ask you a couple of questions regarding your comments before we begin our study? (Yikes!)
#1 You have noted that Priscilla preaches to and instructs men in the Scriptures but I can’t find the link. The youtube video you offer here in your post is not available and I’d kind of like to see what you were talking about. In the videos I’ve viewed, there are only women involved (with the exception of the camera guys and the lighting guys.) I’m pretty sure some of our ladies are going to ask me where the evidence is that she was purposely teaching scripture to men. Do you have another links to her preaching or instructing men in the Scriptures?
#2 I wasn’t aware that Joyce Meyer, Christine Caine and the Osteen’s were false teachers! Ohmygoodness!!!! I guess I have to do some research on those folks. Do you have other references to their false teaching? Maybe references other than S. Michael Houdmann (I think Michael does a very nice job on his website but he and his wife started GotQuestions.org after he claims to have received a vision from God to help others and by your own admission, visions and feelings are not Godly direction.)
#3 Priscilla teaches to listen for God’s voice. I’ve heard her recommend Christian women to go to a quiet place to pray. Jesus did that too, so did Samuel, so did Elijah . But I don’t recall her suggesting that Christians meditate or pursue contemplative prayer. Could you point to me where Priscilla suggests that we empty our mind? (HaHaHa~ I KNOW I’m going to be asked about this one by the ladies in our study. I don’t want to lead us astray 🙂 )
#4a I see where you noted that Priscilla uses “poor hermeneutics” when handling God’s word. (Oh my goodness~ thank you for using the term hermeneutics, eisegesis and exegesis! You are teaching me and I didn’t even realize it! I couldn’t find these terms in my Bible! I had to look these babies up in the dictionary!) I didn’t know I was reading and studying scripture wrong. Holy cow! I “read myself” into scripture, too! I thought most people read themselves in scripture. I thought parables were a kind of means to read yourself into scripture? Oops! Silly me! I thought Jesus used parables “as a means of illustrating profound, divine truths. “Stories such as these are easily remembered, the characters bold, and the symbolism rich in meaning. Parables were a common form of teaching in Judaism ( to lead us to self-examination)” (https://www.osv.com/Magazines/TheCatholicAnswer/ByIssue/Article/TabId/809/ArtMID/13667/ArticleID/16800/Why-Did-Jesus-Use-Parables.aspx) (oops~ this is a Catholic reference~ how ‘bout this one:
“Jesus had employed many graphic analogies using common things that would be familiar to everyone” (https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-parables.html).
#4b ‘” believers from different denominations” Priscilla references who rattled her “theological box” may have been part of Priscilla’s initial exposure to false Word of Faith teaching and false teachers such as the aforementioned Meyer, Caine and Osteens.”’ Since you haven’t had a chance to question Priscilla about what she was talking about here (or maybe it was revealed in this Bible study? I haven’t done “One in a Million” yet) this is supposition on your part. This is a promotional clip not a scriptural teaching. Do you have any other examples? Maybe a good example of Priscilla using eisegesis to teach scripture? One that’s not a promotional tape? (I don’t think she was building doctrine in this promotional video, but I could be wrong.)
Finally, you summed up your blog post on why Christian women shouldn’t follow, support or receive teaching from Priscilla Shirer because she teaches men (though I can’t find evidence of this but I’m still lookin’!), partnering with false teachers (thank you for noting this! I have to do more research on how these powerhouse preachers are false teachers), teaching unbiblical prayer practices (I can’t find where she teaches women about contemplative prayer~ but I’m still lookin’!), placing herself into scripture and thereby improperly luring women to God through personal experiences of Jesus instead of purely reading the Word of God.
(I remember when I was a missionary to New Guinea back in the 80’s, the missionaries were teaching us how to reach the unsaved New Guinea nationals by telling simple Bible stories, and stories of how our lives were changed by Jesus. And how their lives could be changed, too. The sweet missionary who taught us wide-eyed teenagers has since passed into Heaven. He saw 1000’s come to Christ over a life time of service. How I wish I could ask him what he thinks of his “heathen saving methods” now that he has seen the face of Jesus!)
I KNOW this is a looooong series of questions about Priscilla Shirer that was stimulated by your post.
I KNOW this original post is over a year old.
I KNOW that you probably don’t have the proclivity to clarify your position (you’ve already stated that you wouldn’t/ couldn’t reply to questions that are long. You just don’t have enough time or energy to respond to every Tom, Dick and Mary.)
I KNOW this is your website and if I don’t like it or can’t relate to or don’t understand what your position is on a particular topic~ I have the choice to stop reading. But you have fired a shot across the bow and I’m hoping that you will have the courage to further clarify your stand against a sister. Even if she’s “twisted”.
Thank you so much for your consideration,
Elizabeth
1 Corinthians 4:6 says:
…….. that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.
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Hi Elizabeth-
#1- Thank you so much for letting me know that link was broken. I’ve fixed it (as well as a few others that have expired). Here’s just one example of Priscilla preaching to men: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fIzWbXvfps. In the first approximately 90 seconds of the video you can clearly see and hear men in the audience, and in her introductory remarks, Prisicilla indicates that she is preaching the Sunday service at this church. I’m sure you can find other examples on YouTube if you need them.
#2- There are a number of resources on false teachers under the “Popular False Teachers” tab at the top of this page. If you need more information, I’d suggest BereanResearch.org, FightingForTheFaith.com, CARM.org, GTY.org, and Apprising.org.
#3- There are a couple of links in the “additional resources” section that deal with Priscilla’s teaching of contemplative prayer, but I really should have included one in the paragraph itself, so I’ve fixed that. It’s this link: http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=18085.
#4a- Unfortunately, most people do read themselves into Scripture (largely due to being taught that way by false teachers such as the aforementioned and many others), but that doesn’t mean it’s the correct way to study Scripture.
Parables aren’t the same thing as eisegesis (or Jesus would have been handling Scripture improperly, Himself), and it’s easy to see this by reading through (in context) several of Jesus’ parables. Jesus starts with a biblical truth and uses a story (parable) to illustrate or give an example of that biblical truth. What Priscilla and so many others do is pretty much the opposite of a parable. They start, not with a biblical truth but with a story or life experience, and then they build doctrine and beliefs out of that experience. The result is that those doctrines and beliefs often conflict with Scripture because they’re not based on Scripture but a fallible personal experience. I think you might find this brief video helpful as an example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-_THJXignk
#4b- “…this is supposition on your part.” Yes, that’s correct. That’s why I said “may have been.” Whether that particular moment in time was, in fact, the moment that Priscilla was introduced to false doctrine and false teachers can be debated, but the fact of the matter is that she came under the influence of false teachers at some point and still unequally yokes herself to them and teaches false doctrine today. If you have Priscilla’s contact information and can get her to talk to me (I’ve attempted to communicate with her several times and have been ignored), I will be delighted to discuss this issue and the entirety of this article with her.
#4b- “This is a promotional clip not a scriptural teaching.” No, this is a promotional clip in which Priscilla not only makes several incorrect biblical assertions, she uses those incorrect assertions as the foundation of this “Bible” study she has written. She did indeed build the doctrine of “there’s only going to be a handful of people experiencing what we’ve learned on the pew” on her eisegetical handling of Scripture as I explained in that section. The Bible doesn’t say anything of the sort.
Yes, there are many more examples of Priscilla’s poor handling of Scripture in the “Additional Resources” section. I would recommend reading the book reviews and listening to the sermon reviews.
Now, I believe I have clearly answered all of your questions both here, in the article, and in the “Additional Resources” section, so let me add just one extra thing. I am always delighted to answer questions from, and help, women who sincerely want help understanding the problems with a false teacher, understanding Scripture, etc., even if those questions are long. However, from time to time, I get people who comment or send e-mails pretending to genuinely want help just so they can get their comments published and who then proceed to argue and twist Scripture in subsequent comments. If that’s not you, no need to read further, and I apologize in for any offense.
If that is you, let me save you the time and effort of writing another comment. In keeping with the spirit of Titus 3:10-11, this is your second warning (the first is in the Welcome tab, which you’ve obviously already read) I will not engage in debate about biblical truth and I will not publish comments or respond to e-mails/messages attempting to engage me in debate. Furthermore, if this is a disingenuous comment/questions, you are being deceitful and displaying ungodly character and you need to repent.
1 Peter 2:1 says: So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.
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Dear Michelle~ Thank you for taking the time to answer all my questions! I know they were long and torturous~ especially since you’ve obviously answered the same questions over and over to others. Our Ladies Bible Study started a new season on January 5 with Priscilla Shire’s Armor of God. My co-leader read your thoughts about Priscilla and I presented your views to the members of our study. With continuous prayer, we have decided to proceed with her study but with open eyes to the objections you brought up. I’ll let you know how we continue our course of action.
Thank you again.
Elizabeth
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I’d be delighted to hear back from you, Elizabeth. Feel free to e-mail me (MichelleLesley1@yahoo.com) if it would be easier for you.
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Dear Michelle,
As an absolute newcomer to the blogosphere, I very much appreciate you taking the time to construct a Biblically based critique of false teaching. It takes courage based in Jesus for you to do so, I am sure. I am currently getting familiar with blogs for Christian ladies and your thorough, scholarly, biblical recommendations are absolutely invaluable. God bless you, and keep up the good work sister!
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Thanks, hon :0)
If you’re in need of suggestions of doctrinally sound blogs for women, go to the top of this page and click on “Recommended Bible Teachers.” I’ve got two lists of 10 up there, and another one coming in the near future.
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Michelle – Thank you for your work in the area of discernment. Besides the short paragraph you provided on Lisa Harper in the list of other ‘not-recommended’ teachers, do you have or know of any other good info/reviews on her?
Thank you!
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Hi Osa- Not off the top of my head. I would check with BereanResearch.org, FightingForTheFaith.com, and LighthouseTrails.com. If anyone has more info. on her, one of them probably will.
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Hi Osa,
Here is a short http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com article on Lisa: http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=10843
You can also tell a lot about these leaders by what events they speak at:
http://lisaharper.net/calendarevents/
Hillsong and Steven Furtick’s Elevation Church are two huge red flags on her itinerary. Lots of information about those online and at http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com and Berean Research. Steven Furtick is the pastor of Lysa TerKeurst, and he is on Oprah’s Super Soul 100 list. Also, Lisa is doing the Women of Joy tour with Christine Caine, Lysa TerKeurst, Ann Voskamp, Lauren Daigle, etc.
Hope that helps you.
Molly
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Thanks, Molly :0)
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Thank you both!
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This was very interesting thanks for putting this out there.
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Hi Michelle
I’d like to ask, was Kenneth Hagin also a false preacher, because he dealt extensively with this issue of women preaching in his book, and made several clarifications in his book “The Women Question”
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Yes, Kenneth Hagin was one of the worst false teachers out there. He was one of the founding fathers of the heretical Word of Faith/New Apostolic Reformation movement and a mentor to Ken Copeland, who’s also a Word of Faith/New Apostolic Reformation heretic. Run as far away from both of them as possible.
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Who then do you believe has not sinned and is qualified to teach God’s Word? Have women not been given a part in The Great Commission from Jesus? Do you interpret scripture to mean women should not witness to all people; share the gospel message to all nations not just other women or children?
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Hi Lisa- I think the articles in my Rock Your Role series will help answer your questions and give you a biblical understanding of women’s roles in the church.
I’d recommend starting with Rock Your Role FAQs #11, then moving on to Jill in the Pulpit.
Also, if you had read the paragraph at the very top of this article and clicked on “please click here and read this article first,” your initial question in this comment (about sin) would have been answered. I think you’ll also find my article Is She a False Teacher? 7 Steps to Figuring it Out on Your Own helpful in understanding biblically whether or not someone is a false teacher. Priscilla Shirer is.
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My bible teaches those roles but thank you.
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Well since that’s the case, why don’t you study and agree with what the Bible says?
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Why do you think I do not? As a women’s leader at your church are you not often asked questions to clarify your personal views? Do you send women to your articles as a response? Often God reveals more through discussions and scripture references. This is how people learn and grow in their faith. I am a born again Christian. If you are also then do we not have the same Holy Spirit to counsel and teach us? My point to your previous reply to me is that I refer to my bible for instructions from the Holy Spirit as to my role in the body of Christ. But when an author rebukes another Christian publicly, as you have Ms. Shirer, than perhaps they may be asked to clarify further?
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“Why do you think I do not?”
Because you seem to be arguing against the biblical truth you’ve already read and have rejected reading any of the further biblical teaching I’ve referred you to.
“As a women’s leader at your church are you not often asked questions to clarify your personal views? Do you send women to your articles as a response?”
What I’ve given you here are not my “personal views.” My personal views don’t matter, and neither do yours. As Christians, the Bible is our authority, so it’s what the Bible says that matters, and that’s what I point women to. It is people like Priscilla Shirer who make up their own doctrine and point people to their personal views rather than the Bible.
I think it should be obvious that a face to face discussion is different from a written one, so there’s no need to go into that. But, yes, sometimes I do offer to send someone I’m talking to (face to face) links to my articles, other people’s articles, books, sermons, etc., if they’d like to study an issue more.
The reason I refer people in on line conversations to my articles is so I don’t have to regurgitate what I’ve already written.
“My point to your previous reply to me is that I refer to my bible for instructions from the Holy Spirit as to my role in the body of Christ.”
Then why did you ask me any questions? Why didn’t you just study your Bible instead? My previous comment with the links was in answer to questions that you asked.
In closing out this conversation, I would strongly encourage you to continue practicing what you’ve said- just study your Bible in a systematic way, using good hermeneutics, and stay away from false teachers like Priscilla Shirer. That, plus being a faithful member of a doctrinally sound church and being taught the Word every week is the best way to learn the truth of Scripture and grow in Christ.
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I am asking the following question to understand your doctrinal views. What is your belief regarding Israel and the plan God has for the future of Israel?
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I’m sorry, I’m a little unclear. Is there some connection between this article on Priscilla Shirer and Israel that I’m missing?
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