NOTE :This was first posted June 7, 2025 Ministry AI and I www.ministryaiand.com
BOANERGE MINISTRY:
AUTHENTIC,ย IMAGINED OR PICK ME PROPHETS, MINISTRY OFFICESย
“It was the Last Days “the perilous times” and the “falling away” but not just that, it was also a “driving them away” by leader word curse accusation/the inability to trust.(2 Timothy 3:1-8/I Timothy 6:5)..also the holy fear of the Lord, Godly remnant, who knowsย their Bible, and who are submitted to “God’s whole counsel” regarding the apostolic commandย to “flee from” the abusive following.
“And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:” Mark 3:17
Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of host. ” Isaiah 6:5
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” Christ John 3:10
(C)2025 Taveau D’Arcy All copy ,rights reserved under international copyright laws ,in conjunction with AI
Taveau DโArcy โ Brief Auto Bio
“How She Is Allowed to Say This”
I was called by the Lord in 1976 to study the Body of Christ and its leadership doctrines across many movements and regions. For nearly five decades (celebrating 50 years in 2026), I have been sent prophetically โ as an Enoch-type โ to observe, enjoy, and serve a wide range of Bible-believing Christian fellowships. These have included early charismatic renewal, micro to mega-churches, multi-campus celebrity churches, and many independent ministries (across all races, rural, suburban, and urban). My journey has also encompassed apostolic-prophetic groups and racial reconciliation efforts.
I was called to public ministry as a charismatic in 1987 and stepped out of formal charismatic circles in 2013 (DFW). However, I remain PRO-charismatic โ serving these movements with reformational insights and fresh ideas.
My calling has always been led by the gentle Holy Spirit and grounded in Godโs powerful Word โ not for fame, but out of a deep desire to preserve sound doctrine, foster servant leadership, and uphold biblical respect. I speak from firsthand experience and extensive observation, carrying a lifelong commission to expose error compassionately, encourage healthy leadership, and support the freedom and dignity of every human being โ believer or not. We are PRO ALL Humans (any race, tribe, or belief set), and this is the official heart of my Sent Messenger work through Humanโs Christian Apostolic Training Ministry.
Hence, I do know what I am talking about โ not by secondhand reports, but by walking among these groups and prayerfully observing them for many years.
Overview:
Boanerges = Sons of Thunder = Men marked by boldness, passion, and power, but who must learn to channel that power in humility and godly wisdom.
Dr T says
I asked Chat GPT about any use of the BOA (out of curious, for I know these are “not in the Bible” however, many times when one regards them, they often can apply “prophetically.” Yet I will submit these and leave it up to the reader to choose. (Means; read the article, then come back to see if these 3 have any metaphoric, even prophetis application + warning)
Chat GPT Re “BOA” …spit these out
1 Corinthians 4:9-13
“For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
We are fools for Christโs sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.
Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place;
And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.”
“For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 (Paul did not sign up to be popular):
DEFINE A BOARNERGE
Boanerges is a very rich biblical term, and exploring its full context, history, and deeper meaning opens up a lot. Hereโs a layered look:
ย 1. Context in Scripture
The term Boanerges appears only once in the Bible:
Mark 3:17 (KJV):
โAnd James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:โ
Jesus gave this nickname to the two brothers, James and John, among His twelve disciples.
ย 2. Historical and Linguistic Background
The word Boanerges comes from an Aramaic expression transliterated into Greek in Mark’s Gospel.
In Aramaic, it likely combined bene (sons of) + regesh or rโgโsh (noise, tumult, thunder, or commotion).
Transliteration issues: the Greek spelling ฮฮฟฮฑฮฝฮตฯฮณฮญฯ is a little garbled because Greek didnโt perfectly capture the Aramaic sounds.
The intended meaning is “Sons of Thunder” โ idiomatically:
ย Sons of strong emotion, powerful voice, fiery zeal, impulsive action.
3. Why Did Jesus Use It?
James and John were known for their passionate temperament:
Luke 9:54 โ They wanted to call down fire from heaven on a Samaritan village that rejected Jesus.
Jesus rebuked them.
Mark 10:35โ45 โ They boldly asked Jesus to grant them high positions in His kingdom.
Thus, the name reflected their:
Zeal,
Impulsiveness,
Loud and forceful spirit.
Ego centric, Immature, Childlike andย naive self seeking**
**Dr T names this “modern wannabeism” “modern word “pick me”
ย 4. Deeper Symbolic Meaning;
TD assesses: Although they started off rough but ended up heroic
a. Human Nature Being Transformed
These “Sons of Thunder” were loud and impulsive, but over time under Jesusโ discipleship:
James became the first apostolic martyr (Acts 12:2), courageous to the end.
John became the Apostle of Love, writing the most tender gospel and epistles on love and truth.
ย Boanerges thus represents the journey from natural zeal โ spiritual maturity.
b. The Nature of Ministry
In early ministry, zeal alone is not enough โ zeal must be balanced with wisdom, grace, and love.
Thunder can:
Awaken,
Alarm,
Bring attention,
But it must lead to rain โ nourishment, life.
In Good Form most of theseย current “Sons of Thunder” can also mean those who shake people out of complacency, but must learn to do so with Christlike spirit.
ย 5. Broader Theological Reflection
Thunder is often associated with the voice of God (Psalm 29, Revelation 10:3-4).
The apostles were meant to be Godโs voice on Earth, proclaiming the gospel with boldness and clarity โ but not with carnal anger.
The nickname Boanerges reminds us that:
Calling and potential come with character refinement.
Even the strongest personalities must be brought under the control of the Spirit.
Layer Meaning
- Literal Sons of Thunder โ loud, passionate, forceful.
- Personal James & Johnโs fiery temperament.
- Spiritual A call to mature zeal โ passion guided by love and truth.
- Prophetic A metaphor for the transforming power of Jesus on human nature.
- Ministry The balance of bold proclamation with Christlike grace.
BOARNERGES IN HISTORY
How this term has been used in Christian history / revival movements.
How it is interpreted in various denominations or prophetic circles today
1๏ธ Boanerges in Christian History / Revival Movements
a. Preaching Style
In revival eras, especially during Great Awakenings and Pentecostal/Charismatic movements, “Boanerges” became a nickname for fiery preachers.
Example: George Whitefield (18th century) โ known for booming, thunderous voice, called by some “Boanerges.”
Similarly, Charles Finney and John Wesley sometimes described such preachers who convicted hearts with powerful oratory as having a “Boanerges spirit.”
b. Balance of Boldness & Grace
Historically, revivalists often struggled with the same tension as James & John:
Initial zeal sometimes bred judgmentalism or harshness.
With maturity, many learned to temper thunder with tears and love.
Example quote from early Methodist circuit riders:
โWe must thunder against sin โ but rain down Christโs love upon the penitent.โ
c. Use in Prophetic Ministry
In Pentecostal / Charismatic / Prophetic circles, “Boanerges” sometimes is used symbolically to describe:
Prophets or ministers with a calling to wake the Church, often in times of complacency.
Those with a gift of bold proclamation, unafraid to tackle controversial or uncomfortable truth.
But prophetic mentors often warn:
โIf you are called as Boanerges โ beware of bitterness or carnal anger creeping in.โ
The voice of Christlike thunder must carry His Spirit โ not personal offense or self-righteousness.
2๏ธ Interpretation in Various Denominations & Prophetic Circles
a. Conservative / Reformed / Evangelical
++ See “Boanerges” as a warning about temperament:
Zeal must be refined.
Example of how Jesus transforms natural tendencies.
Not often embraced as a positive calling per se โ more used to illustrate personal growth and grace over time.
b. Pentecostal / Charismatic
More positive embrace of the “Boanerges” image:
Sees some prophets / preachers as having a โthundering callโ to awaken the church or the world.
Applied to those who call out compromise, sin, or injustice โ but the mature ones learn to balance this with love.
Cautions:
Unsubmitted Boanerges spirit can become critical, harsh, even domineering.
Must remain under accountability and Holy Spirit refinement.
c. Prophetic Circles (modern trends)
Some modern prophets wear โBoanergesโ as a badge โ often using the term to mean:
Uncompromising prophetic voice.
Not politically correct.
Prepared to โshake the heavensโ with bold decrees.
HOWEVER โ mature prophetic leaders often remind:
A true prophetic voice must also carry the heart of the Father โ thunder without grace and tears is not Christlike.
Remember the rebuke of Jesus when James & John wanted to call fire down on the Samaritans (Luke 9:54-56).
Final Deepest Meaning
Boanerges is a symbol of calling AND caution:
Calling โ Some are called to awaken, confront, and speak with thunder.
Caution โ But without the cross and the Spirit, the mentality and humility and causeย of Bible wholeness…that big thunder can destroy rather than build.
The ultimate goal: for the thunder of Godโs voice to be heard through a vessel of love, humility, and grace.
ย Practical Guidelines for todayโs “Boanerges” anointed ministers
Know your call: awaken, not destroy
Your job is to shake, awaken, proclaim โ not to crush or shame.
Thunder is meant to get attention so the still, small voice of Christ can speak.
Personal Self Government:ย Stay under Holy Spirit control
Zeal must always be submitted: (RESPECT, HUMILITY OTHER CENTERED the heart ofย Christ, not just the person talent and gifts)
Pray regularly: โLord, purify my zeal. Let it carry Your heart.โย
Be willing to let God refine your motives โ again and again.
ย Speak truth WITH grace
No bitterness, no offense, no personal vendetta.
If you can’t weep over the people you rebuke โ pause and pray first.
ย Remember the end goal is life, not noise
Thunder leads to rain โ to nurture, not just to shake.
ย Honor accountability
Stay under mature leaders or elders who can lovingly correct you.
Invite feedback: โAm I sounding harsh? Have I crossed into pride?โ
2๏ธ Warnings and Common Pitfalls
Carnal Anger (flesh)
“Righteous anger” must be Holy-Spirit inspired, not mixed with personal offense.
Anger will pollute your prophetic voice if not surrendered daily.
ย Pride in being โboldโ”unique” “gifted” ‘called” “favored”
Some “Boanerges” voices fall into:
Spiritual superiority โ martyr …”I alone speak the truth.”
Isolation โ rejecting correction. (a law unto one’s self)
Humility is key: Boldness without humility turns into abusive ministry.
A Critical spirit
Constantly calling out error can develop a habit of criticism.
Regularly ask the Lord: โAm I building or tearing down?โ
ย Misapplying the calling
Not every situation requires thunder.
Learn when to be:
A lionย
A lambย
A friendย
A teacherย
3๏ธ Prayer / Declaration for walking the Boanerges path
A Major verse for us ALL (myself included)
Isaiah 6:5 (KJV):
Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.
ย Isaiah 6:5 connects directly to the themes we’ve been addressing โ Boanerges spirit, Paulโs humility, warning about spiritual celebrity and โwannabeismโ:
1. Isaiahโs Woe vs. โWannabe Boanergesโ
-
In Isaiah 6:5, Isaiah โ a called prophet โ has a real encounter with the living, holy God.
-
His first reaction is not โLook at my giftโ or โWatch my bold performance.โ
-
His reaction is deep humility: โWoe is me! I am undone.โ He recognizes his unclean lips โ his unworthiness.
-
This is the opposite of todayโs wannabe โsons of thunderโ culture (celebrity, self-platforming, demanding followers, performance-driven ministries).
-
Many today act like they are already perfect mouthpieces for God โ while Isaiah, upon seeing the Lord, realized how unfit he was without Godโs mercy.
2๏ธ Paul and Isaiah โ True Ministers Know They Are Weak
-
Paul called himself the offscouring of the world and said he did not preach himself.
-
Like Isaiah, Paul had seen the glory of Christ (on the road to Damascus) โ and that encounter undid his pride as a former religious superstar (Philippians 3).
-
Both Isaiah and Paul exemplify this principle: the closer you get to the real presence of God, the less you promote yourself.
3. Application to Today
-
Modern spiritual โcelebrity cultureโ often skips the โwoe is meโ part.
-
Many want the fire, thunder, and public platform without first being broken before the holiness of God.
-
But a true Boanerges spirit must be like Isaiah: bold only after deep humility, bold only after cleansing and calling (Isaiah 6:6-8).
Also, we may pray this aloud:
โFather, I thank You for the fire You have placed in me.
I offer You my voice โ let it sound with Your truth, not my ego.
Let Your love shape every word I speak.
Purify my zeal. Cleanse my motives.
May I never thunder out of offense, but out of Your holy purpose.
Keep me under wise accountability.
Teach me when to roar and when to weep.
Let my voice be as the voice of Christ: full of grace and truth.
I renounce bitterness, pride, and any critical spirit.
I embrace the path of humility, courage, and love.
In Jesusโ name โ Amen.โ
ย Scripture List for Boanerges-type callings
These verses can guide, warn, and shape those with a “thundering” call:
Calling to Boldness & Proclamation
Jeremiah 1:9-10
โThen the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.โ
Isaiah 58:1
โCry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression.โ
Acts 4:29-31
โAnd now, Lord… grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word…โ
2 Timothy 4:2
โPreach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.โ
REMINDER:ย
Balance strength, one’s call… with Humility gentle Grace & His Genuine Office Respect andย Love
John 1:14
โAnd the Word was made flesh… full of grace and truth.โ
James 1:20
โFor the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.โ
Galatians 6:1
โBrethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness…โ
2 Timothy 2:24-25
โAnd the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient…โ
Warnings Against Carnal Zeal
Luke 9:54-56
Jesus rebukes James and John for wanting to call down fire: โYe know not what manner of spirit ye are of.โ
Proverbs 15:1
โA soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.โ
Taveau said regarding a subculture of Boarnerge, TV Media produced mostly
JUNIOR WANNABE BOARNERGE, THE PICK ME
Wannabe: I liken the spirit of “wannabeism” in much of the celebrity media Christian to (pride in one’s mega talent spiritual prowess, form) I liken it to ” hangers on” who will payย nearly anyย price to to “well favored and chosen” to be “elevated.” (called to be up to be noticed, get”famous”)
Pick Me:ย Also, there is a modern day term online, mostly in a group of friend..yet it can also mean “in Christian ministry” what is called aย “Pick me” It’s usually a person who tends to do things which cause them to get noticed or “picked” out from among their circle of friends.ย
My Christian Ministry Goal is be Seen as A Solomon**: due to the Christian media age, also the teaching, a lot of younger, new, even older true persons have a vision of them being “world wide famous” as wealthy, (like a Solomon). It’s materialistic and cunning, opportunists and ugly, mean, and rude, Also biased againt “types’ based on looks, age, race, gender, thin and well monied, I names thas “false fruit” and it must corrected from the TOP down to the BOTTOM
**(Mother Teresa was also another form of Christian ministry, swarm, less formal)
MAIN POINT: Many Ministers Today Mistakenly Idolize Solomon:
They see Christian success as wealth, platforms, invites, followers.
They misunderstand โ Solomon ended in tragic apostasy and idolatry! (1 Kings 11)
He had wisdom and wealth, but his heart drifted from simple love of God.
MAXIMUM POINT
Forย all of this involves the character, the role modeling of First Church ministry as well ahd ETERNAL SALVATION MAIN MESSAGE (not being well off, famous, gifted) Christian Doctrine of salvation, moving in gifts, not “attaining” (which is Demas temporal shortsighted and blind to humanity who is status conscious or a “gifted’ famous as “they), It reproduce envy ,rivalry, keeping up with the ministry Joneses (FOMO) alsoย gossip, and white witchcraft turf guarding
I liken these to the ‘Isaiah 5:20 “woe” (they call good evil, evil good” in the Holy spirit, prophetic moves)ย and ‘accomplished blind, indifferent leading the ministry same. SEE Psalm 115:4-8 to find out WHAT IT THE ROOT of all this . .
Here is Psalm 115:4-8 (KJV):
4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.
5 They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:
6 They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:
7 They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.
8 They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.
These people, an enormous present subculture inย grandiose magnificent ministry “type” demands to be respected and over all of the rest of the area ministries, It has male bonds, boys club (Ministry Patriarchal moral culture) and is selective, demands “perfection” and often “club ownership.
And this USA Wide, present (2 Timothy 3:18, I Timothy 6:5) almost always “cutesy subculture would ignore Jesus if He showed up”NOT looking THE CHRISTIANย TYPE” ..meaning a a homeless appearing, down and out person (read as the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53) No, Jesusย would be deemed “perfect enough”ย pretty enough,ย well off enough to
quality” accepted in the type of beloved…
APOSTOLIC TD NOTES; AND THIS IS WHAT IS THERE OUT RIGHT NOW in the deep south, southwest and more.. See TD Bio to WHY SHE GETS TO SAY THIS
POINT: It appears that many in this media age are raised by partial bits and pieces of Good Doctrine but not enough NORMAL HUMAN RELATIONSHIP “foot on the ground REALITY” and I am here for that sane, eternal purpose. A REALITY CHECK FOR ALL OF THIS.
I remember these verses about Paul, who was not famous in his day. He stated
” I am offscouring (the dung) of the world”
“I have not attained…
A CULTURAL PICK ME SPIRIT (needy)ย
A modern phrase (especially among young people online):
Describes a person who tries to stand out, gain approval, or secure elevation by constant self-promotion, often at the expense of authenticity or others.
In ministry, this spirit can manifest in:
Over-selling oneโs gifting
Desperate platform chasing
Performative holiness to gain celebrity status.
BASIC VIEW OF WANNABEISM (needy )
A term describing:
Those who want to be seen as great, as elite, as spiritually superior โ but who have not been shaped by the Cross.
They may mimic the forms of anointed ministry โ but without deep character or brokenness.
BIG POINT:
Deep Teaching: Boanerges, Pick Me, Wannabeism โ vs. True Christian Ministry
The Cultural Trap: Celebrity Ministry
The modern “Christian influencer” world is full of:
Mega-talent worship
Style over substance
Hangers-on who will pay the price (money, loyalty, flattery) to ride the coattails of โcelebrityโ ministries.
Pick me culture โ where young preachers and prophets learn to fight for the spotlight, not the cross.
THE LONG SUFFERING MATURE PAUL:
The Apostolic Warning: Paulโs Model
Paul taught the exact opposite of this โcelebrity Boanergesโ spirit:
a. Paulโs identity:
โFor I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world… We are fools for Christโs sake…โ
1 Cor 4:9-10
โBeing defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.โ
1 Cor 4:13
ย ++ Offscouring = the dung / trash of society.
ย ++ True apostolic ministry is not glamor โ it is suffering servanthood.
b. Paulโs invitation:
โBe ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.โ
1 Cor 11:1
ย NOT: โFollow me because I am powerful / gifted / on stage.โ
ย But: โFollow only to the degree I follow Jesus.โ
3๏ธ Christโs Warning:
โHe that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.โ
Matt 23:11-12
โTake my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart…โ
Matt 11:29
Jesus models servant leadership, not celebrity seeking.
4๏ธBoanerges in Context:
James and John wanted earthly greatness:
โGrant us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.โ
Mark 10:37
++ They had the Pick Me Spirit in that moment!
++ Jesus corrected them:
โYe know not what ye ask… whoever will be great among you, shall be your minister.โ
Mark 10:38-43
Later, after the Cross, they became true Boanerges โ bold for Christ, humble in spirit.
5๏ธ Practical Warnings:
a. Dangers of Wannabeism & Pick Me Spirit:
Promotes image over substance.
Creates political jockeying in churches and movements.
Leads to burnout, disillusionment, broken relationships.
Distorts peopleโs view of real ministry.
b. How to test your heart:
Am I seeking platform or the Cross?
Would I still serve Jesus if no one saw?
Do I seek approval of men or the smile of God?
Am I attracted to celebrity preachers โ or cross-shaped leaders?
ย Final Call: What true Boanerges looks like:
True Sons of Thunder:
* Have been broken by the Cross
* Have purified motives
* Are willing to be โoffscouringโ if it brings glory to Jesus
* Preach boldly but with tears and love
* Carry no โPick Meโ hunger โ only โPick Jesusโ
* Reject celebrity spirit and embrace servant humility
Final Summary: BIG SUCCESS OR BIG SERVANTHOOD?
- False Model (Wannabeism / Pick Me) True Model (Christ / Paul)
- Seeks spotlight and platform Embraces obscurity if needed
- Performs for approval Ministers from the heart of Christ
- Boasts in talent and image Glories in weakness and the Cross
- Fights to be โpickedโ Submits to Godโs timing and process
- Idolizes Solomonโs success Follows the humility of Christ and Paul
EGO AND NARCISSISM
Taveau Asks:
How can human ego, narcissism fit into a least part of this (in Christian leadership, ministry today)
ChatGPT said:
Absolutely โ and your discernment is exactly correct. Ego and narcissism often fuel and corrupt this entire dynamic in todayโs spirit-filled ministries (and elsewhere).
Let me break it down:
How Ego & Narcissism fit into “Boanerges Wannabeism / Pick Me” Culture
1๏ธ Ego = Self-importance
Seeks attention, credit, elevation.
Loves being seen as spiritual, prophetic, โdeep.โ
Will quietly tolerate or even encourage cult-like admiration and inner circles (pet favorites).
2๏ธ. Narcissism = Self-centeredness, inflated sense of worth
Needs constant affirmation โ canโt rest unless others validate them.
Builds โpersonality-drivenโ movements, not Jesus-driven.
Feeds off of:
Flattery
Title-chasing
People paying to access โhigher anointingโ (seed sowing, honorariums to get close, etc.)
3๏ธ How this affects “spirit-filled” settings:
Narcissistic leaders create:
Inner courts โ a select few who get access to them.
Performance-based ministry โ youโre only valued if you feed the system.
Toxic loyalty โ if you challenge the leader, you are shunned.
Ego-driven Boanerges voices:
Mistake personal charisma for Holy Spirit power.
Love to thunder at the crowds, but wonโt wash feet in secret.
MAIN POINTS: Create followers of themselves, not of Jesus. Also, one human persons own worship cult or “selective, fiercely biasedย Turf Guarding Ministry”
The Cult-like Flavor:
The movement revolves around the personality more than the Person of Jesus.
Language of “weโre the remnant,” “we alone have the truth” feeds group superiority.
Public honor obsession: People are paraded and praised โ while dissenters are gaslighted or labeled as rebellious, Jezebel, etc.
Control and manipulation often emerge:
Forced submission to “spiritual authority.”
Peopleโs gifts are used to build the platform โ not the kingdom.
Biblical Counterexamples:
Jesus:
Had all power โ but knelt to wash feet. (John 13:12-17)
Repeatedly fled from celebrity moments (John 6:15).
Warned about those who love greetings in the marketplace (Matt 23:6-7).
Paul:
Boasted only in his weaknesses (2 Cor 12:9-10).
Called himself the least of the apostles (1 Cor 15:9).
Refused to build a personality cult: โWas Paul crucified for you?โ (1 Cor 1:13)
2 POINTS:
1. Ego & narcissism are spiritual cancers to authentic ministry.
ย 2. They fit perfectly into the toxic:
Pick Me spirit
Wannabeism
Celebrity Boanerges culture
POINT The result is often a cult-like display that:
Exalts persons, not Christ.
Controls followers, rather than equips and releases them.
Hinders true revival, because God resists the proud (James 4:6).
Final Word:
Paul told the Corinthians:
“That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” (1 Cor 2:5)
When ego and narcissism creep in, faith shifts from God to man.
Hence, we must constantly ask:
Am I exalting Jesus only?
Am I using power and gifts to serve โ or to be served?
Am I willing to decrease, so He may increase? (John 3:30)
CLOSING:ย
Signs You Are in (or near) a Narcissistic โSpirit-Filledโ Culture:
A. Signs in the Leadership:
The ministry revolves around one central person or family.
Extreme title inflation (e.g. โMaster Prophet,โ โChief Apostle,โ โSuper Seer,โ etc.).
The leader rarely shows vulnerability or admits mistakes.
The leader demands honor and special treatment.
Flatterers rise, truth-tellers are shunned.
Dissenters are labeled โJezebel, rebellious, dangerous.โ
Public โrestorationsโ or corrections are performative โ about image, not actual heart change.
B. Signs in the Followers:
People fear being seen as not submitted.
Extreme hero worship: โNo one preaches like ___,โ โThey alone carry this end-time anointing.โ
Followers talk about access more than Christ: โDid you get a word from Apostle?โ
Emotional exhaustion โ trying to stay in the leaderโs good graces.
Gifted people are used until they burn out or leave.
2. How to Detox & Reset Your Ministry Heart:
A. Personal Detox:
Daily return to the Cross:
โI die daily.โ (1 Cor 15:31)
Pray often: โLord, empty me of self, fill me with Christ.โ
Spend more time with lowly people and non-flattering situations (washing feet kind of ministry).
Refuse to perform spirituality โ be real.
B. Ministry Detox:
Reject celebrity culture, trading on one’s title, fame and persona โ model servant leadership.
Regularly invite feedback and correction from trusted voices.
Lead with transparency: admit mistakes, share your weaknesses (2 Cor 12).
Promote Jesus first โ not yourself, not your ministry brand.
Celebrate the entire body of Christ, not just your movement/tribe.
C. Practical Recommitments:
Preach Christ crucified โ not โhow spiritual we are.โ
Raise up others, not your own name.
Choose slow fruitfulness over fast fame.
Embrace being offscouring if needed (1 Cor 4).
3. Scriptures for a “Boanerges with Humility” Anointing:
Boldness with Brokenness:
Isaiah 66:2
โ…to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.โ
Isaiah 58:1
โCry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet…โ โ but in the context of true repentance, not self-exaltation.
Micah 6:8
โWhat doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?โ
Galatians 6:1
โBrethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault… restore such an one in the spirit of meekness.โ
2 Cor 4:5
โFor we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesusโ sake.โ
John 3:30
โHe must increase, but I must decrease.โ
1 Cor 4:9-13
โ…we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things…โ
Summary Picture:
False Boanerges True Boanerges
Thunders to be heard Thunders to awaken hearts to Christ
Draws followers to self Points all to Jesus
Relies on gifting/personality Relies on Spirit and Word
Enjoys elite status Embraces servanthood & low places
Cannot handle correction Lives in repentance and teachability
POINT:ย Narcissism, ego, pick-me, wannabeism โ they are all flesh dressed in false anointing clothes.
NOTE:ย True Boanerges must be:
Thunderous in Word and Spirit
Tender in heart
Hidden behind Christ
Willing to suffer obscurity and rejection
Not needing followers โ only faithfulness to the Lamb.
ย TO SUPPORT: PLEASE PRAY
TO SOW A LOVE OFFERING:
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