The Cult-Like Hostile Takeover Tactics Of The Purpose-Driven Church Transitioning Seminar
This is an episode of Fighting for the Faith from 2010 when Chris Rosebrough put together several segments into one program specifically addressing the takeover tactics coming from "church growth expert," Dan Southerland. He is a huge evangelical Purpose-Driven growth "guru" who says some truly scary and un-biblical things. This guy is a manipulative Bible-twister; and he sounds like a cross between a used-car salesman and a smooth-talking CEO who convinces his employees why it's good to export their jobs to Mexico. His most notorious remark is when he tells pastors that the they must "shoot the wolves. Kill 'em." Southerland is not talking about false teachers in the church! He's referring to members of the church who point out un-Biblical teachings coming from their pastors. If you've ever been shot down in church because you questioned the weird new teachings coming from your Purpose Driven pastor, you'll recognize the sneaky, slimy and cult-like tactics taught by this guy.
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Here are a number of short audio quotes of Southerland and other pastors making outrageous "vision-casting" statements:
For those who think it's mean, judgmental and un-loving to criticize Dan Southerland (or any other popular teacher) here's something just for you: Shocking Stuff You're Not Supposed to Know.
If you're having a knee-jerk reaction to try and defend Dan Southerland, check out: Confirmation Bias: Why You Are Protecting Your False Beliefs.
Finally, here's an article that will help you be more discerning and a lot less gullible: Defusing Demonic Dirty Bombs.