Surviving poor theology: Nakita's story of Hyper-Charismatic church abuse.

In this episode of the Reclamation Podcast, we delve into Nakita's journey within the hyper-charismatic church movement. Join us to explore and learn about the profound ramifications of misguided doctrines, shedding light on their high cost on an individual's mental and spiritual well-being.
Some resources for you:
denverjournal....
www.beembolden...
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beEmboldened exists for those impacted by religious trauma by providing support for prevention of victimization and revictimization, creating a safe space to ask questions and to heal.
beEmboldened.com (formerly Naomi Wright Ministries / NWM).
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[@theinvestigativemillennial9381]

I'm so happy to see a ministry dedicated to spiritual abuse as a survivor of what I would classify as severe spiritual abuse in college this is needed.

[@beEmboldened]

So glad you're here, yet grieved that you've suffered in these ways!

[@seekingtruth1060]

I so relate to this story. I left the hyper charismatic and Pentecostal movement about 3 years ago after struggling in it for many many years. Now I feel the real freedom thst comes from Jesus finished work and the joy of gathering in a healthy gospel centred church where real discipleship and Christian love happens. No more cognitive dissonance and guilt! Praise the Lord thst He calls his sheep out and they hear his voice!

[@NakitaCanfield]

Yes! Praise God!

[@michellewarren5842]

Thank you for sharing. Since leaving the hyper charismatic NAR I have had so much peace. It caused so much anxiety within me and would constantly go to the alter to be delivered from the “spirit of anxiety”. So much of what was taught didn’t seem right to me but I doubted myself and my understanding of the Word because they were pastors. NO MORE! I am relearning the Bible to untwist what was twisted. Praise God for freedom and His grace to pull me out before I got too deep in it

[@briellelitz5761]

Yes! That's what I had to do and continue to do. A lot has to be done but it's so worth it. He's so worth it. I'm proud of you and praying with you! And I hope you find a church that is biblically grounded and has discernment and will help challenge you in your growth with your relationship with Jesus!

[@beEmboldened]

This. I teared up, Michelle. Well done, girl. What you are doing can be so incredibly hard, but it's absolutely worth it, as I know you know. We just recorded a curriculum on how to read the Bible with a group of survivors all engaging and sharing...so excited to get it released later this year!

[@michellewarren5842]

@@beEmboldened I look forward to seeing that recording I believe it will be very helpful! I’ve subscribed

[@michaelhagerman7829]

What a sad story but I believe this is more common than what we want to believe goes no in church's. I appreciate this channel for your heart for those who have been broken🙏

[@beEmboldened]

Yes, the prevalence is too high. Thank you for your support!

[@briellelitz5761]

Nakita is a good friend of mine. I was on the worship team with her husband and when they left, everyone at the church acted like nothing happened, but you felt the tension. I ended up leaving about a year later before things got really bad. I called them out on things and they didn't like it, all very similar experiences like Nakita with some that were different. To this day, I am still trying to heal. But i am so glad i have people and groups like Be Emboldened who share stories that can relate and help people learn how to heal. And I'm so so grateful for Nakita's friendship because we literally have only had each other (besides our husbands) to get through this. I'm super proud of you Nakita for being bold. And I'm praying that this will reach people who have felt the same and will do something about it.

[@conceptualclarity]

I am trying to figure out which church this is. There is a Hope Church NYC online and there is also in New York City something called Hope Church which seems to be different. The latter church has a KZbin channel and is led by a woman pastor who wears glasses.

[@briellelitz5761]

​@@conceptualclarityit's NY Hope Church. It's in Painted Post, NY. The pastor does have glasses.

[@MichaelCTruth]

What a beautiful story. So glad you were able to be there for each other in this difficult time.

[@conceptualclarity]

@@briellelitz5761 was she the pastor during any of the time that you two were there?

[@briellelitz5761]

​@@conceptualclarityShe wasn't the senior pastor but she was the campus pastor when we had two locations during covid.

[@jahintx]

I flinched when Nakita described the Methodist Church as legalistic and wonder what she would think of the church I attend. I'm not knowledgeable about the entire spectrum of Methodist denominations, so this could be why I was surprised. It is so important that we learn to feed ourselves through prayer, reading our Bibles and meditating on the word of God so we can discern good teaching from bad. Bad churches and teachers can hide behind statements of faith and all the trappings of what might seem like a healthy church. Keep questioning, Nakita, but trust in God and his Word, and keep searching for understanding. It's a lifelong journey.

[@NakitaCanfield]

Not writing off all Methodists, although I will say as a whole there tends to be some issues and constant debates among the group. The type I was in was more of "if you do x, y &z, then you're good" works-based idea. I thought if I dressed well, memorized verses for sunday school and was overall a good person, then I was saved. I was never actually taught the Gospel.. this was two different Methodist churches and approx 24-12 years ago.

[@jahintx]

@@NakitaCanfield Thank you for the reply, Nakita. This is the beauty of Jesus. We're not good enough, but He is.

[@pinkparasollise9646]

I attended a Wesley Methodist church 25 years ago. Then a freemason took over that church. I left.

[@lorihoyt1602]

I also came out of the same church as Nakita almost 3 years ago. We had attended 9 years and I was very involved (I was in leadership & also taught at the school they have). They started changing the way they did things, even in the "preaching", in such a subtle way that I didn't catch it at first. I had a few times where I had that check in my spirit, but justified it (because I was told by them) by telling myself, it was just by "strict Baptist background" rearing it's head. It was a three month struggle of crying myself to sleep every night beggin the Holy Spirit to change me (because things weren't sitting right with me) when the whole time it was Him working on me to leave, which was hard in the fact the I knew I would be relieve my from my teaching job, that I loved, and they did, as I was told from the principal "I will grind you." It was a "as long as you agree with us, don't question us, and keep our systems, we love you and you are a part of us."

[@beEmboldened]

Oh my gosh, Lori. Thank you for your vulnerable post. Leaving can be even harder than staying in so many ways-you did the harder thing!

[@user-qk5kj4pk2v]

When you have a testimony of real repentance and encountering Jesus Christ it's good to be able to ask others the same. There is nothing wrong with asking anyone, what's your testimony, The cross should be the starting place. I was so glad when a Pastor asked me if I was born again and basically said I didn't ask you IF you go to church and do all the activity but are you truly born again Without repentance the journey hasn't begun. May the Lord deliver us ALL.

[@calebjones6729]

I’m good friends with Nakita and her husband, Jared. I spend a lot of time around their family and I must say that they have truly went through a lot and have a desire to help others avoid getting hurt by bad theology/false teaching. Their testimony is nothing to scoff at. Share this with those who need it!!

[@Heidi-zu1nm]

Very good discussion! What a brave and bold woman. The courses you mention sound great. I’m disentangling from 16 years under a hyper charismatic ministry. When scripture, teaching, giving and serving is used as a weapon and to manipulate the fallout is grave.

[@NakitaCanfield]

Praying for you, unlearning and rebuilding can be so painful but it's also SO good to know the truth. I can recommend stuff that was helpful for me if you need ☺️

[@truthalonegirl]

Me too. 30 years I was deceived in the NAR/ WORD OF FAITH. I am studying my Bible and learning how to interpret correctly and discern false teaching.

[@mollyr9149]

Thank you, Nakita! This was helpful. I relate to worship feeling tainted and grieving lost community.

[@BuckinMich63]

Thanks for this episode Naomi. Excellent and important conversation. When you are in these movements it’s almost like your in a fog. It’s very sensual and esoteric, but camouflaged in Christian lingo that makes it seem real and true. These movements especially pray on young and immature believers. So thankful the God opened your eyes and you were able to leave Nakita. Continue to warn others about this movement!

[@beEmboldened]

Yes, you're right. Young believers who aren't well-rooted in one way or another, whether in their faith or often times just because they're out on their own for the first time and figuring things out. We tend not to be taught to walk into church on the lookout for wolves, but the reality is, we will come across some. Thank you for your comment!

[@kellyanderson1933]

I can relate to so much of this!

[@Krista1979]

I loved this interview and could identify in so many ways - very similar story and experience! One word of caution at the end she mentioned finding a church that is “full gospel” - I don’t think she intended it to be taken this way, but “full gospel” will mean some form of fivefold ministry/charismatic/Pentecostal flavor. Again, I think she probably meant a church that teaches the real gospel. Just fyi. Great interview!

[@NakitaCanfield]

I definitely didn't mean the charismatic type of "full gospel" but I thought the same thing when I watched it back. It was just said poorly lol I mean full gospel in the sense that we don't add to or take away from the biblical narrative. ☺️

[@beEmboldened]

Oh gosh, thank you for pointing this out and bringing clarification!

[@teasicannon9660]

I just want to applaud Nakita’s love for seeking truth! Gosh … I relate to so much of her story. And hope she knows she is not alone!! 🙏🏻👏🏻

[@NakitaCanfield]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I actually listened to your episodes when they came out and resonated so much with what you said too ❤️

[@teasicannon9660]

@@NakitaCanfield ❤️🙏🏻

[@reconciledHRT]

I'm about the same time frame out from WOF myself and soo relate to some of your struggles: worship, prayer, making new friends, making friends who may not agree with me on many things, finding women who also want deeper theological discussions. It's been a real journey almost starting life all over again. But, even amidst some of the triggers, I have more peace now than ever before LOL.

[@mandyforgrave292]

@NakitaCanfield thank you for sharing your experience and speaking out about these types of churches. You come across as a very grounded and articulate young lady and telling your story will be so helpful to others who are coming out of these places. I can identify 100% with everything that you have said having gone through exactly the same experience in a previous church. It seems that most churches who model themselves on Bethel, Elevation and those other NAR churches, they all seem to act and lead and behave the same, it’s like “ The Stepford wives”!!! Everyone is indoctrinated to behave in a particular way which is often contradictory to what scripture actually teaches. It’s very hard for people to understand the devastation and bewilderment that you feel when you leave these places unless you have personally experienced it. You are completely left on your own, one minute you are “family” and the next minute you are completely ostracised, your head is in a complete spin. God in His goodness leads his people out of these toxic unbiblical places to a place of safety because He delights in His people. Psalm 18v19. God is opening the eyes of His people who have been trapped in these places of deception and He is revealing truth Pray for those who are still under the deception………the blind are leading the blind. Keep speaking the truth of the true Gospel and keep shining! You are an incredible young woman! God bless!

[@NakitaCanfield]

Thank you so much for your kind words! To God be the glory :)

[@ladyesther]

Love bombing is manipulative. It has an end goal. Real love cares about the other person.

[@beEmboldened]

YES.

[@AmarjeetSingh-zi4vn]

I highly recommend the yt channels Beyond the fundamentals & Divine Dissident when it comes to getting out of spiritual abuse.

[@E.K.2003]

I've been through this a few times before the Lord showed me what ws actually going on! My last rodeo with a toxic house church ended with a confrontation and my walking. They wanted me back as they missed my tithing. Then God was able to show me the underlying issues with this and other NAR churches.

[@beEmboldened]

So glad you're out!

[@Star-dj1kw]

✅ good interview

[@DeepDiveDiscipleship]

This was in my suggested videos and I'm so glad I watched this. Thank you, sisters!

[@beEmboldened]

Thank you for your encouragement!

[@anncarroll9872]

So good. Wow! I can resonate. The whole man vs women fundamentalist ideologies at these places too - preach. Thank you for sharing your heart. I grew up in similar and have struggled my whole adult life with church. Acts home churches feel safe. Hugs to you both.

[@beEmboldened]

Thank you for your vulnerable comment and for your encouragement!

[@suechristy363]

Nakia, thank you for putting into words, what many struggle to do, after walking through church-abuse. You mentioned preferring solo worship over cooperate. Your physical body holds bad memories of the worship style that drove you out. May I encourage you to sit quietly with eyes closed, in church, even if everyone is standing, and just let the worship flow over you, instead of participating actively. Let your body create new healing memories, in a sweet receptive way. The LORD is so tender to meet us right where we are at. There is zero shame in being still, when all around us voices are lifted.

[@mloy1915]

Abuse is no respecter of Theology from Charismatic, Reformed, Catholic,Baptist etc... It is a human/sin problem.

[@beam3819]

I was in a word of faith church when I was young but they cohersed people to give money and that did not line up with what I read in the Bible. It is hard to find a good church. Norway 😊❤

[@beEmboldened]

Yes, financial exploitation can be a big motivator. Thank you for being here!

[@arthurw8054]

This seems like a really cool channel, addressing a problem that Christians need to be much more aware of than we usually are... What C.S. Lewis one called "the marriage of science and the occult" too often conflates psycho-emotional manipulation techniques with authentic spiritual practice and understanding, and it's heartening to see this examined in a virtual public space. Thank you and God bless.

[@beEmboldened]

Well said! Thank you for being here.

[@freeindeed5393]

When you are no longer a part of their religious business cult, you are dead to them! I tried to stay friends with the pastors and some leaders after we left ( we were elders and I ministered there for over 10 years). They only want your friendship when you are drinking the koolaide and writing them checks. So jacked up! The pastor was, and still is celebrated and treated like a celebrity. My wife and I would leave church and couldn’t even make sense of what we heard in the message. Very little scripture. A lot of “self help” affirmations. Such a lack of sound theological teaching. I strongly believe the the gifts of Holy Spirit are for today, but there is so much abuse and nonsense that happens! This is true all across the world!

[@beEmboldened]

Yes, it is true across the world-we speak with people all over and have heard it firsthand. It's encouraging to read these comments and see how many are not on that train, though. Thank you for being here!

[@hunt555fish]

Great conversation ladies telling the truth about word of faith and NAR.So sad that so many are caught up in these false churches.Just like the whole International House of prayer mess.

[@beEmboldened]

Thank you for your encouragement!

[@terryburton9103]

My husband of 40 years just died and my exchurch of 20 years refused to help me. Just a confirmation of what they are like. I am so devastated and alone. They used to love me. Yeah you need to warn people thats our responsibility

[@truthalonegirl]

So sorry that happened. I am praying that God will comfort you and send you true Godly friends.

[@bsusie1]

So very sorry for your experience. I spent 35 years in WOF. I was born with physical issues that caused progressive pain as years passed. The lack of love and compassion from others was very painful. That in addition to the continual judgement I experienced because they believed it was my lack of having my heart to accept I was already healed added to the feelings I was at fault for not receiving. The twisting of scripture is something I’m still learning to undo. It’s been very rare to find anyone that is willing to offer support and mercy when someone is experiencing difficulties. It can be a very lonely journey. The Lord is faithful to carry us when people often hold us to impossible standards.

[@beEmboldened]

This is horrifying. My heart breaks for you. May God provide comfort and authentic connection.

[@beEmboldened]

I HATE this about WOF. It's disgusting. I'm so glad you're confident in the difference between this movement and the Lord's relationship with you.

[@terryburton9103]

@@bsusie1 thank you for your compassionte words.

[@therecoverytabernacle]

Thank you for sharing!

[@shaunarinaldi9276]

My husband sent me this video because he “thought of me” when watching it. Now that I am watching it, I see why. My experience was somewhat different but also with MUCH of the same results and in fact with may of the same answers to quite a few of the questions. I am still very much trying to heal though. I came from a bit of a different background, and let me tell you what. I can how these types of “churches” just push people to “deconstruction” or even just straight up atheism. My husband and I left our problematic church about 4-5 months ago, which was tricky to navigate with a 10 year old who just isn’t yet mature enough to see the doctrinal issues, but we’ve found a new church that I think we’ll stay at, where the sermons actually teach the word. Not a “life lesson” with maybe a verse or two taken out of context to “prove” their point. But it’s just not the same. Idk if church will even feel the same for me….

[@beEmboldened]

Reconnecting with a church again can. be incredibly difficult. Many who initially do, then have to step back because it wears on them so much. Healing and rebuilding are so possible, though...it took me 10 years to be able to regularly attend church, and looking back, maybe that wasn't even much time. It sounds like you've found a solid spot! If we can be of help, please feel free to reach out to us.

[@marthaann33]

Many similarities between what happened to Nakita and what happened to me. I realize that the demon in the prosperity gospel/NAR is in my former church.

[@joshs2138]

Awesome discussion.

[@a.k.88HisWay]

Nakita! I went through this exact same thing. I’m a woman 35 single. Bold for Jesus.

[@beEmboldened]

YES. "Bold for Jesus."

[@ianbell2931]

Can we get a part 2 dealing with the specifics of the poor theology Nakita picked up at the old church, and what she has discovered since leaving?

[@briellelitz5761]

I second this.

[@beEmboldened]

@NakitaCanfield

[@NakitaCanfield]

@@beEmboldenedI'm in!

[@atsipan]

I'm sure Nakitas' experience will be useful in her Biblical counseling ministry

[@beEmboldened]

Absolutely! We actually require a personal experience in addition to training as a support professional and training in theological/biblical studies. Maybe she'll be on our team someday ;)

[@NakitaCanfield]

@@beEmboldenedYou have my attention.... 😉

[@user-us3cb2oq9c]

Yes I also surviving this! Need support

[@beEmboldened]

Understandable-this kind of abuse impacts all areas of our lives. Please feel free to check out our website and reach out to us!

[@ruthanns521]

We went to a church for a while that was like that they put on a show of love, but it wasn’t genuine. Their stuff is what I would call staged. For instance, there was three pastors that were involved in leader ship and because they wanted to make everyone feel so comfortable, one of them would wear a suit and tie NNB for the tradition f, another would wear plaid shirt, jeans, and be more for the “country people, or casual and then there was always this skinny leg, jeans and sweaters for the “Hip crowd” but I was kind of friends and I found out it was all planned so you could come anywhere you wanted to come and you would feel comfortable because one of the pastors would be dressed like you. There is a lot of hurt in the church for us and we left.

[@beEmboldened]

Wow. Thank you for posting this for us all-I very much appreciate your vulnerability in what you've experienced.

[@clivetaylor4300]

Great interview. This is happening here in the Australian church too. Do you know of Julie Roys who does a lot to expose abuse in the church? Also, we found Matt Maher of Landmark Church in Ocean City an excellent teacher of the Word. His messages are on KZbin also.

[@beEmboldened]

Yes, Julie is so kind and the work she's doing is valuable!

[@mrodriguez6449]

God delivered me from 30 years of word of faith charismania and I became angry that they deceived me and didn't give me the biblical teachings, biblical doctrines I needed to come to a saving knowledge of the gospel. It was carnal, fleshly, and focused on temporal, earthly, carnal needs. I also became frustrated that no one outside of church setting ever told me what real biblical Christianity is.

[@beEmboldened]

It is angering, because it's deceitful, unjust, and against God. My heart hurts reading what you've come out of, yet I'm so glad you're not in it anymore. Real biblical Christianity is so much better!

[@mrodriguez6449]

@@beEmboldened thank you so much. It is so good to see others coming out from deception! God bless your channel!

[@deborahthorp758]

Its sad to think that people get so hurt even in church , suppose to be a safe place for every one. Not excusing blatan sin at all , but humility ,respect ,love of the true living God, the Bible being our foundation rightly divided and instructed, yes Jesus our example , yes value, respect. Testing all things to see if they are so scriptually.

[@beEmboldened]

You're right. It is so deeply saddening...and angering. The damage is so deep and wide because of what you said. Thank you for being here!

[@christianuniversalist]

Want to know what poor theology is?👇 The soteriologies of eternal hell and/or annihilation unto oblivion.

[@robertburke9920]

So then, ask yourself... how do pastors entrain their employees and congregations? Can their techniques be explained... then seen? Well then, read the masterpiece novel "Where Do We Go Now, LORD? - Burke." Explains much. Very much. Restated... if victims simply talk with other victims... then isn't there something missing? Like... how the leaders did what they did to the victim? The seminaries and pastors have learned that it pays great money to entrain people. So, the above novel teaches precisely what the entrainment methods were. Enjoy!

[@berealrb1496]

I do believe that our words have power it states it in the bible. I do believe that we go through trials as the bible also states. I think there is truth but if you knew the biblevin and out you would no you can't control your outcome based on just the power of words.

[@annefoust1865]

Biblical love doesn't seek. It's own (1 Corinthians 13). Genuine love is self-sacrificing. False love only gives something to get something.

[@terryburton9103]

Name them

[@cynthiahamlin8059]

Can Nakita share the worship course she is taking?

[@NakitaCanfield]

Sure can! 😊 that one was WRSP101 at Liberty University, I thoroughly enjoyed the course. The one text that we used was MacArthurs book "Worship: the Ultimate Priority" and that was so beneficial of understanding God's character as well as what acceptable worship really is-- which is how we live, not just a Sunday morning event.

[@cynthiahamlin8059]

I can relate! Done with churches!

[@beEmboldened]

Finding a safe, healthy church and trusting is so so hard. I have definitely felt what you're saying.

[@johnwwan]

Talking about IHOPKC or Bethel Church… I guarantee it.

[@NakitaCanfield]

It's actually NY Hope church but they mimic Bethel, Hillsong, and Elevation.

[@johnwwan]

@@NakitaCanfield thanks Nikita. Just so you know, I have a hard time worshiping with many songs that are popular these days too and it’s okay. Thanks for your honesty.

[@conceptualclarity]

Nakita what did you mean by saying that they were promoting progressive theology?

[@NakitaCanfield]

@@conceptualclarity There's many ways but being in a WOF, NAR, prosperity gospel environment right off the bat is going off the grid of biblical Christianity. Examples would just be how it's self centered(eisegetical "preaching,) unbiblical leadership, seeker friendly, Bible isn't authoritative or sufficient, they use the message or passion translation, I have a lot of examples of scripture taken out of context and applied in their view instead of what historical the text means. They're against "religion," into social issues, and have very twisted views of spirituality and God "encounters."

[@conceptualclarity]

​@@NakitaCanfield yes the message and passion are both terrible

[@MereEdgeMinistry]

ugh, stop talking about your feelings. Preach the word of God, stand on His teaching.

[@beEmboldened]

If we removed from scripture every verse that talks about a feeling, we would lose almost entire books, including words of the Lord Himself. Please reconsider the message you're sharing, to ensure it aligns with the Word of God.

[@stevemassengill9236]

Move on from your experience

[@beEmboldened]

Absolutely, in a biblical way, so while warning others and sharing testimonies.