(By John Burton) House church advocates want pastors to know exactly why they left the institutional church. Most presume my book Covens in the Church addresses witchcraft, curses and attacks against the church. They are correct, but they misunderstand just what type of witchcraft I’m dealing with until they read the book—and are shocked. I deal with (among other things) those in the church who are spiritualizing their manipulation, control and rebellion by abandoning the local church, rejecting authority and church government and launching home churches without blessing or qualification.
When birthed out of a heart that resists authority, home churches are little more than coven meetings. I have been a bold advocate for what many call “the institutional church” while shining the light of scrutiny on the exodus to house churches. It’s important for all who read to understand I’m a staunch supporter of local church pastors, and any movement that attempts to circumvent biblical government must be exposed and renounced. I also want it to be clear that I actually do agree with many house-church advocates on many points. READ MORE