Way down at the bottom of this pioneering ministry leadership article,  Dr T defines ‘our meaning whenever we use the term “man” “patriarch” “matriarch” “Levitical patriarch” “L Matriarch” (these latter 2 are Big Bosses)

PINPOINTING MEDIEVAL PRACTICES

in Modern Christian Methods and Authority:

A Deep Training Perspective

Revelation 3: 14-16 “And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;  I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou were cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.

By My Assessment: The Best Governing Authority Begins way down deep  WITHIN. Thus, training human persons to respect ALL, to look for all the boundaries and regard and respec them, being other centric, Ephesians 5:21 (deferring and James 3:17 “easily entreated” is better than outside strict, rules based, fierce accusing, use of force, threats, berating “Top Down Control” My Mind? Isaiah 1:18 as God did with Adam in the Garden after he willfully chose to eat that fruit

(See Isaiah 1: 18..it’s about one to one, up front respectful “relationship.”)

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MANY GOOD PEOPLE CAN HAVE FALSE DOCTRINE, ALSO “GOVERNING AUTHORITY”  WHICH USES MINISTRY FALSE , PASSED DOWN, TRADITIONAL, MENTORED , EGO , ALSO CULT LIKE, WITCHCRAFT (SUBLIMINAL, ARTFUL, STAGED, FIERCE, OFTEN UNDERMINING, BLOCKING)  FALSE AUTHORITY (see Christ Matthew 7:21-23 warning)

The following is submitted as a Well Thought Out Renewing of the Current Mindsets Solemn SELAH

Revelation 3 Word from John on the Isle of Patmos continues:

¹⁷ Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and HAVE NEED OF NOTHING (as in “have by now arrived” and  have “seen it all, done it all, heard it all, read it all and KNOW MORE” thus are at ease, wary, also critical and can posture to control,  to ward off persons, may typecast, objectify by stereotype, as impersonal  “ITs”…which is NOT THE SAME (it’s ANTI the cause of Christ)  as regarding ALL  as God formed VALUABLE UNIQUE PEOPLE who are “precious Human Real Persons” (Also, this is like the New World Order)

….and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

¹⁸ I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

¹⁹ As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

²⁰ Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

²¹ To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. ²² He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Modern Christian ministries, practices concerning authority, and the treatment of women often retain patterns deeply rooted in medieval church traditions. Understanding these parallels helps believers discern Biblical authority structures from inherited cultural forms. This training overview defines key medieval elements and contrasts them with New Testament foundations to clarify what to embrace or transform.

Defining Medieval Church Practices Related to Authority and Women

1. Authoritarian Hierarchical Authority

• Medieval Practice: The church structure in medieval Europe was highly hierarchical. The Pope, bishops, and priests exercised centralized, often rigid, control over doctrine, worship, and laity’s lives. Authority was top-down, ecclesiastical offices conferred power that was both spiritual and political. Local priests and bishops had vast autonomous power, resembling feudal lords. Submission was demanded rather than mutual (e.g., the laity had little participation in governance or ministry).

• Effect on Women and Laity: Women’s roles were highly restricted; leadership and teaching roles were reserved almost exclusively for men. Women were expected to be submissive and silent in church settings. The laity, especially women, had limited spiritual voice.

2. Formalism and Ritual Over Spiritual Life

• The medieval church emphasized sacramental rites, priestly mediation, and often elaborate rituals disconnected from the personal Spirit-led walk with God. This contributed to passive laity and dependency on clergy.

3. Patriarchal Social Order Transformed into Church Doctrine

• Medieval Christianity often fused with prevailing Western European patriarchy, codifying male dominance in church leadership and family life as divinely ordained, limiting women’s participation in teaching, leadership, and ministry.

IMPORTANT ASIDE: This is Sister TD’s Personal discovery:

4. Control Through Fear and Legalism

• Church discipline was judicial, sometimes harsh, enforcing conformity. The “Hammer of the Witch” (Malleus Maleficarum), for example, shows how religious authority exercised extreme control through persecution and fear, especially targeting women marginalized as witches.

Medieval Parallels in Modern Christian Methods and Authority

MAJOR POINT: Leaders, teach your persons “inside to the outside’ form of “holy fear of the Lord” REAL RESPECT and to self control, self govern (means; Read and respect ALL BOUNDARIES, including YOURS…and YOU theirs, mine… Then you can leave of the top down AUTHORITARIAN, CONTROLLING TOTALITARIAN, also SLAVE MASTER and BIG BOSS Forms of Christian ministry. (parenting, husbands, all leaders, too)

How to train “How to obtain the “holy fear of the Lord” Proverbs 2:1-5 {Purpose” The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” Proverbs 9: 10 therefore an ABSENCE of the “fear of the Lord” is the beginning of WHAT? (foolishness, entertainment, gossip, passivity, tepid complacency, accepting anything)
How to train self government: Apostle Paul Galatians 5:22-23 FIRST STEP: acknowledge Jesus as YOUR SAVIOR: JOHN 16:13 “He then gives a free deposit of “His Spirit of Truth” (Holy Spirit) take it from there.therefore, within that “gift, deposit’ are the 7 fruits of the Spirit (.to train)

Authoritarian Leadership Models in Modern Ministry

• Many contemporary churches and ministries retain an authoritarian leadership style modeled on medieval hierarchy. This includes:

  • Strong centralized leadership wielding unilateral decision-making power.

  • Ministers or pastors seen as nearly infallible authorities, discouraging questioning or dissent.

  • Control over members’ personal lives under spiritualized authority.

  • A “top-down” approach, mostly autocratic, legalistic, approach to ministry and teaching, limiting lay participation and accountability.

Treatment of Women in Ministry

• Echoing medieval restrictions, many conservative and traditional churches limit women’s roles to non-leadership or secondary positions.

• Formal doctrines or cultural traditions, rather than direct biblical warrant, often justify women’s silence or submission in public teaching or authority.

• This limits the vibrant, Spirit-led participation of women attested in the New Testament (e.g., Phoebe in Romans 16:1, Priscilla in Acts 18:26).

Formalism and Ritualism

• Some modern traditions or mega-churches foster ritualistic forms or consumer-driven services that emphasize performance or spectacle over deep personal spiritual growth, a dynamic reminiscent of medieval sacramental formalism.

Control and Fear-Based Spirituality

• Some movements replicate medieval-style spiritual control mechanisms:

  • The Shepherding Movement of the late 20th century institutionalized strict submission to leaders.

  • Certain New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) factions mimic judicial and prophetic authority reminiscent of medieval inquisitions.

  • Fear of spiritual judgment or discord is used to maintain conformity instead of fostering freedom in Christ (Galatians 5:1).

Biblical Foundations to Counter Medieval Patterns

• Mutual Submission (Ephesians 5:21): True church authority is reciprocal, grounded in Christ’s example and love.

• Servant Leadership (1 Peter 5:2-3): Leaders serve willingly, humbly, and as examples.

• Women’s Ministry Validated: New Testament affirms women in key ministry roles (Romans 16:1-7).

• Freedom in the Spirit (Galatians 5:1,22-23): Authority flows from Spirit-fruit including self-control, not from authoritarian mandate.

Deep Training Takeaway Points for Equipping Christian Leaders

1. Recognize Historical Influence: Understand how medieval church structures shaped modern church authority and gender roles, often diverging from New Testament values.

2. Reject Authoritarianism: Cultivate leadership styles that emphasize mutual submission, humility, and accountability.

3. Restore Biblical Women’s Roles: Affirm and empower women according to Scripture’s teaching and example.

4. Promote Spirit-Led Community: Foster churches where spiritual growth, freedom, and participation are primary, not hierarchical control or ritualism.

5. Guard Against Fear and Legalism: Preach freedom in Christ, emphasizing love and self-governance empowered by the Spirit.

Summary Scripture References (KJV)

• Ephesians 5:21 — “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”

• 1 Peter 5:2-3 — “Feed the flock… not by constraint… neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.”

• Galatians 5:1,22-23 — “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free… the fruit of the Spirit is… self-control.”

• Romans 16:1-7 — Affirmation of female ministry leaders like Phoebe and Priscilla.

This historical also objective overview analysis invites conscientious leaders and churches to evaluate modern practices against biblical truth, discern and uproot unbiblical medieval legacy patterns, and restore healthy, Spirit-led ministry for today’s church.

CLOSING : mature Pastors, KEY WORD “Laodicean” at ease, overly well fed, used to getting it’s own fine tuned, well trained “way”  Shades of “lukewarm” Revelation 2

Biblical Exegesis for Implementing Healthy Ministry Principles

1. Mutual Submission as the Foundation of Church Life

Key Text: Ephesians 5:21
“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.” (KJV)

Exegesis:

• The Greek verb hypotassō (submit) implies voluntary yielding under a loving authority.

• Contextually, the command precedes instructions on household relationships, indicating mutual submission among all believers.

• This verse sets the tone for all relationships in the church, requiring reciprocal respect and service rather than top-down control.

Application:

• Ministry training should instill in leaders and members that submission is mutual and voluntary, rooted in reverence for Christ, not imposed by power structures.

• Training exercises can include role-plays emphasizing listening and honoring diverse voices, reinforcing horizontal relationships rather than hierarchy.

2. Servant Leadership Modeled on Christ

Key Text: 1 Peter 5:2-3
“Feed the flock of God… not by constraint, but willingly;… neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” (KJV)

Exegesis:

• The term poimainō (“feed/shepherd”) highlights pastoral care as service, not domination.

• Leaders are exhorted to lead willingly and not compulsorily (not by force or tyranny).

• Being an example implies transparent integrity, humility, and accountability.

Application:

• Ministry leadership training should emphasize shepherding as a calling to serve and model Christlike character.

• Teaching should address dangers of authoritarianism, contrasting with biblical servant leadership.

• Incorporate mentorship and accountability partners so leaders develop humility and avoid abuse of authority.

3. The Fruit of the Spirit as Evidence of Legitimate Authority

Key Text: Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance:** against such there is no law.” (KJV)

** temperance means ‘self  governing control” which is now missing in society and many Christian “saved” men and women.

Exegesis:

• Spiritual leadership and authority are validated by observable fruit—not by title or coercion.

• Temperance (self-control) is the key to healthy leadership, guarding against authoritarian excesses.

Application:

• Ministry training must integrate character formation as essential—leaders must cultivate fruit of the Spirit.

• Include spiritual disciplines, self-assessments, and community feedback mechanisms to nurture and evaluate spiritual fruit.

4. Affirming Women’s Ministry and Gifts

Key Texts: Romans 16:1-7; Acts 18:26

• Phoebe as “deacon” (Rom. 16:1), Priscilla teaching Apollos (Acts 18:26).

Exegesis:

• New Testament church recognized women in active, respected ministry roles.

• This reflects God’s gifting independent of gender and shows cultural accommodations rather than forbidding women’s ministry.

Application:

• Train churches to affirm and empower gifted women for leadership and teaching.

• Review problematic cultural or traditional restrictions and realign with the biblical example.

• Include biblical studies on women leaders in ministry curriculum.

5. Rejecting False Authority and Legalism

Key Text: Galatians 5:1
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (KJV)

Exegesis:

• Paul warns against reverting to legalistic control that restricts Christian liberty.

• False authority often enslaves others through rules and oppressive control, not servant-hearted leadership.

Application:

• Train ministers and congregations to recognize legalism and resist authoritarian structures.

• Promote teaching on freedom in Christ balanced with responsible, Spirit-led obedience.

• Encourage open dialogue about spiritual abuse to heal and prevent cycles of control.

Summary Table for Ministry Training Implementation

Final Encouragement for Trainers

Clarifying Terms and Avoiding Bias—My Use of the Words: Men, Patriarchy, and Matriarchy in Biblical Perspective

Important

In discussing concepts such as patriarchy and leadership within the church, it is crucial to approach the subject without bias or oversimplification. Men and women, as well as leadership types like patriarchs and matriarchs, reflect a broad spectrum of character and disposition. This teacher, ministry correcter aims to clarify key terms, acknowledge healthy leadership, and distinguish when authority is corrupted.

Defining Our Meaning Behind the Use of the words “Man” and “Men” in Life and Ministry

Men, whether Christian or non-Christian, come in many forms. Some embody strength balanced with humility and kindness, while others may struggle with issues of control or dominance. It is a reality of human life that no group is monolithic.

• In everyday life and especially within ministry contexts, men are called to be examples of servant leadership, modeled after Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27; 1 Peter 5:2-3).

• Not all men are authoritarian or part of what is identified in this work as Levitical Patriarchy (LP).

• The Bible affirms the value and dignity of men as God’s creation and calls many to be anchors—wise, stable, and loving leaders—in their homes and ministries.

• This Office says “Let the men rise up and lead!”

Patriarch and Matriarch: Positive Dispositions of Leadership

A patriarch or matriarch is a type of person characterized by strength, stability, wisdom, and stewardship within their family, tribe, ministry, or community. These individuals often serve as:

• Guardians and providers

• Wise counselors

• Reliable anchors in turbulent times

• Exemplars of sound judgment and godly leadership

In this sense, being a patriarch or matriarch is not about exerting power for control but about embodying a leadership disposition honored throughout biblical history.

When Authority Becomes Corrupted: Introducing WELP and WELM

Problems arise when individuals in these roles adopt false doctrine or false authority, perverting leadership to serve control, domination, or even cult-like enslavement. This distorts Biblical authority and damages communities.

• WELP (Western European Levitical Patriarchy) describes a system where controlling men enforce legalistic, hierarchical authority abusing spiritual and social power.

• WELM (Levitical Matriarchy) refers to women who, sometimes fiercely, uphold or enforce these controlling systems, often opposing genuine ministry women and acting as gatekeepers for authoritarian leadership.

A supreme Old Testament biblical example of such distortion appears in 1 Samuel with Eli and his sons. Eli was a gifted priest, but his sons abused their office, leading to tragic consequences for Israel (1 Samuel 2-4). This story exemplifies the dangers of corrupted Levitical authority—power without godly character and accountability.

A Balanced Biblical View

• Not all men are part of corrupted patriarchy; many reflect God’s design for loving and humble leadership.

• Not all strong women enforcing authority are misguided; many lead faithfully and with wisdom.

• The challenge lies in distinguishing healthy biblical leadership from authoritarian systems using power illegitimately.

• Biblical leadership is grounded in the fruit of the Spirit—love, peace, gentleness, self-control, and mutual submission (Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:21).

Practical Wisdom for Ministry Leaders

• Approach authority issues with grace, acknowledging the complexity of human character.

• Teach leaders and congregations to discern true biblical authority versus control or domination.

• Encourage accountability and humility among both men and women in leadership.

• Empower women to minister freely and authentically without fear of unjust opposition.

• Recognize and equip healthy patriarchs and matriarchs to live out their leadership as God intends.

Conclusion

This simply provides a foundation for understanding, needed clarification, as it entails important leadership terms in balanced and biblical perspectives. It helps prevent unfair biases against men or women, honoring God’s design for authority while identifying and opposing false systems that harm the church.

Biblical ministry leadership flourishes when leaders and congregations embrace the Spirit’s transformative power rather than human control. Training that models Christ-centered servant leadership, celebrates the Spirit’s fruit, and welcomes all God’s gifts—including women’s—builds healthy churches resistant to abusive patterns like WELP. (Western European Levitical Patriarchy and L Matriarchy..who are back under the Old Timey Critical Levitical Law)

**( Note Please “WELP” is Sr pastor, apostolic, prophet teacher,evangelist Dr Taveau’s own coined apostolic word upon her respected 35 year recurring  discovery in Christian leadership, in mostly the Christian “patriarchy” who are top down authoritarians, also their stern autocratic (enforcer) leader women WELM “Levitical Matriarch) ..who are most “shepherding movement, apostles in the gates of the city, chief NAR, apostle/ mega, micro, mini, seer like prophets known as “eagles’ and most of charismatica celebrity effected worship fine arts” and many unknown similar others..to which this non fierce objective person would say; 

The Mega, Micro Bottom Line: In these days of increased peril, loss and dysfunction, misunderstanding, let us each  use caution..

.…for God’s Word says “to know the LOVE of Christ which PASSES KNOWLEDGE  (means also achievement, great talent, gifts, position, power, fame, wells of knowledge, education, experience, status, your money) and BE FILLED with the FULLNESS of God” Paul in Ephesians 3:19

TO SUPPORT : Always please pray!
TO GIVE AS THE LORD LEADS:

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