What was the Shepherding Movement? Introduction The Shepherding Movement, sometimes referred to as the Discipleship or Covering Movement, emerged in the 1970s within certain charismatic circles. It was led by a group of teachers who emphasized spiritual accountability, submission to authority, and close discipleship relationships. Over time, the movement grew to have both passionate supporters and outspoken critics, resulting in division in many Christian communities. This entry explores its beginnings, guiding principles, key leaders, controversies, eventual decline, and the lessons that can be drawn from Scripture. Historical Context The Shepherding Movement arose in a period of spiritual renewal among charismatic and neo-Pentecostal believers. The movement was significantly shaped by five prominent leaders—Bob Mumford, Derek Prince, Charles Simpson, Don Basham, and Ern Baxter—often called the “Fort Lauderdale Five,” referencing their meeting place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They formed Christian Growth Ministries, which published teachings outlining their emphasis on every believer being “shepherded” by a spiritual mentor for ongoing growth and accountability. The backdrop to this was the rapid growth of the charismatic movement in the previous decade. Many new converts sought deeper fellowship and yearned for spiritual mentors, so the idea of formal shepherding relationships quickly gained traction. Outside sources, such as articles in Christianity Today from the 1970s and testimonies gathered by various charismatic fellowships, document the growing excitement surrounding these teachings. In those early years, many church groups embraced the model, hoping it would encourage more fruitful discipleship, foster unity among believers, and guard against spiritual stagnation. Key Leaders and Teachings 1. Bob Mumford – Known for his engaging teaching style, Mumford became a key spokesperson, articulating the principles of total submission to one’s “shepherd” and regular accountability. 2. Derek Prince – A Bible teacher of international reputation, Prince brought doctrine and systematic exposition into the movement. He taught on spiritual authority, deliverance, and Christian maturity. 3. Charles Simpson – An influential pastor and writer, Simpson emphasized practical Christian living under spiritual guidance. He urged believers to live out their faith consistently by submitting to mentors. 4. Don Basham – A prominent preacher and magazine editor, Basham contributed teachings on Holy Spirit baptism, personal discipline, and devotion. 5. Ern Baxter – A conference speaker who often addressed large gatherings, Baxter discussed strong leadership models and accountability within the local church. Each leader contributed his own emphasis, but all taught the necessity of believers regularly placing themselves under a spiritual mentor for growth in holiness, prayer, and understanding of Scripture. Proponents believed this approach was a more faithful expression of principles found in texts like Acts 2:42–47, which expresses the early church’s devotion to “the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship.” Doctrine of Authority and Accountability Central to Shepherding Movement teaching was the idea of spiritual authority. Champions of the movement maintained that just as believers submit to Christ as the Head of the Church, so too should they submit to human leaders who provide guidance and counsel. They pointed to passages such as Hebrews 13:17: “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account,” interpreting it to require a very direct shepherd-to-sheep relationship. This accountability was intended to help believers stay strong in faith and avoid deception. However, as the movement expanded, some groups began structuring relationships in a hierarchical manner, with multiple layers of “shepherds” overseeing various ranks of believers. In theory, this stringent chain of command was supposed to maintain orderly discipleship, but in practice, it often led to extensive oversight of personal decisions. Impact on the Charismatic World Many pastors and churches welcomed the new concepts of intense discipleship. Retreat centers, home groups, and teaching seminars multiplied under the Shepherding banner, and members testified to newfound stability in their Christian walk. The emphasis on small-group fellowship attracted those who felt lost in large congregations or had never experienced personalized spiritual mentoring. In some places, the movement brought about renewed fervor for Bible study, worship, and evangelism. Individuals who had previously struggled after conversion found a group that would walk with them and guide them through doctrinal and practical questions. For a time, these outcomes garnered positive reports from within charismatic circles and beyond. Controversies and Criticisms Despite its encouraging aspects, the Shepherding Movement soon faced criticism for possible authoritarian excesses. A central grievance was that believers were effectively surrendering not only spiritual direction but also major life decisions—including marriage, finances, and career—to their shepherd’s oversight. 1 Peter 5:2–3 advises elders to “shepherd God’s flock among you, not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you. … not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” Critics alleged that many shepherds were “lording it over” the faithful in ways contrary to Scripture. Accusations of cult-like control, spiritual manipulation, and overreach escalated. The church historian Vinson Synan documented confusion and power struggles in various congregations that adopted the more extreme versions of shepherding. There were also concerns over scriptural justification for such tight authority structures. While passages like Ephesians 4:11–12 describe leadership gifts (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers) that equip the saints, many questioned whether the approach taken in the Shepherding Movement went beyond biblical norms. Public Apologies and Decline By the late 1970s and early 1980s, controversies took a toll on the movement’s reputation. Bob Mumford notably issued a public apology in 1979, acknowledging that certain shepherding practices had gone too far, causing “unhealthy submission” and “misguided loyalty.” Derek Prince gradually separated from the group and distanced himself from the movement’s direction. Other leaders made similar statements, attempting to recalibrate or dismantle overly stringent aspects. As apologies were released and the negative fallout continued, many participants left the movement or reconnected with more conventional denominations and ministry settings. The Shepherding Movement gradually lost momentum, although certain discipleship principles it championed continued in milder forms across various fellowships. Biblical Reflection Scripture does affirm the importance of shepherding within the Church. Jesus describes Himself as the “Good Shepherd” (John 10:11) who lays down His life for the sheep. Spiritual leaders are to emulate that sacrificial model. The New Testament repeatedly underscores the value of being accountable to church leadership, learning under capable teachers, and being devoted to fellowship (cf. Acts 2:42–44). At the same time, healthy leadership ensures that authority is used to serve, not dominate. Paul’s letters highlight the importance of mutual submission (Ephesians 5:21: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ”) and spiritual growth under nurturing oversight. However, there is no biblical justification for overreaching, manipulative structures that infringe on personal conscience and freedom in Christ (cf. Galatians 5:1: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be burdened again by a yoke of slavery!”). Proper shepherding recognizes the ultimate lordship of Christ, acknowledging that while pastors and elders lead, each believer is ultimately accountable to God (Romans 14:12). The Scriptures point us toward balanced, loving relationships in the context of Christian community, shunning any form of legalism or control that hinders true spiritual growth. Lessons and Ongoing Influence Although it declined as a distinct movement, Shepherding’s core idea of close discipleship remains relevant. Many congregations have adapted more balanced forms of small-group accountability, emphasizing genuine mentorship while rejecting the extreme hierarchical oversight of the past. Pastors worldwide still teach the importance of intentional discipleship, drawing from biblical examples and cautioning against any authoritarian pitfalls. Some of the reported positive fruits—like deeper fellowship, increased prayer, and clearer paths to maturity—have influenced modern discipleship programs. Leaders today often reference the errors of the Shepherding Movement as a warning, ensuring that they establish leadership structures that reflect Christ’s humility and scriptural guidelines. Conclusion The Shepherding Movement stands as a compelling yet cautionary example in modern Christian history. It was born out of a sincere drive to nurture spiritual maturity and accountability in believers. While it undeniably inspired many to deeper commitment, it also demonstrated the hazards of rigid authority structures. The Scriptures show a balanced approach to leadership and discipleship, emphasizing humility, servanthood, and the preeminence of Christ as the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4). Though the Shepherding Movement’s influence has waned, its lessons about accountability—both positive and negative—serve as a reminder that pastoral care and discipleship must be guided by biblical principles of love, service, and submission to the Word of God. |
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