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Franchise Faith: The Hidden Agenda Behind Global Church Plants

71 min • 21 juli 2025

John and Jed discuss how cult dynamics infiltrate not only fringe religious groups like IHOP, YWAM, and Bethel, but also influence mainstream churches through branding, fragmentation, and spiritual elitism. Drawing from personal experiences and historical case studies, they highlight how movements often prioritize expansion and spectacle over accountability and genuine service. From church planting strategies to failed missions rooted in emotional manipulation, they show how much of the spiritual infrastructure today mirrors the corporate franchise model. They trace the development of these movements from early Pentecostal figures such as Frank Sanford and Charles Parham to modern-day spiritual tourism and missions that often benefit the senders more than the communities being served. The conversation raises serious concerns about the lack of oversight, the trauma caused by spiritually abusive methods, and the ease with which narcissistic leaders can build personal empires under the guise of ministry. In the end, they preview a heartbreaking example of a cult offshoot where these dangers became fatal. ______________________ Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR: Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________ - Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham - Visit the website: https://william-branham.org