This week on Deformed Theology, Jonathan and David dig deep into the critical (and often misunderstood) question: What does it really mean to be called into full-time ministry?
Is it enough to feel a personal desire or get a prophetic word at youth camp? Or does Scripture require more?

Through a no-holds-barred discussion grounded in 1 Timothy 3, the guys tackle the distinction between divine calling and self-promotion, and explore why far too many people are stepping into church leadership without spiritual vetting, discipleship, or even a genuine call.

You’ll hear:

• Why desire alone isn’t evidence of calling

• The vital role of external confirmation from spiritual leaders

• How narcissism is infiltrating both charismatic and reformed camps

• What the Bible says about qualifications for ministry (and why they matter)

• The real cost of faithful, vocational ministry

• Why some people should not be in leadership—yet (or ever)

• The growing pressure to grow big churches vs. grow faithful disciples

This episode also addresses common misconceptions around seminary education, church size, and the dangerous trap of treating ministry like a corporate career rather than a Divine calling to a life of servanthood.

Plus, hear the guys respond to listener comments about charismatic camps, Bible translations, mega churches, Catholic relics (yes, really), and the difference between fruitfulness and platform.

Whether you’re a pastor, aspiring minister, or just trying to discern your own calling—this conversation will challenge your assumptions, provoke conviction, and point you back to Scripture as the only reliable source of authority.

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In this episode of Deformed Theology, we sit down with Michael Miller of The Remnant Radio podcast for one of the most incisive and convicting conversations we've ever recorded. We talk rapture theories, prophetic abuse, and what’s really deforming modern theology—from toxic church leadership structures to the spiritual confusion bred by the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR).

Michael shares personal stories and theological insights that challenge charismatic norms, revealing how spiritual authority often masks dysfunction when not rooted in Scripture. We explore the devastating effects of elevating personal revelation above the Word of God, and how experience-based faith has created fertile ground for narcissistic leadership, theological drift, and disillusioned disciples.

The conversation digs deep into topics like Christian universalism, conditional immortality, emotionalism in worship, the blurred line between prophetic acts and performance, and the systemic failures within modern ecclesiology. We also touch on the consequences of branding-driven church models, what real eldership should look like, and why many churches now operate more like corporations than biblical communities.

This is a clarion call for clarity, courage, and Christocentric continuity in a church age increasingly obsessed with novelty, emotion, and power. Whether you’re Reformed, Charismatic, or somewhere in between, this conversation will sharpen your theological instincts and deepen your love for God’s truth.

If you're tired of shallow teaching and fake accountability, this episode is for you.

Summary

In this episode of Deformed Theology, hosts Jonathan and David explore the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), discussing its origins, key figures, and the implications of its teachings. They delve into the concept of the Seven Mountain Mandate, the role of church leadership, and the fivefold ministry as outlined in Ephesians 4. The conversation emphasizes the importance of scriptural alignment and accountability within church governance, while also addressing the potential for deformation in theology. The hosts encourage listeners to engage in dialogue and examination of their own beliefs and church practices.

Takeaways

• ​NAR is not a denomination but a movement.
• ​The Seven Mountain Mandate seeks to influence various societal sectors.
• ​Church leadership should be accountable and approachable.
• ​The fivefold ministry includes apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.
• ​Scriptural alignment is crucial for church governance.
• ​Revival can lead to movements, but not all movements are healthy.
• ​The importance of examining the fruit of church movements.
• ​NAR has prominent figures like Bill Johnson and Lou Engel.
• ​The conversation encourages open dialogue about theology.
• ​Church services should focus on feeding the sheep, not just seekers.

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