Dominionism: When Authority Goes Too Far and the Gospel Gets Lost


In recent years, a growing number of churches and movements have embraced a theological view that claims Christians are meant to "take back" the world for God by gaining control over cultural, political, and societal institutions. This teaching, known as dominionism, is especially influential in movements like the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and among prominent leaders at Bethel Church in Redding, California.

Though often wrapped in passionate calls for revival, dominionism isn’t simply about influencing culture—it’s about controlling it. It casts a vision of the church conquering the "mountains" of society and establishing God’s rule before Jesus returns. But beneath the inspirational language is a profound theological shift—one that compromises the sovereignty of God, redefines the gospel, and misrepresents the church’s mission.

What Is Dominionism?

At its core, dominionism teaches that the church has been given divine authority to establish God's kingdom on earth now, before Christ’s return. This is often tied to the Seven Mountain Mandate, which identifies seven areas of influence Christians are to "conquer": religion, family, education, government, media, arts and entertainment, and business.

The aim? To place Christians—particularly those seen as spiritually anointed—at the top of these societal spheres to “usher in” God's rule. The logic goes something like this: If believers dominate these areas, they can bring about cultural transformation that reflects heaven on earth.

While it’s good and biblical for Christians to influence culture with godliness, dominionism crosses a theological line. It doesn't just suggest cultural engagement—it promotes a belief that spiritual victory requires institutional control.

Dominionism’s Theological Roots

Dominionism is deeply influenced by Word of Faith theology and charismatic expressions of faith that overemphasize human authority. It teaches that:

  • God created humanity with divine authority over the earth.

  • This authority was “lost” to Satan at the Fall.

  • Jesus regained that authority through His death and resurrection.

  • Now, Christ has transferred that authority to the church, and it is our job to reestablish dominion over the earth in His name.

This leads to bizarre and dangerous conclusions:

  • God is no longer in control, but has delegated control to the church.

  • Prayer is not humble petition but an act of "authorizing" God to act.

  • Leaders can declare forgiveness over cities or nations, as though divine justice is subject to their pronouncements.

  • Jesus cannot return until the church reaches a state of spiritual maturity, victory, or perfection.

In this view, apostles and prophets serve as the generals of God's army, wielding new revelation and supernatural power to direct the church in this mission.

Where It Goes Wrong

  1. It Replaces the Gospel with Moralism

The gospel is about God saving sinners through Christ’s finished work on the cross—not about Christians taking over institutions. Dominionism focuses on changing external systems rather than transforming hearts. It risks confusing moral or political reform with spiritual revival. A society might pass laws aligned with biblical ethics, but if hearts aren’t changed by the gospel, true revival hasn’t happened.

  1. It Exalts Human Power Over God’s Sovereignty

Rather than submitting to God's sovereign rule and timing, dominionism flips the order: God waits on us to act, and Christ is held back until we accomplish our task. In practice, it suggests God obeys our declarations, as though divine power is triggered by our leadership. That is not Christian orthodoxy—it is dangerously close to blasphemy.

  1. It Confuses the Mission of the Church

Jesus called His disciples to make disciples of all nations, not to make the nations themselves into Christian entities. There's a big difference. True discipleship is person-to-person, grounded in repentance, faith, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Dominionism shifts the focus from individual transformation to national conquest, echoing the language of political campaigns more than the Sermon on the Mount.

  1. It Cultivates Authoritarian Leadership

Dominionist theology often elevates leaders as apostles or prophets whose “revelation” guides the church. This opens the door to unchecked authority, spiritual manipulation, and a culture where questioning leadership is viewed as rebellion against God. This structure has repeatedly led to abuse, corruption, and cover-ups.

A Better Way: Gospel-Centered Engagement

Christians are indeed called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16), to speak truth in the public square, and to influence society for good. But we must never forget: our hope is in the gospel, not in cultural conquest.

We don’t need to dominate institutions to fulfill the Great Commission. We need to preach Christ crucified, love our neighbors, disciple the next generation, and pray for those in authority.

The early church changed the world—not by taking over the Roman Senate—but by faithfully preaching Jesus, serving the poor, and laying down their lives. Their impact was eternal, not political.

Conclusion: Let God Be God

Dominionism attempts to place the church on a throne God never asked us to occupy. It distorts the gospel, compromises God’s sovereignty, and sets up leaders with far too much power.

Christ is returning—not for a church that conquered the mountains, but for one that remained faithful in the valleys. Until that day, our calling is not to build a kingdom of our own design, but to serve faithfully, preach boldly, and trust completely in the God who reigns now and forever.

Let’s lay down our crowns, not grab for them.


Rooted in Jesus Grace,

Mara Wellspring 

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