The Shepherding Movement, sometimes called the Discipleship Movement, refers to a controversial movement within some charismatic and Pentecostal churches that began in the 1970s. The movement emphasized the need for Christians to be under the authority and personal pastoral care of an elder or “shepherd.”
The Shepherding Movement originated within the Fort Lauderdale Five, a group of five charismatic leaders: Derek Prince, Don Basham, Bob Mumford, Charles Simpson, and Ern Baxter. These men were concerned about what they saw as a lack of accountability and discipleship in the charismatic renewal of the 1960s and 1970s. In response, they taught that every Christian needed to be personally pastored by someone in authority over them. This was often formalized in covenants of submission between the layperson and their pastor/elder.
Some key teachings of the Shepherding Movement include:
- The need for personal pastoral care and accountability in every Christian’s life
- Submission to and obedience of church leaders
- The role of apostles and prophets as governing ministries in the church
- Hierarchical church leadership and government
- Conformity to the group and its teachings
- Regulation of church members’ personal lives and decisions
Though coming from a sincere desire to see Christians mature and avoid moral failure, the Shepherding Movement was criticized for having an unhealthy, authoritarian view of spiritual authority. Some felt the submit-and-obey teachings denied the priesthood of all believers and the work of the Holy Spirit in each Christian’s life (1 Peter 2:9, Romans 8:9-11).
Excesses and abuses occurred in some Shepherding circles, with stories of overbearing control, legalism, and manipulation. Some groups resemble unhealthy cult dynamics, with members cut off from outside voices of correction.
By the early 1980s, the founding Fort Lauderdale Five had all either left the movement they helped create or expressed regret over its excesses. Most groups softened their stances or faded away, though some pockets of Shepherding-style groups continue today.
While containing some helpful emphases on spiritual maturity, community, and eldership, Christians should be discerning of Shepherding teachings that go beyond Scripture in exercising authority. True shepherds lead like Jesus—with compassion, humility, and sacrifice (John 10:1-18, 1 Peter 5:1-4).
Origins of the Shepherding Movement
The Shepherding Movement emerged within the Charismatic Renewal of the 1960s and 70s. During a time of energetic revival and renewed interest in the Holy Spirit, some Christian leaders saw the need for more accountability and discipleship. They were concerned by what they viewed as a lack of maturity among those touched by the charismatic outpouring.
Five influential teachers—Derek Prince, Don Basham, Bob Mumford, Charles Simpson, and Ern Baxter—became associated and widely known as the “Fort Lauderdale Five.” Meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in the 1970s, they discussed their shared burden and ideas for discipling believers. This group, along with other like-minded ministers they influenced, began to teach and implement ideas that became known as the Shepherding doctrine.
The Fort Lauderdale Five advocated having a personal shepherd or pastor over every believer. Drawing from the Old Testament concept of spiritual “covering,” as well as New Testament passages about authority and submission, they taught that each Christian needed to be accountable to a human spiritual authority.
This was often formalized by covenants of submission. A believer would covenant themselves to a group, church, or leader, committing to be submissive to their authority and direction. Though sincere in motive, these covenants tended to give inordinate power and control to the pastor or leader.
Beliefs and Practices
The Shepherding Movement was more relational than doctrinal in nature. There was no formal creed or confession. It centered on the relationship between church members and their personal pastors or cell group leaders. However, it did promote certain beliefs about spiritual authority, discipleship, and submission.
Authority of Apostles and Prophets
The Five believed church government should be based on the five-fold ministry gifts outlined in Ephesians 4:11-13—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. They saw apostles and prophets as the governing ministries that establish doctrine and practices for the church.
Hierarchical Church Leadership
Shepherding groups tended to be hierarchical, with authority flowing down from apostles and prophets to pastors, cell leaders, and lay members. There was little concept of congregational input or democratic elements. The emphasis was obeying those in spiritual authority over you.
Submission and Accountability
This was a core practice—the submitting of believers to personal pastors who became their source of guidance and accountability. Many taught obedience to the shepherd was obligatory unless they specifically commanded something unbiblical.
Control and Scrutiny of Members’ Lives
In many groups, shepherds would strongly regulate aspects of members’ personal lives—finances, marriage, vocation, etc. Books like “Where Do I Go From Here, God?” provided detailed rules for daily routines, family life, sex, hygiene, and more.
Conformity and Groupthink
There was often pressure for conformity in Shepherding groups. Individuality and outside influence were seen as threats to unity. This could develop a stifling culture that breeds fear, pride, and abuse of authority.
Discipleship Programs and Cell Groups
Intensive discipling of members was a feature, often in cell groups of 6-12 people. Indoctrination tended toward the group’s beliefs, with little room for questioning or outside materials. These groups could become exclusivist and cultic.
Criticisms and Decline
In its most extreme forms, the Shepherding Movement led to abusive and controlling churches. Once-sincere believers found themselves in authoritarian systems that dominated their lives. Many lives were scarred by the experience.
As reports of abuse spread, the Shepherding Movement faced increasing criticism and correction, even from within charismatic circles. Concerns included:
- Over-emphasis on human authority vs. the headship of Christ
- Covenants of submission as unbiblical
- Personality cults forming around the new “apostles”
- A denial of the priesthood of all believers and personal guidance of the Holy Spirit
- Legalism, manipulation, intimidation, and fear used to control members
By the early 1980s, all of the Fort Lauderdale Five had either left the Shepherding system, modified their views, or expressed regret over abuses. Bob Mumford openly apologized for his part in 1986. Most groups faded away or moved toward mainstream evangelical practices. Critics had exposed the doctrinal and ethical errors of the movement.
However, some clusters of Shepherding-influenced churches remain. The International Churches of Christ had roots in the Shepherding Movement, though it later denounced those teachings. Other groups have continued with similar practices though avoiding the term “shepherding.” Elements of the movement also influenced some networks of house churches.
The Bible on Spiritual Authority
The Shepherding Movement claimed a basis in Scripture, but went beyond what the Bible teaches about authority and submission. Passages it drew upon include:
- Hebrews 13:17 – Obey leaders and submit to them
- 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 – Respect those over you in the Lord
- 1 Corinthians 16:15-16 – Submit to those who serve the church
- 1 Peter 5:5 – Be subject to elders
- Ephesians 5:21 – Submitting to one another
However, the New Testament does not support pyramid-style hierarchies among Christians. While it teaches respecting human authority, our ultimate submission is to Christ (Ephesians 5:21). Jesus also taught against exercising authority like worldly leaders (Matthew 20:25-28).
Yes, believers should humbly consider the teaching and guidance of church leaders (Hebrews 13:17). But these leaders do not have absolute authority over our lives. They are to lead like shepherds—with sacrificial service, not top-down control (1 Peter 5:1-4). Their authority comes through biblical truth, not personality coercion (2 Corinthians 1:24).
The Holy Spirit lives directly in every believer for guidance (Romans 8:9-11). We have the priesthood of all believers and freedom in Christ (1 Peter 2:9, Galatians 5:1). While God calls Christians to relationship and community, we are to avoid legalistic control or anything that compromises our devotion to Jesus alone.
Principles for Healthy Spiritual Authority
In place of unbiblical extremes of the Shepherding Movement, Christians can follow these principles for exercising spiritual authority:
- Recognize Christ as the head of the church (Ephesians 1:22, 4:15)
- Acknowledge the Holy Spirit’s direct work in each believer (1 Corinthians 3:16)
- Beware personality cults or anyone claiming to be an apostle/prophet
- Test all doctrine by Scripture (Acts 17:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:21)
- Cultivate humility, honesty, and servanthood in leaders (1 Peter 5:1-4)
- Allow respectful dissent and avoid forced conformity on disputable matters (Romans 14:1-12)
- Empower congregational input in decision making when possible
- Welcome outside voices of correction and accountability
- Confront sins of pride, manipulation, intimidation, greed, and lust for power (3 John 1:9-11)
Shepherds are called to guide, nourish, and protect God’s people—not dominate and exploit them. Leaders submitted to Christ will build up the body in love, not tear it down through fear and control.