In this article, we take a look at cult leader ‘Apostle’ Brian Tamaki (aka ‘Lord of the Rings’ – because he has men in his church swear their allegiance to him by wearing rings inscribed with Tamaki’s name), and his Destiny ‘cult’. We examine both his connection to the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and how he was given power and authority within the NAR.
There is a very good reason why other Apostles lik Brian Houston, Phil Pringle, Paul De Jong, Peter Mortlock and others don’t rebuke Brian Tamaki and warn members attending the Destiny cult. They are all part of Wagner’s NAR.
BRIAN TAMAKI – THE CREATION OF AN NAR APOSTLE:
People wrongly assume that Brian Tamaki appointed himself as an apostle, however this is not true. Brian Tamaki was RECOGNISED, (just like Che Ahn, John Arnott, John Kilpatrick, Brian Houston, David Yonggi Cho, Phil Pringle, Kong Hee, Cindy Jacobs, Benny Hinn, etc.), as an Apostle of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR).
NARpostle Mortlock and NARpostle Tamaki – ‘changing the world’
WHAT ARE WE DEALING WITH?
The New Apostolic Reformation began in 1948 through the ‘New Order of the Latter Rain’ (NOLR) cult. This movement attempted to ‘restore’ the church by establishing a ‘New Order’ of an end-times government of Apostles and Prophets, ruling the world by triggering a global spiritual revival/awakening thus ushering Jesus Christ’s return. They taught that man can become ‘gods’. Although they called this ‘Manifest Sons of God’, it has been repackaged repeatedly under many names.
Today, this ‘little gods’ doctrine has gone completely undetected under the name of ‘sonship’. Although the NOLR was condemned by the Pentecostal AOG in America, NOLR leaders and their Voice of Healing propaganda gagrag created prominent names in the Voice of Healing Movement (VHM) in the 1950s and mainstreamed its occultic ideas in their construction of the Charismatic Renewal Movement (CRM). The Shepherding Discipleship Movement (SDM) in the 70s played a major role in establishing the regime of governing Apostles and Prophets in churches across the world. At this time, C. Peter Wagner observed the rise of this new order of individuals who were supposedly operating under intense spiritual authority and coined the name the ‘New Apostolic Reformation’ – he then became its leader when he started to theologically defend its apostate practices.
With a group of his apostles, Wagner founded the International Coalition of Apostles (ICA) in 1999, (an organisation that recognized or ordained apostles around the world to bring ‘order’ and takeover/’change’ society for ‘god’ and to manifest little gods or Christ’s on earth).
Here is a list of all Apostles of the International Coalition of Apostles (ICA) in 2001:
Two names that stand out in the pdf are Eddie Long and Brian Tamaki. This is important because it demonstrates that Tamaki considered himself an apostle because he was accepted or ordained as one through the NAR’s ICA organization. More importantly (and this is how the NAR really work), it took another NARpostle from Wagner’s ICA to come to Destiny church to prophesy that Tamaki would apostolically rule New Zealand. (Chris Rosebrough reviewed this prophecy below.)
While not saying directly he would rule as an ‘apostle’, this concept is not lost on NARpostles and their followers when you examine the language Eddie Long used.
Eddie Long prophesied (emphasis added):
“[God] made a declaration that in five years you shall be ruling and reigning in this nation. That means you control the wealth, that means you control the riches, that means you control the politics, that means you control the social order, that means that you are in charge. Touch your neighbor and say, ‘It happens because of order‘.”
This is classic NAR theology which you will hear NARpostles like C. Peter Wagner espouse.
Eddie Long was declaring that God himself is fulfilling through Tamaki, (what is known in the NAR as the Dominion Mandate), the Seven Mountain Mandate and the Great End-Time Wealth Transferal. Furthermore in the articles and documents below, Tamaki is recognized as an apostle by receiving special revelation and visions from God and being called ‘spiritual father’ who has ‘spiritual sons’. This is more classic NAR language and doctrine that reinforces his ‘apostleship’ over his congregants.
PS. CHRIS ROSEBROUGH’S REVIEW:
In the episode Ps. Rosebrough recommended CultWatch.Com to his listeners to warn against ‘Apostle’ Brian Tamaki.
Brian Tamaki’s Destiny Church is Now a Cult [Cache] [Archived]
After reviewing various soundbites, Ps. Rosebrough concluded:
“So he claims to receive direct revelation from God. And this is the reason why folks, when you have a vision casting leader in a church and anybody who challenges the vision- well they are seen as actually challenging God himself. Because the people in the churches where there’s vision casting leaders, they believe that the guy got a vision from God. So to question him is to question God. You know? And only the devil would do that.
And so this sets it up folks. That’s the kind of thing that sets it up. The person claiming direct revelation to be the prophet sets it up for him to basically become the unchallengable leader of the cult, (if you would), and then to teach whatever they want.” [1:12:19]
Ps. Rosebrough went on to review a sermon by Tamaki to demonstrate just how dangerous he and the Destiny cult actually is. Listen here:
Leviathan Snake & Scorpion Attacks?
PROGRAM SEGMENTS:
00:07:35 – Katie Souza – How Pride Causes Leviathan Snake & Scorpion Attacks
00:53:50 – Paula White‘s Husband Recommends Porn
01:00:21 – False Doctrines of Cult Leader Brian Tamaki
01:17:31 – Sermon Review: The Broad Place by Brian Tamaki
Source: Chris Rosebrough, Leviathan Snake & Scorpion Attacks?, PirateChristian.Com, http://www.piratechristian.com/fightingforthefaith/2015/9/leviathan-snake-scorpion-attacks, Published
Read below to see more on the dangers of the Destiny cult and note the NAR sonship language. CultWatch uploaded this document on their site which should help readers understand the attached article in the NZ Herald.
NZHerald writes:
Tamaki’s 700 ‘sons’ swear oath of loyalty
EXCLUSIVE – The leader of Destiny Church, Brian Tamaki, who not long ago anointed himself bishop of the church he founded, has now proclaimed himself the church’s “spiritual father” and designated the male members of the church as “spiritual sons”.
At a special service during the church’s annual conference in Auckland at the weekend, about 700 male members of the church swore a “covenant oath” of loyalty and obedience to Mr Tamaki and were given a “covenant ring” to wear on their right hands.
A church document describes the covenant as “a solemn oath of commitment that is binding, enduring and unbreakable. You are bound to covenant … Covenant is an irrevocable, undissolvable oath of commitment”.
The document, entitled Protocols and Requirements Between Spiritual Father & His Spiritual Sons, contains the text of the “covenant oath”, the guts of which is that “Above all, we stand here today in the presence of God to enter into this sacred covenant with our man of God, Bishop Brian Tamaki”.
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It says: “To you Bishop we pledge our allegiance, our faithfulness and loyalty. We pledge to serve the cause that is in your heart and to finish that work. Success to you and success to those who help you – for God is with you.”
In its introduction, the church document says that proof of a man’s covenant with God is how they “submit to God’s chosen man … We are blessed to our spiritual father through whom this principle is being restored. The fruit of his ministry is self-evident, so much so that his call and influence is discerned at many levels in both the Christian and non-Christian communities here in New Zealand … Spiritual fathers are extremely rare … For us it is about discerning the special anointing and function God has put on Bishop’s life …”
The requirements of sonship, the document says, are to give Mr Tamaki obedience and honour, to imitate him and follow his faith and to give him “your loyalty and your strength”.
A church statement last night said the initiative was launched by Bishop Tamaki.
He said the covenant ceremony was witnessed by several thousand church-goers, and marked the culmination of a six-month programme aimed at “helping men to become better husbands and fathers and standout contributors to local community”.
The Destiny Church statement said many of the men had emerged from social dysfunction, crime, alcohol or drug-related problems and domestic violence to become functional members of society.
Protocols
In the document comes a section entitled “Protocols towards our spiritual father”, which takes 1300 words to describe in jaw-dropping detail how the “spiritual sons” shall behave towards their “spiritual father”.
Under “Public Conduct”, the sons will in all conversation always speak of Mr Tamaki in a favourable and positive light; and in formal and/or public occasions, they will always address him and his wife, Hannah, first in acknowledgments and addresses at meetings “as a sign of respect to the father of the movement”.
If any “son” is honoured either by the church or secularly, he is to mention his “mentors and role models” – Mr and Mrs Tamaki – “because Bishop is one of God’s best-known representatives in our country”.
Under “Conduct Towards Bishop”, the “sons” are told that “Bishop is the tangible expression of God”, so they need to understand how to properly approach their man of God “to protect the anointing and not transgress this special relationship”.
They are always to be respectful and honourable in Mr Tamaki’s presence. “Even though he is very sociable and open – remember who he is!” They must never be “in his face” and must protect him from outsiders who attempt to do that.
They must ensure that Mr Tamaki and his wife are both honoured, cared for and given appropriate respect. “Bishop is a people person. Often it is better we offend others than him.”
And since “Bishop carries our vision and our anointing for the future and hope of our families and offspring, we ought to guard, protect and watch out for him and Ps [Pastor] Hannah”.
Under “Discernment”, the “sons” are told they must “feel Bishop’s flow and be attentive to his thoughts and directions”, which “gives unity and power to what God is saying and doing through him”.
They must endorse what Mr Tamaki endorses, fully support what he promotes and ensure that what he is involved in is supported and successful.
“Whenever Bishop speaks all other talking stops: give him your full attention. Be careful not to cut in on him when he is speaking and ensure others don’t either.
“Don’t start talking or gesturing to somebody else while Bishop is speaking.”
The “sons” must never openly disagree with Mr Tamaki in front of others and must “be careful not to become familiar (which can lead to contempt)” with him “due to his friendliness and openness”.
Under “Etiquette”, the “sons” are told that when Mr Tamaki and his wife enter a room, they must stand and acknowledge their presence. They may sit only after the Tamakis are seated.
And if they dine with him they wait until he has started eating before they start eating, unless he indicates otherwise.
Vocal
Under “Church Service (in house) Protocols” the men are encouraged to sit as close as possible to the front of the church to be nearer to Mr Tamaki and to be vocal during his preaching, affirming what he has to say with “amen” and “that’s right”, clapping, shouting and laughing. This sort of participation is said to build “an atmosphere that is conducive to supernatural events”.
They are told to bring Bible, pen, paper or laptop to note down Mr Tamaki’s sermons which “shows how highly you value the Word of God from Bishop’s mouth”.
They should come to church anticipating that God will speak through Mr Tamaki and should always be dressed well at all meetings with him. “His dress code is your dress code.” They should also look happy and smile and be friendly to all and encourage people.
Under “Supporting Bishop’s Function & Ministry”, the “sons” are encouraged to find out Mr Tamaki’s speaking itinerary and travel to other churches and engagements to support him, because a team of men around their bishop “reflects his importance to them”.
They must never tolerate anyone (regardless of who they are) speaking or talking critically of Mr Tamaki and his wife/family or the church. “You are not only to stop them in their tracks but warn them that they criticise you when they criticise Bishop.”
They should celebrate Mr Tamaki’s special occasions with him with surprises on birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions or achievements.
“Don’t wait for others to do it. It is a sign of your love and respect for him: at times give gifts to him and/or Ps Hannah. A gift means many things – love, honour and blessing them: they will feel appreciated.”
The men are exhorted to be protective of Mr Tamaki and his family. The protocol says he “will be more criticised, scrutinised and demonised than most others because of who he is and what he carries”.
“You will hear all sorts of statements and opinions but you must be prepared to ignore them and consistently hold him in the same high regard no matter what you hear.”
Somewhat surprisingly, the protocol says that Mr Tamaki is human and does make mistakes.
However, the sons must “be prepared to defend against any problems arising out of his mistakes.
A loyal man is supposed to ‘cushion’ the effect of a mistake on Bishop and to protect him. NEVER intentionally expose his weakness.”
It says Mr Tamaki may downplay and even discourage “sons” in overtly honouring him, “BUT that should never stop the men from doing what is honourable and what is in their heart to do”.
“The bishop’s discomfort with honour should never rob the people of the spiritual rewards for such honourable and respectful actions towards him.
It is appropriate, says the protocol, for men to tell others of their love for Mr Tamaki, who is “one of the most well-known representatives of God in our country”. The “sons” must reinforce and emphasise what he says and preaches and quote him as often as possible in favourable terms.
Source: By Garth George, Tamaki’s 700 ‘sons’ swear oath of loyalty, NZHerald, http://http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10605956, Published 29 Oct, 2009. (Accessed 03/10/2017.) [Cache]
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Categories: Destiny Church, International Coalition of Apostles (ICAL), New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)