Shepherding Movement

A controversial Christian leadership approach that emphasized submission and authority within the church.


The Shepherding Movement, also known as the “Discipleship Movement,” emerged in the early 1970s within the Charismatic movement, particularly in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It was initiated by a group of five charismatic leaders known as “The Fort Lauderdale Five”: Bob Mumford, Derek Prince, Don Basham, Charles Simpson, and Ern Baxter. This movement sought to promote spiritual growth and maturity through close, personal oversight and mentorship, emphasizing the importance of submission to spiritual authorities or “shepherds” within the church.

Origins and Beliefs

The Shepherding Movement’s foundational belief centered around the concept of “covenant relationships.” Members were encouraged to submit to their spiritual leaders, making no significant life decisions without their shepherd’s counsel. This structure aimed to mirror the New Testament’s teachings on mutual accountability and mentorship, notably the relationship described in the Second Epistle to Timothy.

Controversies and Criticism

However, the movement quickly became controversial due to its hierarchical structure, which many critics argued led to spiritual abuse and manipulation. Pat Robertson, a prominent figure within the charismatic community, was among the vocal critics of the movement. In an open letter to Bob Mumford dated June 27, 1975, Robertson expressed concerns over practices he observed, such as the emphasis on submission to human leaders potentially overruling personal guidance from God. He warned against the dangers of placing the teachings and directives of shepherds on the same level as Scripture, a practice he found cultish and reminiscent of the unscriptural domination of one person by another​​​​.

Dispersal and Legacy

By the mid-1980s, the original movement had largely dissipated, with key leaders publicly distancing themselves from its teachings. Derek Prince and Bob Mumford, for instance, issued formal apologies for any harm caused by their teachings, acknowledging the unintended negative consequences of the movement’s practices on individuals and families​​.

Despite its decline, the Shepherding Movement’s influence persisted in various forms within Christian communities, including some churches and organizations that continued to adhere to its principles of spiritual authority and discipleship. The movement’s legacy is complex, marked by both its intent to foster deep Christian commitment and the significant criticism it attracted for its approach to spiritual leadership and authority​​​​.

The movement also had an international impact, notably in Australia with the Logos Foundation under Howard Carter’s leadership, which ended controversially due to financial and moral scandals. The Shepherding doctrine influenced other movements and organizations, such as the International Churches of Christ and the Great Commission Association of Churches, although many have since re-evaluated and modified their practices in light of the criticisms leveled against the Shepherding Movement​​.

Today, the degree to which Shepherding Movement ideologies are present in contemporary Christian groups varies, with some adherents continuing to value its emphasis on mentorship and accountability, while others caution against the potential for abuse inherent in hierarchical spiritual relationships​​.

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