Rating: 
Summary: Typical covering theology... Some good points.
Review: John Bevere, I believe, is a sincere man of God who intends to encourage God's people with biblical truth; however, on this subject I found his handling of Scripture a bit misplaced in some instances. He tends to rely heavily on the traditional ideals of positional leadership and authority, which are popular among most of those who teach "covering theology." While Bevere's handling of the subject is perhaps a bit more graceful than some, it is still primarily the same ol' traditional view that is backed by scarce biblical support. In fact, one has to rely principly upon Old Testament texts to really push this view of leadership because the New Testament pattern is so different.The concept of "church covering" is not even found one time in the New Testament and Jesus, in fact, told His disciples NOT to serve His body as "authorities" who were over them, bearing titles and having men address them as such (Luke 22:25-27; Matthew 23:8012). A study of church history reveals that most of the implications of "official" ministry terminology found in our KJV's come from romanistic influence and do not appear in the original texts and are unheard of in the first couple centuries of Christian writings. For example, many passages in the NT that refer to "offices" of ministry simply refer to "serving", "leading by example", or "being watchful and caring for" the Lord's flock (emphasis on the flock being "the Lord's") not ruling or exercising authority over others. Jesus' own directive to His disciples was, if you want to be great, serve! Lay your life down! Wash feet! Don't expect to be paid for your service, but give freely and do everything you can to avoid the trap of money (1 Corinthians 9:18-19; 2 Corinthians 2:14-19; Mark 6:8-11; Acts 20:33-35; 1 Timothy 3:3,8; John 10:11-12; etc.). Of course receiving financial aid was not illegal for the minister in every case, but it most certainly was NEVER the rule - rather it was the rare exception! Scripture and early Church history proves this point! The principle service of the "leader" is to serve and build up the body, to cause her to mature in Christ and become dependant upon her Lord and learn to hear and follow Him as the Head. This happens from the "bottom-up" NOT the "top-down." Today, in many churches, men are viewed as the head of the church body and programs and authority structures are emphasized over personal relationships and the necessity of knowing Christ and submitting to the prompting of the Spirit. Unfortunately, Bevere misses it also when he encourages believers to submit to church authorities even when they are out of line and err from truth. The Bible NEVER sanctions such requirements on believers! Bevere suggests, in essence, that by obeying leaders (i.e. church leaders) it is the same as obeying God (even when they are wrong and may tell you to do something that you believe is opposite of what you believe the Lord has spoken to you to do) and that by disobeying leaders it is the same as disobeying the Lord. Hence the idea is that if you disobey the Lord's voice because you were submitting to your pastor, God will honor you for this because you honored the man over you, but if you disobey the man over you, God will count that just as severely as disobedience to Him because He (allegedly) set this man over you. Such teaching is also absent from the Word! The apostles encouraged the flock to always obey God rather than men. Thankfully, he does seem to draw the line at some point; when leaders directly disobey Scripture you are not obligated to obey, but this point is less than emphasized with all the other strong urging to obey them even when they may be wrong. The line seems to be there, but it's hard to find amidst the heavy submission emphasis and that submission being equated with submitting to God. And there is so much gloss about the responsibility of the "leader" that the "layperson" (a term I personally can't stand) is implied to be less than able to hear and follow the leading of the Spirit than a leader. This kind of teaching de-emphasizes the biblical reality of the priesthood of all believers and causes people to think positionally instead of relationally. Leaders inevitably become placed on high pedestals in the minds of those in the congregation (whether they desire this or not). All of these problems stem from a faulty perspective of biblical leadership. Sadly, most who teach and support the covering doctrine don't even realize their error or suspect such is possible. In my opinion, these types of perspectives on authority and submission are harmful and serve only to make the body of Christ lame. This is not to say that leaders are not found in the New Testament or that their service is not needed or important. What I am saying is that the right kind of leadership is the key! The biblical kind, NOT the traditional kind! While the book makes some positive statements about the attributes of good and godly leadership (which I enjoyed), there are a number of other (what I believe to be) unbiblical directives and perspectives shared concerning submission to leadership and the very idea of "being under" men, which is opposite of what Scripture teaches, which is that leadership is not positional, but functional and works "along side of" the body, building her up. An absolutely excellent book on this subject that I would rather recommend is "Who Is Your Covering" by Frank Viola. Frank's book involves a direct study of the specific passages in the New Testament regarding the subject of leadership in the church, rather than just pages of perspective and traditional teaching. Frank leaves no stone unturned in this book and every question about biblical leadership and the popular concepts of "covering" are dealt with extensively. Another fantastic title is Watchman Nee's book, "The Normal Christian Church Life."
Rating: 
Summary: Concerned
Review: My advice to eager readers of this new book is: "Proceed with caution." I have some theological and hermeneutical concerns, not the least of which is submission to evil leaders. Paul's writings and the Book of Acts offer a far more balanced approach. Paul said: "If I please men I would not be the servant of Christ." The Apostles clearly stated: "We must obey God and not men." Paul did not "submit" to the Judaizers for one minute and withstood Senior Apostle Peter to his face. A clear study of Galatians, Romans and Acts will bring a balance to this "submission" teaching.
Rating: 
Summary: Shepherding Discipleship Error Resurfacing Yet Again?
Review: Peter did not get permission or "covering" to go to the Gentiles. Paul did not seek "covering" from anyone for his ministry. He went out under the Lord. Later, he did check in on the brethren with love and tenderness. There is no biblical basis for this teaching. We need to look to the Word of God instead of the teachings of men. "Under Cover" is a teaching of men. It is easy to try to make the scripture fit our dogmatic ideas. We need to get back to the pure Word of God. ACTS 8:5; "Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them."
Rating: 
Summary: There's Nothing Like Being Under the Cover of God
Review: Rebellion lies at the heart of man. It has since the beginning of time. It was no surprise to me that this book received the varying reviews that it did. I read the book and it was both conscious burning and life inspiring. I could relate to so many of the experiences that John went through personally. Coming out of corporate America where we as women are taught to break glass ceilings everything from a woman's childhood to adulthood is blanketed with developing a spirit of independence. As such we can become extremely difficult to not only work with but to live with as well. This book helped me to understand the mystery of God's idea for the placement of authority in our lives. Since God is in control of all authority many different questions have always loomed large in my mind. Like why did God tell Moses that He was going to harden Pharoah's heart which ultimately caused hardship on His chosen people before deliverance. Everything about His placement of authority over our lives when yielded to without complaint but prayer and obedience results in His ultimate glory. Understanding the protection and provision to be found Under Cover can and will change your life.
Rating:
Summary: There's Nothing Like Being Under the Cover of God
Review: Rebellion lies at the heart of man. It has since the beginning of time. It was no surprise to me that this book received the varying reviews that it did. I read the book and it was both conscious burning and life inspiring. I could relate to so many of the experiences that John went through personally. Coming out of corporate America where we as women are taught to break glass ceilings everything from a woman's childhood to adulthood is blanketed with developing a spirit of independence. As such we can become extremely difficult to not only work with but to live with as well. This book helped me to understand the mystery of God's idea for the placement of authority in our lives. Since God is in control of all authority many different questions have always loomed large in my mind. Like why did God tell Moses that He was going to harden Pharoah's heart which ultimately caused hardship on His chosen people before deliverance. Everything about His placement of authority over our lives when yielded to without complaint but prayer and obedience results in His ultimate glory. Understanding the protection and provision to be found Under Cover can and will change your life.
Rating:
Summary: Charismatic Heresy
Review: This book is typical of the tendency towards manipulation and spiritual abuse in the charismatic, and more specifically, the "word-of-faith" movement. The concept of a pastoral "covering" is nowhere to be found in the entire New Testament, yet its proponents (typically those in "authority") continue to perpetuate this fairy tale upon (mainly gullible and unsuspecting) church members. And why not?? It is the source of their control over the people who believe these "leaders" are God's men (or women); so much so that they would follow their leaders over a precipice. Ever wonder why so many pentecostal/charismatic televangelists and leaders are powerful/wealthy?? Mainly because of this abhorrent teaching.
If you are in a church where this heresy is taught, you dare not question the pastor in any way, shape, or form; if you do, you are in "rebellion" and are in danger of losing your salvation. I chuckled when I read a couple of previous reviews which implied that people who gave this book poor reviews are "in rebellion" against God. Yes, we are in rebellion, but NOT against God; it is against false teaching and a Roman-like system that would attempt to place others between us and our Lord. I believe that Mr. Bevere is very sincere in his teachings, but he is wrong.
Rating: 
Summary: Book that needs to be Read!
Review: This book obviously hits a raw nerve in American society! No wonder we are a nation founded on independence and the rejection of despot forms of authority. However, I wonder if we have replaced all of this with the tyranny of the individual. I know there are saints who have been abused by autocratic church leaders who lacked a genuine pastoral heart. Nevertheless, to say there is no such thing as submission to leadership in the Bible makes me wonder what Bible people are reading. The writer of Hebrews tells his readers, we are to "obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you." Hopefully, after reading this book we can be more of an encouragement to our good but not perfect Pastors who are trying to be a blessing to the flock.
Rating:
Summary: Under Cover: The Promise of Protection Under His Authority
Review: This book shows one area that the church is critically lacking in. When the body of Christ starts being obedient to God's Word without reservation, we will begin to be radically blessed and God's glory will shine and draw unbelievers in. This book needs to be read by pastors and congregations alike, and put into practice.
Rating:
Summary: LIFE CHANGING
Review: This is about the best written book I've ever read with biblically sound teaching that really drives the truth of God home. This changed my life in alot of areas and can even apply to marriages. It meant so much to me that I've purchased about 7 copies and passed them out to church leadership/friends.
You can't go wrong with this book - if you want the TRUTH told IN LOVE - straight from the heart of God! VERY WELL WRITTEN - I applaud the Author.
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