On the Cult of Personality Around the Senior Pastor
Filed by Rebecca Halversen against Elevation Bible Church · Denver, CO · 6/16/2026
The Thesis
The pulpit has become a stage; the flock a fan-base. Sermons increasingly center the preacher's brand, book tour, and celebrity guests over the plain exposition of Scripture. When elders raise concerns they are dismissed as 'divisive.' We call the church to plural, accountable eldership and to the primacy of the Word (2 Tim 4:2).
Scripture: 2 Tim 4:2; 1 Pet 5:1-4; 3 John 9-10
Witnesses (3/2)
Rebecca Halversen
signed 6/16/2026“Attended 6 years; former small-group leader. I have watched this drift firsthand.”
Marcus Whitfield
signed 6/17/2026“Deacon 2019-2023. Concurring witness to the pattern described.”
Priscilla Boone
signed 6/18/2026“Former worship-team member. Two private appeals were ignored (Matt 18:15-17).”
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Public Discourse
Rebecca Halversen
6/19/2026To be clear, we do not question the pastor's salvation. We question the governance structure that has no restraint on him.
Elevation Bible — Elder Board Official
6/24/2026We have received this thesis. Two elders will meet with the signatories on the 14th. We take the pattern seriously and will report back publicly.
Marcus Whitfield
6/25/2026Grateful for the response. We will report the outcome of the meeting to the register.
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— Matt. 18:15–17