Spiritual Abuse: When Control Masquerades as Covering

Janetta Allis

The phrase “spiritual covering” is common in modern church culture. It’s often presented as a necessary safeguard—something believers must have to remain protected, aligned, or blessed. Yet when we return to Scripture, a sobering truth emerges: the Bible does not teach spiritual covering the way it is frequently practiced today.

In many contexts, “covering” has come to mean submission to a human authority who functions as a spiritual shield, gatekeeper, or decision-maker over a believer’s life. But when theology produces fear, dependency, or control, it demands careful examination.

The question is not whether leadership matters—it does.
The question is whether control has been mistaken for biblical authority.

God Is Our Covering—Not a Human Being

Scripture is clear and consistent: God Himself is the believer’s covering.

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”
— Psalm 91:1

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
— Psalm 23:1

Protection, provision, guidance, and safety flow directly from God. The Bible does not teach that God’s presence is mediated through a pastor, prophet, or spiritual leader. Nor does it suggest that disagreeing with leadership—or leaving a church—removes a believer from God’s protection.

Throughout Scripture, “covering” is repeatedly described as God’s own presence:

  • Psalm 91:1–4 — “He will cover you with His feathers…”
  • Psalm 32:7 — “You are my hiding place.”
  • Psalm 121:5–7 — “The LORD is your keeper.”
  • Proverbs 18:10 — “The name of the LORD is a strong tower.”
  • Isaiah 4:5–6 — “A canopy… for shade and refuge.”

Biblical covering is not a hierarchy—it is a relationship.

Knowing God’s Voice Is Central to Faith

A foundational part of the Christian walk is developing a direct relationship with God—learning to recognize His voice.

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”
— John 10:27

Scripture consistently affirms that God speaks directly to His children. While wise counsel is valuable, it was never meant to replace personal communion with God.

God Speaks Directly to Individuals

Throughout the Bible, God calls, directs, and corrects people without intermediaries.

Abraham was called directly by God—no overseer approved his assignment (Genesis 12:1).

Moses encountered God at the burning bush and was commissioned without permission from another leader (Exodus 3:4–10).

Samuel, as a child, heard God’s voice even when the priest Eli was spiritually compromised (1 Samuel 3:1–10). Notably, God bypassed Eli’s position when integrity was lacking.

These examples reveal a consistent pattern: God does not require human authorization to speak to His people.

God Confronts and Bypasses Abusive Leadership

Scripture also shows that God actively opposes leaders who misuse authority.

In Ezekiel 34, God rebukes shepherds who exploited the flock rather than caring for them, declaring that He would personally hold them accountable.

Jeremiah, likewise, remained obedient to God despite resistance and punishment from religious leaders (Jeremiah 1:7–9; 20:1–2). His faithfulness was not rebellion—it was obedience.

God does not endorse unchecked authority. He judges it.

Jesus Is the Only Mediator

One of the most serious concerns with modern “spiritual covering” doctrine is the implication that leaders stand between believers and God.

Scripture directly rejects this idea:

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
— 1 Timothy 2:5

No leader supplements Christ’s role. No authority replaces His headship. Any system that implies otherwise distorts the gospel.

Personal Accountability Before God

The New Testament repeatedly emphasizes that believers are personally accountable to God.

“So then each of us shall give an account of himself to God.”
— Romans 14:12

Your obedience, calling, convictions, and spiritual growth are not outsourced. While community matters, accountability ultimately belongs to God—not an institution.

What Biblical Shepherding Looks Like

The Bible does affirm leadership, but it defines leadership very clearly.

“Shepherd the flock of God… not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
— 1 Peter 5:2–3

“Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy.”
— 2 Corinthians 1:24

Biblical shepherds serve, protect, teach, and model Christlike character. They do not control personal decisions, demand unquestioned loyalty, or govern careers, relationships, or callings.

When leadership moves from guidance to governance, it crosses a biblical line.

What the Bible Does Not Teach

Scripture does not teach that:

  • You must have a leader’s “covering” to be spiritually protected
  • Leaving a church places you under a curse
  • Questioning leadership equals rebellion
  • Obedience to leaders replaces obedience to God
  • Authority means control

These ideas are not found in Scripture. They are traditions—often fueled by fear rather than faith.

What Biblical Covering Actually Is

When the Bible speaks of covering, it refers to:

  • God’s protection (Psalm 91)
  • Christ’s headship (Colossians 1:18)
  • Mutual submission among believers (Ephesians 5:21)
  • Respectful leadership, not coercive authority (Hebrews 13:7)

“You are complete in Him.”
— Colossians 2:10

Nothing is missing. Nothing needs to be mediated through control.

God is your covering.
Christ is your mediator.
The Holy Spirit is your guide.

And where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.