The Covering Myth
by David Newby
About 25 years ago, an old concept in church hierarchy was reintroduced to the church under a different label. It was partly built on relationship, which was good, but it was also a cover up for control.
As it developed, the "whose covering are you under?" question became somewhat meaningless to me personally. The reason was this.
I had been associated with some churches which came into relationship for the purpose of being under a "covering". The pastor of a church in Sydney would come under the covering of a pastor in Brisbane. The Brisbane pastor would be under the covering of a pastor in New Zealand who would in turn be under the covering of a pastor in Canada, and so forth.
My objections to this principle are as follows -
1. There is no mention of the word "covering" in the New Testament in this context.
2. You cannot be "covered" properly by someone interstate, or even overseas, because
they don't have a clue what you are doing unless you tell them. If you only tell them what you want them to know, then you have no spiritual protection at all. They cannot be present to judge everything you do and say.
In fact, the only concept that bears resemblance to "covering" in the New Testament is "submission".
Some may say that if we are not under authority, then we are in rebellion or out of order. To use the term "under authority" within church structure is to equate the Church to the Roman Army, which it is not. (Matthew 8:9 and Luke 22:25-26)
Of course we are under the authority of Jesus Christ, the Head of the body, the King of Kings. No problems. But that is not the context of this discussion.
You see, being "under authority" is not necessarily to be submitted in the true, heart sense, whether it is to the Lordship of Christ or to the brothers in the local church.
1 Corinthians 14:22 says that if I prophesy, I must be prepared to have that prophecy judged by others there in that same meeting. If I am only under the "covering" of someone in another town who is not present, then I may put myself above correction by anyone present. The logical extension of this verse is that everything I say and do in the context of the local church is open to judgement and correction by the brothers present.
If I wish to put myself above such judgement, then I have no right to speak in the first place.
Acts chapter 13 shows that Paul and Barnabas were submitted amongst brothers at Antioch. Some may say it was in a plural eldership. Let's just say that the Antioch church was not looking to Paul and Barnabas to call the shots. They were seeking God together, God spoke and the brothers sent out Paul and Barnabas.
What we draw from this is that wherever we are, our "covering" is our true submission to the brothers in the local church in that place.
If we want to use the term "covering", which is the protection of ourselves and the flock, then the only people that can safely and effectively "cover" us are the brothers and sisters who are present at any one time. This also constitutes covering and protection for them and the local assembly of saints.
Wherever I travel and minister, I submit to the brothers, elders and leaders who are there in that local church. That is my only true "covering", my protection and their protection.
This brings us again to the misquoted Scripture - "Do not touch the Lord's anointed". (1 Samuel 26:9-11) This is often used as a way of saying "don't criticise the leadership!"
So who is above correction?
And who do we think we are to be selective regarding from whom we accept correction?
If we cannot receive from any of God's children, then we betray an arrogant attitude in our heart. Even if the correction or advice is wrong or out of place, we should receive it and bring it before the Lord and allow Him to teach us through that person and what they said.
Let no-one hide behind a title or position of "authority". When Paul said "Submitting yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ" (Ephesians 5:21) he did not leave any loophole for anyone to slip through as if this Scripture did not apply or refer to them.
1 Peter 5:5 says "You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and ALL OF YOU, clothe yourselves in humility toward one another… for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (NASB)
Even elders, who are the early church ministries, must be in submission to the brothers in the local church. This is true humility; true protection for ourselves and all the flock.
"The doctrine of "covering", submission, and authority, are completely contrary to Jesus' statement about authority. These doctrines emerged from the concept of control-oriented ministry. When we, as leaders, do not trust the Holy Spirit's ability to work in the hearts of God's people, we feel the need to control. This probably did not come from evil men, it came from compassionate, Christian leaders who did not believe Jesus' teaching about authority and control. " James Richards; Escape from Codependent Christianity
Page 155.
"Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit , that they may add sin to sin." (Isaiah 30:1 KJV)
The Hebrew word maccekah , "covering", finds its meaning in the method of making of a metal idol. Idols were used by the unfaithful as a false "covering" instead of trusting in the Lord. Thus the covering is a false league or alliance , as interpreted by Strongs and some Bible translations. This is what many "covering" relationships are in the church today.
David M. Newby