The Holly Pivec Podcast
The Holly Pivec Podcast is a Christian discernment show about recognizing deception inside and outside the church. Each episode helps listeners identify modern cons, cults, and counterfeit spiritual movements. Holly Pivec teaches practical ways to detect and debunk false teaching and to think carefully about faith claims. The podcast encourages listeners to become more discerning and grounded in biblical truth.
Episodes
EP 42 | Was Alisa Childers Right About Josh Howerton & Josh McPherson? (3 Markers of NAR Governance)
Was Alisa Childers right to warn people about Josh Howerton and Josh McPherson’s teachings on church leadership? By the time you finish listening to this episode, you’ll not only know whether Alisa’s warning was justified, but you’ll also learn 3 specific markers of dangerous, apostle-style church governance—even when pastors don't explicitly use the word "apostle."📌 Episode Overview
EP 41 | Are you Married to Someone in the NAR? Biblical Advice
Can Christians in a spiritually mismatched marriage preserve their union while keeping a clear conscience before God?In this episode, Holly explores the tension that occurs in marriages when one spouse is part of the New Apostolic Reformation and the other is not.She unpacks what a "spiritual mismatch" is through 1 Corinthians 7, where Paul instructs believers who are married to an unbel
EP 40 | Is Your Church Leadership Actually Healthy? 3 Revealing Signs
Doctrinal soundness, quite simply, is not enough. A church can be biblically sound and still be led by unaccountable, unhealthy leadership.In this episode, Holly breaks down three fundamental characteristics of healthy leadership, highlighting the importance of accountability, transparency, and character traits drawn from 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9. These passages show us how to discern wheth
EP 39 | How to Find a Biblically Sound Church (Without Chasing Perfection)
How do you know if a church is actually solid? In this episode, Holly breaks down what to look for: biblically sound teaching and healthy leadership, not perfection.She walks through the warning signs of deviant doctrines like the "prosperity gospel" and NAR teachings, and shares a practical filter for reading a church's statement of faith. Does it show real reverence for Scripture? Are there red
EP 38 | Beyond Kathryn Krick: The Hidden Danger of "Subtle" NAR Teachings
Kathryn Krick, the 35-year-old lead pastor of 5F Church in Los Angeles, has gone viral for her dramatic deliverance services, theatrical style, and followers laying gifts at her feet. But while critics label her a "cult leader," many are missing a much bigger threat. In this episode, Holly reveals the critical mistake people make when evaluating flashy figures like Krick: assuming the da
EP 37 | Why Did It Take Plagiarism to Expose The Passion Translation?
In this special "On My Radar," episode, I dive into key issues surrounding the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and why biblical discernment is more urgent than ever.I address a commonly asked question: Are prosperity gospel teachings connected with NAR? From there, I discuss recent revelations surrounding Brian Simmons and The Passion Translation, asking why it often takes plagiarism all
EP 25 | The Dangers of "Hearing God's Voice" on the Mission Field: A 2-Part Interview with Aaron and Chelsea Hunter (Part 1)
We Left the Mission Field: The Reality of "Beyond" and the Theological Drift in Modern MissionsWhy would an ethusiastic, committed missionary couple walk away from their life’s work? In this deep-dive, two-part interview, Aaron and Chelsea Hunter share their jarring experience with the missions organization "Beyond." They reveal how the pressures to "hear God's voice&q
EP 36 | Exposing False Teachings Without Losing Your Soul
How to grow in discernment and not turn cynical? In this episode, Holly shares the subtle line between spotting doctrinal error in the church and not trusting anyone or anything. While this may sound troublesome, she shares her personal experience and growth through three things that have kept her from going down that road, drawing from the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2 and Elijah's meltdo
EP 35 | Is NAR Theology Fueling Your Anxiety? A Biblical Counselor Explains
Can certain so-called "Christian" teachings contribute to anxiety, depression, and feelings of failure?In this conversation, biblical counselor Mark Baker explains how negative narratives, perfectionism, performance-based thinking, and false teachings can deeply impact our mental health. He also shares practical tools for identifying harmful thought patterns, finding hope in the midst of
EP 34 | How Spiritual Discernment Directly Impacts Your Mental Health
Is your mental health suffering because of bad theology? Discover how growing in spiritual discernment can free you from the anxiety, guilt, and emotional damage caused by false teachings.Many modern Christians are caught in a cycle of subtle shaming, false hope, and spiritual burnout. In this video, we break down why true biblical discernment is actually your greatest mental defense mechanism and
EP 33 |The Hard Work of Heart Work: Why NAR Shortcuts Fuel Anxiety
Is the "quick fix" culture of modern church movements actually hurting your mental health? In this clip, we break down why true biblical peace isn’t a supernatural "zap," but a daily process of heart work—and how movements like the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) might be driving people into anxiety and dependency.If you’ve ever felt exhausted trying to manufacture supernatural
EP32 | How False Teachings Damage Your Mental Health: A Biblical Perspective
Is your spiritual life causing more anxiety than peace?In this episode, I'm with biblical counselor and author Mark Baker to expose the overlooked link between false teachings—specifically within the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)—and mental health struggles like depression and chronic guilt.If you’ve ever felt like you "weren't performing enough" for God, or felt trapped by the
EP31 | Prophecy or Prop: How Magicians Replicate Modern "Miracles"
Is it a miracle from God, a manifestation of the demonic, or just a clever trick?In this deep-dive interview, professional magician and mentalist Terry Holley pulls back the curtain on the "signs and wonders" appearing in modern movements like the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). From gold dust and "glory clouds" at Bethel to the secrets of "words of knowledge," Terry
EP30 | Signs, Wonders, or Sleight of Hand? A Magician's View of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)
Is it a miracle, or just a really good trick? In this revealing interview, 55-year veteran magician Terry Holley pulls back the curtain on the "supernatural" claims of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR).While many believers are amazed by "words of knowledge" and "miraculous" powers, Terry reveals how professional mentalism, data mining, and theatrical illusions can r
EP29 | Francis Chan’s Public Apology: Does It Go Far Enough? | With Doug Geivett
On March 6, 2026, Francis Chan released a public apology titled "Tremble at His Words, Be Careful with Your Own." In it, he addresses his associations with leaders in the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), including Mike Bickle and IHOPKC. But does this apology truly address the root of the problem, or does it sidestep the real issues and dangers?In this special audio-only episode of the p
EP 28 | NAR and the AG: Why Assemblies of God Pastors Must Draw a Line in the Sand (Part 2)
The ongoing collision with NAR has forced a moment of truth for the Assemblies of God, requiring a clear and final decision on whether it will protect its Pentecostal roots or succumb to apostolic infiltrators.* See a note of correction and clarification from Aaron Mapes below.*In this deep-dive interview, an AG pastor pulls back the curtain on how "Latter Rain" doctrines and modern NAR
EP 27 | NAR and the AG: The NAR Incursion into the Assemblies of God (Part 1)
Is the New Apostolic Reformation covertly reshaping your church? Join me and 5th-generation Assemblies of God pastor Aaron Mapes for a deep dive into the "smuggling" of NAR doctrine into classical Pentecostalism.While the boundaries between NAR and Pentecostalism have become increasingly blurred, the differences are critical for those concerned about the future of the Assemblies of God.
EP 26 | Dangers of "Hearing God's Voice" on the Mission Field: with Aaron and Chelsea Hunter (Pt. 2)
Is modern missions work inadvertently hindering the gospel? In Part 2 of our deep dive, former Beyond missionaries Aaron and Chelsea—who were accused by the organization's leadership of being "unteachable"—share their firsthand experiences with the "Church Planting Movement" (CPM) strategy and the controversial "Insider Movements" that allow for religious syncreti
EP 24 | You Don’t Have to Do Discernment Alone: An Invitation to “Hold Fast"
In this episode, I share exciting news about the launch of my new book club and discussion community, over at Substack, called "Hold Fast with Holly Pivec." And I invite you to join us.I explain my vision for Hold Fast with Holly Pivec and share messages from my podcast listeners revealing the need for such a discernment community. I also share my own backstory that motivated me to under
EP 23 | Is "Listening Prayer" Biblical? How "Listening Prayer Retreats" Hinder Spiritual Growth
Is "listening prayer" the key to intimacy with God, as many Christian teachers claim? In this deep-dive conversation, we discuss a particular view of prayer as "two-way communication" and explore how seeking audible voices or mystical promptings can be a distraction from true spiritual growth. If you’ve ever felt stuck waiting to "hear from God" or worried that you’re
EP 22 | Is the Pressure to "Hear God's Voice" Preventing You from Actually Knowing Him?: An Interview with Doug Geivett (Part 1)
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Doug Geivett, my co-author and long-time colleague, to discuss a very popular teaching in the church right now: “hearing God’s voice” outside of Scripture.Doug and I have co-authored four books on the New Apostolic Reformation. In this conversation, which is part of my larger series on "hearing God's voice," we address why the modern expectation o
EP 21 | The Challenge of Discernment Globally (Part 2): An Interview with Paul Carden and Rodgers Atwebembeire of The Centers for Apologetics Research
Seventh-day Adventists, NAR, and The Miracle Myth: Protecting the African Church from Heresy & ExploitationIn the concluding segment of our interview with Paul Carden (Centers for Apologetics Research) and Rodgers Atwebembeire (Africa Center for Apologetics Research), we expose critical doctrinal threats and challenges in Africa, including the rapid growth of Seventh-day Adventism, the stealth
EP 20 | The Challenge of Discernment Globally (Part 1): An Interview with Paul Carden and Rodgers Atwebembeire of The Centers for Apologetics Research
The future of global Christianity is African, but this explosive growth is under massive attack. Join us as we interview Paul Carden (Centers for Apologetics Research) and Rodgers Atwebembeire (Africa Center for Apologetics Research) to discuss the hidden dangers, manipulative movements, and organized cults aggressively targeting Christians across the continent.This is a deep dive into the "f
EP 19 | Exegesis Matters: Why Getting the Text Right Is So Vital to Expository Preaching (Part 2 of a 2-Part Interview with Dr. Adam Pivec)
Many Christians assume that if a sermon is biblically sound, it must be expository, but is that always true? In this conversation with my husband, Adam Pivec, we look beyond the label to explore what genuine "expository preaching" is. And we provide a checklist of things to listen for during your next Sunday sermon to know if your pastor is exegeting the text.This episode examines subtle, but cruc
EP 18 | Exegesis Matters: Why Getting the Text Right Is So Vital to Expository Preaching (Part 1 of a 2-Part Interview with Dr. Adam Pivec)
How to know if a sermon is faithful to the biblical intent? In this episode, I sit down with my husband, Adam Pivec, to talk about something we care deeply about: expository preaching. We explore what it really is, why it's essential for the church today, and why so many sermons drift away from Scripture without people recognizing it.We explain the difference between exegesis (drawing meaning from
EP 17 | Hearing God’s Voice: What Scripture Actually Teaches
Many Christians are told that if they’re not hearing God’s voice through inner impressions, dreams, or prophetic words, they’re missing out on intimacy with Him and knowing His will for their lives. But is that really what the Bible teaches?In this episode, we turn away from popular teachings and look at Scripture itself. What we find is both freeing and grounding: the normative way to hear God’s
EP 16 | The Hidden Dangers of ‘Hearing God's Voice’: Exposing Spiritual Bondage and Abuse
Is “hearing God’s voice” actually harming Christians?In this eye-opening episode, we expose the hidden dangers behind modern teachings that encourage believers to regularly hear God speak outside of Scripture—focusing especially on Pete Greig’s book How to Hear God.You’ll learn how these teachings:- Enslave Christians to their feelings, dreams, and unreliable impressions- Create dependency on spir
EP 15 | Does the church "bring heaven to earth"? An interview with Alan Gomes, Part 4
Will heaven merge with earth, as many scholars claim? What are we to make of NAR leaders' claims that it is the task of the church to "bring heaven to earth"? Is Hillsong's song "What a Beautiful Name" biblical, and should churches sing it? In this conversation, Alan Gomes evaluates popular teachings about heaven found in bestselling books and Grammy award-winning worsh
EP 14 | Have people really visited heaven and hell? An interview with Alan Gomes, Part 3
Are trips to heaven and hell and near-death experiences proof of an afterlife, or are they the products of fraud, psychology, or even demonic deception? In this episode, we unpack well-known claims, expose fabrications, and show why Scripture, not sensational stories, must be our foundation for understanding the afterlife.Alan Gomes' book on Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/40-Questions-about-Heaven-H
EP13 | Common misconceptions about hell: An interview with Alan Gomes, Part 2
What really happens after unbelievers die? Are the flames of hell literal? Are alternative views of hell gaining popularity? In this conversation, we explore what Scripture actually says about hell and the common misconceptions Christians often hold.Alan Gomes' book on Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/40-Questions-about-Heaven-Hell/dp/0825442761
EP 12 | Common misconceptions about heaven: An interview with Alan Gomes, Part 1
Many Christians assume we’ll spend eternity floating in heaven — but what if Scripture paints a different picture? In this first-ever guest interview, Dr. Alan Gomes (author of 40 Questions About Heaven and Hell) unpacks common misconceptions about heaven, what the “eternal state” really is, and what believers will actually do forever — from worship and work to creativity, learning, and community
EP11 | Subverting the Bible’s Authority: Part 5 of Review of Pete Greig’s Book How to Hear God
Are Christians being told to obey fallible prophecies?In this episode, I review Pete Greig’s How to Hear God and show how his teachings, while sounding biblical, subtly undermine Scripture’s authority. He claims the Bible is central, yet urges obedience to dreams and prophetic words that can be mistaken, even suggesting that studying Scripture can hinder hearing God’s voice.I explain why this “bai
EP10 | Is There a Genie in Your Bible? Part 4 of a Review of Pete Greig’s Book How to Hear God
Just because a verse hits you doesn’t mean it's about you. 📖💭 In this episode, I unpack how popular methods of "hearing God" through Scripture can drift into dangerous territory when context is thrown out the window. When we treat the Bible like a magic mirror, we risk seeing only our own reflection—not God's words.
EP09 | Why Pete Greig’s “ABC” Prophecy Test Fails the Bible’s Standards
What if “learning” to prophesy is less about hearing God and more about making stuff up? This episode exposes how popular methods like the “ABC filter” blur the line between God’s voice and human guesswork — or worse, flirt with practices the Bible clearly warns against. Rather than relying on a faulty "filter," the best way to test a word is to ask: “Would this survive the tests for prophecy give
EP08 | Does God Speak to Us Like This?: Part 2 of a Review of "How to Hear God" by Pete Greig
A lot of Christians today believe God is speaking to them constantly—about everything from major life choices to what shirt to wear. But is that really what Scripture teaches?In this episode, I take a closer look at Pete Greig’s book How to Hear God and examine three commonly misused Bible passages: John 10:27, 1 Kings 19, and 1 Samuel 3. You’ll see how verses pulled out of context can be made to
EP07 | Pete Greig on “How to Hear God”
Is God really whispering to you... Or are you hearing something else? 🌀 In this episode, we dig into a book that's shaping how thousands think about hearing God, while also shining a light on the hidden influences many Christians don't realize they're embracing. 📚 Whether you're curious, cautious, or convinced, this conversation is worth having.Many Christians long for an intimate,
EP06 | Is it important to learn how to "hear God's voice"?
When the “key to everything” becomes a catchphrase, it’s time to ask some hard questions. In this episode, we begin examining a popular but rarely scrutinized teaching: that God speaks to us regularly outside of Scripture—and that we need special methods to hear Him. But are we supposed to seek daily divine messages? This isn’t just a theological debate—it’s about spiritual safety and biblical fid
EP05|What Old Worship Songs Can Show Us About New Ones
Worship music isn't just about the latest release—it’s a window into how generations before us thought about God. When we only listen to modern worship, we risk becoming blind to our own biases. Sometimes, it takes an old hymn to reveal just how much our theology has been shaped by the trends of today. Want to grow in discernment? Don’t skip the “old stuff.”Just think for a moment about the so
EP04|How to Spot NAR (Part 2)
From fire tunnels to "activation" exercises, I walked through some of the most recognizable signs of New Apostolic Reformation influence in churches today. I shared my firsthand experience at Bethel and unpacked NAR practices like impartation, SOZO, dream interpretation, and "strategic-level" spiritual warfare.This isn’t just about strange practices—it’s about how methods, lang
EP03|How to Spot NAR
Many Christians are unknowingly embracing dangerous teachings that distort the gospel. In this episode, I expose the deceptive tactics of self-proclaimed apostles and prophets, showing how their influence is creeping into churches today. I’ll help you recognize the red flags, understand what’s truly biblical, and protect yourself and your loved ones from spiritual deception. Don’t be misled—let’s
EP02|Beware Catchprases
Catchphrases are everywhere—even in Christian circles. But are they always true? In this episode, we break down some popular Christian catchphrases and reveal how they can sometimes distort biblical truth. Don’t let clever words cloud your discernment!
EP01 | Discerning the Cons, Cults and Counterfeits: The Two Prongs of Biblical Discernment
Unbiblical, harmful teachings and movements are on the rise, and spiritual discernment is at an all-time low. I started my new podcast to equip you to become more discerning so you can protect yourself and your loved ones from spiritual deception. In this first episode, I explain the two-pronged approach to biblical discernment, which you can use to evaluate sermons, books, podcasts, songs, memes,
