There is a belief within the Charismatic sect of Christianity that claims that certain ministers (usually those with large followings) are God’s Generals. 

I once heard a minister (a self proclaimed prophet) tell about a “supernatural experience” he had in which he was introduced to the archangel Michael. Supposedly, this man was introduced to the archangel, by Jesus, with the title “General” in front of his name. 

Supposedly the minister was given a warfare strategy which he demonstrated. He seriously looked into the camera and gave a quite interesting “shout.” The older I get, the more I laugh.

The truly sad part of this is that so many will fall prey to things like this. Many have been conditioned to exalt men, and in their exaltation of men, they seek out those who claim to have had supernatural experiences.

Someone else made the following observation regarding the minister’s experience which I mentioned above. He writes, “Paul of the New Covenant didn’t get a new doctrine or military strategy from Michael the Archangel when they were slaughtering new believers. Beware of visitations from Angels that provide new doctrine. New Movements and new religions are built (and were built in the past) on these kinds of visitations.”

This is well said, and this is why we need to follow the scriptures for our doctrine regarding those who lead in ministry.

You may have noticed that I titled this post, Roberts Liardon’s Generals. That was intentional, because Roberts Liardon is largely responsible for this spiritual error that promotes certain ministers as generals. Liardon claims that when he was 12 years old Jesus appeared to him and instructed him to study the lives of his Generals and to know why they succeeded and what they failed.

Liardon’s claim that this came directly from Jesus is concerning because those, in scripture, whose lives were examples for us to learn from, such as Moses and King Daivd, were never, ever, referred to as God’s Generals. They were all referred to as God’s Servants.

Referring to certain ministers as Generals, some of whom were actually false teachers, such as William Brannon, is scripturally in error. Having charisma, and being able to persuade large audiences does not equate to being anointed.

In the New Testament, the anointing guides us into truth, and teaches us to abide in Christ (1 John 2:27). Liardon’s choice of “Generals” mostly consists of Pentecostal type, and/or ministers who had large followings, some of which were of very flawed character. Missing from his list are men like Andrew Murray who quietly, and humbly served the Lord, and whose life and ministry has pointed others to set their gaze on the exalted Christ, instead of themselves.

In his Pastoral epistles, (the letters to Timothy and Titus) Paul gives the qualifications for those who should be leaders in ministry. Never once does Paul mention visions, or supernatural experiences as a qualification for ministry service. What he does mention is a godly character, and that alone should raise red flags concerning Liardon’s Generals, because some of them did not exude godly character.  

Paul’s lists of qualifications include godly character, integrity, and being well respected among unbelievers so as not to bring reproach on the gospel.

Referring to ministers as “generals” because they have garnered large followings with their claims of “divine revelation” and “supernatural experiences” is not a Biblical practice, and it is doctrinally unsound.

If anyone in the history of the church were deserving of such a title, it would have been the apostles who walked with Jesus, along with men like the apostle Paul. Yet these men did not view themselves as generals, but as servants of God, because this is what they had been taught by Jesus.

But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant… ~ Matthew 20:25-27

Ironically, many in the “Generals” camp, who promote such ideology, had ministries in which people serve them, yet Jesus plainly says, this shall not be so among you. Those who are great in the kingdom of God see themselves as servants, and not as Generals. 

Those on Liardon’s list are his Generals, not God’s, because there is only One who could be given such honor and that is Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith!