NAR -Seven Mountain mandate (7M Mandate)

The first time I heard about the Seven Mountain Mandate was from a close friend I had at the time. She told me about the seven spheres of cultural influence that Christians were supposed to take back. They consist of: religion, family, government, education, media, arts/entertainment, and business. At the time (early 2010s), I thought it sounded odd since so many Christians I knew had gone to great lengths to remove themselves from these spaces. So, it made sense in a way. I didn’t realize what they actually meant by “take back,” though. It sounded benign, but it was not. I lost that friend to the cult of Bethel (Bill Johnson, NAR), just a few years later.

The seven mountain mandate was popularized by Bill Johnson and Lance Wallnau in their 2013 book Invading Babylon. It is a strategy of cultural engagement that calls on Christians to retake the seven spheres (or mountains) of influence noted above.

But the 7M mandate goes further, and the devil is in the details. The perspective is ultimately built on a dual misunderstanding of Scripture and of Christ’s purposes in the world.

Proponents of the 7M mandate believe it’s their job to conquer culture and that Jesus cannot return until the “church” takes dominion over these spheres. Even though Christ clearly states in John 18:36, “his kingdom is not of this world.” Jesus does tell his followers to go and make disciples (Matt. 28:19), and that they will know we are his disciples by our love for one another (John 13:35).

The Berean Study Bible notes about Matthew 28:19, on our call to make disciples:

The focus is on making disciples, not just converts. This involves teaching and nurturing believers to grow in their faith. The process of discipleship is seen throughout the New Testament, particularly in the relationship between Paul and Timothy (2 Timothy 2:2). It reflects the rabbinic tradition where a teacher would mentor students, emphasizing learning and imitation.

In contrast to the Bible’s description of making disciples, those in the NAR consider themselves “Apostles” and have an apostolic network you can pay to join (25-minute mark). Lance Wallnau, when talking about the 7M mandate, states, “20 years ago I started what became almost like a cult classic….” (52-minute mark), and he was right. Charlie Kirk, founder of TPUSA, also promoted the Seven Mountain Mandate. He had many conversations/interviews with Lance Wallnau, who spoke at TPUSA events.

You can find more information here: TPUSA’s Ascent Up the Seven Mountains of Influence

Seven Mountain Mandate or Idolatry? Dominionism’s High Places

Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. Romans 16:17-18

This is part of a series of posts including: My Preface to Christian Nationalism, The Wide Road to Christian Nationalism, White Supremacy in Christian Nationalism, and NAR -Seven Mountain Mandate.