God Is Not A Theory

Register for Luminosity: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Register⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Sign Up for Prayer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Orbis Prayer Ministry Network – Receive prayer for healing, prophecy, inner healing and deliverance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Donate: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Give - Orbis Ministries⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of God Is Not a Theory, Ken Fish welcomes back Dr. Richard J. Roberts—medical doctor, former psychotherapist, and theologian with over 40 years in church leadership—to finish the conversation begun last week on the dark side of Christian leadership.
Having already covered narcissism, codependency, and paranoia, they turn to two more patterns that quietly derail leaders and wound those around them: the compulsive leader and the passive-aggressive leader. Dr. Richard J. Roberts explains why churches so often unintentionally advertise for—and reward—these very traits, why a gifted second-in-command can unravel once handed the top seat, and how anger that never gets named leaks out sideways and poisons a team.
From there the conversation widens. Ken and Dr. Richard J. Roberts walk through the Johari Window as a tool for self-awareness, weigh behavior-change against motive-hunting, and take on the deeper questions: Can these patterns actually be healed? What does real accountability look like? And how do two powerful archetypes—the "Great Mother" who must meet every need, and the "Wise Old Man" who offers secret, deeper-life knowledge—shape (and distort) charismatic church culture. They close with wise, practical counsel for anyone who finds themselves under an unhealthy leader.
Together, they discuss:
The compulsive leader: perfectionism, control, workaholism, and criticism of others

Why churches so often advertise for a "compulsive leader"

Provision, pay, and the abuse of underpaying ministry workers

The passive-aggressive leader: unowned anger, delay, barbed "humor," and the silent treatment

The Johari Window—and using "I" statements to open up blind spots

Behavior first, motive later: why changing the "how" often precedes the "why"

Whether these patterns are fixable, and why change usually comes through process and discomfort

Psychology vs. a theological lens—and recovering the care of souls

Two archetypes shaping the church: the "Great Mother" and the "Wise Old Man"

Discernment, angelic claims, and testing everything against the received gospel

What to do if you find yourself under an unhealthy leader

Honest, gracious, and deeply practical, this is a hope-filled conversation about the woundedness beneath the dysfunction—and the community, humility, and grace that make real change possible.
🔑 Key Takeaways
Churches often reward the very traits that harm them

Underpaying and overworking ministry staff is not godliness—it's abuse

Passive-aggression is unowned anger that leaks out sideways

Self-awareness grows through honest, loving feedback in real community

Changing behavior often comes before understanding the "why"

Change requires motivation—usually prompted by discomfort or desire

The "Great Mother" and "Wise Old Man" archetypes distort church culture

Test every teaching—even claimed angelic revelation—against the received gospel

In a narcissistic system, the wisest first step is often to get out

📘 Check out Dr. Richard J. Roberts' book, “Rediscovering Church as Networks”: https://a.co/d/0hD3wTJW
How to Engage with Orbis:
READ: Check out Ken's book: On the Road with the Holy Spirit

LEARN: Enroll in Orbis School of Ministry or email our Registrar, Jo McKay, at jo@orbisminstries.org

TRAIN: Apply to serve on an upcoming overseas ministry trip 

CONNECT: Do you want to join Ken's private Facebook discussion group, "God is not a Theory?" Please send a Facebook Direct Message to Bryan Orbis and a friend request to be added to it.

PARTNER: Partner with Orbis Financially: GIVE

#GodIsNotATheory #KenFish #RichardJRoberts

Register for Luminosity: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Register⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Sign Up for Prayer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Orbis Prayer Ministry Network – Receive prayer for healing, prophecy, inner healing and deliverance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Donate: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Give - Orbis Ministries⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
📖 Dr. Richard J. Roberts' book, Rediscovering Church as Networks: https://a.co/d/0hD3wTJW

In this episode of God Is Not a Theory, Ken Fish is joined by Dr. Richard J. Roberts and Kady Taylor for an honest conversation about one of the greatest challenges every leader faces—not external pressures, but the hidden issues within.
Drawing on decades of experience in medicine, psychotherapy, theological education, and church leadership, Dr. Roberts explores why self-awareness is one of the most important qualities of healthy leadership. Together, they examine how seemingly small character traits can quietly grow into destructive patterns that affect leaders, churches, and entire ministries.
Rather than focusing on labels, the conversation unpacks the leadership tendencies that can emerge in anyone—from narcissistic traits and codependency to insecurity, the pursuit of status, and the temptation to believe our own success. Ken, Richard, and Kady discuss why humility, accountability, and honest relationships are essential for long-term ministry health.
Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, business leader, or simply desire to grow in character, this episode offers practical wisdom for leading with integrity, emotional health, and Christlike humility.
Topics Include:
Why self-awareness is essential for healthy leadership

Narcissistic traits versus narcissistic personality disorder

The dangers of believing your own success

Codependency and unhealthy ministry dynamics

Why titles and status can become traps

Emotional health in Christian leadership

Building cultures of humility and accountability

Recognizing blind spots before they become failures

Healthy relationships in ministry

Developing Christlike leadership
Key Takeaways:

Self-awareness is foundational to lasting leadership.

Healthy leaders invite honest feedback and accountability.

Character matters more than charisma or gifting.

Leadership failures often begin with small, unnoticed patterns.

Humility protects leaders from believing their own success.

Healthy churches are built by healthy leaders.

Spiritual maturity requires continual growth and self-examination.

How to Engage with Orbis:
Check out Ken's book: On the Road with the Holy Spirit

Partner with Orbis Financially: GIVE

Are you interested in learning about Holy Spirit-led ministry? Visit Orbis School of Ministry at https://orbissm.com or email our Registrar, Jo McKay, at jo@orbisminstries.org

Upcoming Orbis Ministries overseas ministry trips are posted on orbisministries.org under the “Train” tab

Do you want to join Ken's private Facebook discussion group, "God is not a Theory?" Please send a Facebook Direct Message to Bryan Orbis and a friend request to be added to it.

#GodIsNotATheory #KenFish #RichardJRoberts #ChristianLeadership #ChurchLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #Discipleship #SpiritualFormation #HealthyLeadership #Ministry #Character #SelfAwareness

Register for Luminosity: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Register⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Sign Up for Prayer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Orbis Prayer Ministry Network – Receive prayer for healing, prophecy, inner healing and deliverance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Donate: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Give - Orbis Ministries⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of God Is Not a Theory, Ken Fish is joined by Richard J. Roberts and Joel Taylor for an insightful conversation about what healthy apostolic leadership really looks like.
With more than forty years of church leadership experience—and a unique background in family medicine, psychotherapy, theology, and missional leadership—Dr. Richard Roberts brings a thoughtful perspective to one of the Church's most pressing questions: How do we cultivate leaders who build healthy, flourishing communities instead of unhealthy systems?
Together, they explore the biblical model of leadership, contrasting today's organizational approaches with the New Testament vision of the Church as a spiritual family. They discuss why spiritual fatherhood matters, the dangers of pursuing titles and status, how authentic apostolic ministry produces communities rather than platforms, and why identity must always come before function.
Topics Include:
What healthy apostolic leadership looks like

Why the Church is called to be a family

Spiritual fathers and mothers in the Kingdom

The problem with titles and status

Leadership through relationship instead of hierarchy

Why identity comes before function

Building genuine Christian community

Family-based churches and church planting

The role of hospitality in discipleship

Creating healthy cultures for future generations

Whether you lead a movement or simply love Jesus and serve in your local church, this is a clarifying, refreshing conversation about what the church was always meant to be.
🔑 Key Takeaways
"Apostle" is best understood as a description, not a title

Identity precedes function—who we are comes before what we do

The church is fundamentally a family, not an organization

Authority in the kingdom is exercised through relationship, not position

Genuine community, not big meetings, formed the early church

Hospitality and shared life are central to mission

Suffering, not status, marks true apostolic ministry

For every believer: ask who is discipling you, and whom you are discipling

How to Engage with Orbis:
Check out Ken's book: On the Road with the Holy Spirit

Partner with Orbis Financially: GIVE

Are you interested in learning about Holy Spirit-led ministry? Visit Orbis School of Ministry at https://orbissm.com or email our Registrar, Jo McKay, at jo@orbisminstries.org

Upcoming Orbis Ministries overseas ministry trips are posted on orbisministries.org under the Train tab

Do you want to join Ken's private Facebook discussion group, "God is not a Theory?" Please send a Facebook Direct Message to Bryan Orbis and a friend request to be added to it.

📘 Check out Dr. Richard Roberts' book, Rediscovering Church as Networks: https://a.co/d/0hD3wTJW

👉 This is Part 1 of 2. Next week, Dr. Roberts returns to discuss toxicity in the church and its leadership—don't miss it.
#GodIsNotATheory #KenFish #JoelTaylor #RichardRoberts #ApostolicMinistry #ChurchLeadership #Discipleship #ChurchAsFamily #CharismaticChurch #KingdomOfGod #Ecclesiology #SpiritualFormation

Register for Luminosity: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Register⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Sign Up for Prayer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Orbis Prayer Ministry Network – Receive prayer for healing, prophecy, inner healing and deliverance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Donate: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Give - Orbis Ministries⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of God Is Not a Theory, Ken Fish is joined by Middle East expert and longtime ministry leader Avner Boskey for an in-depth discussion on the Iran Deal, Israel's security challenges, and the rapidly changing landscape of the Middle East.
As headlines continue to focus on negotiations, ceasefires, and regional tensions, many Christians are asking important questions:
What is actually in the Iran Deal? Why are Iran's proxy armies such a major concern? How do these developments affect Israel and America's allies in the region? And what role, if any, do biblical prophecies play in understanding the times we're living in?
Drawing on decades of experience in Israel and extensive knowledge of Middle Eastern history, Avner provides valuable context behind the headlines while helping believers think biblically and wisely about current events.
Topics Include:
What the Iran Deal actually proposes

Iran's proxy armies and regional influence

Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis

Israel's current security challenges

The role of Gulf nations in the conflict

Geopolitics and diplomacy in the Middle East

Biblical prophecy and current events

Why Christians should pay attention

Discernment in an age of information overload

Praying for Israel and the nations

This is a challenging, candid episode that pulls current events into a biblical frame and calls believers to sober, prayerful attention to the times.
Key Takeaways:
The Middle East cannot be understood without historical context

Iran's influence extends far beyond its borders

Regional conflicts have global implications

Christians should approach current events with wisdom rather than fear

Biblical prophecy deserves careful and responsible study

Prayer remains a vital response to turbulent times

Understanding the headlines requires looking beyond the headlines

📅 Upcoming events with Orbis:
Luminosity | October 1–3 | Nashville area: https://kingdomluminosity.org/

Illumination Northwest (with Ken Fish & Avner Boskey) | December 3–5 | Longview, Washington— details soon to follow

How to Engage with Orbis:
Check out Ken's book: On the Road with the Holy Spirit

Partner with Orbis Financially: GIVE

Are you interested in learning about Holy Spirit-led ministry? Visit Orbis School of Ministry at https://orbissm.com or email our Registrar, Jo McKay, at jo@orbisminstries.org

Upcoming Orbis Ministries overseas ministry trips are posted on orbisministries.org under the Train tab

Do you want to join Ken's private Facebook discussion group, "God is not a Theory?" Please send a Facebook Direct Message to Bryan Orbis and a friend request to be added to it.

#GodIsNotATheory #KenFish #AvnerBoskey #Israel #Iran #MiddleEast #BibleProphecy #EndTimes #Eschatology #Intercession #Daniel #Genesis12

Register for Luminosity: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Register⁠⁠⁠⁠
Sign Up for Prayer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Orbis Prayer Ministry Network – Receive prayer for healing, prophecy, inner healing and deliverance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Donate: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Give - Orbis Ministries⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this special episode of God Is Not a Theory, Ken Fish is joined by Joel and Kady Taylor for a behind-the-scenes conversation about the vision, purpose, and impact of Orbis Ministries' annual conferences.From Fusion and Ignition to Illumination and this year's Luminosity Conference, these gatherings have become a place where believers encounter God, receive ministry, build meaningful relationships, and grow in their calling.Together, Ken, Joel, and Kady reflect on the history of these events, memorable moments from past conferences, and what attendees can expect from Luminosity in Brentwood, Tennessee.They discuss why conferences still matter in an increasingly digital world, how God often uses corporate gatherings to bring breakthrough and transformation, and why creating space for the Holy Spirit remains central to everything Orbis does.Topics Include:- The history of Orbis conferences- How Fusion, Ignition, and Illumination shaped the ministry- The vision behind Luminosity- Why gathering together still matters- Testimonies and breakthrough stories- Building Kingdom relationships- Creating space for the Holy Spirit- What attendees can expect this year- How conferences help equip believers for ministry- The future of Orbis events🔑 Key Takeaways:- God often moves powerfully when believers gather together- Conferences can become catalysts for lifelong transformation- Kingdom relationships matter- Spiritual growth happens in community- The Holy Spirit is still actively working today- Equipping believers remains central to the mission of Orbis- Every conference builds on what God has done before- Luminosity represents a new season of ministry and impactWhether you're attending Luminosity this year or simply curious about the heart behind Orbis conferences, this episode offers an inside look at the vision, values, and stories that have shaped these gatherings over the years.

How to Engage with Orbis:
Check out Ken's book: On the Road with the Holy Spirit 

Partner with Orbis Financially: GIVE

Get Trained Up: Visit Orbis School of Ministry

Upcoming Orbis Ministries overseas ministry trips are posted on: https://orbisministries.org 

As mentioned in today’s podcast, Dr. Mark Chironna’s new book “Prophetic Integrity and the Elijah Legacy” is out now! Find Out More
#GodIsNotATheory #KenFish #LuminosityConference #OrbisMinistries #HolySpirit #ChristianConference #KingdomCulture #Revival #ChurchLeadership #ChristianPodcast #SpiritualGrowth