In this article, I’m addressing The Potter’s House, a Christian fellowship established by the late Wayman Mitchell, which has expanded into a worldwide network of churches. If you’re not familiar with this organization, The Potter’s House—also recognized as The Door or Victory Chapel in various locations—has come under scrutiny for its highly controlling practices and the significant pressure it imposes on its members. As a former member of this fellowship, I critically explore the doctrines and teachings that have been used to control congregants, often resulting in both spiritual and psychological harm. If you want to learn more about my experiences and insights, I’ve written a book titled Escaping the Potter’s House that delves deeper into these issues.
One of the most harmful doctrines within The Potter’s House is the misuse of 1 Corinthians 12:18. This verse has been twisted to suggest that God has specifically placed each member in their particular congregation, and that leaving this church is against His will. This interpretation is heavily emphasized, leading members to believe they are divinely bound to their local Potter’s House church for life. In this article, I aim to unpack the true meaning of 1 Corinthians 12:18 and how its misinterpretation has been used as a tool for control within The Potter’s House.
The True Meaning of 1 Corinthians 12:18
When we examine 1 Corinthians 12:18 in its proper context, it’s clear that the Apostle Paul was addressing the diversity of roles within the universal body of Christ, not assigning individuals to specific local congregations. The passage is part of a broader discussion on the different spiritual gifts and functions within the church, meant to encourage those who might feel insignificant compared to others with more visible roles. Paul’s intent was to emphasize that every member of the church, regardless of their function, is equally important and placed by God according to His purpose.
This message was intended to unify believers by helping them understand that their value in the body of Christ is not determined by their prominence, but by their faithful service in the role God has given them. It has nothing to do with God permanently assigning someone to a particular local church or forbidding them from attending other congregations.
The Potter’s House Interpretation: A Tool for Control
In The Potter’s House, however, 1 Corinthians 12:18 has been repurposed to reinforce the idea that God has specifically placed each member in that church and expects them to stay there indefinitely. New converts are quickly taught that God, in His sovereign will, has placed them in The Door, and that they are to attend services there exclusively. They are discouraged from visiting other churches and warned against becoming “a floating kidney in the body of Christ.”
This doctrine effectively isolates members from other Christian influences, ensuring that they remain within the confines of The Potter’s House teachings. If you believe that God has placed you in a specific church and that you cannot leave, it becomes much easier to submit to all the other doctrines and practices, regardless of how controlling or harmful they may be. After all, if God placed you there, wouldn’t He want you to obey everything taught there?
The Isolation and Control of Members
A Call for Reevaluation and Renunciation
For former leaders of The Potter’s House who may be seeking to distance themselves from harmful doctrines, this would be an excellent place to start. It’s crucial to teach that church members are free to come and go as they please, and that where they choose to worship is entirely between them and God. 1 Corinthians 12:18 should not be used to manipulate or control believers, as it has nothing to do with dictating which local church a person must attend.
True Christian freedom allows for the movement within the body of Christ, and the recognition that God’s placement in the body refers to spiritual roles and gifts, not geographical or congregational boundaries. Encouraging this understanding will help to break down the walls of isolation and control that have kept so many in spiritual bondage.