A Pastor ‘Witch’, an Oxymoron or a Mockery: An Evangelical Discourse

Of recent, there has been an escalation on witchcraft beliefs and accusations. The church has unwittingly accepted accusations and mercilessly dealt with her members whenever accused. When witchcraft beliefs and accusations thrive in the church, it suggests a theological/missiological anemia and leadership lethargy. In fact, now Pastors are accused not only of wrongful divination but also as ‘witches.’ In this essay, a case study is presented, analyzed and appraised. A pastor accused by a young girl establishes a ‘witch’ and a pastor who maintained innocence lied and so endangered the church. What then should the church do when someone is a ‘witch’ and simultaneously a Christian (or even a Pastor)? To what extent should the church be involved in witchcraft divination vis-à-vis spiritual gifts? Can we find biblical tools to establish truth between the accused and accuser?

This presentation was recorded during the ASM Conference
in a tracked dedicated to Witchcraft Accusations.

Biography

Zachs-Toro ​Gaiya is a PhD student in intercultural studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield. IL