Across the body of Christ, Vlad Savchuk points out that many believers are quietly asking a difficult question: Why does something feel spiritually off in certain churches, even when everything looks successful on the surface?
In a recent teaching, Savchuk described this tension in sobering terms: “Have you ever walked into a church and felt that something was just off? You couldn’t explain it… the fear and the control, there’s something just off, and you feel it in the atmosphere.” He emphasized that this message is not about attacking leaders or creating division, but about pursuing discernment and spiritual health. “This is not a message for you to label your pastor ‘Jezebel’ just because you’re offended… This is to bring discernment, deliverance, and… restore purity in the house of God.”
Drawing from Revelation 2, Savchuk focuses on what Scripture describes as tolerating “Jezebel”—not a literal person today, but what many in charismatic circles describe as a spiritual pattern marked by control, manipulation and intimidation.
As Savchuk explained, “Jezebel in the Scripture is tied to control, manipulation, seduction, intimidation, and also killing prophetic voices.”
To order Vlad Savchuk’s book, Make the Devil Homeless, visit Amazon.com.
The first warning sign Savchuk highlighted is control disguised as care. In healthy leadership, pastors equip and strengthen believers. But in unhealthy environments, control replaces shepherding. Savchuk warned that in these situations, “People cannot make decisions without permission… Loyalty to a person… is more important than your loyalty to Christ.” Savchuk challenged believers to ask a hard question: “Do people in this church feel free to obey God, or are they terrified to displease a person?”
The second sign is when image matters more than truth. In Spirit-led churches, repentance and correction are welcomed. But in unhealthy systems, protecting the brand becomes the priority. As Savchuk stated, “Jezebel does not mind the church. Jezebel is afraid of exposure.” When the image is protected at all costs, prophetic voices and intercessors often become marginalized.
The third and most dangerous sign is when intimidation becomes spiritualized. Savchuk warned that fear, guilt and threats can be masked as spiritual authority. “In a healthy church, the Holy Spirit convicts people… In a Jezebel-influenced church, people are moved by fear.”
However, he also emphasized balance and humility. He urged believers not to respond with gossip, rebellion or pride. Instead, the call is to prayer, discernment and biblical process. “Don’t become a Jezebel fighting Jezebel… Stay clean. Stay pure.”
For Christians wrestling with these questions, the message is clear: pursue truth, walk in love, pray for leaders and never substitute spiritual image for genuine holiness.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
