Promise Keepers and Necromancy
Updated July 10, 2024
The following statements by Steve and Sarah Berger are from their 2010 book, Have Heart: Bridging the Gulf Between Heaven and Earth. Steve Berger is a well-known pastor and he is also the founder and director of his Washington D.C. based ministry, Ambassador Services International. Berger also serves on two Promise Keepers leadership Boards, the Executive Leadership board and the Pastoral Advisory board. He is also a Board member of former-Congresswoman Michele Bachmann’s Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast.
"[O]ur departed loved ones are alive, active, and aware. . . . they are aware of times that we need special encouragement."
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No Statute of Limitations of False Teaching
September 25, 2024
by Jim Fletcher
The death of a child has rightly been called soul-crushing. Whether a miscarriage, stillbirth, or the death of an adult child, the parents are never quite the same. The tragedy usually lingers; it can also negatively impact a marriage. As has been said many times, a parent should never outlive offspring. Our human pattern in this was set with the first death: Abel dead at the hands of his own brother. . . .In the Bible, necromancy is described as the effort by humans to communicate with deceased loved ones (Continue reading article.)
Note from SRN: The above article written by Jim Fletcher addresses some of the dangerous false teachings in Steve and Sarah Berger's 2010 book, Have Heart: Bridging the Gulf Between Heaven and Earth. The article also addresses Steve Berger speaking at yet another Promise Keepers event. Jim Fletcher's article is posted at The Dissenter: Christian Independent Press, on the Substack platform. Also on Substack is an article about the Berger's former church and a video of Sarah Berger trying to defend Steve Berger. The original livestream video was cut off by the church. The article is titled, 'Pastor’s Wife Stands Up and Rebukes Congregation During Worship Service For Trying to Cancel Him' (by Publisher | Aug 30, 2021 | News, Social-Issues, The Church, Video).
September 25, 2024
by Jim Fletcher
The death of a child has rightly been called soul-crushing. Whether a miscarriage, stillbirth, or the death of an adult child, the parents are never quite the same. The tragedy usually lingers; it can also negatively impact a marriage. As has been said many times, a parent should never outlive offspring. Our human pattern in this was set with the first death: Abel dead at the hands of his own brother. . . .In the Bible, necromancy is described as the effort by humans to communicate with deceased loved ones (Continue reading article.)
Note from SRN: The above article written by Jim Fletcher addresses some of the dangerous false teachings in Steve and Sarah Berger's 2010 book, Have Heart: Bridging the Gulf Between Heaven and Earth. The article also addresses Steve Berger speaking at yet another Promise Keepers event. Jim Fletcher's article is posted at The Dissenter: Christian Independent Press, on the Substack platform. Also on Substack is an article about the Berger's former church and a video of Sarah Berger trying to defend Steve Berger. The original livestream video was cut off by the church. The article is titled, 'Pastor’s Wife Stands Up and Rebukes Congregation During Worship Service For Trying to Cancel Him' (by Publisher | Aug 30, 2021 | News, Social-Issues, The Church, Video).
Threatened From The Pulpit: My Response
August 10, 2024
August 10, 2024
This video above is by Teasi Cannon, whom Steve Berger threatened from his own pulpit shortly after a booklet (see below here) was published by Spiritual Research Network, in June of 2024. Teasi Cannon, a former member and spiritual abuse victim of Steve Berger, explains what her video is about:
"My former pastor of nearly 25 years gave a sermon entitled, 'Exposing the Spirit of the Accuser,' using me as an example of a satanically inspired accuser. In sharing his example he falsely accused/slandered and threatened me. This is my heartfelt response (especially the last 10 minutes) to his accusations and threat."
It is important to note that Teasi Cannon had nothing to do with the writing of the contents of the booklet, Promise Keepers, Steve Berger, And the Dangerous Implications of Ignoring Necromancy in the Church. This booklet was a collective effort of several ministries and concerned individuals addressing the false teachings of Steve and Sarah Berger, and Steve Berger's involvement as a leading Board member of Promise Keepers.
Sadly, Steve Berger chose to target Teasi Cannon, and no doubt Spiritual Research Network and others as well, as part of his response to anyone who challenges his teaching or what he and his wife have written about in their book, Have Heart: Bridging then Gulf Between Heaven and Earth (Grace Chapel, 2010).
In order to simply clarify what Teasi Cannon's video is about, another video title could have been used, such as Threatened From The Pulpit by Steve Berger: Teasi Cannon's Response. Teasi Cannon graciously chose not to include Steve Berger's name in the title of her video, as she pleaded with a heartfelt call to repentance to Steve and Sarah Berger.
"My former pastor of nearly 25 years gave a sermon entitled, 'Exposing the Spirit of the Accuser,' using me as an example of a satanically inspired accuser. In sharing his example he falsely accused/slandered and threatened me. This is my heartfelt response (especially the last 10 minutes) to his accusations and threat."
It is important to note that Teasi Cannon had nothing to do with the writing of the contents of the booklet, Promise Keepers, Steve Berger, And the Dangerous Implications of Ignoring Necromancy in the Church. This booklet was a collective effort of several ministries and concerned individuals addressing the false teachings of Steve and Sarah Berger, and Steve Berger's involvement as a leading Board member of Promise Keepers.
Sadly, Steve Berger chose to target Teasi Cannon, and no doubt Spiritual Research Network and others as well, as part of his response to anyone who challenges his teaching or what he and his wife have written about in their book, Have Heart: Bridging then Gulf Between Heaven and Earth (Grace Chapel, 2010).
In order to simply clarify what Teasi Cannon's video is about, another video title could have been used, such as Threatened From The Pulpit by Steve Berger: Teasi Cannon's Response. Teasi Cannon graciously chose not to include Steve Berger's name in the title of her video, as she pleaded with a heartfelt call to repentance to Steve and Sarah Berger.
Promise Keepers, Steve Berger, And the Dangerous Implications of Ignoring Necromancy in the Church
June 24, 2024
June 24, 2024
(Necromancy: Communing and interacting with the dead)
Note: This article/booklet is the collaborative effort of a wide cross-section of ministries and individuals who are concerned about the spiritual deception that has entered the church and is not being confronted and exposed by church leaders. |
Promise Keepers & Necromancy: An Open Letter Warning
December 7, 2023
A two-part video series by Chris Lawson expresses concerns about the dangers and variations of Necromancy entering the church today. Chris asks pertinent questions about why pastor/author Steve Berger (author of Have Heart: Bridging the Gulf Between Heaven and Earth) is allowed to continue to serve on two Promise Keepers boards, as Steve Berger’s Have Heart book makes allowances for people to be “open” to receiving communications, signs, God Nod’s, dreams, and sensations/impressions and appearances from “deceased loved ones.” The names of the current (December 2023) Promise Keepers board members serving on all three leadership boards are also mentioned.
December 7, 2023
A two-part video series by Chris Lawson expresses concerns about the dangers and variations of Necromancy entering the church today. Chris asks pertinent questions about why pastor/author Steve Berger (author of Have Heart: Bridging the Gulf Between Heaven and Earth) is allowed to continue to serve on two Promise Keepers boards, as Steve Berger’s Have Heart book makes allowances for people to be “open” to receiving communications, signs, God Nod’s, dreams, and sensations/impressions and appearances from “deceased loved ones.” The names of the current (December 2023) Promise Keepers board members serving on all three leadership boards are also mentioned.
- View supporting documentation.
Promise Keepers & Necromancy (Dec 7, 2023)
Part 1 - Introduction and Background, and naming the names of the Promise Keepers Board Members |
Promise Keepers & Necromancy (Dec 7, 2023)
Part 2 - Chris Lawson reads a letter sent to Promise Keepers warning about Steve Berger's necromancy |
Pastors Endorsing Necromatic Variations of Mediumship - Clairsentience?
July 8, 2023
July 8, 2023
This is a video Interview between Chris Lawson and former long-time occupational psychic/medium Doreen Virtue. It warns about the contents of Steve and Sarah Berger's book Have Heart, and its endorsers—Greg Laurie, James Robison, William Paul Young, Dr. Chuck Missler, Senator Bill Frist, and others.
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A Deceased Loved One—Alive, active, aware, and present, and surrounding Steve Berger, a Promise Keepers Board member?
July 30, 2023
(Updated July 11, 2024)
Pastor Steve Berger (Ambassador Services International) was the founding pastor (now formerly) at Grace Chapel Leipers Fork, TN (formerly a long-time Calvary Chapel affiliate). In 2010, Steve Berger and his wife Sarah wrote a book titled Have Heart: Bridging the Gulf Between Heaven and Earth. Pastor Greg Laurie (Harvest Church and Harvest Crusades), James Robison (LIFE Today TV program), William Paul Young (author of The Shack), Dr. Chuck Missler (Koinonia House/K-House), and former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Senator Bill Frist, M.D. have all wholeheartedly endorsed Steve and Sarah Berger's book. The book rejects "channeling, seances, or mediums trying to contact the dead" (Have Heart, 2010, pp.94-95), while at the same time, under the subheading Spontaneous, Steve and Sarah Berger state, "Our meetings with Josiah [deceased son] have been..." (Have Heart, p.101). This begs the question, “Steve Berger, are you really having “Spontaneous” meetings and experiences with your deceased son Josiah?”
There is much in Steve and Sarah Berger's book (Have Heart) that contradicts Scripture, including the concept of deceased loved ones being "on mission" to earth to minister to living humans. Steve and Sarah Berger believe and have published their views on deceased loved ones being alive, active, present, and "surrounding" believers. They include in their Have Heart book entire chapters about this, such as They Are Alive (pp. 53-72), They Are Active (pp. 73-92), They Are Aware and Present (pp.93-104), Connected (pp.105-112), and God Nod's (pp. 113-122).
Unfortunately, Steve Berger flat-out refused to accept Biblical correction and repent of these necromantic teachings when I spoke to him on the telephone over a decade ago, in 2012. Greg Laurie would not even speak with me on the telephone about his own personal endorsement of Steve and Sarah Berger's book. James Robison and his son Randy Robison did not even know that James Robison's personal endorsement was on the front cover and inside pages of Steve and Sarah Berger's Have Heart book. I personally informed James Robison and his son Randy of this via Instagram and email correspondence.
As of July 11, 2024, Steve Berger continues to serve on two Promise Keepers Leadership Boards — the Leadership Board and the Pastoral Advisory Board. I contacted Promise Keepers and sent a 10-page letter of concern to CEO and Chairman Ken Harrison, and the letter was addressed to Ken Harrison and the Promise Keepers Leadership Board and the Promise Keepers Pastoral Advisory Board. I wrote to them expressing many concerns about the Have Heart book and Steve and Sarah Berger's teachings. I also included numerous documentation links and the YouTube link for my Interview with Doreen Virtue (video above). I sent this letter to the Promise Keepers Leadership Board on June 30, 2023, and I was told that the Board of Promise Keepers had watched the video interview I did with Doreen Virtue. Amazingly, Steve Berger remains on two Promise Keepers Leadership boards.
It has now been an entire year plus eleven days (376 days) and I still have received no response from anyone at Promise Keepers regarding what their decision and reasoning is for allowing Steve Berger to remain serving on two of their leadership boards. At this stage it is very clear that the leaders of Promise Keepers have no problem with Steve Berger and his and his wife Sarah's book Have Heart; a book which promotes variations of necromancy and the paranormal phenomena that the Berger's have experienced through varying forms of clairsentience (mediumship).
Steve and Sarah's Berger's book Have Heart is just one piece of the puzzle. The Promise Keepers leaders are in for a serious wake-up call with Steve Berger, for Berger has not only co-authored Have Heart, but for 15 years prior to the publishing of Have Heart, he immersed himself in and was promoting author Rebecca Ruter Springer's (1832-1904) autobiographical near-death experience testimony, titled, Intra Muros, or Within the Walls, "A Dream of Heaven" (1898). Berger has also been promoting Springer's book ever since 2010, as the Berger's accolades about Intra Muros are found within Have Heart.
So what's the big deal about this? The big deal is that Intra Muros was listed as an occult/psychical/Spiritualism book under the heading "Psychical Research and Spiritualism" in William C. Hartmann's 1927 Second Edition reference work titled, Who’s Who in Occultism, New Thought Psychism and Spiritualism. Not only does Berger produce glowing accolades about Intra Muros in three of his own books (including Have Heart) but one of these three books is Berger's own republication of Rebecca Springer's book Intra Muros. Steve Berger has written his own Introduction to this republished version of Intra Muros. Steve Berger's version os Intra Muros was first published in 2015 by Berger's former church fellowship, Grace Chapel, and the title of this work is, Inside Heaven's Gates: A Nineteenth-Century Classic Retold. On page two, the copyright page, are found the words, "Inside Heaven's Gates, originally published as Intra Muros in 1898, has been updated for today's reader." A much more honest title would be, Inside Heaven's Gates: A Nineteenth-Century "Occult" Classic Retold.
Please watch my video interview with former psychic medium Doreen Virtue that expresses our concerns in great detail. Click this link to view more articles about Have Heart: Bridging the Gulf Between Heaven and Earth.
July 30, 2023
(Updated July 11, 2024)
Pastor Steve Berger (Ambassador Services International) was the founding pastor (now formerly) at Grace Chapel Leipers Fork, TN (formerly a long-time Calvary Chapel affiliate). In 2010, Steve Berger and his wife Sarah wrote a book titled Have Heart: Bridging the Gulf Between Heaven and Earth. Pastor Greg Laurie (Harvest Church and Harvest Crusades), James Robison (LIFE Today TV program), William Paul Young (author of The Shack), Dr. Chuck Missler (Koinonia House/K-House), and former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Senator Bill Frist, M.D. have all wholeheartedly endorsed Steve and Sarah Berger's book. The book rejects "channeling, seances, or mediums trying to contact the dead" (Have Heart, 2010, pp.94-95), while at the same time, under the subheading Spontaneous, Steve and Sarah Berger state, "Our meetings with Josiah [deceased son] have been..." (Have Heart, p.101). This begs the question, “Steve Berger, are you really having “Spontaneous” meetings and experiences with your deceased son Josiah?”
There is much in Steve and Sarah Berger's book (Have Heart) that contradicts Scripture, including the concept of deceased loved ones being "on mission" to earth to minister to living humans. Steve and Sarah Berger believe and have published their views on deceased loved ones being alive, active, present, and "surrounding" believers. They include in their Have Heart book entire chapters about this, such as They Are Alive (pp. 53-72), They Are Active (pp. 73-92), They Are Aware and Present (pp.93-104), Connected (pp.105-112), and God Nod's (pp. 113-122).
Unfortunately, Steve Berger flat-out refused to accept Biblical correction and repent of these necromantic teachings when I spoke to him on the telephone over a decade ago, in 2012. Greg Laurie would not even speak with me on the telephone about his own personal endorsement of Steve and Sarah Berger's book. James Robison and his son Randy Robison did not even know that James Robison's personal endorsement was on the front cover and inside pages of Steve and Sarah Berger's Have Heart book. I personally informed James Robison and his son Randy of this via Instagram and email correspondence.
As of July 11, 2024, Steve Berger continues to serve on two Promise Keepers Leadership Boards — the Leadership Board and the Pastoral Advisory Board. I contacted Promise Keepers and sent a 10-page letter of concern to CEO and Chairman Ken Harrison, and the letter was addressed to Ken Harrison and the Promise Keepers Leadership Board and the Promise Keepers Pastoral Advisory Board. I wrote to them expressing many concerns about the Have Heart book and Steve and Sarah Berger's teachings. I also included numerous documentation links and the YouTube link for my Interview with Doreen Virtue (video above). I sent this letter to the Promise Keepers Leadership Board on June 30, 2023, and I was told that the Board of Promise Keepers had watched the video interview I did with Doreen Virtue. Amazingly, Steve Berger remains on two Promise Keepers Leadership boards.
It has now been an entire year plus eleven days (376 days) and I still have received no response from anyone at Promise Keepers regarding what their decision and reasoning is for allowing Steve Berger to remain serving on two of their leadership boards. At this stage it is very clear that the leaders of Promise Keepers have no problem with Steve Berger and his and his wife Sarah's book Have Heart; a book which promotes variations of necromancy and the paranormal phenomena that the Berger's have experienced through varying forms of clairsentience (mediumship).
Steve and Sarah's Berger's book Have Heart is just one piece of the puzzle. The Promise Keepers leaders are in for a serious wake-up call with Steve Berger, for Berger has not only co-authored Have Heart, but for 15 years prior to the publishing of Have Heart, he immersed himself in and was promoting author Rebecca Ruter Springer's (1832-1904) autobiographical near-death experience testimony, titled, Intra Muros, or Within the Walls, "A Dream of Heaven" (1898). Berger has also been promoting Springer's book ever since 2010, as the Berger's accolades about Intra Muros are found within Have Heart.
So what's the big deal about this? The big deal is that Intra Muros was listed as an occult/psychical/Spiritualism book under the heading "Psychical Research and Spiritualism" in William C. Hartmann's 1927 Second Edition reference work titled, Who’s Who in Occultism, New Thought Psychism and Spiritualism. Not only does Berger produce glowing accolades about Intra Muros in three of his own books (including Have Heart) but one of these three books is Berger's own republication of Rebecca Springer's book Intra Muros. Steve Berger has written his own Introduction to this republished version of Intra Muros. Steve Berger's version os Intra Muros was first published in 2015 by Berger's former church fellowship, Grace Chapel, and the title of this work is, Inside Heaven's Gates: A Nineteenth-Century Classic Retold. On page two, the copyright page, are found the words, "Inside Heaven's Gates, originally published as Intra Muros in 1898, has been updated for today's reader." A much more honest title would be, Inside Heaven's Gates: A Nineteenth-Century "Occult" Classic Retold.
Please watch my video interview with former psychic medium Doreen Virtue that expresses our concerns in great detail. Click this link to view more articles about Have Heart: Bridging the Gulf Between Heaven and Earth.
Pastor Steve Berger's Claim to be a Prophet
"My job as a pastor and prophet..."
November 2020 POLICY COUNSEL SPEECHES
The Honorable Mike Pence Vice President United States of America Council for National Policy
https://cinp.org/policy-counsel/november-2020/
"My job as a pastor and prophet..."
November 2020 POLICY COUNSEL SPEECHES
The Honorable Mike Pence Vice President United States of America Council for National Policy
https://cinp.org/policy-counsel/november-2020/
Necromancy in the Church? Communications and signs from the deceased?
"Our meetings with Josiah [deceased son]"—Steve and Sarah Berger, Have Heart (2010), p.101
"Our meetings with Josiah [deceased son]"—Steve and Sarah Berger, Have Heart (2010), p.101
Steve and Sarah Berger write some very interesting things in their book Have Heart. Following are a few necromantic concepts (signs, communications, "God Nods," influences from the deceased) they elaborate upon in their book. The Berger's write that they do not endorse things like mediumship, channeling and necromancy (communicating with the dead), but they then make allowances for the living on earth being open to the idea of the deceased possibly being involved in their lives, here and now, on earth.
- Receiving "communications" and "signs" and "God nods" from deceased loved ones?
- Steve and Sarah Berger write, "Our meetings with Josiah [deceased son] have been very much like the ones C. S. Lewis described at the beginning of this chapter." (Have Heart, p.101)
Spontaneous Appearances of the Deceased?
Steve and Sarah Berger also write about the "Spontaneous" appearance of Josiah, their deceased son, and they convey the concept of deceased loves ones from heaven going on "mission trips" to earth to minister to (or assist/help) the living. Yet, God Himself condemns necromancy—communicating with the dead. This means any and all forms of communicating with the deceased, whether by human initiation, or by the spirit world initiating first, from the other side. Numerous scriptures could be cited; here are a few, Leviticus 19:26, 31; 20:27; Deuteronomy 18:10; Galatians 5:19-20; Acts 19:19.
Also of very important note, Jesus and his disciples and the apostles never taught these things, the New Testament epistles do not instruct these things, the early Church in the book of Acts did not engage in these things, and the Book of Revelation does not instruct these things. Why, because trafficking with the spirit world in condemned by God. The Berger's write the following regarding their own son, Josiah, who passed from life on earth and went to heaven on his birthday, August 14, 2009.
Steve and Sarah Berger also write about the "Spontaneous" appearance of Josiah, their deceased son, and they convey the concept of deceased loves ones from heaven going on "mission trips" to earth to minister to (or assist/help) the living. Yet, God Himself condemns necromancy—communicating with the dead. This means any and all forms of communicating with the deceased, whether by human initiation, or by the spirit world initiating first, from the other side. Numerous scriptures could be cited; here are a few, Leviticus 19:26, 31; 20:27; Deuteronomy 18:10; Galatians 5:19-20; Acts 19:19.
Also of very important note, Jesus and his disciples and the apostles never taught these things, the New Testament epistles do not instruct these things, the early Church in the book of Acts did not engage in these things, and the Book of Revelation does not instruct these things. Why, because trafficking with the spirit world in condemned by God. The Berger's write the following regarding their own son, Josiah, who passed from life on earth and went to heaven on his birthday, August 14, 2009.
We know [Josiah] can see us, hear us, and even be involved, not only in our lives but also in the lives of his friends. We are continually hearing of Siah coming to friends in dreams. . . . We mean no disrespect to the prophets, but the idea of Siah being able to observe the choices we make here on earth is way more motivating as we seek to live for God moment-by-moment. The cloud of witnesses is personal, and we believe it is part of their work in the spiritual realm to cheer on their loved ones still on earth.
—Steve and Sarah Berger, Have Heart: Bridging the Gulf Between Heaven and Earth (pp. 104, 107)
"An Exception at This Time in History for the Berger Family"
Pastor Steve Berger was the founding pastor of Grace Chapel ( a Calvary Chapel affiliate church) in Tennessee, and he and his wife Sarah served for there many years until they moved on. Now, Pastor Steve is the founder and primary ambassador of Ambassador Services International, located on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. His influence is far and wide, and he continues to be applauded and elevated as time goes on. Pastor Steve also serves on the Leadership Board of Promise Keepers and on the Promise Keepers Pastoral Advisory Board. He also has had the opportunity to serve as Guest Chaplain to the U.S. Senate and he opened one of the Assembly Meetings in prayer.
Also of note is the fact that Pastor Steve is being hailed as one who can lead us "from repentance to revival." He teaches heavily on repentance in many places where he speaks. Of course, this is good to teach on biblical repentance, which is very much needed in our age. However, there are some things of immense concern that many people should realize about Steve and Sarah Berger. Pastor Steve personally told me the following on the telephone in 2012 regarding his deceased son Josiah:
Pastor Steve Berger was the founding pastor of Grace Chapel ( a Calvary Chapel affiliate church) in Tennessee, and he and his wife Sarah served for there many years until they moved on. Now, Pastor Steve is the founder and primary ambassador of Ambassador Services International, located on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. His influence is far and wide, and he continues to be applauded and elevated as time goes on. Pastor Steve also serves on the Leadership Board of Promise Keepers and on the Promise Keepers Pastoral Advisory Board. He also has had the opportunity to serve as Guest Chaplain to the U.S. Senate and he opened one of the Assembly Meetings in prayer.
Also of note is the fact that Pastor Steve is being hailed as one who can lead us "from repentance to revival." He teaches heavily on repentance in many places where he speaks. Of course, this is good to teach on biblical repentance, which is very much needed in our age. However, there are some things of immense concern that many people should realize about Steve and Sarah Berger. Pastor Steve personally told me the following on the telephone in 2012 regarding his deceased son Josiah:
“God has made an exception at this time in history for the Berger family.
We are indeed in communication with our [deceased] son Josiah.”
—Pastor Steve Berger
We are indeed in communication with our [deceased] son Josiah.”
—Pastor Steve Berger
Regarding Steve Berger's statement above, I, Chris Lawson, had actually contacted Steve about my concerns regarding some of the statements that he and his wife had written in their Grace Chapel published, 2010 book, Have Heart. I expressed my condolences to Steve regarding the loss of their son, and as graciously as I tried to communicate with him that the alleged "signs" they were receiving from the spirit world were not from their deceased son, but rather from an evil spirit "masquerading" as their deceased son (or "angel of light", 2 Cor. 11:14), my efforts were not received well.
The quote from Steve Berger above sounds like something you might hear from well-known false teachers like Benny Hinn, Sean Feucht, Bill and Beni Johnson, John and Lily Crowder and "The Sons of Thunder," or Todd and Jessa Bentley, who, among many others, have either stated that they are receiving messages from "angels," or the deceased, or are grave sucking/soaking, tombstone hugging/mantle grabbing , or "calling upon the angels" for help. It also sounds very much like what the apostate American Episcopal bishop, the Rev. James Albert Pike (Jim Pike, 1913-1969), believed and immersed himself in back in the 1960’s, when he was allegedly "in communication" with his deceased son (The Other Side: An Account of My Experiences with Psychic Phenomena, 1968).
I have written more about my 2012 conversation with Steve Berger and also what happened when I tried to contact Greg Laurie, James Robison, and Dr. Chuck Missler, all of whom also endorsed Steve and Sarah Berger's Have Heart book. Other well-known figures have also endorsed Have Heart, including William Paul Young, a dedicated Universalist and the author of the heretical book The Shack, and Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Senator Bill Frist, M.D.
On my Articles page, you can find link to the Berger's Have Heart endorsers, an article about my concerns with the Berger's church plant, Grace Chapel Leiper's Fork, Franklin, TN, and others.
—Chris Lawson, SRN (Updated July 8, 2024)
The quote from Steve Berger above sounds like something you might hear from well-known false teachers like Benny Hinn, Sean Feucht, Bill and Beni Johnson, John and Lily Crowder and "The Sons of Thunder," or Todd and Jessa Bentley, who, among many others, have either stated that they are receiving messages from "angels," or the deceased, or are grave sucking/soaking, tombstone hugging/mantle grabbing , or "calling upon the angels" for help. It also sounds very much like what the apostate American Episcopal bishop, the Rev. James Albert Pike (Jim Pike, 1913-1969), believed and immersed himself in back in the 1960’s, when he was allegedly "in communication" with his deceased son (The Other Side: An Account of My Experiences with Psychic Phenomena, 1968).
I have written more about my 2012 conversation with Steve Berger and also what happened when I tried to contact Greg Laurie, James Robison, and Dr. Chuck Missler, all of whom also endorsed Steve and Sarah Berger's Have Heart book. Other well-known figures have also endorsed Have Heart, including William Paul Young, a dedicated Universalist and the author of the heretical book The Shack, and Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Senator Bill Frist, M.D.
On my Articles page, you can find link to the Berger's Have Heart endorsers, an article about my concerns with the Berger's church plant, Grace Chapel Leiper's Fork, Franklin, TN, and others.
—Chris Lawson, SRN (Updated July 8, 2024)
Our deceased loved ones possibly appearing to us?
"You know we ought to be open to it." —Steve Berger
"You know we ought to be open to it." —Steve Berger
The first quote below is from the GraceChapel.net webpage video description for a two-part sermon series that Steve Berger did on Heaven.
The second quote below is a portion of the actual transcribed text from Berger's sermon. When Steve Berger says, "We ought to be open to it!" he is implying, in the context of his message, that we (Christians, and I guess non-Christians too) "ought to be open" to the possibility of our deceased loved ones "going on invisible missions to earth" to minister to us ("Missions From Heaven," Have Heart, pp. 88-92. ). Incredibly, Berger drives this point home by massaging Scripture around and giving his listeners the impression that, because Moses and Elijah at appeared alongside Jesus at the Mount of Transfiguration, perhaps our loved ones too may just show up and appear to us. This is why Berger says, "we're surrounded by the saints who have gone before us, and however God chooses to use them to encourage us, you know we ought to be open to it."
As of today's date, July 2, 2024, this video link below is still posted and active on the GraceChapel.net website and on YouTube.
The second quote below is a portion of the actual transcribed text from Berger's sermon. When Steve Berger says, "We ought to be open to it!" he is implying, in the context of his message, that we (Christians, and I guess non-Christians too) "ought to be open" to the possibility of our deceased loved ones "going on invisible missions to earth" to minister to us ("Missions From Heaven," Have Heart, pp. 88-92. ). Incredibly, Berger drives this point home by massaging Scripture around and giving his listeners the impression that, because Moses and Elijah at appeared alongside Jesus at the Mount of Transfiguration, perhaps our loved ones too may just show up and appear to us. This is why Berger says, "we're surrounded by the saints who have gone before us, and however God chooses to use them to encourage us, you know we ought to be open to it."
As of today's date, July 2, 2024, this video link below is still posted and active on the GraceChapel.net website and on YouTube.
Heaven: What’s Going On Up There?
Pastor Steve is beginning a new 2-week mini-series on Heaven where he is encouraging everyone to think bigger, Biblical thoughts about Heaven. Our world needs a word of hope with everything that is going on and there is no more of a life-giving, hope-bringing word than one about Heaven. https://gracechapel.net/media-series/heaven-whats-going-on-up-there/ |
Here is the actual YouTube video page and transcribed text.
HEAVEN: WHAT’S GOING ON UP THERE? (PART 2)
Pastor Steve Berger | August 16, 2020 Play at minute mark 2:19—3:24. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4HN18vYiNY “Then lastly we looked at the fact that Hebrews 12:1 says, that we are surrounded by them, we're surrounded by this great cloud of witnesses. And whatever that looks like it's a bit mystical. We looked at the story of Jesus and the transfiguration with Moses and Elijah showing up and materializing in front of him in an hour of need. That we're surrounded by the saints who have gone before us, and however God chooses to use them to encourage us, you know we ought to be open to it. Now I need to also say simultaneously, we're not talking about conjuring up the dead, we're not talking about seances, we're not talking about any of that forbidden demonic stuff. But at the same time, we are not saying that God is limited in how he can choose to use the saints in heaven to encourage our lives right here and right now, just like they did for Jesus at the mount of transfiguration. So, interesting mysterious spiritual heavenly supernatural kind of stuff. I love every bit of it.” |
Promise Keepers Board Member Steve Berger Inspired by Intra Muros, a Book Listed in William C. Hartmann’s 1927 edition of Who’s Who in Occultism, New Thought Psychism, and Spiritualism
July 2, 2024, by Chris Lawson
July 2, 2024, by Chris Lawson
Steve Berger is a pastor, an author, an Executive and Advisor board member of two Promise Keepers leadership Boards, and he also serves as a Board member of former-Congresswoman Michele Bachmann’s Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast. Berger's primary area of service is through his Washington D.C. based outreach, Ambassador Services International.
As an author, Steve Berger has written a handful of materials. In three of his books, has made glowing references to Intra Muros, or Within the Walls, "A Dream of Heaven." This book, Intra Muros, that Berger loves to talk about, write about, and share with others, was written by Rebecca Ruter Springer (1832-1904). Springer's Intra Muros was published in 1898 and was a widely known literary work at the turn of the 20th century and thereafter. That is, it was widely known to, and amongst, Occult, New Thought Psychics, and Spiritualism authors and societies.
Core beliefs and practices of those involved in the Occult, New Thought Psychicism, and Spiritualism are things like necromancy (communicating with the dead), psychic-mediumship/channeling, séances, etc. Rebecca R. Springer's Intra Muros has still even today been republished as a book that is used amongst occultists and those involved in Spiritualism (séances, contacting the dead, etc).
Steve Berger's long-time fascination with Intra Muros, which is an unbiblical "Dream of Heaven" produced by a woman stricken with great bodily infirmity, has led Berger to not only reference the book in three of his own books, but one of these three books is Berger's own republished version of Intra Muros. In this "updated for today's reader" version of Intra Muros, Berger has written his own Introduction. The book was published in 2015 as Inside Heaven's Gates: A Nineteenth-Century Classic Retold.
As an author, Steve Berger has written a handful of materials. In three of his books, has made glowing references to Intra Muros, or Within the Walls, "A Dream of Heaven." This book, Intra Muros, that Berger loves to talk about, write about, and share with others, was written by Rebecca Ruter Springer (1832-1904). Springer's Intra Muros was published in 1898 and was a widely known literary work at the turn of the 20th century and thereafter. That is, it was widely known to, and amongst, Occult, New Thought Psychics, and Spiritualism authors and societies.
Core beliefs and practices of those involved in the Occult, New Thought Psychicism, and Spiritualism are things like necromancy (communicating with the dead), psychic-mediumship/channeling, séances, etc. Rebecca R. Springer's Intra Muros has still even today been republished as a book that is used amongst occultists and those involved in Spiritualism (séances, contacting the dead, etc).
Steve Berger's long-time fascination with Intra Muros, which is an unbiblical "Dream of Heaven" produced by a woman stricken with great bodily infirmity, has led Berger to not only reference the book in three of his own books, but one of these three books is Berger's own republished version of Intra Muros. In this "updated for today's reader" version of Intra Muros, Berger has written his own Introduction. The book was published in 2015 as Inside Heaven's Gates: A Nineteenth-Century Classic Retold.
Who's Who in Occultism, New Thought Psychism, and Spiritualism
In 1927 William C. Hartmann published the "Second Edition" of his massive occult reference work compendium titled, Who’s Who in Occultism, New Thought Psychism and Spiritualism. Ironically, Hartmann's reference work includes Rebecca Ruter Springer's name ("SPRINGER, REBECCA R.") and her book Intra Muros. Springer's original book title is listed (with no italics) as "Intra Muros: A Dream of Heaven (1920)". Intra Muros is listed on page 193 with many other books in the “Biographies” section (pp. 175-209). Also of note, Intra Muros is grouped with numerous other book titles in a subsection within the biographies and under the subheading “Spiritualism and Psychical Research” (p. 188). Further on in Hartmann's book, Springer's name and Intra Muros are listed on page 238 in the list of names under the subheading “Authors and Their Works” (p. 211).
Based on the monumental volume of book titles and author names in Hartmann’s reference work it appears that he was the most knowledgable person in the entire world at that time (1927), in regards to what literature would be properly categorized as “Occult, New Thought Psychic, and Spiritualism" literature. This would include knowledge of the multitudinous subcategories, beliefs, and practices found within the realm and varying degrees of occult literature.
To support this statement, the content of Hartmann's book speaks for itself. Along with this are Hartmann's credentials. The following text is from the Frontispiece of Hartmann’s book. The capitalized and lowercase text are in the original.
Based on the monumental volume of book titles and author names in Hartmann’s reference work it appears that he was the most knowledgable person in the entire world at that time (1927), in regards to what literature would be properly categorized as “Occult, New Thought Psychic, and Spiritualism" literature. This would include knowledge of the multitudinous subcategories, beliefs, and practices found within the realm and varying degrees of occult literature.
To support this statement, the content of Hartmann's book speaks for itself. Along with this are Hartmann's credentials. The following text is from the Frontispiece of Hartmann’s book. The capitalized and lowercase text are in the original.
WHO'S WHO
IN
OCCULTISM, NEW THOUGHT
PSYCHISM and SPIRITUALISM
(A Biography, Directory and Bibliography Combined)
In Distinctly Separate Sections
THE
STANDARD REFERENCE WORK
OF THE WORLD
________
Compiled and Edited by
WILLIAM C. HARTMANN
Author of "Who's Who in Occult, Psychic and Spiritual Realms"
Founder of The Occult Brotherhood;
member, AmericanSociety for Psychical Research; member,
National Laboratory of Psychical Research (London);
member, The International New Thought Alliance;
Hon. Member, National Astrological Association, etc.
________
“Seek and Ye Shall Find”
________
Second Edition of
"HARTMANN'S WHO'S WHO"
________
Issued Under the Auspices of
The Occult Brotherhood
________
PRICE, $5.00
________
THE OCCULT PRESS
Jamaica, N.Y. U.S.A.
IN
OCCULTISM, NEW THOUGHT
PSYCHISM and SPIRITUALISM
(A Biography, Directory and Bibliography Combined)
In Distinctly Separate Sections
THE
STANDARD REFERENCE WORK
OF THE WORLD
________
Compiled and Edited by
WILLIAM C. HARTMANN
Author of "Who's Who in Occult, Psychic and Spiritual Realms"
Founder of The Occult Brotherhood;
member, AmericanSociety for Psychical Research; member,
National Laboratory of Psychical Research (London);
member, The International New Thought Alliance;
Hon. Member, National Astrological Association, etc.
________
“Seek and Ye Shall Find”
________
Second Edition of
"HARTMANN'S WHO'S WHO"
________
Issued Under the Auspices of
The Occult Brotherhood
________
PRICE, $5.00
________
THE OCCULT PRESS
Jamaica, N.Y. U.S.A.
Here is a screenshot of the Frontispiece of William C. Hartmann's reference work.
Click on the this image to enlarge Frontispiece.
Click on the this image to enlarge Frontispiece.
Rebecca R. Springer's Intra Muros: An Occult Literary Work in the Realm of New Thought Psychism and Spiritualism
As previously mentioned, Rebecca Ruter Springer’s book Intra Muros is listed in this book as a literary work in the realm of “Spiritualism and Psychical Research.” The following is an assortment of other topics that are also found in the “Biographies” section, along with other books, like Intra Muros, under the subheading “Spiritualism and Psychical Research.”
BIBLIOGRAPHIES
Astrology; Auras, Colors and Aurora; Buddhism; Christian Science; Crystal Gazing and Psychomancy; Death; Evolution, Cosmogomy, Cosmology, Consciousness; Fourth Dimension, Dimensional Matter; Graphology; Health and Healing; Hypnotism, Mesmerism, Suggestive Therapeutics, Psychotherapy, Magnetism Numerology; Occultism; Yogi Philosophy; Palmistry; Reincarnation; Rosicrucianism; Sex, Sexology, Love; Spirit Photography; Spiritualism; Psychic Research The Tarot; Theosophy.
Astrology; Auras, Colors and Aurora; Buddhism; Christian Science; Crystal Gazing and Psychomancy; Death; Evolution, Cosmogomy, Cosmology, Consciousness; Fourth Dimension, Dimensional Matter; Graphology; Health and Healing; Hypnotism, Mesmerism, Suggestive Therapeutics, Psychotherapy, Magnetism Numerology; Occultism; Yogi Philosophy; Palmistry; Reincarnation; Rosicrucianism; Sex, Sexology, Love; Spirit Photography; Spiritualism; Psychic Research The Tarot; Theosophy.
In consideration of all of the preceding, the fact that Steve Berger, a man who has been a Christian pastor for over 30 years, would promote an occult/psychic/Spiritualism oriented book like Intra Muros, defies the imagination. What's even more telling about where he is at spiritually is that he republished Intra Muros in 2015, adding his creative addition to the original title, and also including his own Introduction to the book.
As previously stated, Steve Berger's republished edition of Intra Muros is titled Inside Heaven's Gates: A Nineteenth-Century Classic Retold. However, a more truthful title would have been, Inside Heaven's Gates: A Nineteenth-Century "Occult" Classic Retold. But, that title might not have sold as well to the undiscerning Christians who are already buying Berger's books.
To note, since the original 1898 publishing date of Intra Muros, there have been many re-publishings done by numerous authors and publishers. The original book title from the book cover of Intra Muros is, Intra Muros, or Within the Walls, "A Dream of Heaven". Successive publishings have included variations of this the original title and the two most popular are My Dream of Heaven and Inside Heaven's Gates.
As previously stated, Steve Berger's republished edition of Intra Muros is titled Inside Heaven's Gates: A Nineteenth-Century Classic Retold. However, a more truthful title would have been, Inside Heaven's Gates: A Nineteenth-Century "Occult" Classic Retold. But, that title might not have sold as well to the undiscerning Christians who are already buying Berger's books.
To note, since the original 1898 publishing date of Intra Muros, there have been many re-publishings done by numerous authors and publishers. The original book title from the book cover of Intra Muros is, Intra Muros, or Within the Walls, "A Dream of Heaven". Successive publishings have included variations of this the original title and the two most popular are My Dream of Heaven and Inside Heaven's Gates.
Rebecca R. Springers "Dream of Heaven" Riddled with False Teaching
Very little has been written about the false teachings in Rebecca Springer’s My Dream of Heaven (Intra Muros). One online review provides a concise summary of Springer’s "dream" and gives a sober warning about the false teachings that are part of the warp-and-woof of Intra Muros . The review states:
During the latter half of the nineteenth-century, due in part to the tremendous loss of life during the Civil War as well as the encroachment of German rationalism and interest in spiritism, many were struggling with questions and doubts concerning the afterlife. In response a number of books were written, some based on Scripture, others on supposed dreams and visions, to provide answers about heaven. Springer’s book, originally entitled Intra Muros, was among the latter, but has distinguished itself by being published and read over a hundred years later, while most of the others disappeared rather quickly.1
The writer continues:
Springer takes pains to make clear that her near-death experience was not inspired by God and carries no divine authority (pp. 155-157). Still, much like today’s near-death accounts, she believes her supposed trip to heaven will offer valuable insight into eternity and give hope to the reader. However her revelation is riddled with flaws. Even her modern day, strongly Pentecostal editor, Vicki Jamison-Peterson, admits that Springer’s “Victorian sentimentality took her into views of marriage which the Bible does not support” and “sometimes her heaven is bound by nineteenth century ideals and prejudices” (p.177). This small volume made me think of what might happen if the ladies of Little Women designed heaven.2
In reading the following bullet point list, it is mind-boggling that, with all of Steve and Sarah Berger’s knowledge of Scripture, they have brazenly overlooked numerous unbiblical concepts and false teachings embedded within Springer’s “dream" of heaven. In summing up for the reader Springer’s false teachings, the book reviewer insightfully says (italics added), "[m]ore importantly, whatever Springer experiences they are not of heaven for she comes back with major contradictions with regard to biblical revelation." The writer then gives following examples of Rebecca Springer's false teachings. Note the page 120 reference, which is what the Berger's imply in their book Have Heart.
* The joys of heaven are somewhat predicated on events on earth (pp. 34, 76).
* Seemingly everyone’s loved ones will be saved (pp. 94, 123).
* There will be sorrow in heaven (pp. 51-52, 123).
* There will be a sea in heaven (pp. 51, 146-150).
* Our pets will be in heaven (pp. 58-60—even cats—yikes!).
* Men will preach in heaven (p. 81).
* Families will stay together in the same communities in heaven (pp. 94, 145).
* There will be marriage in heaven (pp. 96, 118-119, 139-144, 164).
* We will weave clothes, have retail stores and manufacturing companies in heaven (p. 101).
* We win rewards in heaven (pp. 107, 109).
* There are no creeds, or theology in heaven (pp. 109-111).
* There will be a temple in heaven (p. 114)
* Glorified humans are sent on missions to earth (p. 120).
* Some do not feel forgiven in heaven (pp. 128-130).
* Fatigue can still occur in heaven (p. 134).
* Heaven will be segregated by nationalities (p. 161).3
It goes without saying, but, a pamphlet or even a small handbook book could be produced biblically refuting each of these false teachings found within Intra Muros, or, My Dream of Heaven. It is astounding that the Berger's are promoting a book with such things in it, but, this is in complete consistency with Steve Berger endorsing a book like Universalist/author Williams Paul Young's, The Shack. William Paul Young endorsed Steve and Sarah Berger's Have Heart, and Steve Berger endorsed The Shack, a "Christian" novel containing thirteen heresies, wrapped in gut-wrenching emotional fiction.
Here is Steve Berger's endorsement of The Shack (just as the original):
Here is Steve Berger's endorsement of The Shack (just as the original):
"WRAPPED IN CREATIVE BRILLIANCE,
THE SHACK IS SPIRITUALLY PROFOUND,
THEOLOGICALLY ENLIGHTENING, AND LIFE IMPACTING.
IT HAS MY HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION.
WE ARE JOYFULLY GIVING COPIES AWAY BY THE CASE."
Steve Berger, pastor at Grace Chapel, Leipers Fork, TN
And here is William Paul Young's endorsement of Have Heart (just as the original):
"Framed within the most intimate of losses,
this book allows its readers to peek into life-and-death
perspectives of those who follow Jesus."
WILLIAM PAUL YOUNG,
Author of New York Times Best Seller, The Shack
The Berger’s apparently are fine with these errant teachings in Intra Muros. Even if they say they don't agree with everything Springer has written, then why have they republishing Springer's book and why are they promoting and selling it. The Berger's have promoted Springer’s Intra Muros book for decades. They have spoken positively about it, given away free copies of it, and as previously mentioned, published their own version of it with Steve’s written “Introduction.” Furthermore, they continue to sell it. At the end of the online review of My Dream of Heaven, the writer closes with a sober warning about Rebecca Springer’s book. Every Christian leader seeking to honor God's Word and protect the flock of God should do likewise. He writes (emphasis added):
Read as an imaginary book, much like Pilgrims Progress, My Dream of Heaven could be interesting. But read in order to get an authentic glimpse of heaven would lead to serious error.
A Different Option—What Could Steve Berger Have Done Differently?
At this point one may ask, "Well, gosh, what could Steve Berger have done differently when he first learned of Rebecca Ruter Springer's book, Intra Muros, or Within the Walls, "A Dream of Heaven"? Well, for starters, he could have—and should have—done a little research on Intra Muros and Rebecca R. Springer. It is of course very simple to do these days.
Aside from researching, just reading Intra Muros alone provides ample information to compare with what the Bible teaches. But, apparently the emotional excitement of Rebecca Springer's "dream" overrode Berger's discernment faculties. This is a very sad thing and it is a very common mistake that many people make. God's Word exhorts us to "test all things; hold fast that which is good" in order that we may avoid evil and even the appearance.
Aside from researching, just reading Intra Muros alone provides ample information to compare with what the Bible teaches. But, apparently the emotional excitement of Rebecca Springer's "dream" overrode Berger's discernment faculties. This is a very sad thing and it is a very common mistake that many people make. God's Word exhorts us to "test all things; hold fast that which is good" in order that we may avoid evil and even the appearance.
“Prove [test] all things; hold fast [cling to] that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thes. 5:21-23)
I do not "look down" or "point the finger" at Steve Berger as a fellow human being simply because he made a big mistake. We all make big mistakes from time-to-time and we all are accountable before God. However, that being said, after my telephone conversation with Steve Berger in 2012 it was made clear to me more than ever that he does not want to be corrected on his views about the content he and his wife have written in Have Heart. That was made very clear to me by Steve himself.
As of the writing of this article is has now been twelve years since that day I had my conversation with Steve. He has had plenty of time to repent of his dangerous teachings in Have Heart. Furthermore, it has been seven years since he republished Intra Muros with his own Introduction in it. He is promoting and selling false teaching—dangerous teaching that has the capacity to lead people into the world of the occult and spiritistic contact with demonic entities.
Back when Steve Berger were to have found out about Rebecca Springer's name and book being listed in occult book references and in online New Age/occult book outlets, he could have started warning people about the unbiblical elements of Springer's "dream of heaven." However, and very sadly, he took someones word for it that it was a great book. He did what most undiscerning people do these days. He bought the book, read it, and started sharing it with others and giving copies of it away. Unfortunately, that "someone" that he heard about Springer's book from was Steve's own brother, Patrick. The quotes in the next section give more insight on this so I will let Steve Berger's book speak for Steve himself.
I will note at the end of this section that Steve Berger has been pastoring for more than 30 years now. How do I know this? Because over 30 years ago, I, at times, would attend the church in Southern California where Steve was pastoring. This is how I met Steve back in the early 90's. Back then, I used to duplicate Steve’s sermon messages and give them away to my friends. Steve's Bible teaching messages helped me grow as a younger Christian.
I actually met Steve when he was a pastor at one of the Calvary Chapel fellowships I used to attend, before I got married. Of course, this was all before Steve started teaching twisted doctrinal beliefs about deceased (but alive) saints in heaven going on "mission trips" from heaven back to earth to "minister" to people. As I remember, Steve was always very nice to me at church and although we were not close friends, he seemed to be a very kind person who was always willing to help others out. After I moved away from Southern California I had not talked to Steve for approximately 20 years. It wasn't until the year 2012 that I spoke to Steve again, but this time it was over my deep concerns about the content found in his book, Have Heart.
As of the writing of this article is has now been twelve years since that day I had my conversation with Steve. He has had plenty of time to repent of his dangerous teachings in Have Heart. Furthermore, it has been seven years since he republished Intra Muros with his own Introduction in it. He is promoting and selling false teaching—dangerous teaching that has the capacity to lead people into the world of the occult and spiritistic contact with demonic entities.
Back when Steve Berger were to have found out about Rebecca Springer's name and book being listed in occult book references and in online New Age/occult book outlets, he could have started warning people about the unbiblical elements of Springer's "dream of heaven." However, and very sadly, he took someones word for it that it was a great book. He did what most undiscerning people do these days. He bought the book, read it, and started sharing it with others and giving copies of it away. Unfortunately, that "someone" that he heard about Springer's book from was Steve's own brother, Patrick. The quotes in the next section give more insight on this so I will let Steve Berger's book speak for Steve himself.
I will note at the end of this section that Steve Berger has been pastoring for more than 30 years now. How do I know this? Because over 30 years ago, I, at times, would attend the church in Southern California where Steve was pastoring. This is how I met Steve back in the early 90's. Back then, I used to duplicate Steve’s sermon messages and give them away to my friends. Steve's Bible teaching messages helped me grow as a younger Christian.
I actually met Steve when he was a pastor at one of the Calvary Chapel fellowships I used to attend, before I got married. Of course, this was all before Steve started teaching twisted doctrinal beliefs about deceased (but alive) saints in heaven going on "mission trips" from heaven back to earth to "minister" to people. As I remember, Steve was always very nice to me at church and although we were not close friends, he seemed to be a very kind person who was always willing to help others out. After I moved away from Southern California I had not talked to Steve for approximately 20 years. It wasn't until the year 2012 that I spoke to Steve again, but this time it was over my deep concerns about the content found in his book, Have Heart.
The Long-Time Influence of Intra Muros on Steve and Sarah Berger
As we have seen thus far, Steve and Sarah Berger have been heavily influenced by Rebecca Ruter Springer's quasi-biblical (seemingly; apparently but not really) ideas about heaven. Springer's near-death experience (NDE) "dream" certainly produced some quirky theological beliefs. No wonder Springers "A Dream of Heaven" is included with the global mass of occult literature. Some of her beliefs parallel the occult teachings found in Spiritualism.
As far as the Berger's voicing their joy over Springer's book, they make this plain and clear for their readers. They write about Intra Muros in Have Heart: Bridging the Gulf Between Heaven and Earth (2010), and Steve Berger writes about it in Between Heaven and Earth: Finding Hope, Courage, And Passion Through A Fresh Vision Of Heaven (Bethany House Publishers, 2014). And then, as you have read, Steve's 2015 republished version of Intra Muros (Inside Heaven's Gates) opens with Steve's own Introduction.
Not only do the Berger's give soaring accolades to Rebecca Springer and her book Intra Muros, they have integrated a number of Springer's near-death experience (NDE) "dream" elements into their own theological beliefs. Even if you just peruse the Berger's books you can see this come through as bright as the shining sun. Here are just a few statements that show the influence that Springer's book has had upon the Berger's. The Berger's personal receptivity to Springer's writings and beliefs come through loud and clear. This first quote is from the Berger's 2010 book, Have Heart (emphasis added).
Not only do the Berger's give soaring accolades to Rebecca Springer and her book Intra Muros, they have integrated a number of Springer's near-death experience (NDE) "dream" elements into their own theological beliefs. Even if you just peruse the Berger's books you can see this come through as bright as the shining sun. Here are just a few statements that show the influence that Springer's book has had upon the Berger's. The Berger's personal receptivity to Springer's writings and beliefs come through loud and clear. This first quote is from the Berger's 2010 book, Have Heart (emphasis added).
“Multiple times over the last fifteen years, we have read a very compelling book entitled My Dream of Heaven [Intra Muros] by Rebecca Ruter Springer. In this fascinating little book, Springer relates her vision of what Heaven is like and details the kinds of activities she witnessed there after she was transported to Heaven during an extended life-threatening illness. She was inspired to write the book after recovering from her near-death experience, and we found Billy Graham's endorsement to ring very true: "My Dream of Heaven [Intra Muros]... captures Biblical truths with emotional impressions." One of the most emotional impressions the book left on us was Springer's idea that saints in Heaven go on "invisible missions" to earth. Let us share Missions two such examples.”
—Steve and Sarah Berger, Have Heart (Grace Chapel, 2010), pp. 88-89.
So, according to Steve and Sarah Berger, they had read Rebecca Springer's occult/psychic/Spiritualism oriented book "Multiple times over the last fifteen years" - prior to the year 2010, the year Have Heart was published. This means they had been prepped "multiple times" with a number of Springer's unbiblical ideas throughout the 14 years prior to when their son Josiah passed away, in 2009.
After reading the above quote, it now begins to make much more sense as to why Steve and Sarah Berger teach unbiblical concepts, such as those gleaned from Rebecca Springer's book. The Berger's teach: 1) that deceased loved ones go on "mission trips" back here to earth (Have Heart, pp. 88-92), 2) they give testimony about "A Special Visit" from their deceased son Josiah, in the Grace Chapel sanctuary, and imply that other deceased people may possibly appear to us (pp. 99-101), and 3) they believe in "Spontaneous" experiences of deceased loved ones intervening and "ministering" to humans on earh (pp. 101-104).
The Berger's are even so bold as to state (italics added), "Our meetings with Josiah [deceased son] have been very much like the ones C.S. Lewis described at the beginning of this chapter." (p. 101). This and much more can be found in the Berger's book Have Heart, and, unfortunately, they fall right in line with a few of the teachings of Spiritualism and Spiritualist Societies, not the Holy Bible.
After reading the above quote, it now begins to make much more sense as to why Steve and Sarah Berger teach unbiblical concepts, such as those gleaned from Rebecca Springer's book. The Berger's teach: 1) that deceased loved ones go on "mission trips" back here to earth (Have Heart, pp. 88-92), 2) they give testimony about "A Special Visit" from their deceased son Josiah, in the Grace Chapel sanctuary, and imply that other deceased people may possibly appear to us (pp. 99-101), and 3) they believe in "Spontaneous" experiences of deceased loved ones intervening and "ministering" to humans on earh (pp. 101-104).
The Berger's are even so bold as to state (italics added), "Our meetings with Josiah [deceased son] have been very much like the ones C.S. Lewis described at the beginning of this chapter." (p. 101). This and much more can be found in the Berger's book Have Heart, and, unfortunately, they fall right in line with a few of the teachings of Spiritualism and Spiritualist Societies, not the Holy Bible.
More of the Steve Berger's Accolades about Intra Muros and Rebecca R. Springer
Going even further and making theological matters worse for the Berger's, Steve Berger, in the Introduction of his 2014 republication of Intra Muros, writes a number of accolades about Rebecca Springer's writing and Intra Muros. These statements are from Berger's book, Inside Heaven's Gates: A Nineteenth-Century Classic Retold [boldface type added for emphasis].
“Welcome to a very special book [Intra Muros]. This small ye powerful book radically influenced not only my view of heaven, but also helped me to have a better understanding of how our concept of heaven leads us to live our lives on this earth—with heavenly focus...My brother Pat introduced me to Rebecca Springer's writing. I told the story in my book Between Heaven and Earth [2014].”
—Inside Heaven’s Gates, Steve Berger (p. 5)
“Springer's book talks about a spiritual experience she had. First published in 1898 and originally titled Intra Muros, it details Springer's very personal, detailed vision of heaven and gives a beautiful glimpse of the eternal home that awaits us…The book challenged me with concepts I'd never known and provided practical insights that I could share with others who needed help and encouragement?”
—Inside Heaven’s Gates, Steve Berger (p. 6)
“While My Dream of Heaven is a great book, the more I personally dove into it, used it with other people and gave it away, the more I felt we could go back to the original and make a better edition, that would be more useful in ministry. So, with the help of the Grace Chapel resource team, we did…We went back to the original book and brought the language closer to today's, but we also made sure we kept the clarity, distinctiveness, and character of Intra Muros.”
—Inside Heaven’s Gates, Steve Berger (p. 6)
“Thank you for joining us in reading and appreciating Rebecca Springer's book. Once you've read it, I know that it will change your thinking and your life, as it did for me.
God bless you.
Steve Berger, Senior Pastor, Grace Chapel
Leipers Fork, Tennessee
August 2014”
—Inside Heaven’s Gates, Steve Berger (p. 7)
“Inside Heaven's Gates [Intra Muros] will encourage you to dig deeper into Gods Word so you can discover all the glory of heaven for yourself. It's a book you'll want to read again and again."
—Inside Heaven’s Gates, Steve Berger (Back Cover)
Promise Keepers Daring Faith and Stonewalling the Watchmen
More than ample documentation has been published over the last 12 years regarding Steve and Sarah Berger's false teachings and necromantic leanings. Regarding this issue affecting the Promise Keepers organization, phone calls have been made to the main Promise Keepers headquarters office expressing concern about Promise Keepers Board member Steve Berger and his teachings and experiences. Emails have been sent to the Promise Keepers office by numerous people.
I personally sent a 10-page letter of concern with extensive first-hand research and documentation links to Ken Harrison (now the former CEO). I sent that letter on June 30, 2023 and it was confirmed through a telephone all that is was indeed received. That letter was forwarded to Ken Harrison and he received it and read it. He then sent me a short reply weeks later and wrote to me that he would telephone me and let me know when they made a decision about Steve Berger, in relation to Steve Berger being on their leadership boards. It has been over an entire year since I sent that letter to Ken Harrison and I still have not received a single telephone call, text, or email, from anyone on either of the two the Promise Keepers leadership boards, nor from any Promise Keepers office staff workers.
Something else that is important to note is that Pete Salas, a board member of The Berean Call ministry, spent forty-five minutes in a telephone conversation with former Promise Keepers CEO, Ken Harrison. In this phone call, Pete Salas spoke about the problem and danger of necromancy coming into the church—and the potential of it coming into Promise Keepers via Steve Berger.
Furthermore, the newer CEO Shane Winnings was made aware of the issues regarding Steve Berger and necromancy. Winnings was approached by a minister who approached him, in-person, at the St. Petersburg, Florida, Daring Faith conference in February of 2024. Steve Rusk, the local minister, spoke directly to Shane Winnings and tried to hand him a copy of Warren B. Smith's booklet Dead Men Talking: Necromancy In Today's Church. Winnings responded with, "I've read that!" He then said, "Changes are being made!"
Since that Promise Keepers Daring Faith men's conference event on February 23, 2024, put on by Suncoast Church and held at Suncoast Cathedral, absolutely nothing has been done about Steve Berger actively serving on two Promise Keepers Boards. Nothing, that is, except to announce that Steve Berger will be involved at yet another Promise Keepers Daring Faith event in Tulsa, Oklohoma.
This Daring Faith event will be held on August 9-10, 2024 at the Mabee Center at Oral Roberts University. What is ironic is that part of the media advertising for this next Daring Faith event is "THE RUMORS ARE TRUE". Here are the words found on the Promise Keepers www.DaringFaith.org website:
I personally sent a 10-page letter of concern with extensive first-hand research and documentation links to Ken Harrison (now the former CEO). I sent that letter on June 30, 2023 and it was confirmed through a telephone all that is was indeed received. That letter was forwarded to Ken Harrison and he received it and read it. He then sent me a short reply weeks later and wrote to me that he would telephone me and let me know when they made a decision about Steve Berger, in relation to Steve Berger being on their leadership boards. It has been over an entire year since I sent that letter to Ken Harrison and I still have not received a single telephone call, text, or email, from anyone on either of the two the Promise Keepers leadership boards, nor from any Promise Keepers office staff workers.
Something else that is important to note is that Pete Salas, a board member of The Berean Call ministry, spent forty-five minutes in a telephone conversation with former Promise Keepers CEO, Ken Harrison. In this phone call, Pete Salas spoke about the problem and danger of necromancy coming into the church—and the potential of it coming into Promise Keepers via Steve Berger.
Furthermore, the newer CEO Shane Winnings was made aware of the issues regarding Steve Berger and necromancy. Winnings was approached by a minister who approached him, in-person, at the St. Petersburg, Florida, Daring Faith conference in February of 2024. Steve Rusk, the local minister, spoke directly to Shane Winnings and tried to hand him a copy of Warren B. Smith's booklet Dead Men Talking: Necromancy In Today's Church. Winnings responded with, "I've read that!" He then said, "Changes are being made!"
Since that Promise Keepers Daring Faith men's conference event on February 23, 2024, put on by Suncoast Church and held at Suncoast Cathedral, absolutely nothing has been done about Steve Berger actively serving on two Promise Keepers Boards. Nothing, that is, except to announce that Steve Berger will be involved at yet another Promise Keepers Daring Faith event in Tulsa, Oklohoma.
This Daring Faith event will be held on August 9-10, 2024 at the Mabee Center at Oral Roberts University. What is ironic is that part of the media advertising for this next Daring Faith event is "THE RUMORS ARE TRUE". Here are the words found on the Promise Keepers www.DaringFaith.org website:
"THE RUMORS ARE TRUE"
"We're bringing back arena events this year! Join us for Daring Faith, a weekend with Promise Keepers that will challenge you to take the first step towards a more courageous and bolder life, lived in Jesus.
Tickets are $99 each."
Well, on a different note, the rumors about Steve Berger being involved in variations of necromancy are beginning to swirl like never before, and more people are finally taking notice. Steve Berger has gotten himself into a mess, by his own willful choosing. His Have Heart book speaks volumes to this, as do all three of his books promoting Rebecca R. Springer and her Intra Muros heresies. Steve Berger still won't repent from his sinful teachings Promise Keepers continues to embrace him regardless of the repeated warnings. The watchmen have been stonewalled and the next big Daring Faith event coming.
Also of note is that part of the next Daring Faith Promise Keepers advertising shows PK Board member Steve Berger listed with a host of other featured personalities. These include three other Promise Keepers Board members, new CEO Shane Winnings, former CEO Ken Harrison, and New Apostolic Reformation proponent Samuel Rodriguez . Rodriguez, like Berger, according to the Promise Keepers Leaders About us page, are the only two Promie Keepers Leaders that are serving on both Promise Keepers Leadership Boards; the Promise Keepers Executive Leaders Board, and the Promise Keepers Pastoral Advisory Board.
On top of all of this, several full-length videos have been produced warning about Steve and Sarah Berger's variations of necromancy and numerous articles from a number of well-known biblical discernment ministries have been written about this issue—over a period of 12 years. How is it, that with all of the easily accessible documentation the top leaders of the Promise Keepers organization continue to stonewall those who raise the voice of concern, sound the alarm, and speak the truth in love? There are only two reasons, and these are they don't want to hear about it, and they don't want to deal with it.
The Promise Keepers Leaders "About Us" page states the following (see below) about their "Men of Integrity" leaders. Yet even after an entire year they are still unable to deal with a single problem of one of their Board members writing a book that includes necromancy and writing three books endorsing and promoting Rebecca Ruter Springer's occult oriented psychic/Spiritualism near-death experience "dream" literature about Heaven.
Also of note is that part of the next Daring Faith Promise Keepers advertising shows PK Board member Steve Berger listed with a host of other featured personalities. These include three other Promise Keepers Board members, new CEO Shane Winnings, former CEO Ken Harrison, and New Apostolic Reformation proponent Samuel Rodriguez . Rodriguez, like Berger, according to the Promise Keepers Leaders About us page, are the only two Promie Keepers Leaders that are serving on both Promise Keepers Leadership Boards; the Promise Keepers Executive Leaders Board, and the Promise Keepers Pastoral Advisory Board.
On top of all of this, several full-length videos have been produced warning about Steve and Sarah Berger's variations of necromancy and numerous articles from a number of well-known biblical discernment ministries have been written about this issue—over a period of 12 years. How is it, that with all of the easily accessible documentation the top leaders of the Promise Keepers organization continue to stonewall those who raise the voice of concern, sound the alarm, and speak the truth in love? There are only two reasons, and these are they don't want to hear about it, and they don't want to deal with it.
The Promise Keepers Leaders "About Us" page states the following (see below) about their "Men of Integrity" leaders. Yet even after an entire year they are still unable to deal with a single problem of one of their Board members writing a book that includes necromancy and writing three books endorsing and promoting Rebecca Ruter Springer's occult oriented psychic/Spiritualism near-death experience "dream" literature about Heaven.
"Promise Keepers leaders offer invaluable expertise and advice to our organization. Knowledge and wisdom gained from diverse life experiences and years of Kingdom work make these distinguished men ideal leaders of Promise Keepers."
"Promise Keepers Pastoral Advisory Board members provide guidance on doctrinal issues, and bring deep biblical knowledge to our organization. The board, with wisdom gleaned from lifetimes of serving Christ and His church, leads Promise Keepers’ decisions surrounding controversial topics, politics, spokespeople, and more."
Source: About Us, https://promisekeepers.org/about-us/our-leaders/
Conclusion
In conclusion, First Timothy, chapter four, verses one and two, warn about "seducing spirits" and "doctrines of demons." Such warnings should be heeded by all who seek to obey Scripture rather than being "defiled" by the occult teachings, revelations, and "dreams" of people like Rebecca Ruter Springer. So too, the false teachings of the Berger's and their Rebecca Springer-inspired variations the deceased going on "mission trips" to earth must be avoided at all costs.
Jesus didn't teach these things, the apostles didn't teach these things, the early Church didn't model these things. The Holy Bible condemns necromancy and all variation of it. God's Word has warned the Church, yet the "Men of Integrity" at Promise Keepers don't seem to care.
Jesus didn't teach these things, the apostles didn't teach these things, the early Church didn't model these things. The Holy Bible condemns necromancy and all variation of it. God's Word has warned the Church, yet the "Men of Integrity" at Promise Keepers don't seem to care.
“Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God.”
—Leviticus 19:31
Therefore hearken not ye to your prophets, nor to your diviners, nor to your dreamers, nor to your enchanters, nor to your sorcerers, which speak unto you"
—Jeremiah 27:9
“Now the [Holy] Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;”
—1 Timothy 4:1-2
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
—2 Timothy 4:3-4
Endnotes
1,2,3,4. My Dream of Heaven, by Rebecca Ruter Springer (Tulsa, Oklahoma: Harrison House, 1898, 2002) https://tottministries.org/my-dream-of-heaven-by-rebecca-ruter-springer-tulsa-oklahoma-harrison-house-1898-2002-179-pp-hard-9-62/.
1,2,3,4. My Dream of Heaven, by Rebecca Ruter Springer (Tulsa, Oklahoma: Harrison House, 1898, 2002) https://tottministries.org/my-dream-of-heaven-by-rebecca-ruter-springer-tulsa-oklahoma-harrison-house-1898-2002-179-pp-hard-9-62/.