Kris Vallotton is the co-founder of the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry (BSSM) and the senior associate leader at Bethel Church in Redding, California, which is known for its association with the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) movement. He is a prominent figure in modern charismatic circles and has gained a significant following through his books, sermons, and teachings on prophecy, supernatural gifts, and spiritual warfare. Despite his popularity, Kris Vallotton's teachings are rooted in serious doctrinal errors that depart from biblical orthodoxy, making him a false teacher who should be avoided.
The Problem of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and False Apostles
One of the most troubling aspects of Kris Vallotton’s ministry is his association with the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), a movement that claims God is restoring the offices of apostles and prophets to the church today. Vallotton, along with other leaders in this movement, claims that modern-day apostles and prophets have unique authority to receive fresh revelations from God, guide the church, and perform miraculous signs and wonders. This teaching is dangerous because it elevates the words and authority of these so-called "apostles" and "prophets" to a level that often rivals or even supersedes the authority of Scripture.
The Bible is clear that the foundation of the church was laid by the apostles and prophets, with Christ Himself as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). These foundational roles were unique and not meant to be repeated, as they were tied to the completion of the biblical canon. Scripture warns against those who falsely claim to be apostles, calling them "deceitful workers" (2 Corinthians 11:13). By promoting the idea of modern apostleship and prophetic authority, Vallotton leads people away from the sufficiency and final authority of God's Word, encouraging them instead to rely on extra-biblical revelations.
A Distorted Gospel of Health, Wealth, and Supernatural Power
Kris Vallotton’s teachings often emphasize the idea that God desires all believers to experience supernatural power, financial prosperity, and physical health. This is a hallmark of the prosperity gospel, which distorts the biblical message of the gospel by promising blessings and success in this life as evidence of God’s favor. Vallotton teaches that Christians should "declare" and "decree" prosperity and healing over their lives, suggesting that faith and positive declarations are the key to unlocking God’s blessings.
However, this teaching is inconsistent with Scripture, which teaches that believers will face trials, suffering, and persecution in this life (John 16:33; 2 Timothy 3:12). The apostle Paul, who suffered greatly for the gospel, wrote that he had learned to be content in all circumstances, whether in abundance or in need (Philippians 4:11-12). The Bible never promises that Christians will always experience health and wealth; rather, it calls us to take up our cross, deny ourselves, and follow Christ (Luke 9:23). Vallotton's teachings distract believers from the true purpose of the Christian life, which is to glorify God and grow in holiness, regardless of our circumstances.
False Prophecies and Unbiblical Prophetic Practices
Kris Vallotton frequently engages in prophetic ministry, claiming to receive direct revelations from God. However, many of his prophecies have proven to be false, including a widely publicized prediction that Donald Trump would win re-election in 2020. After this prophecy failed, Vallotton apologized but later retracted his apology, creating confusion about his stance and credibility as a "prophet."
The Bible teaches that God’s true prophets speak with 100% accuracy because they are conveying the very words of God (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). A single false prophecy is evidence that someone is not truly speaking for God and should be rejected as a false prophet. Vallotton’s willingness to continue claiming prophetic authority, despite failed predictions, demonstrates a disregard for biblical standards of truth and accuracy. This inconsistency not only undermines his credibility but also encourages a dangerous form of spirituality that relies on subjective experiences rather than the objective truth of Scripture.
Elevating Human Potential Over the Sovereignty of God
Vallotton’s teachings often place a heavy emphasis on human potential, self-empowerment, and the idea that believers have the ability to create their own reality through their words and faith. This teaching reflects elements of the Word of Faith movement, which suggests that believers possess god-like abilities to "speak things into existence." This concept is unbiblical and elevates human beings to a position that belongs to God alone.
The Bible teaches that God alone is sovereign, and He alone has the power to create and sustain the universe (Psalm 33:9; Isaiah 46:9-10). While God invites believers to pray and trust in His provision, we are never given the authority to manipulate reality or demand blessings from God. Vallotton’s teachings on human potential distort the biblical relationship between Creator and creation, leading believers into prideful and self-centered spirituality rather than humble submission to God’s will.
Conclusion: Why Kris Vallotton Should Be Avoided
Kris Vallotton is a false teacher because his teachings distort the gospel, undermine the authority of Scripture, and promote unbiblical practices that lead people away from the true knowledge of God. The apostle Paul warned in 2 Timothy 4:3-4 that "the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths." Vallotton’s emphasis on supernatural experiences, prosperity, and modern-day apostleship caters to "itching ears," drawing people away from the truth of God’s Word.
As believers, we are called to "test the spirits to see whether they are from God" (1 John 4:1) and to "contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3). Vallotton's teachings fail this test, as they consistently deviate from the foundational truths of the Christian faith. His association with the New Apostolic Reformation, his promotion of false prophecies, and his distortion of the gospel make him a dangerous influence that leads people away from the true gospel of Jesus Christ.
Scripture warns against following false teachers who lead others astray (2 Peter 2:1-3). For this reason, Kris Vallotton's teachings should be avoided, and believers should instead turn to the pure and unchanging truth of God’s Word, which offers the only true source of guidance, hope, and life in Christ.