Priscilla Shirer is an American author, speaker, and Bible teacher who has gained widespread popularity through her women’s conferences, Bible studies, and books. She is the daughter of Tony Evans, a well-known pastor and author, and is based in Dallas, Texas. Shirer has also appeared in Christian films, such as "War Room," and is known for her engaging and passionate speaking style. Her teachings have a significant following among women, and she often addresses topics related to prayer, spiritual growth, and personal identity in Christ.
Why Priscilla Shirer Should Be Approached with Caution
While Priscilla Shirer may not be as overtly heretical or problematic as some other false teachers, there are significant theological concerns with her teachings that warrant caution. Here’s a summary of why her teachings should be critically examined:
1. Emphasizing Mysticism and Extra-Biblical Revelations
One of the most concerning aspects of Priscilla Shirer’s teachings is her emphasis on hearing God’s voice through mystical and extra-biblical means. She frequently teaches that believers should expect God to speak to them directly, outside of Scripture, through inner impressions, feelings, and subjective experiences. This practice encourages people to seek God’s guidance through their emotions and impressions rather than relying on the clear and objective truth of God’s Word.
The Bible teaches that God’s Word is complete, sufficient, and the ultimate authority for guiding believers in all matters of faith and practice. Paul wrote, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). By encouraging believers to seek extra-biblical revelations, Shirer leads people away from the sufficiency of Scripture and promotes a form of mysticism that can easily lead to deception.
2. Associating with and Endorsing Other False Teachers
Priscilla Shirer has frequently collaborated with or endorsed teachers who promote unbiblical teachings, such as Beth Moore, Joyce Meyer, and Christine Caine. These individuals are known for promoting aspects of the Prosperity Gospel, Word of Faith theology, and other problematic doctrines. By associating with these figures and participating in conferences alongside them, Shirer lends credibility to their teachings and creates confusion about sound doctrine.
The Bible warns believers to be discerning about whom they associate with and to avoid false teachers who lead others astray. Paul instructed Timothy, "Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers" (1 Timothy 4:16). While it’s not inherently wrong to interact with others who hold different views, Shirer’s frequent partnership with known false teachers raises concerns about her own theological stance and discernment.
3. Promoting a Man-Centered Approach to Spiritual Growth
Priscilla Shirer often focuses on topics such as personal empowerment, self-esteem, and achieving one’s God-given potential, which can lead to a man-centered rather than a Christ-centered approach to spiritual growth. Her teachings frequently emphasize the believer’s ability to overcome challenges, discover purpose, and live victoriously, but often neglect the core biblical themes of repentance, humility, and the call to surrender to Christ’s lordship.
The Bible teaches that the Christian life is about dying to oneself and living for Christ. Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24). Paul reminded believers that it is "no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me" (Galatians 2:20). Any teaching that shifts the focus from Christ’s work to personal empowerment leads people away from the true Gospel and encourages a form of self-centered spirituality.
4. Downplaying or Misunderstanding the Importance of Sound Doctrine
While Priscilla Shirer often teaches from Scripture, her approach tends to be more experiential and devotional than doctrinally rigorous. She often emphasizes personal application and feelings over a deep, systematic understanding of biblical truths. This approach can lead to a shallow understanding of Scripture and encourages listeners to prioritize personal experiences and emotions over the unchanging truths of God’s Word.
The Bible calls believers to be diligent in studying God’s Word and to be grounded in sound doctrine. Paul wrote to Titus, "But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1). A lack of emphasis on sound doctrine leaves believers vulnerable to false teachings and can lead to spiritual immaturity. While devotional teaching has its place, it must always be rooted in and guided by a proper understanding of biblical theology.
5. Teaching That Suggests an Overemphasis on Spiritual Warfare
Priscilla Shirer’s book "Fervent" and her involvement in the film "War Room" have made her well-known for teaching on prayer and spiritual warfare. While the Bible does indeed speak of spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12), Shirer’s teachings sometimes promote an exaggerated view that places undue focus on the believer’s ability to battle demonic forces. This can lead to an unhealthy preoccupation with spiritual warfare rather than a balanced and biblical view of the Christian life.
The Bible teaches that spiritual warfare is real, but it emphasizes standing firm in the faith, relying on God’s power, and trusting in the finished work of Christ. Paul instructed believers to "put on the whole armor of God" (Ephesians 6:11) and to "stand firm" in the face of spiritual attacks. Our ultimate victory has already been won by Christ, and our focus should be on living in obedience to God’s Word, not on waging sensationalized battles against the enemy.
Conclusion from Scripture
The Bible repeatedly warns against false teachers and encourages believers to be discerning about what they hear. Paul wrote, "For 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" (2 Timothy 4:3). While Priscilla Shirer may not be as blatantly heretical as some other false teachers, her emphasis on extra-biblical revelations, her associations with known false teachers, and her man-centered approach to spiritual growth align with tendencies that can lead believers away from the true Gospel.
The apostle John also warned, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1). True teachers of God’s Word will always point people to the sufficiency of Scripture, call them to repentance and faith in Christ, and prioritize sound doctrine over personal experiences or emotions.
For these reasons, based on the authority of Scripture, believers should exercise discernment when engaging with Priscilla Shirer’s teachings and be cautious about accepting her teachings uncritically. Christians are called to "test everything; hold fast what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and to remain grounded in the truth of God’s Word, which is "a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105).
The true Gospel is about repentance, faith in Jesus Christ, and the transforming power of God’s grace. It calls believers to live lives of holiness, obedience, and submission to the authority of Scripture. Therefore, while Priscilla Shirer’s teachings may contain elements of biblical truth, the concerns raised about her theology, associations, and emphasis on experience over Scripture warrant caution, and believers should prioritize teachers who faithfully proclaim the whole counsel of God’s Word.