We are in a time of reconstruction and reformation in the Charismatic movement. As faulty doctrines are being uprooted and compromised leadership cracks are being exposed, it may appear that the House of God is in disrepair. The fault lines and cracks are leaving quite a mess with a majority of the Church avoiding the rubble.
And yet, there are those who feel called to deal with the rubble because they see something else. They see a rebuilding commencing. They see what all of this has been “unto.” The sins in the camp are coming to the light so that the Bride can be cleansed and purified. That which has been broken and outdated is being cleared out so that the upgrades can begin. There is a “Charismatic reformation” happening that may seem painful, but is bringing us back to a righteous standard of leadership in the Church. God Himself is reminding us of our charge and calling us to take account.
And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.
There has been a cry from the next generation for reforms. There is a longing to contend for the prophetic ministry and the gifts of the Spirit, but within the boundaries of sound doctrine, biblical integrity, and leadership accountability. The excesses and compromise must give way to protocols and practices that are not only biblically sound, but bear lasting fruit with life-giving power.
Knowing that the internet has the ability to glean information instantly and even summarize reports and writings concerning various issues, I used ChatGPT for some research. What I found was fascinating. Using the analogy of old and new wineskins, the research reported and compared practices from the “old system” along with reforms suggested for the new. You can decide if this research is accurate…
Recent exposures of sin and failure among high-profile Charismatic leaders have sparked renewed calls for accountability, integrity, and structural reform across the broader church. Many voices within and outside the Charismatic movement are urging a move toward healthier leadership models, spiritual maturity, and theological soundness. The analogy of new wineskins (Matthew 9:17; Mark 2:22; Luke 5:37–38) powerfully illustrates the need for reform—not just in behavior, but in the structures and paradigms that support the life of the Church.
Old Wineskin: Elevating leaders as untouchable anointed figures who are above correction, often creating cults of personality.
Result: Isolation, lack of accountability, and moral failure.
New Wineskin: Team-based leadership emphasizing servanthood, mutual accountability, and transparency (1 Peter 5:1–3; 1 Corinthians 3:5–7).
Old Wineskin: Independent ministries without oversight or submission to peers or broader church bodies.
Result: Leaders become insulated and unchallenged.
New Wineskin: Eldership, shared governance, and submission to outside counsel (Acts 15:6; Proverbs 11:14).
Old Wineskin: Valuing gifting, charisma, and supernatural manifestations more than fruit of the Spirit and godly character.
Result: Leaders are promoted quickly without proven integrity (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Galatians 5:22–23).
New Wineskin: Re-centering discipleship around spiritual maturity, humility, and the fruit of the Spirit.
Old Wineskin: Unchecked wealth accumulation, lavish lifestyles, and manipulation of sowing/reaping theology.
Result: Scandals, loss of credibility, and exploitation of the vulnerable.
New Wineskin: Transparent financial practices, modesty, and generosity in leadership (Titus 1:7; 1 Timothy 6:6–10).
Old Wineskin: Control-based leadership masked as “spiritual authority,” where questioning is seen as rebellion.
Result: Emotional, spiritual, and psychological abuse.
New Wineskin: Shepherding leadership that empowers, protects, and listens to the flock (John 10:11–14; Ezekiel 34:1–10).
Old Wineskin: High-energy experiences that lack scriptural grounding or theological stability.
Result: Shallow discipleship and susceptibility to error.
New Wineskin: Worship and Word in balance; building disciples rooted in truth and wisdom (Colossians 2:6–8; Hebrews 5:12–14).
Jesus said, “No one pours new wine into old wineskins… the wine will burst the skins” (Luke 5:37). The new wine—a fresh move of God, deeper purity, and a reformed Church—requires a new wineskin: structures, mindsets, and practices that can carry His glory without breaking under the weight of old patterns.
This reform is not rejection of the Charismatic emphasis on the Holy Spirit, but a refinement—where power is submitted to purity, and gifting is governed by godliness. The Church is being invited into a season of divine pruning so it may bear lasting fruit (John 15:2). The question is not just whether we want revival, but whether we are willing to become vessels that can carry it well.
Wanda has been in ministry for over 35 years as a worship leader, teacher, author, deliverance counselor, and speaker.
6 Responses
Hey Wanda, just want to thank you for this article– my wife and I spent around a decade in a personality-driven Word of Faith church, and your descriptions of old wineskins are familiar to us. These changes would be so healthy, helping the church to redefine what success is and realizing we are all equal parts… thanks again for sharing a vision of what healthy body looks like here on Earth. 😊
My, what an encouraging timely article. Having spent forty years in love with Jesus and His church I have experienced some of the old wineskin bodies and leadership types. I am excited and joyfully look forward to the fresh reformation in the beloved charismatic church as we move forward to being new wineskins. This is a necessary shake up and removing the rubble is an apt analogy of what is and will continue to be a purifying move of God. Every point was on target and not only highlighted the problem but supplied the solution as well.
May it be so Lord.
Thank you for this much-needed, timely article. Your wisdom, Sister Wander Alger, is worth more than all the gold on earth. I thank Abba Father for you.
Wanda, as someone who has been in the Charismatic movement many years, I thank you for this timely article and also for standing for change.
Last year I heard a podcast where RT Kendell said that the present Charismatic movement is in trouble …he said it is called “Ismael” and that he believes that God showed him that the last move of God will be a SPIRIT and WORD move…Sometimes I wonder if God is going to do more than just “to dust off” the charismatic movement but change it completely or build something completely new on a solid foundation…
I know it is a contentious issue, but the last few years I have come across many that have left the hyper-charismatic and/or so-called NAR churches…many of these people long to go back to church but are triggered as result of the trauma. Even words can be a trigger. How many biblical expressions got a new meaning or spin on it…does it even mean what it originally meant? – like for example the new wine/old wine skin analogy. How many have been villified for being old wineskins just because they have exercised discernment. I think of Mike Winger’s analysis of TPT translation and how many new words are used that are not used at all in most other translations – many of these sound more new age than biblical.
As a charismatic, I think we have steered off course more than what we realize…
Thank you for your teachings and desire to stay in the Way.
Very clear instructions and wisdom! Thanks always.
Thank you wanda. I appreciate how balanced you are and the wisdom Holy Spirit has given you. Blessings!