The Alisa Childers Podcast

#402 Skillet’s John and Korey Cooper Break Their Silence About NAR & Church Abuse

September 3, 2026·2h 31m
Episode Description from the Publisher

For the first time, John and Korey Cooper of the Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum rock band Skillet are breaking their silence about the church abuse that devastated their family and turned their community against them.For years, the Coopers were deeply embedded in Korey’s lifelong church, never realizing that its leadership embraced beliefs and practices associated with the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). Those beliefs weren't clearly disclosed, but as John and Korey began to understand what was really being taught and practiced behind the scenes, they started asking questions—and everything changed.What followed were prophetic words, accusations, pressure to submit to spiritual authority, fractured family relationships, and efforts to turn members of their own community against them. With Korey’s brother-in-law serving as the church’s “apostle” and her father remaining an elder, walking away came at an enormous personal cost.We also examine the theology and practices of the NAR, the dangers of unaccountable spiritual authority, how prophetic claims can be used to manipulate people, and what happens when questioning church leaders is treated as questioning God.In this raw and deeply personal conversation, John and Korey take us into their darkest moments—how spiritual abuse shook their faith, what kept them from walking away from Jesus, and what anchored them when everything else fell apart.-----------------------------------------------------------------This video is sponsored by:FOUNDATION WORLDVIEWFoundation Worldview creates curriculum series that will empower your child to thinkBiblically in a deceptive world. Go to www.foundationworldview.com for more information.Use my code: ALISAGOOD RANCHERSAmerican Meat DeliveredGo to https://go.goodranchers.com/alisa for more information.Use my code: ALISASEVEN WEEKS COFFEETaste the Coffee that is Saving Lives.Go to http://www.sevenweekscoffee.com/ for more information.Use my code: ALISAALLIANCE FAMILY SERVICESAlliance Family Services is a Gospel-centered organization that relentlessly advocates forpreborn children, women, and families by providing exceptional reproductive healthcare, Biblical discipleship, and social support.Go to www.alliancefamilyservices.org for more information----------------------------------------------------------------------Booking: www.alisachilders.com/bookingTo Purchase the new CD, “Beauty from the Ash”, go to www.alisachilders.com/musicThere you can get the CD, backing tracks, string charts, rhythm charts and stems.Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/alisachildersTo order “Another Gospel”: www.alisachilders.com/another-gospel/To order “Live Your Truth": www.alisachilders.com/live-your-truth-and-other-lies/To order “The Deconstruction of Christianity”: https://alisachilders.com/the-deconstruction-of-christianity/Potential Sponsors: https://alisachilders.com/sponsor-request-form/

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