Why did you change your name to Every Nation?

Every Nation was known as “Morning Star International” from 1994-2004. Through the years, our ministry was often confused with another prominent ministry bearing an almost identical name (Rick Joyner’s MorningStar Ministries). The confusion increased along with our growth.

Our leaders began to feel the need for a unique name that represented our movement, one that we could own and build upon as a good name for future generations. Initial research on this objective began in early 2003. Prayerfully, the decision was made in 2004 to change the movement’s name to “Every Nation,” a name which we believe clearly expresses and effectively embodies our mission and passion to reach “Every Nation in Our Generation” with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

What is Discipleship?

Every Nation often speaks of “making disciples,” and “discipleship” is one of our core values. When we speak of “being a disciple” and “making disciples,” it means we are called to follow Jesus and to help others follow Jesus. The Scripture reference for this is Matthew 4:19, “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” (New International Version)

Please click here to read our Discipleship Policy

What is Lordship?

One of our core values is “Lordship.” However, we do not teach what is commonly called “lordship salvation” (ie, we do not believe that a person has to come under perfect submission to Christ in every area of life to get saved and to stay saved.)

Christ saved us and made us perfect in God’s eyes at the moment we appealed to Him for forgiveness. Lordship is our proclamation that Jesus Christ is now the center of our lives (1 Corinthians 3:11) and we will make every effort to obey His Word and follow His will as laid out in the Bible.

Click here to see Every Nation’s Vision & Values

What is your position on Christian Dominion and/or Reformation of Society?

There are many poorly defined terms being used these days concerning the Christian’s responsibility in society. Suffice it to say that we do not believe that the Christian faith can be legislated, and Scripture speaks of a clear division between secular and church government, yet individual Christians can serve in government as responsible citizens.

We do not believe in any form of theology that advocates Theocracy or a system where Christians dominate over non-believers.

We do believe in bringing spiritual reform to society by reforming the individual, and this can only be done as people have a personal encounter with the saving and changing power of Jesus Christ. In short, we want to reach every person in every sphere so that they may know Jesus, and this will bring true practical change to societies and communities. Faith in Christ cannot be legislated.

We do believe that it is the responsibility of Christians to stand for righteousness in all areas of life, such as business, entertainment, government, the environment, etc. When there is the possibility of enacting change in these areas, Christians should make biblical and ethical stands, yet with the character of Christ.

I have read accusations that Every Nation is a continuation of Maranatha, is this true?

This is false. While several Every Nation pastors, including Rice Broocks, Phil Bonasso and Steve Murrell, were active as campus ministers in Maranatha (a campus ministry founded by Bob Weiner) in the 1980’s, Every Nation unequivocally rejects the excessive teachings and practices that were present in Maranatha, specifically: controlling discipleship, authoritarian leadership, and theological mysticism.

Rice, Phil and Steve fully supported the dissolution of Maranatha in 1989, after which the majority of its churches changed their names and continued to function as local churches. Some joined Vineyard, Foursquare Gospel, or a variety of other denominations and networks. Others merged with local churches, dissolved or became independent. Today there are over 400 Every Nation churches worldwide, of which less than 15 (or less than 4%) were formerly Maranatha churches.