In the ever-expanding universe of Armstrongist Church of God splinters—where every ambitious minister seems destined to become the next big thing—Bwana Bob of the improperly named "continuing" Church of God stands out as a masterclass in self-justification. He has a new article up about apostolic succession, the passing of the mantle, and gifts of prophecy, which is nothing more than a backslapping self justification article.
He has crafted an elaborate theological fortress to explain why he left the Living Church of God in a fit of rebellion and why everyone else should now follow him. His case rests on three pillars: an unbroken “laying on of hands” apostolic succession through the COG lineage (not that nasty Roman kind), a magical “double portion” blessing from Gaylyn Bonjour, and his own certified prophet status courtesy of dreams and spiritual gifts. How convenient.
A close inspection reveals the usual Armstrongist cocktail: circular reasoning, creative eisegesis, generous exaggeration, and history bent to fit the narrative. Let’s dissect this masterpiece of ministerial marketing.1. Apostolic Succession Through “Laying on of Hands” in COG Lineage (Because Rome Can’t Have All the Cool Traditions)Bwana Bob insists that the real Church of God has preserved apostolic succession via the sacred ritual of laying on of hands, stretching back to the apostles through various obscure groups like the Paulicians. He dusts off old Worldwide Church of God booklets and triumphantly declares that his group, unlike all those other pretenders, holds the true mantle. Unfaithful leaders? They simply lose it. Poof. Mantle gone. Next!
The problems (or, why this doesn’t quite work):
The New Testament, it turns out, never actually describes apostolic succession as some kind of spiritual game of tag passed by hands. Laying on of hands was for practical things like receiving the Spirit, healing, or commissioning people for specifictasks—not for creating an infallible, unbreakable chain of command that magically survives doctrinal rebellion and endless schisms. But why let pesky details like “what the Bible actually says” get in the way of a good succession story?
Bwana Bob's historical claims read like fan fiction. The Paulicians? Selectively romanticized and sprinkled with unverifiable “true church” assertions to fill embarrassing historical gaps. The whole argument collapses into delightful circularity: “My group is the true church because it has the true teachings (as I define them), therefore it has apostolic succession. QED.” When other COG leaders disagree with him, they conveniently lose the mantle—how fortuitous. This is the same governance system Thiel quotes from WCG materials that stress Christ running His Church and removing the unfit. Yet somehow, when Bwana Bob rebels and starts his own group, that principle suddenly means he’s the faithful one. Classic.2. The “Double Blessing” by Gaylyn Bonjour: The Mantle Transfer That Wasn’t (But Totally Was, Trust Him)The crown jewel of Thiel’s origin story is a 2011 anointing by LCG minister Gaylyn Bonjour. In a moment of emotional prayer before meetings with Rod Meredith, Bonjour asked God for a “double portion” of the Spirit—echoing Elisha and Elijah. Bwana Bob has turned this into Exhibit A that the Philadelphia mantle officially passed to him. Bonjour later said nice things about Thiel’s character. Case closed, right?
Not so fast.
Context is a stubborn thing. This was a routine anointing for healing and wisdom, not a secret ordination ceremony crowning the next great prophet. Bonjour has a reputation for being heartfelt in such prayers—apparently for more than just Bwana Bob. Yet somehow only the Bwana received the deluxe Elisha upgrade. How lucky. Even the timing screams convenience: this “mantle” moment arrived right when Bwana Bob was frustrated that LCG wasn’t adopting all his doctrinal corrections. Nothing says “God’s will” quite like using an encouraging prayer as your exit visa after being ignored.
Equating this private prayer to an Old Testament prophetic handover is biblical gymnastics at Olympic levels. Bonjour stayed in LCG. His later affirmations don’t magically validate a split. But why ruin a perfectly good “I’m specially anointed” story with mere facts?3. Claim to Prophetic Office (Dreams, Signs, and Selective Scripture)With succession and the double blessing secured (in his own mind), Bwana Bob declares himself a prophet, complete with dreams, the gift of prophecy (1 Cor. 12:10), and Acts 2:17-18 as his personal job description. Old WCG articles on spiritual gifts are trotted out as supporting evidence.
Weaknesses (or, red flags waving enthusiastically):
Biblical prophets were tested and generally recognized by God’s people—not self-appointed after being rebuked by leadership. Rod Meredith and LCG flatly rejected Bwana Bob's prophetic pretensions. Undeterred, Bwana Bob labels doubters as lazy, Laodicean, or Satan-deceived (Proverbs 26:16 gets weaponized nicely here). Nothing builds credibility like accusing everyone who disagrees with you of spiritual blindness.Dreams and impressions are wonderfully subjective. They require testing against Scripture, not elevation to “thus saith the Lord” status. Yet in Bwana Bob's world, they conveniently confirm exactly what he already believed about his own importance.Why This Kind of Thinking Is Spiritually Toxic and Why Real Christians Should Run the Other WayBwana Bob's elaborate self-justification system is more than just harmless eccentricity—it’s a textbook example of dangerous thinking that Christians should actively avoid. When one man’s private experiences, reinterpretations of casual prayers, and selective history become the foundation for authority, you’ve left solid ground and entered personality-cult territory. The focus subtly (or not so subtly) shifts from Christ to “How special is this leader? Let me count the titles.”
This pattern breeds division, isolation, and misplaced loyalty. Armstrongism’s post-WCG history is littered with similar “mantle” claimants, each certain their group is the One True Remnant while everyone else is doomed. It distracts from the actual gospel, sucks resources into endless end-time speculation, and shields leaders from accountability. After all, who are you to question God’s doubly blessed, prophetically anointed, succession-certified leader?
Real Christianity anchors itself in the clear teaching of Scripture, the finished work of Jesus Christ, and the accountability of the broader body of believers—not unverifiable personal narratives or self-awarded titles. Scripture repeatedly warns about teachers who draw disciples after themselves (Acts 20:29-30) and false prophets who sound very convincing (Matthew 24:11, 24).
Believers would be wise to steer clear of movements built on such shaky, self-referential sand. Instead, fix your eyes on Jesus, test everything against the Word, and leave the “I’m the special one” games to those who need the attention. The true Church has one Head—and it certainly isn’t located in the Continuing Church of God’s headquarters
21 comments:
Was Dr. Thiel ordained an apostle by Joseph Tkach Sr.? (Who supposedly was granted that rank by HWA.)
That would be true "succession" in the rank. Otherwise... not so much.
Bob grew up Catholic, and has retained much more of the Catholic worldview than he seems to realize. More, even, than HWA validated upon deciding to make himself effectively the Pope of WCG.
Bob has never been ordained. Every group he was with refused to ordained. This essentially invalidates him as a splinter leader.
I bet in his private, introspective moments, he actually wonders why massive numbers of COGgers don't fall for this steaming pile he regularly serves up! Discerning people know beyond the shadow of doubt that he is a bullshit artist? What else can one possibly expect of someone who unashamedly props himself up with degrees that are at best questionable, and at worst, downright pseudo?
Hey anon 5:11:34…….’why massive numbers of COGgers…’ thing is, there are not massive numbers of COGgers any longer. Armstrongism is in heavy decline and dying rapidly. Many see through the BS now and Armstrongites don’t have a credible leg to stand on nowadays. There is just too much information available today that shoots them down and their theology spectacularly. Cheers.
Bob needs to listen to Kevin Johnson's 1973 hit song "Rock & Roll (I gave you the best years of my life)." The lyrics finish with "and she tried to help me understand I'd never be a star".
He strongly exhorts his flock to not complain, except for Mrs. Thiel. She is known to have written at length about countless mishaps & entnaglements & common things many of us endure.
His super lieutenant will poke you for "grumbling". She is proof that Bob & his fellas are somewhat "puffed".
HWa's ordination of Tkash didn't mean anything because everyone deserted when he decided some of Berti'es teachings were contaminated and people didn't like that.
026 at 6:12:31 PM ... A good point and the sooner COG churches run down to nothing the better because it becomes further testimony to the entirely fake system created by the entirely fake self appointed apostle who at the end of the day has nothing to teach or say of merit
Well, one COGger is one too many. You know.
Bob doesn't realize how much the Witchdoctors are controlling him.
Bob is not much different from the rest of you folks.
What ways of his are so similar to "us"?
Dr Pastor Bob Thiel doesn't know what is truly going on in Malawi. He has and is in a a state of confusion. There is no CCOG in Malawi, it only exists on paper and fake pictures. Where are all these thousands Radson Mulowzoa and Evans Ocheing claim are in CCOG? Dr Bob we now believe has been under charms from Radson Mulowzoa and Mr Evans. We have seen this in Malawi, that when people are under charms they do and act in confusion. It has now been confirmed that Hope of Israel leadership in Mulanji district were met by Radson Mulowzoa, John Machemba, and Louis Wahela. This meeting simply was to take leadership and members away from Hope of Israel, through bribes and promises of big monies. Hope of Israel rejected Mulowzoa's offer. Radson Mulowzoa is desperate to show Bob something. When Bob gave Evans Ocheing well over 2000 USA funds to visit Malawi weeks back, why just take pictures with these Hope of Israel members. Would not you go there and visit with some of your big Congregations? Bob says a picture is worth a thousand words, yet can't Dr Bob discern the look on Priscilla's face, surely she is not happy. In Talking with her, she has said that Mr Evans invited her to that meeting and said she should go back to Radson and that the CCOG is dead in Malawi. She told Evans she can't and won't go back with Radson. Mr Evans than gave her a very expensive phone as a gift and also John Machemba and Louis Wahela were given Phones and large amounts of money. It has also been confirmed Radson was threatening to take the Phone away as Priscilla won't
give in to Radsons demands of reconciliation. One might ask if according to Bob Thiel a Picture is worth a thousand words, why does Dr Bob reject the photo of Radson Mulowzoa and Patricia Sambani in a love embrace? Why does Dr Bob reject Video testament of Radsons Adultery? Why does Dr Bob reject Louis Wahela's video testament claims of Women and Witchdoctors associated With pastor Radson Mulowzoa? Yet these 2 John Machemba and Louis Wahela were welcomed back 2 or 3 times now to CCOG.. These men Dr Bob calls his Ministers are simply Witchcraft practitioners and Satana minions. Wake up Dr Bob and please ask God to open your eyes. We pray Jesus loose you from Satana charms and you are able to see what's on the ground in Malawi.🙏🙏🙏
If any of that is true, CBM 8:11, we are still accustomed to seeing Bob refer to it as "talebearing".
It's a lot to prove. But some of it doesn't seem too far fetched, yet.
Didn't Bob bear many tales of Mr. Meredith's comings & goings? Doesn't Bob post at length, (exhaustively) about every single error which occurs within all the COGs 'cept for the CCOG?
Yes he points the fingers at all the other COGs, but refuses to correct the Witchdoctor and Woopie madness in his own personality cult
That is the wild elephant manure in his tent, 5:07. He is probably thinking that if he ignores it, it will go away. Not very likely! Something bad will probably happen further down the road.
Everyone knows he's getting Conned Big time. Problem with Thiel is he's way in over his head, he can't admit to anything his African Witchdoctor clergy has done or will do; to do so would complety wipe out what little credibility and support he now has. Classic Delusional Thinking... Bobbism 2.0 is a new term used to describe a person that thinks he's has a special role from God to fulfill end Time prophecy, while even ignoring rampant Adultery, Fornication, Witchcraft, money siphoning, abuses of women and who knows what else.
Why 11:35, didn't you see the scene in Robert Duvall's movie "The Apostle", in which he baptized himself and asked God to make him an Apostle? Use your imagination! I'm sure that BobThiel and his followers do!
You might be right if you are addressing the Armstrongites who lurk here and occasionally comment, 3:06. In fact, that would be a pretty solid bet. But I doubt if he went antiquing yesterday, practiced on his electric guitar for a couple of hours today, is binge watching the TV series "Covert Affairs" this weekend or listening to "Best of Steely Dan" while working out with weights.
He's probably not going to be detailing his car tomorrow, or riding his bicycle, either.
We both may pop a couple vitamins, but that's about it!
Bob is really trying to get to the bottom of the truth. (Dr Bob)- Hey Radson is it really true what they're saying on Banned?. (Radson). No Dr Bob Hope of Israel crying, let's support them in Mulanji so they join us. (Dr Bob) Sounds good Radson. (Everyone that reads banned). Bribes, Bribes and more Bribes, Witchdoctors and Woopie 😆
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