What are the dangers of ‘Treasure-Hunting’ evangelism? - by Holly Pivec

Found here. Our comments in bold.

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It isn't our intention to defend treasure hunting or Bethel church. Our interest is confined to the author's assertions.

We note the author manifests the typical modus operandi of the doctrinal police, that is, a marked reluctance to quote Scripture. The author manages a snippet of only one Scripture in the entire article.

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Treasure Hunting is a new type of evangelistic outreach that has been popularized by Bethel Church in Redding, California, and has been picked up by many well-known evangelistic groups such as YWAM. It’s also sometimes referred to as “prophetic evangelism” or “supernatural evangelism.” Yet despite its popularity, this practice of Treasure Hunting is one that ought to be avoided by Christians because of its many inherent problems and dangers. ("Inherent" is the word the author uses. Based on the presentation to follow, however, we would have suggested "inferred.")

Before I talk about some of the problems with Treasure Hunting, I want to fill you in on how it works. This is what might typically happen: a team of three or four people will choose a place to conduct their hunt, such as a park or grocery store. Then, before the Treasure Hunt, team members ask God to give them prophetic “words of knowledge” — called “clues”— about specific people they will find at that location. The clues they seek include a person’s name, descriptions of that person’s appearance, and any ailments (such as recurring headaches or a bad knee). Team members mark these clues on a treasure map, which they then use to guide them to a person — called a “treasure” — who matches their clues.

For example, in his book called The Ultimate Treasure Hunt: A Guide to Supernatural Evangelism through Supernatural Encounters, Kevin Dedmon – who was on the leadership team at Bethel Redding – recounts a treasure hunt. During one hunt conducted in a Wal-Mart, the clues included “Starbucks coffee,” “hurt right arm,” and “frozen foods.” The treasure hunters located a woman buying Starbucks coffee-flavored ice cream in the frozen food section. When they approached the woman and told her about their activity, she looked at their list of other clues and revealed that she had an injured right arm. She allowed the team members to pray for her and, according to their reports, her arm was immediately healed.

This account, if accurate, sounds great: a woman was found and prayed for, and then healed. It seems all good, so someone might ask, “What’s wrong with Treasure Hunting?”

Lots, unfortunately. Here are several problems with this novel practice.

It’s not supported by Scripture

This practice does not have the support of Scripture. Nowhere does the Bible ever record a Treasure Hunt or instruct people to engage in anything like a Treasure Hunt. (Argument from Silence.)

The biblical stories Dedmon has presented as examples of Treasure Hunts are a stretch. (That is, the examples are not enough to assuage the author's preconceptions.)

For example, he suggests that the time when Jesus spoke with the woman at the well (John 4:1-26), he was engaged in something like a Treasure Hunt. But Jesus did not pray for clues (That we know of.)

and then seek a person matching those clues. (That we know of.)

Also, the story of his encounter with this woman is descriptive; it’s doesn’t prescribe a new practice for his followers. (Upon what basis does the author assert this? Aren't we supposed to be like Christ?

Ep. 5:1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children...

Ro. 8:29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

1Co. 15:49 And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so let us bear the likeness of the man from heaven.

2Co. 3:18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

1Jn. 4:17 In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him.

In fact, we are to do what Jesus does:

Jn. 14:12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.)

And it misses the important fact that Jesus, as the divine Son of God, had omniscient knowledge of this woman’s life that mere mortals would not have. (Hmm. The author answers her own objection. Jesus didn't ask for clues because as an omniscient being He didn't need to. But we do need to ask of and for more of the Holy Spirit who lives in us:

Lk. 11:9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”)

Another passage of Scripture that Dedmon has misused to support Treasure Hunting is Acts 9:11-12. This passage supposedly records the first ever Treasure Hunt, when Ananias was given clues to find Saul at a house on Straight Street. But Ananias wasn’t engaging in a Treasure Hunt, like those being practiced today. He didn’t plan to go on a hunt, nor did he pray for clues. (So it isn't the same because he didn't "plan" to go, or "pray" for clues? Are these objections really so significant as to dismiss the entire idea of treasure hunting? And does something have to happen exactly as an event the Scriptures record, with no deviation, to be legitimate? 

What if a treasure hunt was unplanned? What if someone felt led to look for a particular person in a spontaneous meeting? Objection number one is gone.

Let's quote the passage: 

Ac. 9:10-18 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. 11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” 

13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” 

17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord — Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here — has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized... 

So what we have here is a supernatural encounter. There is a conversation going on between God and Ananias. That, dear reader, is the definition of prayer. We ask of God. We talk. Often, we just don't know, so we pray for information.

Ro. 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

Thus objection number two is gone, because Ananias is clearly praying for divine information.)

He didn’t initiate anything. Rather, the Lord called to him in a vision and commanded him to go and find Saul. Ananias simply obeyed. (This is false. Ananias expressly tried to resist.)

There’s no notion that this watershed event in church history – which led to Saul (the apostle Paul) being given a special calling and role to play in redemptive history – was intended to become a practice for all believers to follow. (What a strange criteria! Apparently for us to be able to do something, there must be something in the text like, "This is something everyone has to do.")

It’s highly presumptive

The idea of expecting God to provide clues, on demand, and to work within other specified parameters established by the teams (including expecting him to work at a specific time, in a specific location, and in specific ways) is highly presumptive. (Is this an accurate representation of what treasure hunters do? Do they demand of God? 

In actual fact, we know God doesn't always answer in a way that is clear. Absent information, the treasure hunter would seem to have nothing to act upon and thus would do nothing!

But more to the point, do we have any scriptural indication that people pray to God in a way that suggests immediate action is needed? That is, presumptuously? Are these instances presumptuous:

Ac. 4:30-31 "Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken.

Ac. 8:15-17 When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into  the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Ac. 9:40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning towards the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up.

Ac. 16:25-26 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken.

Ac. 28:8 His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.

And need we mention the presumption of Elijah when he called down fire on the altar [1Kg. 18:23]? The presumption of Jonathan when he attacked the Philistines [1 Sa. 14:6]? The presumption of David when he told God to destroy his enemies [Ps. 54:5]?

The Scriptures are replete with presumptive men praying to God and expecting Him to act.)

It borders on manipulation of God. Some have likened this practice to expecting God to play parlor games. But he is sovereign; we shouldn’t venture to tell him when and how he must work. (Which the author has not demonstrated is happening.)

It doesn’t leave enough room for discernment

Treasure Hunters are taught to take the first thoughts that pop into their heads, after they pray, as clues from God to direct them to specific individuals. (That certainly sounds like a discernment activity...)

In fact, Dedmon says that, when he’s teaching people to Treasure Hunt, he gives them a three-minute time limit to receive clues from God.

In conducting first-time Treasure Hunts, I always limit the time to get “words of knowledge” to three minutes. The first reason is that most of the people do not have confidence that they will hear from God even if they were to wait for three hours. I want them to have a practical experience of how easy it is to hear from God. And second, I do not want to give them too much time to change their minds as they do hear from God.

But taking unfiltered thoughts, as directions from God, is a very unwise practice. What process is in place to discern that a particular thought is actually from God and not merely from one’s imagination or even from a demonic source? (The author assumes without evidence that discernment cannot happen in three minutes. The author does not tell us the scriptural basis for this.

Apparently she thinks that it is actually the enemy who is supplying information to treasure hunters so that people can get healed and saved. This is bizarre.)

It’s built on a faulty assumption that everyone can have the miraculous gift of prophecy

Treasure Hunting is basically — what is known in the New Apostolic Reformation — as a “prophetic activation” exercise. In other words, by engaging in a Treasure Hunt, participants can be “activated” in the gift of prophecy described in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. But the idea that people can learn to prophesy — or can learn to “activate” other miraculous gifts — has no support in Scripture. (The author supplies no scriptural documentation for this assertion. We, however, are happy to actually quote Scripture for our refutation:

1Co. 12:31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts.

1Co. 14:1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.

1Co. 14:5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy.

1Co. 14:12 So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.

1Co. 14:26 What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.)

The apostle Paul wrote that the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit are gifts. They are not powers that can be learned or activated. (Again the author makes undocumented assertions.)

And they are distributed directly by the Holy Spirit to individuals as he alone decides (1 Corinthians 12:11). They cannot be acquired by individuals at will. Furthermore, Paul makes it very clear that not all can have each of these gifts. He asks rhetorically, “Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?” (1 Corinthians 12:29–30). (Yay, the author FINALLY quotes Scripture.)

The intended answer is no. Not all have the gift of prophesying or the working of miracles or healing. (So, the obvious conclusion from this is that not everyone is suited to treasure hunt.)

The idea that miraculous gifts can be learned or activated has more in common with New Age teachings than with biblical Christianity. New Agers believe that everyone is born with supernatural powers they can “activate” or “awaken” or “unlock” by engaging in various New Age practices. This concept of activating the gifts is foreign to the New Testament. (We have seen that Paul is very clear about the way we can desire the gifts. The author is simply wrong.)

It misrepresents God

Approaching a person and claiming that God intends to heal that person – or claiming that God has given a direct message for that person – is a misrepresentation of God, if he hasn’t actually spoken. (True, but irrelevant.)

To do so would make the Treasure Hunter guilty of speaking falsely for God, which is a serious offense according to Scripture (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). Speaking falsely for God harms the church’s witness to the world. A person may reject Christianity based on the false promises of a Treasure Hunter. (Another misrepresentation of the process of treasure hunting. We do not find that treasure hunters tell people that God will heal them.)

It minimizes true gospel proclamation in favor of promoting “supernatural encounters”

Treasure Hunting is promoted as a new form of evangelism. In an endorsement of Dedmon’s book, the “apostle” Randy Clark, of Global Awakening, says that it “will change your view and understanding of evangelism.” But that’s not necessarily a good thing. The question is, how, exactly, is evangelism – or the gospel itself – being defined? During many Treasure Hunts, the teams speak of Jesus, but it’s not clear what message they communicate about him. It seems that the message is often that Jesus loves someone or wants to heal someone. There’s a reason for this. In his book, Dedmon explains that the purpose of a Treasure Hunt is to lead a person to having a supernatural encounter with God, such as receiving a healing or prophetic word that shows God’s love for them. The first line of his book’s introduction states, “The Ultimate Treasure Hunt is about supernatural encounters.” It’s not to convince people, through reasoned argumentation, of their need to confess Christ. (Non sequitur. The author has provided no documentation that the Gospel is not being presented. 

And really, upon what basis does the author assert that "reasoned argumentation" is the only way to present the Gospel? Does she really think that arguing with people is the biblical model? 

This is astonishing. Jesus ministered to and healed people, with care, compassion, and supernatural insight. He also reasoned with, argued against, and eventually condemned the Pharisees and teachers of the law. We think the author has it completely backwards. )

Yet, unlike Treasure Hunting, it’s clear that reasoned argumentation played a central role in the apostles’ presentation of the gospel in the book of Acts. For example, you can see this in Acts 2:14-41, starting with their very first sermon. And take note that, in this passage, the apostle Peter proclaimed Christ’s resurrection. He didn’t merely lead them to warm, fuzzy encounters of God’s love. (Argument from Silence. We don't know every instance of the presentation of the gospel message in the early church. 

Nor do we have to choose between reasoned argumentation and warm, fuzzy encounters. This is a false choice and an inaccurate representation of other evangelistic approaches.) 

And he directly confronted his listeners with their sin and their need to repent and receive forgiveness. (Indeed. But we note for the record that Peter's presentation was a direct result of a supernatural event, Pentecost. Has the author forgotten this?)

No true sharing of the gospel would place the focus on a supernatural encounter and downplay these important messages. (Undocumented assertion.)

To be fair to Dedmon, he agrees that people need to be made aware of their sin. (Whoops! Now she walks it all back.)

Yet he makes the message secondary to an encounter. (Undocumented assertion.)

And he never seems to explicitly state what the gospel is. ("Seems?" Does he or doesn't he? Has the author read the book or just a few quotes and thus draws her errant conclusions?)

We can certainly look for new ways to creatively share the gospel. But we must be certain that those ways have the support of Scripture and that the gospel is actually being shared. Thus, Treasure Hunts might actually distract believers from biblical forms of evangelism that emphasize sharing the gospel. Rather than fulfilling the Great Commission, Treasure Hunting may hinder it. (Sigh. The author presumes a lot herself. And she doesn't bother to document her claims or even quote Scripture.)

Have you seen this activity being practiced in your church or community?
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Holly Pivec is the co-author of A New Apostolic Reformation?: A Biblical Response to a Worldwide Movement and God’s Super-Apostles: Encountering the Worldwide Prophets and Apostles Movement. She has a master’s degree in Christian apologetics from Biola University