What is the Planetshakers movement?

Response

The Planetshakers movement is a growing church organization, recognized for its fervent praise and worship and its “ability to ignite a desire in young individuals for divine encounters, along with frequent occurrences of miracles, signs, and wonders” (from their official website, accessed 7/26/21). The mission of the Planetshakers is “empowering generations to reach generations” (ibid.).

Planetshakers was founded by Assemblies of God preacher Russel Evans after experiencing a “profound encounter with God” in 1997. The movement expanded to the extent that Russel and his wife Sam established Planetshakers Church in Melbourne, Australia, in 2004. They currently serve as the global senior pastors of Planetshakers Church and co-presidents of Planetshakers Bible College.

Planetshakers Ministries International now has a worldwide presence, “fulfilling the Planetshakers mission globally through music and tours, international conferences and events, and Planetshakers Bible College” (ibid.). They presently operate six church campuses in Melbourne and four campuses abroad, in Switzerland, Singapore, South Africa, and Papua New Guinea. Their teachings are accessible online. The Planetshakers Bible College is based in Melbourne.

The primary objective of Planetshakers is that “individuals discover the healing, breakthroughs, and provisions they require as they experience the tangible Presence of Jesus and His community in a personal and transformative manner” (ibid.). A key approach to advance their vision is through their musical groups, such as Planetshakers and Planetboom, who compose music, produce albums, and go on tours.

Planetshakers is a continuationist, deeply Charismatic organization. They advocate that an encounter with God involves the Holy Spirit’s infilling and speaking in tongues (ibid.). There are accounts of Pastor Russel performing healings among the congregation during services. Russel is a member of the Empowered21 Global Council along with other influential leaders.With Bill Johnson, E. A. Adeboye, Marilyn Hickey, and others in the Word of Faith and New Apostolic Reformation movements.

In one sermon available on the Planetshakers Facebook page (www.facebook.com/39978230791/videos/304360347773672), Pastor Russel uses the biblical account of Jesus rebuking the wind and waves (see Mark 4:39) to emphasize that we also possess the power to “bind and loose” things that are attempting to enter our lives. This interpretation not only misapplies the text but also echoes the teachings of the prosperity gospel and the name-it-claim-it ideology. At times, despite our efforts to rebuke storms or prevent painful experiences from entering our lives, they persist because God intends for us to endure them (John 16:33; Romans 5:3-5; James 1:2-4).

While we appreciate the proclamation of the gospel, we disapprove of the emotionalism, the pursuit of signs, and the erroneous beliefs associated with the Planetshakers movement.