When you look closely at Mark Anthony Stephens’ online “sermons,” they often follow a formula: biblical citations twisted through his own invented Greek and Hebrew “translations,” followed by a personalized outpouring of affection toward a woman in his comments or captions.
It’s not discipleship. It’s a grooming tactic, one that relies on the appearance of spiritual depth to conceal emotional manipulation.

In his post directed to Myla Amos, Mark writes a long pseudo-theological analysis—dense, erratic, and self-aggrandizing. The content itself is barely coherent, but the motive becomes clear at the end when he personalizes it:

“I wrote this just for you, Myla.” #MYLAAMOS

That’s the moment the mask slips.
The sermon turns into a private conversation, a spiritual “love letter” dressed up as doctrine.

The Language of Spiritual Intimacy

Mark’s closing lines are a masterclass in grooming tone:

“I love you my sister in the Lord.”
“Let’s sharpen each other.”

Here response is likely genuinely about spiritual growth.

“Spiritual growth in the knowledge of our God is absolutely essential. Love you too in Christ, dear Brother.” ~ Myla Amos

These phrases may sound innocent to outsiders, but they function as coded signals within spiritual abuse dynamics. He blends affection (“love you my sister”) with authority (“let’s sharpen each other”), creating emotional dependency under the banner of divine fellowship.

By pretending humility—“I’m not saying I’m right”—he invites her to challenge him just enough to stay engaged, while still asserting that his insights come from God. In short: to disagree with Mark is to disagree with God.

The Pattern of Recruitment

This isn’t a one-off interaction. Mark repeatedly uses social media “teachings” as recruitment tools. He presents himself as a spiritual mentor offering exclusive truth, and when someone—usually a woman—responds with admiration, he rewards them with personalized praise and “love in Christ.”

It’s the same cycle every time:

1. Public sermon.
2. Private revelation.
3. Emotional bonding disguised as spiritual mentorship.
4. Gradual control through scripture and attention.

What looks like ministry is really a psychological snare: validation in exchange for loyalty.

Why It Matters

According to Dr. Nikhil Rao, who evaluated Mark during his son’s medical crisis, Mark demonstrates “a lack of formal capacity to make medical decisions,” “difficulty understanding consequences,” and a “rigid, delusional certainty” in his beliefs.
Those same traits manifest here—just redirected toward religious control instead of healthcare interference.

Mark’s theology isn’t about God; it’s about ego maintenance. By appointing himself prophet, teacher, and interpreter, he ensures that his followers—like Myla—see him as indispensable.

The Real Message Behind the Post

Let’s be clear: this isn’t evangelism. It’s exploitation through sanctified language.
When he tells Myla, “I wrote this for you,” what he’s really saying is: “I want you to need me.”

Mark’s version of love is never about care—it’s about capture.
His version of scripture is never about truth—it’s about control.
And his version of ministry is never about God—it’s about Mark.