Info

Theophostic Prayer Ministry (TPM), founded by Ed M. Smith in 1996, is an approach to "mind renewal," or the healing of emotional pain. TPM is perhaps the fastest-growing method of inner healing or healing of memories in evangelical churches today. After an exhaustive evaluation, the Christian Research Institute (CRI) detects nothing unbiblical about the core theory and practice of TPM. The theory seems elegant in its profound simplicity, and the anecdotal reports of its effectiveness in practice justify further investigation; nonetheless, much more scientific research needs to be done before even the more modest claims of TPM can be validated, and some of the extravagant claims seem unlikely ever to be established. CRI does have concerns about several peripheral issues regarding TPM, but we have been favorably impressed by Smith's openness to constructive criticism and change. We caution Christians who practice or receive TPM to be discerning about Smith's teachings on the sin nature, sanctification, and satanic ritual abuse, and to be aware that, despite major improvements, there are still several aspects of Smith's teaching on spiritual warfare that CRI does not endorse.