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Utah has the highest number of multi-level marketing (MLM) companies per capita in the nation, and many Mormons are heavily involved in MLM culture, according to Loren Israelsen, executive director of the Utah-based United Natural Products Alliance.1“Follow the profit: How Mormon culture made Utah a hotbed for multi-level marketers,” Daryl Lindsey, 2KUTV, September 8, 2016 “There are at least 15 major MLMs in Utah County alone, generating billions in annual revenue and making direct sales the second-biggest industry in Utah behind tourism.”2“Follow the profit: How Mormon culture made Utah a hotbed for multi-level marketers,” Daryl Lindsey, 2KUTV, September 8, 2016
“It would be very difficult for doTERRA to experience the success it’s had in any other state”3“Follow the profit: How Mormon culture made Utah a hotbed for multi-level marketers,” Daryl Lindsey, 2KUTV, September 8, 2016 (Kirk Jowers, VP of corporate relations and European markets at doTERRA)
Why are Mormons so involved in the MLM culture, and what are some red flags to be aware of before joining an MLM company? Mormons tithe ten percent of their income to the LDS Church, so it would be important that Christians understand where their money is going and what they could be supporting by working for an MLM company.
Unexpected Discovery
I recently lost thirty pounds on a weight loss program that a dear friend of mine from college has been promoting on her Facebook page. A mutual acquaintance of ours — “Sarah” (a pseudonym for the purposes of this article) — whom we both knew through the Baptist Student Union, introduced her to the diet several years ago. I am thrilled to be getting healthy again finally and was thinking about working for the company until I started to learn about its CEO and some elements of the faith-based sales training they are promoting.
The company I was thinking about working with is a subsidiary of a larger health food MLM whose CEO, Dan Chard, is associated with the LDS Church.4“Severna Park CEO Leads World’s Second-Fastest-Growing Company,” Zach Sparks, Severna Park Voice, September 6, 2020 At first, I was willing to look past this as boycotts are not helpful and end up just drawing more attention to the company. But then, as I started to get exposed to more of the sales training, I became very concerned with what I was associating myself with and the kind of message I would be sending as someone in a discernment ministry.
Why Mormons Dominate the MLM Industry
A guest post by Mormon novelist Mette Ivie Harrison, “10 reasons Mormons dominate multi-level marketing companies” 5“10 reasons Mormons dominate multi-level marketing companies,” guest post by Mette Harrison under Jana Riess byline, June 20, 2017, Religion News Service provides a very honest examination of why the Mormon culture breeds these kinds of companies. The reasons she cites include. . .
- The fact that Mormons tend to be trusting, especially of other Mormons.
- Many believe in a prosperity gospel.
- There are an unusually high number of stay-at-home mothers.
- Mormons have a built-in network.
- Former Mormon missionaries are used to sales techniques.
- Mormons are particularly vulnerable to anecdotal evidence.
- The amount of criticism they get of their religion makes them more likely to shrug off criticisms of their products even when they shouldn’t.
- They are used to a top-down structure where people at the top know more than they do.
- They tend to believe that they are “chosen” or “special” and may be more easily led to believe that an opportunity has come to them from God.
- And finally, Mormon church meetings do not lead Mormons to ask hard questions.6“10 reasons Mormons dominate multi-level marketing companies,” guest post by Mette Harrison under Jana Riess byline, June 20, 2017, Religion News Service
The LDS former missionary network is probably one of the strongest reasons why MLMs are so successful within the Mormon religion. According to Ann Dalton, CEO of the beauty product direct-seller Perfectly Posh, “you get a lot of return missionaries who speak every language on the planet, then all of a sudden you have a sales force that’s very well connected.” 7“Follow the profit: How Mormon culture made Utah a hotbed for multi-level marketers,” Daryl Lindsey, 2KUTV, September 8, 2016 Furthermore, Kirk Jowers of doTERRA says, “We are able to run a global office out of Utah, with 1,900 employees communicating in, literally, more than 100 languages.” 8“Follow the profit: How Mormon culture made Utah a hotbed for multi-level marketers,” Daryl Lindsey, 2KUTV, September 8, 2016
Sales Training
I. A Purpose-Driven Business Model
The first recommended training I took with the company was with a nationally recognized author, coach, and speaker who touted the business model of Rick Warren and Saddleback Church. While much of what this coach shared was thought-provoking, I was concerned about his promotion of Rick Warren as a sound Bible teacher.9“Rick Warren — Story Teller,” Don & Joy Veinot, Midwest Christian Outreach, Inc, November 29, 2006 I was also concerned with how this coach used the Parable of the Talents to convey a man-focused message rather than a God-focused message.
Within his discussion on the Parable of the Talents, this coach suggested that God wants us to multiply our talent — our money — by helping others become healthier. While this is a nice message, it is lifted from its context and is not the true message behind this parable.
The Parable of the Talents must be read within the context of the entire Olivet Discourse (Matt 24-25:46) and God’s future program for Israel. “It is first a message to the people of Israel that will live in the last days before the Lord returns. . . The application to the people of Israel is graphic and relevant. Those that believe in Him will be rewarded in His kingdom. The basis of the reward will be their stewardship of His resources entrusted to them. Those who fear and do not believe will be rejected and judged.”10Got Questions?: “What is the meaning of the Parable of the Talents?”
II. Bethel Redding Kingdom Training
The final strike against my working with the company came when Sarah sent out a training invitation to go through Kris Vallotton’s book Basic Training for the Supernatural Ways of Royalty. Kris Vallotton is the Senior Associate Leader of Bethel Church in Redding, California, and co-founder of Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry (BSSM) and Moral Revolution.
Bethel Church, led by Pastor Bill Johnson, is a proponent of the Word of Faith/New Apostolic Reformation Movement and subscribes to the Kenosis heresy (Jesus took off His divine nature), New Age mysticism, and experience over doctrine.11“NEW BOOKLET: Beware of Bethel: A Brief Summary of Bill Johnson’s Unbiblical Teachings,” Lighthouse Trails I knew Sarah from our time at the Baptist Student Union in the mid-1990s, and I am now disturbed by how far she has moved toward false doctrines. But the Southern Baptist Convention has shifted in the direction of false teachings, so perhaps it’s not so surprising after all. For example, Southern Baptist pastor Lynn Ridenhour openly preaches from both the Bible and the Book of Mormon as part of his “Building Bridges” concept and has been a featured speaker at the LDS school, Brigham Young University.12“The Baptist Version of The Book of Mormon,” Lynn Ridenhour; “Redefining Unity: Number Six of Eight Transformational Steps to a Global False Church,” Brannon Howse, September 12, 2015
According to Berean Research, Kris Vallotton “not only teaches the false NAR [New Apostolic Reformation] Dominion Gospel that Jesus, ‘the Captain of the Host conquered the devil’ in Hell” he also teaches “that heaven wasn’t ‘just waiting for rescued souls to be redeemed, but for the crowning of the sons who were to be revealed.’”13“Kris Vallotton ‘You are gods,’” Amy Spreeman, Berean Research, June 27, 2017 This is a summary of the manifest sons of God heresy which often quotes Romans 8 out of context.”14“Kris Vallotton ‘You are gods,’” Amy Spreeman, Berean Research, June 27, 2017
Furthermore, “Vallotton is promoting the Spirit of Adoption/Sonship heresy, which naturally leads people to believe the New Breed heresy. This heresy teaches how believers can manifest on earth as gods (or little Jesuses).”15“Kris Vallotton ‘You are gods,’” Amy Spreeman, Berean Research, June 27, 2017
“His Royal Army is spreading the King’s glory all over the earth as we take dominion of this planet back from the defeated one. […] Armed with the power of the Holy Spirit and commissioned to re-present the King’s Son, we are healing the sick, raising the dead, and displacing devils.”).” Kris Vallotton 16As quoted in “Kris Vallotton ‘You are gods,’” Amy Spreeman, Berean Research, June 27, 2017
Is the church called to help one another become healthier so that we can take dominion over the earth, or are we called to become healthier because our bodies are the temple of the Lord (1 Cor 3:16-17 and 1 Cor 6: 19-20)?
Ecumenism and the Mormon Church
It is unsurprising that a Mormon-run company is embracive of teachers such as Warren and Vallotton. Mormons appreciate the fact that Rick Warren considers them fellow Christians, and in fact, when USA Today asked him why Mormon leaders are involved in his pastoral training programs, Rick Warren reportedly said, “I’m not going to get into a debate over the non-essentials. I won’t try to change other denominations. Why be divisive?” 17As quoted by Marsha West in “Rick Warren once again caught up in controversy, Part 1” March 20, 2012 Bethel Redding’s belief that we can become gods lines up well with the Mormon belief that there are many gods and that after you become a good Mormon, you have the potential to become a god.
By contrast, the Bible says there is only one God (Isa. 43:10; 44:6, 8; 45:5), who has always been God (Psalm 90:2); and knows of no other gods (Is. 44:8). Scripture also says we do not become a god (Is. 43:10).18“Is Glenn Beck a Christian?” Matt Slick, CARM, August 28, 2010 I must implore all Christians to be in prayer before joining an MLM company and be very discerning about the training sessions and heresies to which you may be exposed. Charles Spurgeon once said, “discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right.” Sometimes false teaching can be very subtle, so examine everything carefully and hold fast to that which is good (1 Thess 5:21).Ω
Stephanie Potts and her husband Jim live in Dayton, Ohio and have been married for 20 years. She worked with the federal government for 15 years as an intelligence analyst and then entered full-time Christian service in 2015. She first joined Haven Ministries in Denver, Colorado, in 2015 and then transferred to Midwest Christian Outreach, Inc in 2021. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Florida State University in Political Science and International Relations and received her masters degree in Geographic Information Systems from Penn State University. She is currently working towards her master’s degree in Christian Apologetics through Southern Evangelical Seminary. She specializes in evangelizing to people involved in the New Age, to Muslims, and Native Americans. Stephanie’s personal website: rainbowapologetics.com
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End Notes
Thank you, Stephanie! Educational! Will certainly keep this on-hand as a resource. 🙂
You’re so very welcome! Glad you enjoyed it.
Good article! I do not buy from LDS owned companies as I do not want 10% of my money going to spread false LDS doctrine. It’s totally different than purchasing from your garden variety pagan-owned companies that have no religious agenda they must support with a percent of their earnings. I stopped buying their fabulous products when I found out a company was LDS. I was sad, cuz I really liked the products. When I told the Christian leader about it, well, she was making tons of money (even tho 10% was going to spread LDS false Jesus!) It’s not easy.
This will shock you. What the Mormon Church owns: What Companies Does Mormon Church Own?
Yes. It’s not easy at all. Please pray for wisdom for all those Christians involved in MLMs.
On Forbes and markets insider they say that the Mormon Church has a 100 billion fund in stocks such as Microsoft (9.5 mill. shares), Apple (5.4 mill), Alphabet (1.1 mill), Amazon 463,000, Intel (679 mill), Johnson & Johnson (665 mill), Visa, Facebook, JP Morgan, United health, etc. Did you know the SDA’s own Little Debbie company, and Sunbelt and many others in many countries? It’s just amazing the wealth of these cults. Blessings!
Good information. May I suggest that the Seventh Day Adventist Church does the exact same thing. They have been involved in “plant based” meatless foods for years (Loma Linda), evangelizing, and brain washing people with the 10% tithes they receive. Amazingly many evangelicals are involved even more so with them than the Mormons. In our town they control the food banks, The Salvation Army, the prison ministry, ministry to the fire dept, the police dept., they control the “Christian” radio programming. The radio programming commercials are always pushing vegetarianism and through this they lead people to Loma Linda products. The hospital is Seventh Day Adventist and when you’re a patient there they give everyone pamphlets on their programs for weight loss, stopping smoking, and healthy eating by reducing meat, and bible study through their church. They draw people in with their potlucks and prophecy conferences. They are Ecumenical, they allow women to teach men, and even abortion. The SDA churches jesus is Michael the Archangel. It is a serious seductive cult. I know I was schooled there as a child and left when I was 17, and became born again by reading the Bible, specifically John chapter 3 at age 49.
Wow! Thanks so much for sharing this! Good to know!
We have arrows flinging at us on many fronts. It is impossible to avoid them all, but discernment is key. Many “Christians” have not a clue how they are getting seduced by the evil one. They trust their pastors; they would never think they would lie or deceive them. They trust their elected officials, even worship them. The “Christian’ bookstores are filled with poison, and they don’t even know it. Calvinism has come in on many fronts too. Even the former SDA apologists use Calvinist speakers and go to their schools, and it grieves me so. Most denominations are ecumenical and it’s a horror to me what is happening, the Catholic Church has convinced people that they are Christian. Check out everyone. Check their websites, look at the books they promote and links. You cannot go by their statement of faiths anymore; you have to go by what they say and who they hang out with, take notes. Put on your armor. I am thankful for this website, there are people here who are truly honoring God! ““For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.” 2 John 1:7
Yes! I would also add 1 John 4:1 about testing the spirits.
I appreciate the depth of investigation, but I also will challenge you on a false equivalence fallacy.
MLM is a business model, whereas false teaching is content. Claiming MLM (a business model) is problematic because some practitioners have false teaching is like denouncing magazines or website (media of delivery) for the content delivered through them (we don’t blame Microsoft word for a badly written report, do we?).
I do appreciate the business-level insight of why Mormons as a demographic or psychographic take well to MLM as a business model. I’d just be more careful to delineate correlation and causation.
Blessings~
I have family involved in MLM, not doTerra but a supplement company called Plexus. While MLM is a business model, all to often its a model that uses Christianity as a kind of sauce over everything. Speakers at their conferences are often from the well known Christian motivational speaker circuit, and those doing well in the company often credit “god” or “Jesus” for their success. At the same time they promote positive affirmations, prosperity gospel, and other similar teachings and encourage their representatives to “cut negative people out of your life”, ie, people who criticize what they are doing. The conferences have a religious feel to them, and really work on emotions. From what I’ve seen, MLM is all too often tied to false teachings in a cult like way. Amway is another example, I know of at least one marriage that ended because the husband made Amway his family at the expense of his wife.
Thanks for this article sister! FYI, I followed a link to here from “The Berean Call” website. This article was in the daily update I get from them.
This article reminds me of when I was somewhat involved in AMWAY about two decades ago. I always thought some of what they taught was a bit “off” spiritually.
Perhaps all these folks should read The Voice of the Martyrs edition of “Foxe’s Book of Martyrs” that I’ve been reading. Very convicting!
In the early nineties I became involved with Shaklee, and I saw a presentation of how MLM works. I had only been a Christian for 10 years, yet I recognized MLM is the Church’s functionality stolen and used to sell product. We are suppose to have the people of the Church evangelizing people and making them able to be disciples.
Thank you all for your kind words! You are such a blessing.