Into the Mystic with the FGBC!

This next section introduces the third and final portion of this cd. It will start with showing an involvement a transition with Rick warren and his endorsements of key leaders and figures associated with what’s called the emerging church movement. That brings me to the next phase and the most dangerous deception imaginable for the Grace Brethren. The Emerging Church .

We are being told that we are entering a phase of human history in which the culture and philosophy is marked by postmodernism, … Because this is the case, we are told, the church must change to adapt in order to reach people with the gospel. This is essentially the next step in what some call an evolution from the mega-church seeker sensitive church growth paradigm. If Hybels and warren were the leaders of that, well we’ve seen nothing yet. Brian Mclaren, rob bell, Leonard Sweet, Dan Kimball, Erwin Raphael McManus, and others are the new teachers and guides into this new mindset.

I want to recommend a good treatment and definition of the emerging church from a brother named Justin Taylor here in the FGBC, its called an emerging church primer and its on his blog: http://www.9marks.org/partner/Article_Display_Page/0,,PTID314526|CHID598014|CIID2249226,00.html

Posted on tim boals blog

http://gbnam.blogspot.com/2006/09/emerging-church-primer.html

He defines terms and brings up some good concerns about the teachings and methods associated with the emerging church.

Another glimmer of hope I see is that fact that Dr. James Joiner will be teaching a course at Grace College entitled “Apologetics in a Postmodern World”. Although I’m not aware of the content fully, the course description sounds as though it will put up a good defense against a lot of the foolishness I’m about to draw your attention to, concepts and teachers that we as the FGBC should have nothing to do with whatsoever. I think you will see my point.

By way of transition, lets ask a question some in the fellowship may be dying to know: Is Rick Warren emergent?

Rick Warren's own words to describe a new phenomenon combining his paradigms with the new emerging ones:

11 characteristics of an emerging PD church

Roger Oakland gives a timely warning:

"Rick Warren and others say we need to pay attention to the emerging church. Things are changing, they say and the "emerging church" has the answers for our generation. But what will the emerging church emerge into? Could it be a form of Christianity that embraces experience rather than God's Word?"

—Roger Oakland, Understand the Times. Read Entire Article

Don't think for a moment that Rick Warren is not involved with Brian Mclaren’s emerging church. He is.

He wrote the foreword (along with Brian McLaren) for Dan Kimball's

The Emerging Church. 2. Pastors.com recommends several contemplatives: Brennan Manning, Henri Nouwen, Richard Foster, Thomas Merton, Jan Johnson and many more.

3. Kay Warren recommends Henri Nouwen's book, In the Name of Jesus and says this about Nouwen's book, "[I]t hits at the heart of the minister.... I highlighted almost every word!"

4. Warren speaks in 2004 at the National Pastor's Convention (put on by Youth Specialties) where yoga, labyrinths and contemplative prayer are used and promoted. http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/warren.htm

Clues of warren’s involvement with who has now become a key leader in the emerging church, Leonard Sweet are seen as far back as the publication of the Purpose Driven Church, in which Sweet writes this endorsement: "The church has been waiting for this book for a long time, and it is worth every minute we've waited. It is destined to become a classic in the literature of the new paradigm of church health."--Leonard Sweet, author, Soul Tsunami

(http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/eBook6935.htm)

Warren has since spoken at conferences with this man. What does Leonard Sweet believe?

Leonard sweet quotes from Quantum Spirituality “New Light embodiment means to be “in connection” and “information” with other faiths…. One can be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ without denying the flickers of the sacred in followers of Yahweh, or Kali, or Krishna.”

“A globalization of evangelism “in connection” with others, and a globally “in-formed” gospel, is capable of talking across the fence with Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Muslim--people from other so called “new” religious traditions (“new” only to us)--without assumption of superiority and power. One Caribbean theologian has called this the “decolonization of theology.”~ It will take a decolonized theology for Christians to appreciate the genuineness of others’ faiths, and to see and celebrate what is good, beautiful, and true in their beliefs without any illusions that down deep we all are believers in the same thing” (pp.130-131 emphasis mine). http://www.letusreason.org/Popteac23.htm

Why cant Warren and other Sweet fans see the danger here? Why are some in the FGBC able to continue following these teachings and a man who has such obviously low discernment? Because the discernment of many is at an all time low today as well. They will put up with these teachers because they haven’t had their senses exercised to discern good from evil or truth form error.

The bible tells us in 1 Cor. 2:11-14: “For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

This passage speaks of the utter bankruptcy within an unsaved person to be able to know the truth and judge rightly. Those who call themselves believers today but would still endorse promote or personally believe these deceptions better examine themselves and quick!

Warren has spoken at leadership conferences with Sweet and other emerging church leaders

Warren is featured at the "Made For A Purpose" Conference

Tony Evans, Cheryl & Jennifer McGuinness, Rick Warren, Larry Crabb, Erwin Raphael McManus, Nancy Leig, Louie Giglio, Jim Cymbala, Tim Keller, Ken Blanchard, Gloria Gaither. http://www.congress2004.org/speakers.asp

Warren endorsed "An Unstoppable Force" by Erwin Raphael McManus (this book is Dominionist and Apostolic)

Emergent practices

In Rick Warren's Ministry Toolbox, Issue 226,09/2005 quote Brennan Manning and Rob Bell, both believers in incorporating Eastern mystical prayer practices into Christianity. http://www.fromthelighthouse.com/blog/index.php?p=161&more=1&c=1

Rob Bell has written a very popular book called Velvet Elvis and introduces great seeds of doubt in some of his lines of questioning. He has also stated in an article entitled “A Very Different Type of Communicator” from Willow Creek Association’s website that:

“I just finished reading Marilyn Manson’s autobiography,” he says. “I will read books on design and art, how things are arranged. I'll go to Barnes & Noble and get a stack of 25 magazines–some that have nothing to do with what I care about…just inhale them. I’ll read books on stuff I don’t know anything about…”

“I’ll read a Yoga book, and realize, ‘Hey they are searching for something here! They are trying to get this experience. Why? Well, because God wired them that way…to seek Him.’ Try reading a book on Buddhism, and see if it doesn’t bring Scriptures to life. What are Buddhists looking for? Enlightenment. Ahh, Ephesians 1–enlightenment!” He goes on to say: "I'll read a Yoga book, and realize,...They are trying to get this experience...because God wired them that way...to seek Him."

Sorry, Rob this is not true. When considering a false religion like Hinduism, can we really and truly assert that God wired them to go down these paths and worship the 330 million or so gods they venerate? The bible says that there are none who seek God (Rom. 3:10-18).

As a missionary to India my hearts burden was to give the gospel to these dear people to get them out of their false practices and Bell tones down their situation suggesting they are merely trying to find God through their asanas or yoga postures. I understand somewhat what Bell is implying but we need to be careful with everything he says because he advocates these areas of truth in all religions. Is the enlightenment they seek identical to what is talked about in Ephesians 1? No and the distinction needs to be made.

We're encouraged to read books on Buddhism in the Church now, because it'll bring the Scriptures to life? Is that what we see Jesus doing; did He teach by encouraging people to read Greek and Roman mythology as an assist to the Holy Spirit to "bring Scriptures to life"?

Postmodern skepticism “Everybody’s interpretation is essentially his or her own opinion” (053). He then discusses “an intense meeting” where leaders within his church “were discussing several passages in the Bible.” Finally one of them said that after studying them out thoroughly she had “decided to get back to the Bible and just take it for what it said” (ibid). Now please understand that this way of thinking is prevalent in a lot of Christian churches,… But this view of the Bible is warped and toxic, to say the least. The assumption is that there is a way to read the Bible that is agenda-and perspective-free. As if all these other people have their opinion and biases, but some are able to just read it for what it says (053,054)

This is not what the Church has taught at all. The true Body of Christ has always taught exactly what the Bible itself says – The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14).

Can we truly understand the scriptures as believers? Apparently so: Our Lord said – “But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His Own” (John 16:13). 1 Cor. 2:12 “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given us by God.” if we have the Holy Spirit in us: then we can understand what has been written:

Rob Bell’s quest is in “discovering the Bible as a human product," His wife says in the same article: "I grew up thinking that we've figured out the Bible," Kristen says, "that we knew what it means. Now I have no idea what most of it means. And yet I feel like life is big again—like life used to be black and white, and now it's in color." http://www.apprising.org/archives/2006/01/rob_bell_fails.html

We all go through dry times as well as times of rediscovered fervency but this is no excuse for a pastor who leads thousands to depart from solid understandable truths of Scripture such as that it is inspired, divine in origin which negates it being accurately referred to as a human product in contrast to it being divine. Bell would affirm that Gods Word is inspired but then introduces whopping great wodges of doubt as to whether we can ever really understand or grasp it and this is dangerous.

God’s Word is “Profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16) While there are certainly areas of Scripture that are somewhat obscure, the notion that most of the Bible is an utterly mysterious document that most of its truth cannot be discerned is not true. We have the Holy Spirit to aid us in understanding so we need not resort to mystical practices to unlock the meaning of Scripture.

In his book, Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith ,Bell conjectures:

“What if tomorrow someone digs up definitive proof that Jesus had a real, earthly, biological father named Larry, and archeologist find Larry’s tomb and do DNA samples and prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that the virgin birth was really just a bit of mythologizing the Gospel writers threw in to appeal to the followers of the Mithra and Dionysian religious cults that were hugely popular at the time of Jesus, whose gods had virgin births? But what if, as you study the origin of the word “virgin” you discover that the word “virgin” in the gospel of Matthew actually comes from the book of Isaiah, and then you find out that in the Hebrew language at that time, the word “virgin” could mean several things. And what if you discover that in the first century being “born of a virgin” also referred to a child whose mother became pregnant the first time she had intercourse? What if that spring were seriously questioned? Could a person keep on jumping? Could a person still love God? Could you still be a Christian? Is the way of Jesus still the best possible way to live? Or does the whole thing fall apart?”

“If the whole faith falls apart when we reexamine and rethink one spring then it wasn’t that strong in the first place was it?”

[Velvet Elvis, pg.26]

It is not about what one chooses to believe, but what MUST be believed about Jesus. The virgin birth is a NECESSARY doctrine. This passage is tantamount to a new liberal questioning of the truths of Scripture. The “what if” scenario here cant even be considered if Gods word is truly true and Bell should be cautious in his musings. But we see this all through his book.

Look what’s the point? Some in the Grace Brethren are swallowing the deceptions of certain emerging church leaders hook, line, and sinker. This mention of Rob Bell is, I hope, somewhat of a preemptive strike as I haven’t seen much reference to his teachings within the FGBC, but others have made inroads and I fear Bell’s skepticism will somehow infiltrate our fellowships if the warning is not heeded.

In case you’re thinking that our fellowship would have nothing to do with the emerging church I bid you to sadly think again and consider these recent signs of the clear and present danger. These next instances prove my point and why I am so concerned.

The WCA endorses Erwin Raphael McManus, pastor of the Mosaic church in California: The Willow Creek Association, composed of more than 11, 000 member churches, sells a video entitled “Leadership Summit 2003: The Barbarian Way Out of Civilization”, so the impact of McManus’ teachings has been spread over a wide number of congregations. Having kept up with many of McManus’ teachings I believe he is verifiably a very dangerous leader in this emerging movement.

http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/emergingchurchquotes.htm

“Those who study science have told us that a butterfly fluttering its wings in South America could, in some sense, be the primary cause of an avalanche in Antarctica. This level of complexity strikes us as new and innovative, and yet the Scriptures have advocated this kind of interconnection for thousands of years....”According to Scripture, everything is connected, and every action has at least some effect on the whole. In the same way the church is part of the whole....” (Erwin McManus, An Unstoppable Force (Group Publishing, 2001), p. 15.)

That’s a powerful butterfly. The Scripture does not teach pantheism or panentheism, it says no such thing. McManus’ view is like the universal consciousness of the new age; the church is not connected to the world and its system.

The publishers comments in Barbarian Way: “Erwin's way was passionate and rough around the edges-a sincere, barbaric journey to Christ. Barbaric Christians see Jesus differently than civilized Christians. They see disciples differently, and they see Christ's mission differently. The Barbarian Way is a call to escape civilized Christianity and become original, powerful, untamed Christians-just as Christ intended”.

Barbarism, especially the Celtic variety that serves as much of McManus’ analogy, is, at its root, rebellious and manifests in all manner of false worship and violent action. The Church was never considered barbaric and this is a very inaccurate description for what God has set in order as His body to represent Him on earth.

In relevant magazine, McManus was interviewed and said: “I think Barbarian Way was my attempt to say, “Look, underneath what looks like invention, innovation and creativity is really a core mysticism that hears from God, and what is fueling this is something really ancient.” That’s what was really the core of The Barbarian Way.” http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god_article.php?id=6989

“We [Mosaic] are deeply and unashamedly mystical. We’re really about connecting on a deeply mystical level with the Creator of the universe. Seeing the invisible, hearing the inaudible and living a life that cannot be explained.”

The Celts were mystic and ancient but that’s no reason to make the strained analogy that we should be barbaric Christians or live dangerously. As in his book, McManus may think it fine to give his son permission to jump off the second story of his house, but has no such license to deconstruct the Christian faith and retell it with barbarians as his framework. In fact, McManus parenting and his trustworthiness and discernment level as a spokesman for ministry seems quite lacking, by his own admission.

On ministry:

"The church must acclimate to a changing world, or she will destine herself to irrelevance or even extinction. What this means for the pastor as spiritual environmentalist is that he must understand the changing environment in which the church has been called to serve. One of those dramatic changes in our environment is the shift from words to images. To do church in a way that is entirely text driven is the kiss of death.”(Erwin McManus, “An Unstoppable Force,” p.17

In an interview with FreshMinistry, McManus was asked: “What advice would you give preachers that want to minister in the postmodern age?” He replied: “First, The sermons that are changing the world are the ones where the pastor is real – sharing his journey with the congregation. Second, stop preaching sermons and start telling stories. Third, break though the pressure to be a great preacher and become a great leader.” http://www.discernmentministries.org/NLMarchApril_2005.htm

The apostle Paul does not command Timothy to “tell stories” but to “preach the Word!”

“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”(2 Timothy 4:1-4; ESV)

True to barbaric form, McManus uses militant rhetoric revealing his disdain for the present state of the Christian faith:

"My goal is to destroy Christianity as a world religion and be a recatalyst for the movement of Jesus Christ," McManus, author of a new book called The Barbarian Way, said in a telephone interview. "Some people are upset with me because it sounds like I’m anti-Christian. I think they might be right."—Erwin McManus, from The Barbarian Way. One of his published quotes included in the marketing kit for his book reads "the greatest enemy to the movement of Jesus Christ is "Christianity.""

This kind of speaking is irresponsible shock treatment, and one of the more foolish statements I have heard from any pastor. Certainly there are things we can all disagree with inside Christianity, but to say ones goal is to destroy it, that one can be considered antichristian should elicit disapproval from those who love God’s people and His Church. Its time the church starts obeying the Scripture on those who OPENLY oppose and contradict. We are to mark those who cause divisions and have nothing to do with them (Romans 16:17).

I think you can see the destructive and dangerous elements being showcased in these circles. May it never be among us but alas! Yes, the emerging church has begun its infiltration even in our midst in the FGBC.

In 2005 we read about the Catalyst conference from the Grace College website: Catalyst Leadership Conference

In October the CCLD takes a trip to Atlanta, Georgia to be apart of “a convergence of next generation leaders” called Catalyst, put on by INJOY. This 10,000 person conference is a great way for God to awaken the leadership potential in students along with providing quality training and to connect with fellow leaders. Since 2004 we have been able to listen to great speakers such as: Andy Stanley, Malcolm Gladwell, Erwin McManus, Donald Miller, Bill Hybels, John Maxwell, Lois Giglio. Chuck Colson, Mark Sanborn, and John Eldredge.

http://www.grace.edu/grace/student-development/ccld/catalyst-leadership-conference.htm

Note the line up of speakers and who’s putting this on? INJOY, John Maxwell’s group who has ties with the New Apostolic Reformation and the emerging leaders! Training our college guys, oh yes!

Someone might ask, well what are the real dangerous effects you’re so concerned about within our FGBC’s, well, I’m sorry to have to tell you but I’m glad you asked:

Recently a new church has applied for admission into the FGBC and they call themselves Mosaic Rialto According to the FGBC website:

“Mosaic Rialto was launched on October 23, 2005. We are a rebirth of the former Grace Community Church of Rialto. We made the decision in the Spring of 2005 that the only way to move forward as a body of believers as a prevailing church was to completely restart. The reason we have chosen the name Mosaic Rialto, is because we feel it helps identify with the multi-cultural type of setting in which our church is located; and, it helps us identify with a larger, well-known ministry in California. We felt that this would give us credibility more quickly.

From Mitch Cariaga, Pastor: "My desire is to be a part of the Grace Brethren Fellowship. I have attended GBC churches since a child, I was educated at Grace Theological Seminary and would like to continue that affiliation and relationships." http://www.fgbc.org/2006-newchurches.htm#Rialto

Folks given what Erwin McManus believes and teaches can we honestly consider this a good idea? Should we become partakers in this type of emergent ministry is it honoring and pleasing before the Lord? Absolutely not. I can only assume that the leadership in charge of allowing this are not really familiar with what McManus and the emergents teach!

Harder still to fathom than having an actual Mosaic in our fellowship is the brand new birth of the Catalyst church in Kent, Ohio. Remember the Catalyst conference, well now we have the spin off fellowship. According to the FGBC website: the catalyst church will launched September 2006 and already a lot of activity is being generated among young people. On their official website they quote Erwin McManus in explaining that this church is part of the uprising he prophesied in one of his books.

The pastor Jonathan Herron “is merging theology with improv-comedy to launch a new authentic, creative, & relevant church for 20 & 30-somethings in Kent, Ohio.” http://www.jonathanherron.typepad.com/

Their philosophy of ministry is not exactly biblical in scope: . “We firmly believe that Catalyst must embrace both Jude 3 (orthodox truths) and 1 Corinthians 9 (unorthodox practices). We believe in a place where everything is an experiment. Man-made traditions cannot get in the way of passionately pursuing Christ.” http://www.catalystchurch.cc/creativity.html

I’m against boring church also but we have no mandate to treat everything as experimental;. This is the Rick Warren and emerging philosophy shining through and that allows much wiggle room for the pragmatism guinea pig approach to ministry. I’m concerned because the emergent leaders like McManus and others that Catalyst will be taking cues from have demonstrated disrespect for Gods Word and low or no discernment in areas of doctrine and practice. This is not something to rejoice over or encourage.

Understand I’m not against creativity or freedom of worship but I am concerned about the fact that the Bible is treated the way it is in emergent circles and here we have a full-blown emergent Grace Brethren Church.

Another indicator trouble lies ahead is Catalyst’s affiliation with Acts 29 Network who is also partnered with GBNAM in this venture. http://fgbc-world.blogspot.com/2006/08/catalyst-ohio-church-launches-in-12.html

Mark Driscoll, the president of Acts 29 Network, became part of the original Emergent team that Leadership Network brought together. In a Criswell Theological Seminary article, Driscoll stated: "In the mid-1990s I was a young church planter trying to establish a church in the city of Seattle when I got a call to speak at my first conference. It was hosted by Leadership Network and focused on the subject of Generation X. ... Out of that conference a small team was formed to continue conversing about postmodernism ..."

Who was on this team? Brian McLaren, Doug Pagitt, Dan Kimball, Tony Jones, and Driscoll. Under the "A29 Recommended Reading List" is a selection of what is referred to as "worthy literature." The list includes books by Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, and a book called The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Other books on the list include those by panentheist St. John of the Cross, and a collection of books about Celtic Spirituality (i.e., contemplative spirituality) as well as books by Thomas Merton, Teresa of Avila, Eugene Peterson, and Larry Crabb (AACC). Act 29's recommendation of Thomas Merton (who said he was impregnated with Sufism: Islamic mysticism) is perhaps the most telling of all. One of the books Driscoll recommends by Merton is Wisdom of the Desert (referring to the desert fathers). http://www.fromthelighthouse.com/blog/index.php?p=157&more=1&c=1

I don’t have to belabor the point here. Suffice it to say that GBNAM and Catalyst should have nothing to do with any kind of partnership with a network that promotes and is involved with contemplative mysticism and the emerging church.

The latest church to “come on board” with the FGBC via GBNAM is the Village, a new church plant in Milton, Ontario It is described as non-denominational yet partnered with the Grace Brethren and I must say I think this is rather problematic. C. Peter Wagner, the head apostle of the false New Apostolic reformation calls this trend of many denominations and fellowships “cross-pollination”, where certain churches join with established movements to do ministry together. He believes this is a good thing but I believe we are seeing the beginning of sorrows in many ways. Several new churches have joined up and affiliated with Grace Brethren who are not and don’t hold to the distinctive of the FGBC. We’ve got mosaics, emerging churches, and even some affiliated with the willow creek association who are now Honorary in our FGBC, yet they are introducing these dangerous elements and do I have to mention that some have taken large financial chunks to fund their endeavors?

The Village does not come out and say its emerging but it is definitely displaying the earmarks of the seeker-sensitive and emergent trends:

Stephanie Theissen, in the newspaper The Champion writes about this new church. Here are some excerpts:

“A church of a different sort is coming soon to a theatre near you.

When some people think of church, they envision an old building, traditional hymns and lessons that don’t hold much meaning for today.

Rob Stanley couldn’t see it more differently. In his mind’s-eye is a movie theatre packed full of people excited to be at church. Hard pews are replaced by cushy chairs that recline ever so slightly. The musty scent typical of centuries-old buildings is replaced by a faint buttery smell. And in place of a wooden pulpit, there’s a giant screen with vibrant images flitting across — and surround sound, don’t forget the surround sound…“Churches should take the lead in culture as opposed to follow culture,” said Stanley, 31, one of four pastors at The Village, a non-denominational church affiliated with the Grace Brethren Fellowship of churches.

Stanley said it became clear to him a church was needed in the new area of town and the theatre, which is a sort of gathering place, provided a practical location with a non-threatening atmosphere.

Stanley said he wants people who don’t normally attend church to feel as comfortable as possible. So there’ll be coffee and snacks before the service, and a program for kids. A typical 10 a.m. service might start with a movie clip, and then continue with upbeat music played by their house band — which will include top-40 songs you’d hear on the radio.

“Every Sunday morning we (will) combine music, multimedia elements and down-to-earth teaching from the Bible to present the ancient message of Jesus in a relevant, modern way,” said Stanley…

The first sermon series will be entitled ‘Forgiveness — the Real F Word’, while the second will explore — appropriately — God in the movies.

Stanley and his team aren’t the only ones in town who see the definition of ‘church’ as fluid, changing with the times”. http://www.villagevoice.ca/?p=49

This whole relevancy issue is such a trap and many are diving headlong into this nonsense. Dr. John MacArthur says:

“Ministers who take their cues from USA Today rather than from God's Word will quickly discover the message that seemed so relevant last week is now yesterday's news. Preaching that conceals the unchanging gospel behind the fleeting issues of our time cloaks the very force that makes good preaching truly powerful. After all, it is not our anecdotes, applications, how-to's, jokes, catchy titles, clever outlines, or other contrivances-but the gospel that is "the power of God for salvation" (Rom. 1:16).” (From his book Ashamed of the Gospel as quoted on old truth.com).

He goes on to say:

“Like the modernists a century ago, churches in the user-friendly movement have decided that doctrine is divisive and that peace is more important than sound teaching. Wanting to appeal to a modern age, they try to frame their message as a friendly, agreeable, and relevant dialogue. Unfortunately, it is often the most "relevant" topics that the church can ill afford to agree on. The pet doctrines of our modern age-radicalism, abortion, feminism, homosexuality, and other politically charged moral issues-pose the most obvious problems for user-friendly churches. Their undefined theology and seeker-sensitive philosophy do not permit them to take a firm biblical stance on such matters, because the moment they defy the spirit of the age, they forfeit their marketing appeal. They are therefore forced to keep mum or capitulate. Either way, they compromise the truth.”(Ibid.).

I think one can see the lengths that Catalyst and the Village are going to try and reach out. Compassion and sensitivity for the lost is good and again I am no opponent of having good church but the terms of relevant, and non threatening seem to suggest an affinity with many in the new movements. The entire thrust seems to be a marketed approach to providing an entertainment driven “Church-O-Rama” (http://www.oldtruth.com/blog.cfm/id.2.pid.100) experience for the unsaved. I think the absence of the pulpit and the sermon titles speak volumes. This looks like the epitome of some of the concerns others and I share with the future of our fellowship.

This last item sadly displays the extent of this infiltration into the FGBC. This one through the Driven conferences. Notably, Driven 06 featured Kary Oberbrunner founder of Redeem the Day Ministries and the key note speaker of Driven 06. He actually calls himself an “emergent postmodern lifecoach” so there’s no question where his beliefs are coming from.

Driven 06 theme was “Alert and Oriented” but were they? Do the FGBC leadership really know what peril awaits those who are going to compromise with the emerging church teachings? I can only hope these young people didn’t get warped by these new theorists who have swallowed these doctrines for themselves.

GBIM and GBNAM represented at this young adult conference and while I’m sure there were some good teachings there I fear that the mixture was in full swing as the young people were taught about the “visions” that world leaders like Mandela, Bono, and others have and their resulting social impact. All I can say is that we ought not to be in any kind of participation or collaboration with any who would consider themselves emergent or post modern in their thinking and theology..

What will Driven 07 bring?

Well, according to the Sept./Oct. Issue of FGBC World in an article entitled “DRIVEN06 Addresses Emerging Culture”, Driven 07 will be directed by John Ward of thequest (a Grace Brethren Church in urban Columbus Ohio.) This church has connections to Neil Cole’s Organic Church movement found on the Christian Multiplication Associates WebPages.

Mike Jentes is also quoted in the article and he is on the steering committee for Driven 07. What does this mean? Well he is affiliated with CMA resources as well and one look at their website reveals some very dangerous ties:

“Church Multiplication Associates (CMA) is a growing and emerging family of churches.” http://www.cmaresources.org/about/

“With any new movement-whether it is in the arts, politics, religion or sciences-there must be a place where emerging leaders can exchange their ideas and learn from one another.” http://www.cmaresources.org/features/

CMA’s Emerging resources:

Beyond Church Planting, Pathways for Emerging Churches: Knowing God-Loving Others-Growing the Kingdom by Robert E.Logan and Neil Cole

Price $92.99

(3-ring workbooks manual with 8 cds) http://www.cmaresources.org/resources/allproducts.asp

Links to New Apostolic Reformation:

Acts of the Holy Spirit: A modern commentary on the book of Acts, by C.Peter Wagner

Price $17.99

DAWN Ministries :

http://www.cmaresources.org/features/links.asp

CMA teaches restoration of apostolic office. Their links to C. Peter Wagner and Dawn ministries seems to reveal where they are going with this thing.http://www.cmaresources.org/articles/411_team.asp

Awakening chapels incense burned for postmoderns http://www.cmaresources.org/articles/Sharing_Truth_Relativist.asp

CM A resources seems to pop up in several places among the ministries of the FGBC. An article on CMA is forthcoming but I must urge us to stand against the infiltration of the emerging church and New Apostolic Reformation into our fellowships. Sadly, however, these things are already rooted within us. Who will stand and say “Enough!”

What will Driven 07 bring into the minds and hearts of our youth? With affiliations and participating influences like these, I fear the worst unless something is done.

Conclusion:

As we see an increasing inflow of the emerging influence into the FGBC I believe the time to act is now. Any excuse given concerning ignorance on the part of leaders in this fellowship ought to be discarded for what it is, a lame excuse. Pastors and leaders in the FGBC must get informed and equipped and quick because much ground has already been given and the camel has got its nose under the tent as the old saying goes. What started as a little elaven has begun the entire lump-leavening process.

I believe we are at a crossroads and leaning towards a crisis for the Grace Brethren if these teachings of the CGM, Purpose Driven and Emerging Church continue to be embraced. I believe and exhort with great fervor and heartfelt love all the leadership of CE National, GBNAM, GBIM, the BNYC planners, Driven 07 leaders, Grace College leaders, all who have any part in planning and carrying out future events to please use the discernment God has given you and even if possible any of the info I’ve provided for you on this CD. I Know it was a long listen and perhaps quite tiring but please understand my intention is to inform, equip, and voice my concerns about the obvious dangerous mixture that some are currently introducing and perpetuating within the FGBC.

There are many other cases I could cite, cautions I could give and full documentation can be provided. I trust that you have heard my heart through this short presentation. This is not to even scratch the surface of some of what’s going on but I feel I must tell you as the future of some in the Grace Brethren depends on it. I pray that even one of you will stand with me on this and address those who are endorsing promoting or practicing these things.

What happens if you stand like this? What happens if you point out some of these dangers and get a bit proactive about it? Well get ready. My questioning of some of these things has brought great criticism to my ministry and person in some cases. I have been told flat out that I am dead wrong. I have been called an “elitist’ and an “old testament prophet type who is wrongfully motivated. I have been looked upon as condescending and out of line. Some would consider me in violation of the unity we are supposed to participate in but remember the basis of true unity: “Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ; so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27).

Still others have gotten mad and offended that I would bring these things up or share my concerns about Hybels, Warren and others. I can only imagine some of the response I might get from this recording…“

But the Apostle Paul cared enough about the church to tell the Ephesian elders what was on his heart:

Acts 20:28-31; NASB:

28"Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

29"I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;

30and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.

31"Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears.”

Still others respond with an array of statistics and numbers proving the effectiveness of these new paradigms. It is true many of the churches who utilize the market, unchurched niche audience driven methods have the crowds but we do well to remember first that numbers is not the real gauge of success before God. The numbers just isn’t the deal. Remember these mighty men of God? William Carey was in India for seven years before he baptized his first convert.

David Livingstone served eight years in Africa before seeing anyone converted.

Adoniram Judson in Burma, six years. Hudson Taylor in China, waited ten years!

Bob DeWaay writes:

“By Church Growth standards the greatest failures of all time were Noah and Jeremiah. Noah preached (see 2Peter 2:5) for a hundred years and no one believed him. Jeremiah’s message was totally rejected. Events of history proved him right during his lifetime, but even then those left in Jerusalem still would not listen to him and carried him away to Egypt (Jeremiah 43:1-6). Conversely, Jonah, if judged by Church Growth standards, was a fantastic success. The Bible does not see it that way. From the article “Faulty Premises of the Church Growth Movement” http://cicministry.org/commentary/issue89.htm

God crowns obedience and adherence to His Word above all things. John MacArthur again says:

“That, of course, is what defines true success. Real success is not getting results at any cost. It is not prosperity, power, prominence, popularity, or any of the other worldly notions of success. Real success is doing the will of God regardless of the consequences.” (Excerpted from Ashamed of the Gospel, as quoted on Old truth.com).

C. H. Spurgeon said:

“By all means let us bring true converts into the church, for it is a part of our work to teach them to observe all things whatsoever Christ has commanded them; but still, this is to be done to disciples, and not to mere professors; and if care be not used, we may do more harm than good at this point. To introduce unconverted persons to the church, is to weaken and degrade it; and therefore an apparent gain may be a real loss… "One of the fundamental issues of misunderstanding that leads to corrupt churchmanship in our generation is the failure to distinguish between a crowd and a church.

The failure to distinguish between a crowd and a church is . . . to misunderstand everything about preaching, everything about ministry, everything about our task. If we think our business is to build a crowd, frankly any of us can do it. There's a way to bring and draw and attract a crowd. . . . Let us never mistake a crowd for a church [or] think our business is to draw a crowd." http://www.oldtruth.com/blog.cfm/id.2.pid.221

Well spoken. Yes unbelievers may flock to watch video clips, hear theological stand-up improv comedy or experience a neutral stetting with positive self-esteem messages but will those trappings save them? Will we truly equip believers who should be going outside the church, preaching the true gospel, and bringing the newly saved in? This is the biblical model that many seem to have forgotten as the purpose of the church. Combine this oversight with the incorporation of secular marketing and leadership tenets and we have effectively weakened the church “ the pillar and ground of the truth” according to 1 Tim. 3:15.

The saddest response by far though is the blaring silence I’ve received from many pastors who have read and heard these concerns and said absolutely nothing or agreed with me privately and then cease to stand.

Where are the voices of correction we are commanded to wield? Correct those teaching false doctrine and call them to a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith (1 Tim. 1:3-5).

Why aren’t more pastors and leaders in the FGBC “exposing, marking, and avoiding the false teachers who want in or are already in?

But know this. These concerns are what they are: Concerns heartfelt and deep. I have grown up literally in this fellowship and have called the Grace Brethren home for most of my life even when I was doing mission work with others, I have always had love and support from Grace Brethren folks. I am currently functioning as pastor in Garden City GBC and intend to continue unless the entire fellowship would alter its position and be completely given to these other paradigms. I am of course praying that that won’t happen and this is something that I believe the Lord has laid on my heart to address because I love God, His Word, and His Church. I know that we as a fellowship hold to those convictions as well.

My closing exhortation is to you the listener to consider the concerns that have been raised. Go on the website for the documentation or write me personally so we can talk about these things. If you are currently involved in some of these things, by all means feel free to express your feelings and thoughts on what I’ve shared. If I have no right to be concerned, reach out to me in love and give me reproof after testing what I’ve said by Scripture. And please once again don’t receive any of this as a personal attack as I don’t intend it that way. But these issues need dealt with and good men need to take a stand.

If you are into the teachings and paradigms that I’ve addressed here, please reconsider by taking into account some of what I’ve shared here. I believe that we all should be willing to repent from whatever we are doing that would be unbiblical and, as seen in these areas, dangerous to our fellowships. That may be in order as well as the Lord leads.

I’d like to close with a few relevant scriptures:

"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction." 2Peter 2:1

"Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful" Psalm 1:1.

2 Tim. 4:2 says, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”

Titus 1:9: “holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.”

By sound doctrine to do what? Exhort and convict- those who oppose the word.

Paul tells Timothy “That you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:3). So we are to teach doctrine. In fact John makes the point “Whosoever ... abides not in the doctrine of Christ, has not God” (2 John 1:9).

Where do w e get our doctrine from? 2 Tim 3:16-17

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

Here is what Paul instructed Timothy who he discipled and was appointed as a pastor-“You’re a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of good doctrine which you have carefully followed” (1 Timothy 4:6).

It is doctrine we follow. The Greek words used by Paul for doctrine, didache and didaskalia, these refer to the teaching of Christ as the absolute authority from God as our instruction for our spiritual growth Back to the Bible is what Jesus told the Pharisees, back to the Bible is what the apostles tell the church. “That you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior” (2 Peter 3:2; Jude 1:17).

This is why he instructed the church, “Till I come give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:13). “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:16).

In 2 Timothy we are told to: Hold to sound doctrine (1:13). Teach sound doctrine (2:2). Abide in sound doctrine (3:14). Preach sound doctrine (4:1-2). The reason is because in the last days doctrine will be belittled.

2 Timothy 4:1 -4

I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:

preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.

Rom 12:2 "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." KJV

2 Timothy 1:13-14

Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.

2 Timothy 2:15

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

The supremacy of the Word of god for our ministries is summed up wonderfully in Ps. 119:

"O how I love Your Law! it is my meditation all the day. You through Your Commandments have made me wiser than my enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your Precepts. I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep Your Word. I have not departed from Your Judgments: for You have taught me. How sweet are Your Words unto my taste? yea, sweeter than honey to mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way." (Psalm 119:97-104)

Let’s return to hungering after the bible not the newest fads abd trends associated with these false movements.

Finally, these words from our Lord:

Matt. 24:10-13 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

That’s Good News! Because we will be saved!

Jn. 4:24: God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Jn. 14:21 says: “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

That’s what its all about folks, loving Jesus Christ and being genuine, spiritual worshippers.

Thank you thank you thank you for listening this far. May you grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Who causes us to stand…

A powerful archive for further study: http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/churchgrowth.html

http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/emergingchurch.html

http://www.understandthetimes.org/commentary/c30.shtml

www.lighthousetrailsresearchproject.com

http://www.letusreason.org/curren76.htm

Source: http://www.worldviewweekend.com/secure/cwnetwork/article.php?ArticleID=399

http://www.fromthelighthouse.com/blog/index.php?p=157&more=1&c=1

http://www.oldtruth.com/blog.cfm/id.2.pid.100

http://www.challies.com/archives/002080.php

http://www.letusreason.org/Popteac33.htm

http://www.christianresearchservice.com/KenBlanchard8.htm

http://cicministry.org/commentary/issue89.htm

http://www.fromthelighthouse.com/blog/index.php?p=170&more=1&c=1

http://www.letusreason.org/current78.htm

http://www.letusreason.org/curren76.htm

http://www.letusreason.org/current73.htm

http://www.letusreason.org/current74.htm

http://www.grace.edu/grace/student-development/ccld/catalyst-leadership-conference.htm

http://www.sliceoflaodicea.com/archives/2006/08/bill_hybels_sud.php

http://rock-to-salt.cephasministry.com/global.html

http://www.oldtruth.com/blog.cfm/id.2.pid.230

http://rock-to-salt.cephasministry.com/christian_meditation_vs_centering_prayer.html

http://www.fromthelighthouse.com/blog/index.php?p=179&more=1&c=1

http://www.understandthetimes.org/commentary/c30.shtml

http://www.cephas-library.com/purposedriven/purposedriven_communication_between_j.sundquist_and_aog_k.burtram_and_g.felton.html

http://www.apprising.org/archives/2006/01/rob_bell_fails.html

http://www.oldtruth.com/blog.cfm/id.2.pid.106

http://www.apprising.org/archives/2006/09/the_trinity_of.html

http://www.sliceoflaodicea.com/archives/2006/08/bill_hybels_sud.php

http://cicministry.org/commentary/issue88.htm

http://www.discernment-ministries.org/NLMarchApril_2005.htm

http://www.discernment-ministries.org/NLJulyAugust_2005.htm

http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/warrenquotes.html

http://www.letusreason.org/Popteac23.htm

http://www.fromthelighthouse.com/blog/index.php?p=161&more=1&c=1

http://www.fromthelighthouse.com/blog/index.php?p=136&more=1&c=1

http://www.letusreason.org/Popteac34.htm

http://herescope.blogspot.com/2006/08/divine-convergence.html