It’s great to hear from you! Glad my trip to Europe is about a month away. The effects of the volcanic eruption have been pretty incredible… I hope the ash cloud will dissipate soon and there won’t be any lingering effects.

C.J. has a new set of friends now. I wonder what Terry Virgo thinks about all of this. Yep, “change is here to stay…” in SGM.

Blessings to you.

Excellent post – and question. I can comment on this relationship because I’ve had the interesting position of being a member in both SGM AND Newfrontiers churches! I would agree on the similarities (e.g. complimentarianism etc) – but I can testify that there are marked differences.

Newfrontiers are most definately “more” charismatic than SGM. All the Newfrontiers churches I have been to (and I’ve been to a few!) put real emphasis and value on welcoming the Presence of the Holy Spirit during their churches. There’s a real marked difference between the “prophecy mike” of SGM (i.e. you can bring a word if you pass the elder test) and far more actively welcoming of spiritual gifts in Newfrontiers.

I was a member of the SGM church in Bristol England for 2 years and I heard approximately one spiritual gift brought during those 2 years – and that was from me! As opposed to any Newfrontiers church you go to, you can guarantee you’ll hear “something”.

Terry Virgo and C J Mahaney – a real marked difference between the two men I think. I agree that Terry has a real underlying firmness. I read in Andrew Walker’s book “Restoring the Kingdom” that you quoted – “Terry gets what Terry wants”. I’m sure that’s true! But having met both men myself – Terry exudes warmness, compassion and friendliness and I have watched him leave meeting after meeting and patiently spend time with anyone who comes up to him and speaks with him. C J on the other hand – he struck me as abrupt to the point of rude (very different to his public “humour”) and is usually whisked in and out of meetings by cronies.

I do agree with the point about C J Mahaney being invited over to Newfrontiers conferences. It’s interesting it’s been 2005 since he last came over – and I’m hoping that stays!

Thanks for another great post!

We appreciate your insights! Your explanation of the lessening of charismatic emphasis in SGM sounds very plausible.

Over at SGM Survivors, the SGMers who tend toward charismatic expression have shared their frustration that these changes have been implemented without their even knowing about said changes.

Wow! You certainly have loads of experience with NFI churches. We find it interesting that these two men have a friendship and influence one another. Do you think that this a positive influence?

Since you are currently, at the minimum, a member of SGM, could you tell us if there is an encouragement of diminishing the outward expression of charismatic articulation within SGM? And, if so, why?