Pastor-Centric Bylaws: Coming Soon to a Sovereign Grace or Baptist Church Near You?

Posted on by December 17, 2010avatar

"They(those hurt) experience grief, distress, and dissatisfaction with their former church community, and specifically, its leadership.  As a result, they encounter a personal dilemma regarding the entire concept of Church."  Barbara Orlowski

 

 

 

Today I listened to an old interview with Jimmy Kimmel lambasting the editor of the blog known as Gawker Stalker. Said website publishes up to the minute information on where certain celebrities can be sighted. For example, they might let their readers know that Gwyneth Paltrow is now in a particular theater watching a movie. The issue of privacy came up. The editor of Gawker Stalker made an interesting observation. She said that, in today’s world of blogging, twitter, Facebook, etc., one must assume there is no such thing as privacy. In other words, private citizens along with organizations must assume that what they say and do will increasingly be open to scrutiny. And this strikes fear into the heart of churches who have been carrying on "business as usual" with impunity.
 

Many groups, that claim the title of “Christian,” have made a habit of concealing their actions that, to the outside observers, might appear abusive, weird, or downright unbiblical. In the past, when a member would confront abuses in such a church, the member was excoriated, told they were sinful or gossiping, and even thrown out of the church. I even read an incident on an SGM Survivors’ blog in which bouncers were deployed to prevent a dissenting member from entering church premises. Her crime appeared to be that she disagreed with the Ezzo theory of discipline, which has now fallen into disrepute. (The discipline inflicted on infants in this book was declared medically dangerous by a number of health care professionals.) For a while, the Ezzos were the darlings of the SGM set. In the past, said member would skulk off into the wilderness, never to be heard from again.
 

No more. More and more blogs are hitting the Internet, outlining reported abuses inside of churches. Although one cannot assume that all of these accounts are fully accurate, there are enough incidents being reported to know that a revolution is taking place in Christendom. More and more Christian are screaming “I won’t take it anymore” and churches are beginning to stand up and take notice.
 

The number of reported cases of pedophile abuses in the Roman Catholic Church shocked the world. Some evangelicals smugly pointed fingers at the Catholics and  away from their own equally appalling issues. However, the number of abuses — physical, psychological and spiritual– being documented and reported are producing shock waves, which are reverberating around the broader evangelical community. Michael W. Smith just recorded a song Leave which poignantly portrays the issue of abuse in the church. When it hits the contemporary Christian music scene, one may assume that the issue is now out in the open. Here is his presentation of the song. 

 


 

 

In a few weeks, I will be reviewing an excellent new book entitled Spiritual Abuse Recovery by Barbara Orlowski, which, in my opinion, is ground breaking. She outlines, not only the effects of spiritual abuse, but also discusses spiritual abuse recovery. Based on my read of the first couple of chapters, I can tell that I will highly recommend it to anyone who has ever been hurt by a church.
 

She got much of her information by contact with actual people whose stories were highlighted on blogs that focus on spiritual abuse. The numbers of blogs which deal with this issue startled me and I will be providing a full list of them when I review the book. 12/17 correction: Orlowski used accounts from people that heard about her research through these sites. Not all of these people had their stories highlighted on those blog sites.
 

Early in the book she makes the following observation, which pertains to the today’s post. She quotes Ronald Enroth, a recognized expert on spiritual abuse.

“ Spiritual abuse takes place when leaders to whom people look for guidance and spiritual nurture use their positions of authority to manipulate, control and dominate.” (P.13)

 

She then goes onto make a significant, and what I consider to be, a key point.

“In the context of the contemporary Christian church, a deficient Old Testament leadership style can easily be developed by the fusion of a Mosaic model with that of the Aaronic/Levitical priesthood. The New Testament model of leadership, which was taught and demonstrated by Christ, demonstrates an egalitarian servant leadership model.” (P. 10) 

 

In fact she claims that there is a misunderstanding of even the Old Testament model, alluding to evidence which indicates that a more servant leadership style was practiced. We will explore this more in future posts.
 

 

However, in a previous post I made the contention that the SGM leadership appears to have traded the doctrine of grace in order to live under the Law. I believe that their bylaws could give some strength to my assertion.
 

TWW has received, from what we believe to be a reputable source,  an outline of what is purportedly the bylaws for KingsWay Community Church, along with what appears to be an outline of a membership covenant which is called Relational Commitments. We will hold onto the outline of the membership commitment and will expand on the issues inherent in such documents in posts in the New Year. We hasten to stress that what we have is purportedly the stated pertinent bylaws but we do not have  original documents in our possession.  The following assessment is based on the premise that, if this outline is correct, then we would assess the situation in this manner. In any event, if you should see such wording in any church in which  you are considering membership, you need to proceed with caution.
 

Here is the pertinent excerpt.

“A. The government of this church is vested in its body of Pastors also referred to as Elders. They shall be the directors of the church and shall have full authority to appoint and remove the directors of the church Corporation for purposes of the Virginia Nonstock Corporation Act.

B. The pastors shall be considered the spiritual overseers and chief executive officers of the church and shall direct all of its activities. They shall have general and active management of the business of the church and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the pastors are carried into effect. They shall provide for all the regular services of the church and shall arrange for all special meetings. No person shall be permitted to teach or preach in the church without their approval.

C. The number of pastors or directors shall be determined and appointed by the pastors in conjunction with apostolic men and ministry recognized by the existing pastors.

D. Pastors shall be selected and appointed by the unanimous decision of the pastors in conjunction with apostolic men and ministry recognized by the existing pastors. If no apostolic men and ministry is recognized by the existing pastors, pastors shall be selected by the unanimous decision of the existing pastors. The names of candidates shall be submitted to the congregation for consideration. If any person knows of any reason why the candidate should not serve as a pastor, he shall contact the pastors with such reason.

E. In the case of plurality, one pastor shall be designated as senior pastor – primus inter-pares – and shall be responsible for conducting pastors meetings. His designation as senior pastor shall be by unanimous consent of existing pastors and in conjunction with apostolic men and ministry recognized by the existing pastors.

F. The pastors shall meet together regularly in order to enjoy fellowship and to properly discharge their duties as shepherds”.

 

Although there are some statements in this purported document on the beliefs of SGM that are admirable, I believe that the key to some of the current and previous problems within SGM may lie in the beliefs inherent in the above reported bylaws which deal with the roles of pastors.
 

Here is a list of the salient points.
 

  1. Elders are defined to be the pastors.
  2. Said pastors are the directors. Said pastors have FULL authority to remove and appoint directors of this “corporation.”
  3. Said pastors are the spiritual overseers and CEOs, and direct ALL of its activities.
  4. The pastors shall see that ALL orders and resolutions of the pastors are carried into effect.
  5. The number of pastors shall be determined by the pastors.
  6. The existing pastors hire all the pastors.
  7. They can have input into this process from apostolic men (read CJ Mahaney) recognized, once again, by the pastors. No one teaches or preaches without their permission.
  8. Who appoints the senior pastors? You guessed it: the other pastors and the apostolic dudes.
  9. The pastors get together regularly to enjoy one another.

 

Well, we sure know “who be the bosses” in this scenario. Now, indubitably, they must have some roles for the members-you know, the ones who pay their salaries. You be the judge. The following is a partial list. The ones left out basically say you have to be a Christian to join. Sadly, there is nothing said about the pastors getting together regularly with the members to enjoy them. Wonder why?
 

  • Don’t you go getting any ideas that you have anything to add to the discussion. Preacher boys do not have to listen to you. “Church membership as such conveys no standing, responsibility or authority for governance of the Corporation”.
  • Do what you are told. “A recognition of need for personal pastoral care and leadership and a willingness to be governed by the pastors in their leadership of the church.”
  • Fork over the money. “A willingness to contribute regularly to the financial support of the church according to ability.”
  • Get ready to be “instructed”. Do you think they mean disciplined? “A willingness to undergo a course of instruction as the pastors may determine.”

 

I believe that this structure is a set up for potential spiritual abuse. Everything is in the hands of the pastors who hire, fire and throw people out. If one of the pastors does not march lockstep within this paradigm, he will most likely be fired. (Whoops, I meant degifted.)
 

Several years ago, I confronted a local newspaper about their liberal bias. They claimed that it just wasn’t so. I contended that they couldn’t see it because they hang around with their own little group of journalists who all agree that they are most neutral and mainstream. I said they were guilty of self-talk. They even wrote an editorial about this contention.
 

Here is my opinion.

  • The pastors are guilty of self-talk.
  • Pastors can be terribly sinful just like their flock. The system is setup to protect the pastor from everyone else outside of their little group. 
  • This system is a setup for pastoral insulation, which can lead to arrogance and isolation. This could morph into abuse of those who do not agree with them;
  • It is an “us versus them” scenario, which leads to disunity not unity.
  • The priesthood of the believer is left out in the cold with no ability for significant input.

 

There are some who might contend that this is an “Episcopalian” form of polity. Rubbish. I was a member of an Episcopal church and almost joined an Anglican church. Both of these have a Leadership Council which has the ability to have significant input into the direction of the church. Said council is made up of a broad spectrum of congregational members men AND women who lead or direct various ministries.
 

 

Finally, I found this statement on the blog known as Puritan Board insightful. These guys are reformed and they seem none too pleased with some aspects of SGM. It seems as if certain aspects of SGM’s reputation is getting to be well-known. I believe the following comment clearly outlines the potential for arrogance and control inherent in the SGM system. In my opinion, if these comments are true, then it is time to pack up the babies and head for the hills. Egads!

 

The man, who makes the following statement and who had extensive theological training as outlined in another comment, asked about how he could be considered to become a pastor at SGM.

 

“I asked how long that would take because I just went through all that and I was told that my pride in my past was probably a good indicator that I was not ready for pastoral ministry and I should question not only my call but those who claim I have one. “

 

If this is true, the folks at this SGM church appear to question his pride and everyone else who thought this guy could be a pastor. Such arrogance is breathtakingly astonishing.

 

“IME SGM polity is very hierarchal and very legalistic. CJ is not the pope but his word is pretty close to infallible. The bookstore I thought was great till I started looking for Horton's Amazing Grace. After looking and having the volunteer help the manager came out and said they don't carry Horton…he's not an approved author by CovLife pastors. Not a huge problem but I was warned by a young lady that reading an unapproved author is a sign of pride in me thinking I know more than the men God has appointed to lead us…. I was done and heard all I needed to hear.”

 

In other words, you, an adult, who has received the gift of the Holy Spirit, must kowtow to SGM’s approved list of books. This is demeaning and once again, arrogant. What are these guys afraid of? By the way, it is always guys because women have no say in leadership, effectively eliminating 50% of potential dissension.

 

To assist our readers who are interested in doing their own research into SGM, here is a partial list of blogs that have addressed the concerns about SGM. I found this list at a blog known as New Leaven in a post entilted C J Mahaney Makes It Difficult for Me to Listen to HIm. There were more blogs listed which were functioning at the time of the post. Pretty impressive list, eh? Obviously, one can go to the websites for SGM for their take on all of this. Nuff said…..for now.

"In addition to my blog (New Leaven):

http://www.sgmsurvivors.com/

http://sgmrefuge.com/

http://spiritualtyranny.com/

http://voicegrace.blogspot.com/

 

Post addendum 12/16 8:17 PM: Here is a comment from a reader who goes by Unassimilated. I find the link to be useful and felt it should be highlighted for our readers. 

  1. These by-laws exist because all SGM Churches are owned and operated by CJ and SGM.

    To cry for SGM justice because you are a member by some ecclesiastical qualifications, is no different than crying out for menu changes at McDonalds because you eat there every day.

    http://sdatcert3.resiusa.org/UCC-Charter/ViewDoc.asp?Film=B00363&Folio=0094&Pages=0003&Date=04 01 2002&Ack=1000361986842726&Domain=Charter&ID=D06734453&Name=COVENANT LIFE CHURCH, INC.&source=1

    Cut and paste the link.

    SGM could set up fifteen oversight boards, however, with the way they are all incorporated, there would be no meaningfull ownership, voice, or vote.

    SGM churches DO NOT HAVE MEMBERS in the traditional sence.

    The governing Pastors are the only meaningful, and legal members of their churches.

    Let me put it this way, ever get a membership to a gym? Same thing.
    Pay dues, attend, spend, get healthier if you are dedicated. At the end of the day, and no matter how much time you spend there, not your gym.

    Not saying that it is right or that I agree with it, just the way that it is.

     

 

Lydia's Corner: Exodus 29:1-30:10 Matthew 26:14-46 Psalm 31:19-24 Proverbs 8:14-26

 

 

 

 



 

Comments

Pastor-Centric Bylaws: Coming Soon to a Sovereign Grace or Baptist Church Near You? — 34 Comments


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    KINGSWAY COMMUNITY CHURCH MIDLOTHIAN, VIRGINIA
    CONSTITUTION September 1, 2002
    ARTICLE I. NAME The name of this church is KingsWay Community Church.
    ARTICLE II. PLACE The location of this church is Chesterfield County, Virginia.
    ARTICLE III. PURPOSE A. This church is organized exclusively for religious and charitable purposes.
    B. Specifically, this involves proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, worship, Christian education, fellowship among believers and ministry to the community.
    ARTICLE IV. BELIEFS A. The Bible is our ultimate authority for belief and practice.
    B. The principal beliefs which identify our fellowship are set forth in the Appendix to this document.
    ARTICLE V. MEMBERSHIP
    A. This church acknowledges the New Testament concept of church membership: each person regenerated by the Holy Spirit and responding in repentance and faith toward Jesus Christ is a unique and indispensable part of the organism which is Christ’s body and all such persons are members of the universal body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:2).
    B. KingsWay Community Church, a local expression of the universal body, shall have the following standard for initial and continued membership:
    1. Evidence that an individual has repented from sin and believed in Jesus Christ as Lord and Head of the church. Luke 13:3,5; Acts 2:38; John 3:16,36; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Romans 10:9-13; John 1:12, 13; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22,23.
    2. Evidence of a consistent Christian life or a willingness to live a consistent Christian life. Romans 6:4; Romans 8:1-4; Romans 13:13-14; Ephesians 4:17-32; Ephesians 5:1-2, 15; 1 John 1:6-7.
    3. A practical commitment to the purposes and members of this church. Heb. 10:24; John 13:34, 35; Romans 12:5; Matt. 28:19.
    4. A recognition of need for personal pastoral care and leadership and a willingness to be governed by the pastors in their leadership of the church. Heb. 13:17; I Peter 5:1-4; Acts 20:28-31; Eph. 4:11-12; I Thess. 5:12, 13.
    5. To fully subscribe to the tenets of faith as set forth in the New Testament and expressed in the appendix to this document.
    6. A willingness to contribute regularly to the financial support of the church according to ability. 2 Cor. 8:13-15.
    7. A willingness to undergo a course of instruction as the pastors may determine.
    C. Reception of members:
    1. Persons desiring to become members shall make such desires known to the pastors who shall examine the applicant according to the standards for membership.
    2. The pastors shall render final decision on the reception of a member. All persons
    who shall have met the membership requirements and have been passed on favorably by the pastors shall be received into the church and their names shall be inscribed on the church roster.
    D. No Members for Corporate Purposes. While the church has members determined by ecclesiastical qualifications as provided above, the church Corporation has no members who exercise the rights and powers of members of a corporation under the laws of Virginia. Church membership as such conveys no standing, responsibility or authority for governance of the Corporation.
    ARTICLE VI. GOVERNMENT
    A. The government of this church is vested in its body of Pastors also referred to as Elders. They shall be the directors of the church and shall have full authority to appoint and remove the directors of the church Corporation for purposes of the Virginia Nonstock Corporation Act.
    B. The pastors shall be considered the spiritual overseers and chief executive officers of the church and shall direct all of its activities. They shall have general and active management of the business of the church and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the pastors are carried into effect. They shall provide for all the regular services of the church and shall arrange for all special meetings. No person shall be permitted to teach or preach in the church without their approval.
    C. The number of pastors or directors shall be determined and appointed by the pastors in conjunction with apostolic men and ministry recognized by the existing pastors.
    D. Pastors shall be selected and appointed by the unanimous decision of the pastors in conjunction with apostolic men and ministry recognized by the existing pastors. If no apostolic men and ministry is recognized by the existing pastors, pastors shall be selected by the unanimous decision of the existing pastors. The names of candidates shall be submitted to the congregation for consideration. If any person knows of any reason why the candidate should not serve as a pastor, he shall contact the pastors with such reason.
    E.In the case of plurality, one pastor shall be designated as senior pastor – primus inter-pares – and shall be responsible for conducting pastors meetings. His designation as senior pastor shall be by unanimous consent of existing pastors and in conjunction with apostolic men and ministry recognized by the existing pastors.
    F. The pastors shall meet together regularly in order to enjoy fellowship and to properly discharge their duties as shepherds.
    G. Participation in meeting by telephone. One or more pastors may participate in a meeting of the pastors by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment. Decisions may be made by the pastors via telephone, as if it were a regular meeting.
    H.Discipline of pastors. As accusation shall not be received against a pastor except on the basis of two or three witnesses (I Tim. 5:19). Unscriptural behavior, doctrinal departure from the tenets of faith, or violation of I Tim. 3:1-7 or Titus 1:5-9 would merit accusation. Necessary discipline will be administered by the pastors in accordance with I Tim. 5:20.
    H.Corporate Officers. For purposes of the Virginia Nonstock Corporation Act, the senior pastor of the church shall be the president of the church Corporation. The body of pastors shall also appoint a secretary and treasurer for purposes of the Virginia Nonstock Corporation Act.
    ARTICLE VII. EMPLOYED PASTORS
    The body of Pastors will include elders who receive full-time financial support from the fellowship.
    A. B.
    ARTICLE VIII. FINANCES
    The church’s financial needs will be supported by the tithes and offerings of the congregation.
    A treasurer, appointed by the Pastors, will deposit and disperse the funds of the church and keep accurate records of the same.
    ARTICLE IX. NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
    No part of the income of this church shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members, Pastors, or other private persons, except that the church shall be authorized to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to distribute funds in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article III hereof. No substantial part of the activities of the church shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the church shall not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. This church shall not engage in any activities that are not in furtherance of its stated purposes.
    ARTICLE X. DEDICATION OF ASSETS
    Should this church be dissolved, the Pastors shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all obligations and liabilities of the church, dispose of all of the assets of the church exclusively for the purposes of the church in such manner, or to such organizations organized and operated exclusively for religious and charitable purposes, as the Pastors shall determine.
    APPENDIX A Our Vision
    OUR ULTIMATE PURPOSE: THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS CHRIST
    Our ultimate purpose is to be a body of persons in and through which the Lordship of Jesus Christ is realized. We believe this to be the essence of what it means to be a local expression of the Body of Christ.
    The two primary realities through which the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ is mediated are the Word of God (the Holy Scriptures) and the Spirit of God. We submit to the Word – the written authority over the church – and the Spirit – the guide and dynamic of the church.
    REALITIES AND PRINCIPLES TO WHICH WE ARE COMMITTED
    THE NEW BIRTH:
    We believe that in order to secure salvation, a person must be born again; that is, he or she must have a spiritual birth. Salvation is by God’s grace through faith. A person does not merit it and can in no way achieve it. Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ who bore our sins in His own body on the cross. Christ was our substitute not only in paying the penalty for our sins, but also in accomplishing the death of our old sinful life. All who believe in Christ are justified on the ground of His shed blood. They are thus placed in the position whereby spiritual life is restored to them. The Holy Spirit indwells those who put their faith in Jesus Christ, baptizes them into the Body of Christ, places them into union with the Person of Christ, and seals them unto the day of redemption.
    DISCIPLESHIP:
    We are convinced that discipleship is not an option for the believer. Jesus only calls persons to be His disciples. A disciple is one who has an intimate relationship with his Master, who learns continually from his Master, and who has reproduced in his own life the life and teaching of his Master. Discipleship suggests not only the necessity of the individual believer’s growth, but also the method of learning that makes possible that growth – one to one relationships through which more mature Christians invest their lives in those of newer Christians. Those being discipled in this way will later, in turn, disciple others.
    BODY LIFE:
    We affirm that God’s work in the life of the person who puts his or her faith in Jesus Christ has a corporate dimension. The Christian is placed into the Body of Christ – the body of regenerated persons. Life in this body is a beautiful reality. Each believer is placed into the body as a unique and necessary part. Each is a priest who ministers to the Lord and to the rest of the body. Each is given spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit. These gifts are the equipment for ministry. At the center of the ongoing life of the body are the deepening of personal relationships, teaching, praise, prayer, and ministry to need.
    EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS:
    We believe that the New Testament mission of the church is to make disciples among all nations. Thus, personal evangelism and involvement in world missionary outreach are high priorities for our fellowship.
    CHURCH GOVERNMENT:
    We believe that the church is a Christocracy. The authority of Christ is implemented in a local fellowship through designated spiritual authority, specifically a group of pastors. They must seek the mind of Christ through prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Further, pastors must have a submissive spirit in relation to those over whom they have been placed. The Holy Spirit’s leadership through the Pastors will receive a confirming witness in the spirits of the members of the congregation.
    RELATIONSHIP TO THE REST OF THE BODY OF CHRIST:
    We affirm that the Church of Jesus Christ is one. All persons who have been born again on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ are one in the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we are committed to an affirmation of our oneness with all true believers – in our self-identity, and through initiative toward concrete relationships with diverse members of Christ’s body. We do not want to behave in a way that suggests that Christ is divided.
    CONTINUING SUBMISSION TO THE LORD JESUS:
    We realize that our fellowship will always be in the process of growth. We will not absolutize the forms in which our faith life is expressed at any given point along the way. While we will be firm where the Bible is firm, we will not be dogmatic where the Bible is silent. We will always be ready to re-evaluate our concepts and forms under the authority of the Scriptures and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
    1. The Scriptures
    APPENDIX – PRINCIPLE BELIEFS
    We accept the Bible, including the 39 books of the Old Testament and the 27 books of the New Testament, as the written Word of God. The Bible is an essential and infallible record of God’s self-disclosure to mankind. It leads us to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Being given by God the Scriptures are both fully and verbally inspired by God. Therefore, as originally given, the Bible is free of error in all it teaches. Each book is to be interpreted according to its context and purpose and in reverent obedience to the Lord who speaks through it in living power. All believers are exhorted to study the Scriptures and diligently apply them to their lives. The Scriptures are the authoritative and normative rule and guide of all Christian life, practice, and doctrine. They are totally sufficient and must not be added to, superseded, or changed by later tradition, extra-biblical revelation, or worldly wisdom. Every doctrinal formulation, whether of creed, confession, or theology must be put to the test of the full counsel of God in Holy Scripture. This church shall accept the Holy Scriptures as the revealed will of God, the all-sufficient rule of faith and practice.
    2. God Is Triune
    There is one God: infinite, eternal, almighty, and perfect in holiness, truth, and love. In the unity of the godhead there are three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, co-existent, co-equal, co- eternal. The Father is not the Son and the Son is not the Holy Spirit, yet each is truly Deity. One God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – is the foundation of Christian faith and life.
    3. God the Father
    God the Father is the Creator of heaven and earth. By his word and for his glory, he freely and supernaturally created the world of nothing. Through the same Word he daily sustains all his creatures. He rules over all and is the only Sovereign. His plans and purposes cannot be thwarted. He is faithful to every promise, works all things together for good to those who love him, and in his unfathomable grace gave his Son Jesus Christ for mankind’s redemption. He made man for fellowship with himself, and intended that all creation should live to the praise of his glory.
    4. Jesus Christ
    Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, was the eternal Word made flesh, supernaturally conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary. He was perfect in nature, teaching and obedience. He is fully God and fully man. He was always with God and is God. Through him all things came into being and were created. He was before all things and in him all things hold together by the word of his power. He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation and in him dwells the fullness of the godhead bodily. He is the only Savior for the sins of the world, having shed his blood and died a vicarious death on Calvary’s cross. By his death in our place, he revealed the divine love and upheld divine justice, removing our guilt and
    reconciling us to God. Having redeemed us from sin, the third day he rose bodily from the grave, victorious over death and the powers of darkness and for a period of forty days appeared to over five hundred witnesses, performing many convincing proofs of his resurrection. He ascended into heaven where, at God’s right hand, he intercedes for his people and rules as Lord over all. He is the Head of his body, the Church, and should be adored, loved, served, and obeyed by all.
    5. The Holy Spirit
    The Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life, convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. Through the proclamation of the gospel he persuades men to repent of their sins and confess Jesus as Lord. By the same Spirit a person is led to trust in divine mercy. The Holy Spirit unites believers to Jesus Christ in faith, brings about the new birth, and dwells within the regenerate. The Holy Spirit has come to glorify the Son who in turn came to glorify the Father. He will lead the Church into a right understanding and rich application of the truth of God’s Word. He is to be respected, honored, and worshipped as God the Third Person of the Trinity.
    6. Man
    God made man – male and female – in his own image, as the crown of creation, that man might have fellowship with him. Tempted by Satan, man rebelled against God. Being estranged from his Maker, yet responsible to him, he became subject to divine wrath, inwardly depraved and, apart from a special work of grace, utterly incapable of returning to God. This depravity is radical and pervasive. It extends to his mind, will and affections. Unregenerate man lives under the dominion of sin and Satan. He is at enmity with God, hostile toward God, and hateful of God. Fallen, sinful people, whatever their character or attainments, are lost and without hope apart from salvation in Christ.
    7. The Gospel
    Jesus Christ is the gospel. The good news is revealed in his birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension. Christ’s crucifixion is the heart of the gospel, his resurrection is the power of the gospel, and his ascension is the glory of the gospel. Christ’s death is a substitutionary and propitiatory sacrifice to God for our sins. It satisfies the demands of God’s holy justice and appeases his holy wrath. It also demonstrates his mysterious love and reveals his amazing grace. Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and man. There is no other name by which men must be saved. At the heart of all sound doctrine is the cross of Jesus Christ and the infinite privilege that redeemed sinners have of glorifying God because of what he has accomplished. Therefore, we want all that takes place in our hearts, churches and ministries to proceed from and be related to the cross.
    8. Man’s Response to the Gospel
    Man’s response to the gospel is rooted and grounded in the free and unconditional election of God for his own pleasure and glory. It is also true that the message of the gospel is only effectual to those who genuinely repent of their sins and, by God’s grace, put saving faith in Christ. This gospel of grace is to be sincerely preached to all men in all nations. Biblical repentance is characterized by a changed life, and saving faith is evidenced by kingdom service or works.
    While neither repentance nor works save, unless a person is willing to deny himself, pick up his cross, and follow Christ, he cannot become his disciple.
    9. Man’s Inheritance Through the Gospel
    Salvation, the free gift of God, is provided by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone, for the glory of God alone. Anyone turning from sin in repentance and looking to Christ and his substitutionary death receives the gift of eternal life and is declared righteous by God as a free gift. The righteousness of Christ is imputed to him. He is justified and fully accepted by God. Through Christ’s atonement for sin an individual is reconciled to God as Father and becomes his child. The believer is forgiven the debt of his sin and, via the miracle of regeneration, liberated from the law of sin and death into the freedom of God’s Spirit.
    10. Sanctification
    The Holy Spirit is the active agent in our sanctification and seeks to produce his fruit in us as our minds are renewed and we are conformed to the image of Christ. Though indwelling sin remains a reality, as we are led by the Spirit, we grow in the knowledge of the Lord, freely keeping his commandments and endeavoring to so live in the world that all people may see our good works and glorify our Father who is in heaven. All believers are exhorted to persevere in the faith knowing they will have to give an account to God for their every thought, word and deed. The spiritual disciplines, especially Bible study, prayer, worship and confession, are a vital means of grace in this regard. Nevertheless, the believer’s ultimate confidence to persevere is based in the sure promise of God to preserve his people until the end which is most certain.
    11. Empowered by the Spirit
    In addition to effecting regeneration and sanctification, the Holy Spirit also empowers believers for Christian witness and service. While all genuine believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit at conversion, the New Testament indicates the importance of an ongoing, empowering work of the Spirit subsequent to conversion as well. Being indwelt by the Spirit and being filled with the Spirit are theologically distinct experiences. The Holy Spirit desires to fill each believer continually with increased power for Christian life and witness, and imparts his supernatural gifts for the edification of the Body and for various works of ministry in the world. All the gifts of the Holy Spirit at work in the church of the first-century are available today, are vital for the mission of the church, and are to be earnestly desired and practiced.
    12. The Church
    God by his Word and Spirit creates the Church, calling sinful men out of the whole human race into the fellowship of Christ’s Body. By the same Word and Spirit, he guides and preserves that new redeemed humanity. The Church is not a religious institution or denomination. Rather, the Church universal is made up of those who have become genuine followers of Jesus Christ and have personally appropriated the gospel. The Church exists to worship and glorify God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It also exists to serve him by faithfully doing his will in the earth. This involves a commitment to see the gospel preached and churches planted in all the world for a testimony. The ultimate mission of the Church is the making of disciples through the preaching of the gospel. When God transforms human nature, this then becomes the chief means of
    society’s transformation. Upon conversion, newly redeemed men and women are added to a local church in which they devote themselves to teaching, fellowship, the Lord’s Supper and prayer.
    All members of the Church universal are to be a vital and committed part of a local church. In this context they are called to walk out the New Covenant as the people of God and demonstrate the reality of the kingdom of God. The ascended Christ has given gift ministries to the church (including apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers) for the equipping of Christ’s body that it might mature and grow. Through the gift ministries all members of the Church are to be nurtured and equipped for the work of ministry. Women play a vital role in the life of the church but in keeping with God’s created design, they are not permitted “to teach or to have authority over a man” (1 Tim. 2:11). Leadership in the church is male. In the context of the local church, God’s people receive pastoral care and leadership and the opportunity to employ their God-given gifts in his service in relation to one another and to the world.
    13. Sacraments of the Church
    Water baptism is only intended for the individual who has received the saving benefits of Christ’s atoning work and become his disciple. Therefore, in obedience to Christ’s command and as a testimony to God, the Church, oneself and the world, a believer should be immersed in water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Water baptism is a visual demonstration of a person’s union with Christ in the likeness of his death and resurrection. It signifies that his former way of life has been put to death and vividly depicts a person’s release from the mastery of sin. As with water baptism, the Lord’s Supper is to be observed only by those who have become genuine followers of Christ. This ordinance symbolizes the breaking of Christ’s body and the shedding of his blood on our behalf, and is to be observed repeatedly throughout the Christian life as a sign of continued participation in the atoning benefits of Christ’s death. As we partake of the Lord’s Supper with an attitude of faith and self-examination, we remember and proclaim the death of Christ, receive spiritual nourishment for our souls, and signify our unity with other members of Christ’s body.
    14. The Consummation
    The Consummation of all things includes the visible, personal and glorious return of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the dead and the translation of those alive in Christ, the judgment of the just and the unjust, and the fulfillment of Christ’s kingdom in the new heavens and the new earth. In the Consummation, Satan with his hosts and all those outside Christ are finally separated from the benevolent presence of God, enduring eternal punishment, but the righteous, in glorious bodies, shall live and reign with him forever. Married to Christ as his Bride, the Church will be in the presence of God forever, serving him and giving him unending praise and glory. Then shall the eager expectation of creation be fulfilled and the whole earth shall proclaim the glory of God who makes all things new.


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    Yikes, when the Puritan Board has problems with SGM, it is more something.

    “n fact she claims that there is a misunderstanding of even the Old Testament model, alluding to evidence that indicates that a more servant leadership style was practiced. We will explore this more in future posts”

    Interesting. This is something I think many miss who love to teach out of the OT without ever mentioning Christ. Just a read of the Prophets tells us that those in charge in Israel had serious sin problems. And never mind what the prophets had to endure. Just look at what Isaiah had to do. Jeremiah? If they want to teach the national structure of Israel, a nation state theocracy, as the norm for AFTER the Cross, they had best be ready to live like the prophets of the OT, or at least give up their property as the Levites Priests were not allowed to own.


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    Lydia, not sure what you meant by the yikes about PuritanBoard having the problem. I wasn’t surprised at all, except perhaps surprised that the word had gotten there since it tends to be fairly focused on people from the approved confessing denominations.


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    Watcher

    I consider this to be a major point in favor of Puritan Board. They seem to be willing to expose one their own. This is not the norm in today’s “protect one another” climate. I bet that is what startled Lydia. It sure surprised me.


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    The few threads I’ve seen on PuritanBoard (which I have a mixed opinion about, which makes sense given that it is comprised of many, many people) on SGM show that they don’t consider it to be “one of their own.” SGM does not hold to Westminster, the Three Forms of Unity, or London Baptist, and PuritanBoard is pretty adamant about defining Reformed by the confessions.

    But in general I’d say that PuritanBoard is pretty good about being fairly balanced on many areas (maybe not some issues dear to some here). I like that about them.


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    Watcher

    Anyone who stands up to Mahaney and gang gets a “A” from me. I may not always agree with them but they have exhibited some integrity-something that is in short supply in these days of rock star preachers.


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    These by-laws exist because all SGM Churches are owned and operated by CJ and SGM.

    To cry for SGM justice because you are a member by some ecclesiastical qualifications, is no different than crying out for menu changes at McDonalds because you eat there every day.

    http://sdatcert3.resiusa.org/UCC-Charter/ViewDoc.asp?Film=B 00363&Folio=0094&Pages=0003&Date=04 01 2002&Ack=1000361986842726&Domain=Charter&ID=D06734453&Name=COVENANT LIFE CHURCH, INC.&source=1

    Cut and paste the link.

    SGM could set up fifteen oversight boards, however, with the way they are all incorporated, there would be no meaningfull ownership, voice, or vote.

    SGM churches DO NOT HAVE MEMBERS in the traditional sence.

    The governing Pastors are the only meaningful, and legal members of their churches.

    Let me put it this way, ever get a membership to a gym? Same thing.
    Pay dues, attend, spend, get healthier if you are dedicated. At the end of the day, and no matter how much time you spend there, not your gym.

    Not saying that it is right or that I agree with it, just the way that it is.


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    Deb and Unassimilated

    I have copied and pasted unassimilated comments into today’s post as an addendum. i felt that it gave relevant and helpful information. I hope other SGMers will chime in.


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    Here’s what I’m waiting to see, hope I don’t give em any ideas…you know about NanySoft? It’s a software package, that parents can install on their computers which automatically block access to “off limits” sites.

    I am waiting for SGM to come up with one, required for all members to use, maybe called SovereignWeb, or or SGW or CJPageOK or ..well whatever. But something which uses a centralized list of no-no websites and blogs which C.J. and other leaders can update at will and which all members in good standing must agree to use … I’m sure someone could whip up a prophetic word or two to help it along.


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    Check this out:

    http://news.sbts.edu/2010/04/13/david-prince-and-jeremy-haskins-on-how-to-implement-and-sustain-change-in-a-local-church-without-blowing-it-up/

    If Haskins has a deacon, or other key leader in the church, come to him and complain about Pastor Prince, what does he do? How does he flesh out his loyalty?

    “I act like he just used profanity. I treat it with that sense of weight,” Haskins said. “The attitude of grumbling is an attitude that you have to squash immediately.”

    Haskins said he would ask the deacon if his concern was doctrinal or moral in nature and if not, he would then challenge him to change his attitude immediately.

    “If his complaint is not on the level of pastor Prince acting unbiblically, then the deacon and I don’t even need to talk,” Haskins said. “I would say, ‘Not only do we not need to talk about it, you don’t need to repeat what you just said to anyone. This is sin and it has to stop. And I’m going to hold you accountable to that. I’m going to come back to you and ask you how you are doing in dealing with that.’”

    There is some really good advice in that series, however I’m surprised that section of that article was even published. Most people would see that as bullying. It could be that a person complaining about a pastor’s actions is sowing discord, or it could be they’re just curious and need to talk about it, or it could be they don’t have the nerve to ask the pastor directly. Bottom line is people have the right to talk. There’s a better way of doing it than telling the guy he’s in sin and he’ll be hounded for it.


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    R,

    Just as I suspected… Ashland Avenue Baptist Church has come under the influence of Mahaney & Co. David Prince and Jeremy Haskins have the men in their church reading books by C.J. Mahaney and Dave Harvey.

    http://www.ashlandbaptistchurch.org/aabc/ministries/mens-ministry/mens-ministry-events/

    “Monday Morning Prayer Beginning at 6:30 and ending promptly at 7:30 the men of Ashland gather at the church to study and seek the Lord in prayer. Recent book studies include: Humility: True Greatness by CJ Mahaney; The Autobiography of George Muller, Manly Dominion…in a Passive-Purple-Four- Ball World by Mark Chanski; and When Sinners Say “I Do” by Dave Harvey.”


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    I somehow doubt Rev. Haskins used to be committed to the Baptist principle of dissent until he C.J. Mahaney’s book. Birds of a feather.


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    Unassimilated hit the nail on the head. A SGM church is like joining a gym.

    Let’s take a step further. Why is a gym established? It is to make money. If a gym cannot get enough members to pay the bills and to buy all that fancy stuff and pay all that staff, it will go out of business. And when it goes out of business, all the dues you paid and even those you paid in advance, go down the tubes.

    I have heard people say, in regards to all that is happening with Gene Emerson at KingsWay, that if the church felt that Gene was doing wrong then they would just remove him. I was appalled at how naive this statement was. The congregation at KingsWay has absolutely NO power. They cannot demand any change of any kind. They attempted to do that and it was shut down at the August family meeting and Dave Harvey rode into town to further “squash the rebellion” and rebuke any attempt at congregationalism.

    So since people realized that membership at KingsWay was like a gym membership, they did just like they would if they were members of a bad gym; they left….well half of them over the past year have left.


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    Free from KWCC said:

    “I have heard people say, in regards to all that is happening with Gene Emerson at KingsWay, that if the church felt that Gene was doing wrong then they would just remove him. I was appalled at how naive this statement was. The congregation at KingsWay has absolutely NO power. They cannot demand any change of any kind. They attempted to do that and it was shut down at the August family meeting and Dave Harvey rode into town to further “squash the rebellion” and rebuke any attempt at congregationalism.”

    What is even worse is that Gene Emerson ,being the Sr. Pastor of Kingsway, is basically heading up the group that decides whether he stays or goes. If nothing else, Emerson should recuse himself from the group and the decision but that hasn’t happened that I am aware of. “Recusing” would mean that he wouldn’t be involved in the decision making and voting of whether he should remain or stay.

    Imagine how hard it would be for others on the group deciding Emerson’s fate to even suggest that Gene Emerson should step down etc. Unless one of the others was sure that he would be successful in removing Gene Emerson then doing so would be “suicidal” to push or suggest this. That is if one of the other elder/pastors suggested that Gene needed to step down, Gene Emerson could as Sr. Pastor retaliate against the pastor who makes this situation. This could cost the pastor suggesting Gene step down his job etc.

    The only way Gene Emerson could really be removed, was for the other pastors/elders to agree or at least a majority agree for his removal. Thus with this type of situation, it is hard to believe the right thing could be done.

    It is good that a number of people are at least leaving and thus income for Kingsway is declining. That might be one of the only things that gets the leaders’ attention.


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    Back to the article I quoted above:

    Where does an associate pastor get off thinking he can speak to an elected deacon of a Baptist church in that manner? If I were a deacon and a church staff member spoke that way to me, he’d find himself in a special called business meeting to discuss his future employment with the church. And all the talk of “privilige” serves to train people not to realize the congregation has a right to vote on how money is spent.

    I couldn’t believe a Baptist seminary would publish an article like that ,and more increbibly do it in a series giving advice to young pastors on how not to destroy their first church. A new seminary grad who acts like that in your average Baptist church will either get himself fired or split the church in short order.

    Now back to SGM… in that scenario, the Sr. Pastor presumably appoints all the other pastors at startup, so the deck is stacked in his favor from the beginning. Also, any time a church loses their head pastor there is a significant chance that a lot of people will leave and the budget will be cut. These men would likely be voting some of their number out of a job as collateral damage even if they were inclined to vote out the senior pastor. All in all, extremely unlikely to happen.


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    R wrote, “Where does an associate pastor get off thinking he can speak to an elected deacon of a Baptist church in that manner?”

    My first thought is, “Where does an associate pastor get off thinking he can speak to any human being in that manner?” Don’t these guys fear God? Don’t they know that speaking to a child of God that way is about the same as poking God in the eye? (We are the apple of His eye, after all. Man, I love that verse.) Heaven knows I’ve gone around, ignorantly poking God in the eye many a time. It is horrifying to know that more than one person let this one “teaching” pass them by and be published without calling “Foul!”.

    Scary, really.


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    Stunned

    I think there will be many surprises in heaven. Today’s leaders may find that they are the servants of others in the next life. One either learns to be a servant leader now or be a servant in the next life.

    I have a feeling that Lydia might even say that a few of these leaders may not be easily found in the next life.


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    There are a variety of polity arrangements in the Christian faith and one of them is to vest legal authority in the Board of Directors, who may be called Pastors, Elders, Bishops etc. Lots of mainstream Christian churches do this.

    Likewise, the fact that females are not considered Pastors, Elders, Bishops etc. is not really controversial. The vast majority of Chirstians around the world have operated this way since the founding of the church (which operated this way – 12 male disciples etc.).

    But there is something about the way some of these bylaws read that makes me uncomfortable.

    Also, if I understand this correctly, only the professional staff (senior Pastors, associate pastors etc.) are directors. Are there no lay people on the board?

    I believe it is more healthy to have as many lay people as directors as possible, with Senior Pastor membership, but no other staff. How in the world can the church manage the staff, if the staff members are directors? And how can the senior Pastor manage the staff if they are elders, just as he is?

    I saw no room for congregational involvement at all. It’s one thing to have the legal powers vested in a board, but there doesn’t seem to be any provision for congregational input.

    Of course, many Baptist churches use a straight democratic, one man, one vote process. But what’s interesting is that even in those places where there is a charismatic pastor, you can see just as much control as you can see in these places. It would not surprise me a bit to hear that Jim Jones and the Peoples’ Tabernacle (or whatever they were called) had the congregation voting on everything they did. But the pastor was manipulating people. They did not need formal legal control.

    The bottom line is that no one should attend a church where the leadership process is secretive and abusive (regardless of its polity).


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    stunned,

    Yes, it’s offensive to speak to anyone like that. I guess it’s even more outrageous to me in that modern Baptist churches, deacons basically function as elders. Deacons are elected leaders and it is their job to question how money is spent. Remember in Acts where the apostles asked for deacons to be appointed to oversee the church, so that the pastors could devote time to the Word? The deacon is doing his job by asking questions how the church is run. For the pastor to act like that is a de facto usurpation of authority and the only proper way to respond to that his to censure or fire him.


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    “Likewise, the fact that females are not considered Pastors, Elders, Bishops etc. is not really controversial. The vast majority of Chirstians around the world have operated this way since the founding of the church (which operated this way – 12 male disciples etc.).”

    Appealing to church history is always interesting since it has been a bloody evil mess since it was legalized around 300 AD. Of course church history condoned slavery, the sacraments, church state and God as War Shield. Right…we should appeal to church history? No thanks.

    The 12 mapped to the 12 tribes and lest we forget, Judas was one. Not to mention there were no Gentiles nor slaves as the 12. Wonder why?

    Of course the qualifications for elder also leave us with the impression that single men do not qualify. But the Greek says “tis”. That is important to remember.

    “Also, if I understand this correctly, only the professional staff (senior Pastors, associate pastors etc.) are directors. Are there no lay people on the board?”

    Wrong premise. There is NO laity in the New Covenant. All believers are “priests” with differing spiritual gifts. The functions in the Body are NOT static.

    “I believe it is more healthy to have as many lay people as directors as possible, with Senior Pastor membership, but no other staff. How in the world can the church manage the staff, if the staff members are directors? And how can the senior Pastor manage the staff if they are elders, just as he is?”

    Managing people is like herding cats. Within the Body the Holy Spirit leads because believers are to have the indwelling Holy Spirit. Elders are simply the spiritually mature. Again, it is NOT a static function.


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    Lydia
    I was hoping you would respond. You got all of the points that I planned to make, save one. Jesus was traveling amongst the Jews at that time. To have a woman in his band of close disciples would open Him up to criticism. He was already making waves by talking to women such as the woman at that well.

    Scripture makes it perfectly clear that in Christ there is no man or woman or free man or slave but we are all one. Interestingly, it was the women who were drawn to the faith in the early days. In fact, if I remember my history correctly, one of the criticisms of the faith was it attracted women, slaves, and the poor. Why?


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    “Laity” derives from the Greek word for “people.” I’m not bothered by the term. I’m more bothered by pastors who think ordination transubstantiates them into a different class of people who cannot be criticized or held accountable by “lesser” beings.


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    R, What is interesting is that believers are specifically referred to as the priesthood in NT scripture. So while the term laity may not bother us, words have meanings and when we use it, we are describing a group of people who are not in the “priesthood” when they should be described as such.

    If more understood they are in the priesthood, it would change Christendom for the better.

    Dee, it was a scandal to travel with women such as we see done in the NT. What is even more scandalous is that we know Joanna was married and traveling around with Jesus while her husband worked for Herod. She was even supporting Jesus out of her own resources. A far cry from what Patriarchy teaches as “roles” for married women.


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    Lydia,

    Agreed. All Christians belong to the priesthood. Non-christians also belong to a priesthood. If more people understood this, we would all be better off.

    R


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    Just for clarity, I was told not to share my parenting views with others and was dismembered from Covenant Fullofit (um, er fellowship) because the pastors, by their own admission, didn’t want a dissenting voice within their church.

    I never had church bouncers, um, er…ushers block me from church over the Ezzo issue although I *did* have them shut the doors at the tick of 10 O’clock and enforced a short-lived policy of barring late-comers until the end of the first worship song. This was in spite of the fact that I was on time according to the local all news all the time radio station and the fact that I had a baby the previous Friday.


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    DB,

    If I haven’t told you before, I am very proud of you for how you stood up to the Ezzo teaching at your former SGM church. Would you consider writing a guest post about your experience sometime (even though it happened a while ago)? The reason I suggest this is because my daughter, who is a college student, attends The Summit where J.D. Greear is lead pastor. He recommends various books on his blog.

    http://www.jdgreear.com/recommended-reading

    Under the heading “Children: The Philosophy of Parenting” Greear lists Ezzo’s book entitled “On Becoming Babywise: Giving Your Infant the Gift of Nightime Sleep”. I am shocked that he would recommend ANYTHING written by Ezzo, particularly since John MacArthur made a public pronouncement against Ezzo and his teaching.

    http://www.ezzo.info/GCC/macarthur.htm

    There are quite a few college students in our area that attend The Summit. I worshipped there once fairly recently and was surprised that 60 to 70 percent of those in attendance were female (and I believe I’m being conservative in that estimate).

    I believe a blog post about your horrible experience with Ezzo’s philosophy on parenting would be very beneficial. Please let me know if you’d consider it.

    Blessings to you and your family.


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    Would you like a narrative about what happened to us or an essay with me opining about the various dangers of Ezzo’s methods; not quite sure which emphasis you have in mind. I have also started an analysis of Brent D.’s recommendations for young men (and women) with respect to college. I could write about hyper sheltering and micromanaging older kids.

    I really don’t understand their philosophy of pushing independence in infants and forcing dependence on emerging adults.


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    DB,

    I can envision a two or three part series. In the first installment, you could tell what happened. In the second one, you could explain why Ezzo’s teaching is harmful (underweight babies, potential death, etc. not to mention the negative behavioral aspects), and in the third installment you could provide your own parenting advice. Who knows, Dee and I might chime in with our own expertise, too. Our children are now grown and appear to have turned out very well, praise God!


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    I’ll have a little something for you by the end of the day.


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    DB

    You have a good sense of humor. I laughed over you description of shutting the door at a particular time. Frankly, some of these churches are just plain NUTS and they think they are “so serious and godly.”


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    Dee,

    I can’t remember the door quip, sorry.

    My kiddos are pretty nearly grown as well and, although there always seem to be bumps in the road, they’re turning out well as well.

    I will spare you the tedious bragging unless I’m *asked* and then all bets are off.


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    DB,

    Take your time on writing your story because we already have topics for the next few weeks. We really appreciate your willingness to share what must have been an excruciatingly painful experience. I noticed that you have been edited out of Wikipedia’s SGM article. All the more reason why it’s important for you to share your testimony in a forum like TWW.

    When you’re ready to share it, please e-mail it to Dee. Thanks!


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    DB

    Ahhhh, the old” edit it out of Wikipedia trick”-shoulda seen it coming. Doesn’t the leadership at SGM know that there is such a thing as the BLOGOSPHERE? Dang, some people are sooooo stupid. Don’t they know that this breeds controversy and controversy breeds questioning and questioning can lead to all sorts of problems like people leaving churches? Whoever did this should consult us-their approach is ill-advised.


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    Dee,

    Have you read the latest version of the Wikipedia article on “Sovereign Grace Ministries”? In case you haven’t there is a text box at the top that includes these words: “The neutrality of this article is disputed.” You can also link to a talk page which highlights the issues that are under dispute.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Sovereign_Grace_Ministries

    You’ll be very interested in the following excerpt taken from the talk page:

    “For example, the latest blog post, “Show Me The Money”. SGM Survivors. http://www.sgmsurvivors.com/?p=1455. Retrieved 2010-02-24. , though an interesting personal interpretation, does not seem to me the sort of link providing helpful information suitable to a wiki article. But that’s just me. Any thoughts on this? As I’ve said before, I don’t contest blogs critical of SGM being linked, but blogs that are the location for personal interpretations strike me as not being the sort of vision Wiki has for it’s articles. Thoughts on this? Am I off?”

    Yes, the post over at SGM Survivors called “Show Me The Money” is a reprint of our eye-opening article titled “$$$ The Mahaney Money Machine $$$”

    http://thewartburgwatch.com/2010/02/05/the-mahaney-money-machine/

    Gotta love those DOLLAR SIGN$ !!!