“It is my view that the #1 problem in the evangelical church does not revolve around gender issues, nor financial issues, nor doctrinal issues. The #1 problem in the evangelical church revolves around the desire of evangelical men to grab hold of spiritual authority in the church. Jesus Christ said the pagans “bestow titles and give positions of authority,” but He said to His followers “it shall not be so among you!” (Mark 10:43). Anywhere there is an attempt to grab authority and positions of spiritual power, or hold on to authority and positions of power (re-electing boards of elders by elders choosing elders) then you are in a church where Ichabod may be written across threshold. Nowhere in the New Testament does it say that a Christian, because of title or position, has moral authority over another Christian.”
Burleson, Wade. Fraudulent Authority: Pastors Who Seek to Rule Over Others. Istoria Ministries. Kindle Edition.
In the video below, Paige Patterson, at the time President of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, washes the feet of Anthony Moore. (Thomas White can be seen seated on the left side of the video.) Anthony Moore was not chosen to be the recipient of this publicity stunt by accident. Paige Patterson had a special place in his heart for the handsome young man. He gave the Baptist version of a Charismatic “prophecy” over Moore.
Anthony later attended Mark Dever’s interim program and like Patterson, Dever also took a liking to Moore. After his internship, Dever did all he could to promote Moore on the national scene
Moore was an up-and-coming Conference superstar. Look at all the celebrities from the “men are better than women club” that endorsed him!
But Anthony’s climb to superstar status among the Christian Celebrities was suddenly derailed. Moore was the lead pastor of the Fort Worth campus of the Village Church. He was busted for taking numerous secret videos of his assistant pastor as he showered at Anthony’s home after working up a sweat playing hoops with Anthony. Matt Chandler, the head man at The Village Church, had no choice but to fire Moore.
Not to worry, Moore put in a call to Thomas White, President of Cedarville University. White and Moore were good buddies from their days at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. White was a Dean at the seminary while Moore was pursuing his theological education. White and Moore played on an Intermural basketball team and White also hired Moore to work at the athletic complex. White chose to give his buddy a job, even though he was thoroughly briefed by leaders of The Village Church of Moore’s crimes.
This is where I got involved in the story. I received a tip from an individual who told me what had happened at The Village Church and wondered how Moore could obtain a job at a Christian University after being fired at The Village Church.
“Great question,” I answered. And I began looking into the story. Eventually White got enough heat that he was forced to take leave while the matter was looked into. He ended up throwing his buddy Anthony under the bus to save his fanny, and the worst part was that White lied about what he knew. Take a look at the video below:
“White said that he decided to fire Moore after receiving a telephone call on April 22, learning new information on what had happened in 2017 at the Fort Worth church. In January 2017, Moore was removed from the staff The Village Church because of “grievous, immoral actions against an adult church member,” according to a statement the Fort Worth church released this week. “We promptly communicated his dismissal the following Sunday to our entire church body at all services, stating publicly and clearly that he was unfit for ministry of any kind,” Fort Worth church officials said in the statement. Fort Worth church officials did not share personal details of the incident with the church members. “We did thoroughly inform Cedarville University about all of the known details of Anthony’s offense and reiterated clearly that we did not believe he was fit for ministry of any kind,” according to the statement. Just days later in January 2017, Moore called White. “When I answered the call, I knew immediately from the tone of his voice that the purpose of the call was not a joyful one,” White said in his April 24 blog. “He told me he had wronged another person in a morally serious way using video and technology.” Months later, Moore was hired at Cedarville University.”
After Thomas White threw his good buddy under the bus, Moore sold his home in Cedarville, packed up his possessions, and he and his family moved to Springfield, MO. From there he went off the radar. Great, I thought, maybe the guy is going to work a normal job, get some help, and stay out of the ministry. But I guess it’s hard for a guy who is used to being in the limelight to drop the mic and permanently stay clear of the pulpit.
I do not know about Anthony Moore’s spiritual health. Perhaps he has turned his life around. I hope so. But last week I received a tip that Anthony Moore has been preaching at the Redeemer Church of Springfield:
The video below is of Rudy Garza, a guest preacher at Redeemer Church. Garza pastors Calvary Familia, a church in Denver that Redeemer Church planted. Brandon Stiko went to Denver, Colorado to help plant the church through the North American Mission Board, where he served as the Pastor of Spiritual Development and Care until moving back home to Springfield in 2020. Garza mentions his friends Greg, Brandon, and Anthony, whom he met at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Dallas, TX. Greg Gaumer is the Lead Pastor/Elder of Redeemer Church, Brandon Stiko is a Pastor/Elder at Redeemer, and Anthony Moore is a member of Redeemer who has preached at the church on at least four occasions. (My guess is that Moore will soon be an Elder.) So it appears that once again Anthony Moore is attempting to resurrect his preaching career with a little help from friends made while at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Below is a short history of Greg Gaumer, the Lead Pastor/Elder at the Redeemer Church. Of interest to me is the fact that LifePoint Church in Ozark, MO is listed in the 9Marks church directory. Gaumer’s church is not, but it looks like their membership requirements are similar to what 9Marks pushes. Also note that Gaumer says they were actively involved in CityView Church in Dallas, an Acts 29 church. Personally, I would steer clear of any 9Marks or Acts 29 church. Maybe just stay clear of any church affiliated with an organization that has a number “9” in their name!
Below is a video of Christina and Blaise Foret. They have published numerous excellent videos concerning the Mike Bickle/IHOP sexual abuse scandal on their podcast “Wake Up and Win.” I agree with their comment that pastors who sexually abuse someone or commit adultery should be permanently disqualified from the ministry. I loved it when Blaise said “get a job!”
Great post, Todd. One more guy joins the “fallen pastor conga line.”
“Tony, are you Queer?”
— Channeling Josie Cotton here
Unspecified “immoral actions(TM)”… With a Live Boy or a Dead Woman?
All the preds say one to another:
“Pred unto pred o’er the world is Brother…”
Lather, Rinse, Repeat,
Lather, Rinse, Repeat,
Lather, Rinse, Repeat,
Lather, Rinse, Repeat…
Thank you for this post! Those of us in the region think of Springfield as a great big stew pot of nuttiness when it comes to the churches. But if you lose some toes some there apparently think they can get you new ones to grow!
Admittedly I’m far too cynical.
These losers have to stay in “ministry”, where there is no accountability and proximity to adulation and microphones. In the real world, where accountability, oversight and adherence to standards reign, they do not stand a chance and they know it. So, they build their own hive of inter relations that keeps the real world at bay. Most Christians would do well to run from these “church leaders” and a great many are.
Why is Moore still working at churches??!
Why didn’t he go to jail? What he did was a criminal offense.
He’s simply been set loose to offend again?
This is crazy making.
“It is my view that the #1 problem in the evangelical church does not revolve around gender issues, nor financial issues, nor doctrinal issues. The #1 problem in the evangelical church revolves around the desire of evangelical men to grab hold of spiritual authority in the church.”
Unfortunately, this is clearly a true statement….
One small correction – It is “Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary”, not “Southwestern Dallas Theological Seminary”. Southwestern BTS is in nearby Fort Worth, TX. Dallas Theological Seminary is not the same outfit as SW BTS.
Honest question: are there so few pastors that churches have to draw from the unsavory pool of he-men who have not sinned, but done “morally objectional things” or what is the other one, oh yes, “made mistakes” because there MIGHT still be an anointing on their life? I agree with the couple: get a job! You know, like regular folks. Surely you can find someone at your job to preach too. I believe that is what it means in 1 Peter 5:3 when shepherds/pastors are told to be examples to the flock. Leave and show that Christ can redeem you in a new line of work.
Juan,
Thanks for the correction, Juan. I will make the correction.
In about six months we will probably hear again about Anthony Moore, and I doubt it will be good.
There was a police report filed by the victim in 2018. I can’t remember the reason it was never acted on. But yes, what Moore did was a criminal action.
In the meantime, Mr. Moore is probably getting standing ovations in Springfield MO.
I repeat … the American church is a mess!!
“pastors who sexually abuse someone or commit adultery should be permanently disqualified from the ministry”
The 1st century church would have shouted “AMEN!” The 21st century church says “Now, wait a minute” … then proceeds to restore to the pulpit, rather than disqualify. It’s the darnedest thing I’ve ever seen.
Bridget,
Great and excellent question!
How did Moore avoid the hoosegow?
Any regular Joe would be in there (hoosegow) right now.
“Personally, I would steer clear of any 9Marks or Acts 29 church.”
“Personally, I would steer clear of any 9Marks or Acts 29 church.”
“Personally, I would steer clear of any 9Marks or Acts 29 church.”
Just thought Dee’s warning was worth repeating a few times.
actually, that was Todd’s warning about Acts29 & 9Marks … but I’m sure Dee would agree with that trumpet
Max,
Muff Potter,
Well, Moore got his doctorate at SWTS, where he was Patterson’s teacher’s pet. And, (I went to the SBC website), Redeemer is listed as an SBC church, …. plus the Driscoll/Chandler Acts 29 frosting on the cake…….
Soooooooo, why should any of this news surprise us?
Argh. My brother is having a toe removed on Saturday (maybe sooner) due to infection/gangrene. Ironically, he got a blister while he was walking for exercise, it didn’t heal and, well, here we are. If you could keep him in your prayers.Thanks!
Namcy2(aka Kevlar),
Yeah, think about it. Mr. Moore’s mentors and ministry examples were Paige Patterson, Matt Chandler, and Thomas White. Whew!
Max,
Yea, that thought crossed my mind…..
Muslin fka Dee Holmes,
Praying for your brother. Hope he recovers fast and well.
dee,
And the “God has forgiven me, so show grace by restoring me to a position of power” conga line.
Tom Rubino,
King David, you know. There’s no such thing as a sin bad enough to remove a leader from his position permanently.
The pastor gig.
But nothing to do with the pastor gift of the Holy Spirit.
These fake cult of personality “pastors” in no way acknowledge the other gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as DISCERNMENT, Rom 12, 1 Cor 12, Eph 4.
18 gifts. The church takes 18 gifts, not just 1 self-appointed “pastor” to function as church, the Body of Christ.
IMHO, this is the repeat lesson of TWW, and the major flaw in the church today.
It takes, not a village, but 18 gifts. Rom 12, 1 Cor 12, Eph 4.
DISCERNMENT is one.
Worth repeating.
Jeffrey J Chalmers,
Unfortunately for too many, that it not all they want to grab.
Just please don’t preach to this Uber driver.
The New Calvinist dudebros take care of each other until a potato becomes too hot to handle. Then it becomes “Driscoll who?” … “Mahaney who?” … “MacDonald who?” … “Anthony Moore who?” … etc.
Exactly, that was always the divine plan for ‘the’ Church. Unfortunately, finding a church like that is like looking for a needle in a haystack, a rare & endangered species, a precious treasure buried in a field.
Don’t you get tired of folks always dragging David into their mess?! David was in the military, not the ministry! When a man is called by God into ministry, he’s supposed to keep his pants on … when he doesn’t, he is permanently disqualified from the sacred office of pastor, IMO. You will find no example in the New Testament of a pastor who fell morally being restored to the pulpit.
Muslin fka Dee Holmes,
So sorry to hear about your brother. Praying and hoping that all goes well with his surgery.
“TOUCH NOT MINE ANOINTED!!!”
One Hand Washes the Other
And PERV UNTO PERV O’ER THE WORLD IS BROTHER…
Which is a kicker, because years ago “It’s a Ministry” meant “Must Provide Own Support”.
Muslin fka Dee Holmes,
I hope and pray that your brother heals quickly, and that he is able to adapt well, both physically and emotionally.
These losers have to stay in “ministry”, where there is no accountability and proximity to adulation and microphones. In the real world, where accountability, oversight and adherence to standards reign, they do not stand a chance and they know it.
Believer,
Besides that, with an MDiv or DTh, they’re not even qualified to be a shift manager at Burger King or a line tech at a factory! The poor babies would have to do manual labor for minimum wage, or have some friends in the secular world who owe them some favors….. friends who are willing to put their jobs on the line.
Muslin fka Dee Holmes,
Praying!
Everyone please continue to pray regarding the fires in the Texas panhandle and in western Oklahoma.
Yes! Although “shepherd” imagery is used in relation to kings in the Old Testament, there is no useful likeness between a Bronze Age middle eastern warlord and a modern American Christian church official, or a modern American government official … except that all of them are human beings, which is a likeness everyone in every time and position shares.
So they have to stay where they have always been, in The Jesus Racket.
Not just dragging David in, but using him as Justification and/or Excuse.
“The David Defense – Just like The Geraldine Defense, Except CHRISTIAN(TM)!”
P.S. During all of this, has anyone ever asked the Jews for their take on the subject?
I’m sure Rabbis have covered it (and argued over it) at some point.
Nancy2(aka Kevlar),
Fast food places are desperate for employees, in most cases. The probably would probably not be with being hired. However, once hired, the former “leader” would have to show up on time, serve the customers, get along with co-workers, not steal, and not take video of other people in the bathroom.
Agreed. Humans fail, but a higher standard is required for those of us who know Jesus (in both pulpit and pew). Invoking David to justify our failings gets old after a while. Scripture reminds us “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). If we want to drag out David, we should not focus on his sin but his words “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).
Headless Unicorn Guy,
https://brill.com/display/title/60409
Here’s a book called “The Character of David in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam”. It’s probably really informative, and it looks like it’s downloadable.
Max,
Well said.
nmgirl,
It sure seems that way… I really do wonder if such bad behavior by “leaders” is worse than in the “secular world”…
In corporate America, bad-boy leaders are usually sent packing. In the church, they are too often protected by an inner ring.
Yes, Max! I am so tired of it. A king and a pastor are two very different things. A pastor should be compared to Nathan instead of David.
AMEN! IMO, many American churches could benefit by Nathan walking in the door, up the aisle, to the pulpit, point a finger in “Pastor’s” face, and shout “You’re the man!” (not in a dudebro way, of course)
Max,
That image almost made me spit my coffee out!!!
Todd; are you sure this is uniquely a Evangelical Church problem?
I am sorry to hear this but am very glad he’s getting treatment.
My grandfather was orphaned at age 12. His mother died in childbirth. His father became depressed afterward and did not take good care of himself. He had an infection in his toe that he left untreated. That caused an infection that took his life.
Hope and pray your brother heals up soon.
Todd Wilhelm,
Gender issues were created by bad theologians (Falwell senior, JP II, and whoever Bash Nash got his ideas from) as diversion from exactly this, so that it can be dismissed as if a straw man.
I have noticed the disturbing things about Alistair Begg’s stance that were staring at us in plain sight.
senecagriggs,
There aren’t any churches that are allowed to be “non” evangelical!
Jeffrey J Chalmers,
The problem Rev Moore specifies is indeed a doctrinal problem precisely because there isn’t any doctrine other than church order.
Max,
For a season. Watch out for seasoned potatoes!
linda,
Like those ideologists who take the gender theologians at their word.
I just listened to “The Grand Inquisitor” chapter in the Brothers Karamazov. I can’t think of anything better to read during Lent (other than the Bible of course). It’s a timely reminder that there’s nothing new under the sun. I’d encourage everyone to read it; it is one of the most insightful explorations of authoritarian religion I’ve ever experienced (written 140 years ago).
Muslin fka Dee Holmes,
I am so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with him and with you.
“But if the salt has lost its taste (purpose), how can it be made salty?” (Matthew 5:13 AMP)
Don’t worry about it … most people react to me that way
Yes, will do.
I read that this fire is the biggest ever for that part of our country.
Maybe my memory is faulty, but I thought I remembered something from a previous post saying Moore also tried to cozy up to a (male) student while working at Cedarville, like inviting him on a camping or hunting trip…
Doubt he has changed his stripes. Who will be the next victim?
This probably won’t endear me to some here, but unless you (generic you) are in college to acquire a salable skill in one of the professions (doctor, lawyer, engineer…and numerous others), college is way over-rated and a waste of time.
I would recommend looking into the trades or an apprenticeship. Electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians etc., are not being replaced by computers any time soon. Of course, it’s all hard and dirty work, but it pays decently and not likely to be outsourced to an AI. I don’t know about other states, but the Maricopa County College (Phoenix area) system offers AAs in a number of trades, and tuition is reasonably priced, all things considered. Anyway, just a suggestion.
My brother is doing well, also all things considered. He’s on a heart healthy + diabetic diet and this morning he got one half of an English muffin, delivered all by itself on a plate (also some cut fruit, oatmeal and coffee). They’re giving him fake salt. I offered to go buy him a cheap plastic salt shaker if he wanted one. He declined.
His parrot…now that’s another story. The little winged dinosaur got out of his cage this morning as I was changing his food/water. He then divebombed me and landed on his cage, while I, in a split second, realized I was still wearing the leather gloves I wear when feeding him, because he will bite me. I grabbed the bird and stuffed him back into his cage with a, “BACK IN YOUR HOUSE, BUCKO!” I was actually proud of myself. I’ve known this bird for 16 years and have never touched him before today. Too bad it had to be a quick grab!
This is all too typical in the church world. We see it again.
In addition to the inappropriate return to ministry approach that we see in all cases, I also note in the case of African American offenders, such as this one, a paternalism from the white platformers. There’s an element of affirmative action demonstrated. We saw it in the Paige Patterson treated Gilyard, the way Greear treated Loritts, and now Chandler, Dever et al. treat Moore.
It’s all very pathetic.
IMO, this is a fake gesture, on the most part, by SBC leaders to reconcile the sins of SBC Founders. SBC was founded prior to the Civil War by Calvinist slaveholders (including pastors and deacons!). They felt that sovereign God was on their side in the War until early Confederate victories turned to defeat. Following the War, Southern Baptists distanced themselves from the Founders and their theology – remaining distinctly non-Calvinist in belief and practice for over 150 years … until Al Mohler and his New Calvinist army decided to drag the SBC back to their theological roots, with asking millions of mainline (non-Calvinist) SBC members if they wanted to go there! So the NeoCal movement has been in the process of taking over the SBC through stealth and deception. SBC is done … it just hasn’t quit yet.
One of my former co-workers husbands was a tile setter (installing tile for commercial and residential flooring). He also designed the flooring layouts. He stopped taking new clients and his current clients were begging him not to retire and his children had no interest in the profession or taking over the business. Last I heard he had been planning to take on an apprentice as he reduced his working hours but young people weren’t interested. He installed flooring for grocery stores, car dealerships, you name it and there were getting to be fewer of them in the business every year.
The problem is it’s skilled work, the money is good, but hard work – especially on the knees. But these types of skilled folks are becoming thin on the ground.
In our area there is a general labour shortage. My son is 15 and already getting offers to work. Definitely want him to finish high school. He wants to be an engineer.
Muff Potter,
My brother went right out of high school in to a factory job. He had a few lean years as an assembly line worker, and then a line tech. But, he worked hard, took some factory sponsored classes, and went into maintenance. He has a good rep and makes good money. He was eligible for full retirement benefits before he was 49 years old. He loves the people he works with, and his job. He doesn’t need adulation, adoration, or an audience.
I was just gonna’ say the same thing about encouraging young folks to look into the skilled trades rather than college, but you said it for me.
Including that Peculiar Institution regarding certain Animate Property?
In the States, most two-year community colleges do.
NOT a Tik-Tok Influencer?
Amazing…
Headless Unicorn Guy,
nah, they just enslave women now through “the beauty of complementarity”
Even a graduate degree in Lesbian Dance Theory would give them a better chance!
Fake salt?
Cynthia W.,
My daughter worked at a big fast food franchise restaurant in another county when she was in high school and for her first year of college. The assistant manager was caught taking videos in the ladies restroom. He was fired, reports were sent out to all levels of the franchise, and the local businesses were notified.
Churches/religious organizations keep things like on the Q.T.….. say, “Oh, it’s not so bad”……. persecute the victims…… pass the offenders on down the line so they can offend again and again, unabated.
Gee, which way sounds more Christ-like??? Maybe I should ask someone high level guy in the SBC. NOT!
It endears you to me!
Colleges need to offer many more one and two-year tradesmen courses!
And they piss me off to no end with their contrived bull…. , er , ah, baloney, claiming all the while that their ideology is from the pages of Scripture.
Thank you Max, for the history. Isn’t it ironic that Al and his playgroup are supported by “The Founders Ministry”? You’d think they wouldn’t want to return to that!
Wasn’t Darrel Gilyard another one of Patterson’s pets?
The Founders Ministry (Tom Ascol et al.) are classical “Old” Calvinists … Mohler & the Mohlerites are “New” Calvinists. The old boys might not like the method and message of the new kids on the block, but they get along with each other to accomplish a common mission … Calvinization of the SBC.
Gus,
Yep….. and Gilyard was not just a Patterson pet; he was a Jerry Vines fave, too!
Nancy2(aka Kevlar),
Something similar happened when my oldest daughter was in the Coast Guard. The sailor in question was court martialed and sent to jail. My daughter was sent out to the west coast to testify, because she had been on the ship when it happened.
Meanwhile, Loritts and Moore just get a shrug.
I suspect that proof-texters may also cite Romans 11:29, in which Paul speaks of the irrevocable character of God’s gifts and calling, for this purpose. I think that in context, Paul was thinking of “national” gifts and calling — i.e. he was summing up his argument that, appearances to the contrary (that is, the rejection of the Messiah by most of Israel) God had not abandoned Israel. But individualistic-minded moderns may like to see relevance in this text to the question of the durability of individual giftings and callings.
A possible counterargument might be to adapt the Reformed concept of “evanescent grace”. Perhaps perceptions of a person’s gifting and calling should be considered provisional, dependent on “how things actually work out.” God may decree that a person forms a belief that he is gifted/called, or that a group comes to believe that a person is gifted/called, but if God isn’t also working sanctification in the person’s life as part of his equipping for special service, it may be presumptuous to believe that the person was previously elected for that special service.
———
Another counterargument to the “King David got to keep his office” line is to simply concede that, but also note that God pursued David (and David’s household) with trouble to the end of his days, and beyond. One might even argue that the seeds of the later division of the Kingdom were sown by David’s transgressions — it was, after all, Solomon who set the stage for the rebellion of the northern tribes against Rehoboam.
If one wants to stay in ministry after a grave transgression, I think there’s biblical warrant to expect a rough road.
Nope. The only social media he’s part of is Discord and only because that’s where his D&D group hangs out. He intensely dislikes TicTok. Prefers board gaming in the real world, though his group will play D&D by Teams if they can’t find a venue. They have a steampunk variant they created. His music ranges from military marching band to some stuff that sounds “Nokia’s Greatest hits” – definitely matches to his own drum.
Samuel Conner,
Then there’s always the “cheap grace” situation that Bonhoeffer talked about. There is a lot of that floating around in the New Calvinist movement.
Not at all. I think it’s a problem throughout Christianity. It’s just that Evangelicalism was the tribe I belonged to for most of my life.
I appreciate your insight, Samuel. It makes good sense to me.
I believe all who love Jesus long for justice. One day we shall experience it.
“The famous oracle in Isaiah 52:7 pictures the messengers of good news hurrying to Jerusalem with the news that Babylon was overthrown and that the glorious divine Presence was returning at last. Their message can be summed up in one swift slogan: “Your God reigns!” This idea of Israel’s God as the world’s rightful king echoes across much of Israel’s scriptures, invoked particularly in the Psalms. Israel’s God, the creator of the world, rules the world with justice, and in the end he will act to put that justice into effect once and for all.”
Wright, N. T.. The Day the Revolution Began (p. 116). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition.
The Ascol “Founders” seem to have written the playbook for the method of taking over a church, though. I learned about this book years ago on this blog, but back then, you had to get a physical copy. Now it’s online. It’s called a Quiet Revolution.
https://founders.org/library/walking-without-slipping/
This is a quote from Chapter 4. You have to scroll down to find the section called “Instructions for Local Church Reformation:”
“Clarity. In the pulpit, don’t use theological language that is not found in the Bible. Avoid terms such as Calvinism, reformed, doctrines of grace, particular redemption, etc. Most people will not know what you are talking about. Many that do will become inflamed against you. Teach your people the biblical truth of these doctrines without providing distracting labels for them.”
“Restraint. Remember the principle of restraint. Don’t tackle the whole church at one time. Choose a few men who are sincere, teachable and spiritually minded and spend time with them in study and prayer. They will help you to reform…”
How often have we seen these steps taken? A preacher is called who did not reveal his intention to convert the church to Calvinism while he was being interviewed for the job. He can then preach selectively with his interpretation of the Bible.
While doing this, he’s also cultivating an inner circle who will help him to “reform” the others.
Then about 3 years later, the church polity and theology will suddenly change. At least it seems sudden to the person in the pew, but the work has been going on all along. And some of the grannies and grandpas who spent their lives in the church can be turned out if they cannot get with the program.
So this part sounds New Calvinist to me. What’s your take, Max? I don’t know SBC like you do.
Excellent point.
“Evanescent grace” sounds kind of tautological: if it works out well, it was God’s calling; if not, you misunderstood what God had in mind.” On the other hand, the whole concept of providence – whatever happens is within God’s will – is tautological.
Todd Wilhelm,
Thanks, Todd. I really like Bishop Wright and have read a lot of his books.
Praying….
Oh yeah. Mohler, at one time, was an up & comer in the Founders Ministry. He and Ascol were (are?) buds. I’m sure Dr. Al learned a lot of “how-to” methods from the Founders in his “New” Calvinist takeover of the SBC. Except he got loud about his revolution!
The only thing “New” about Mohler’s version of the “Quiet Revolution” is that he used an army of young reformers to quickly Calvinize the SBC rather than slowly ‘reforming’ churches following the tactics of the Founders. However, both the Old boys and the New kids follow the same modus operandi to accomplish their sinister goal: stealth and deception (which are not fruit of the Holy Spirit, by the way).
To become an engineer, he has a hard row to hoe with the required math and science courses on top of the rigorous engineering classes. Not for the faint of heart.
I agree that it does have that look. Perhaps I overthink this, but I think that aspirants to ministry ought to approach the question of “am I indeed called?” with a lot of self-skepticism. My perception from a brush with campus ministry multi-decades ago is that candidates for ministry were encouraged to make up their minds and, having made up one’s mind, to never thereafter doubt. IMO self-doubt is a significant component of humility and wisdom — “I might be mistaken” is a wise posture, because it’s true.
This comes up again and again, but I think it bears repeating, that we encourage young people to train and specialize for vocational ministry while they are still comparatively young and untested. And we hire ministers from among a pool of candidates who generally are not known to the members of the hiring congregation. That’s not how Paul chose the leaders of his mission congregations. I have no idea whether this can be improved within the current business models of the churches.
And when There is only Calvin instead of Christ, we find out what predators eat after they’ve killed off all the prey. The Hard Way.
If the Demon Locust Plague of Revelation can be Helicopter Gunships with chemicsl weapons flown by long-haired bearded Hippies, Christian Manhood and Womanhood can be rAndrew Tate (minus the big cigars) and Slave Girls of Gor.
He’s probably 4e or 5e; I’m definitely Old School (Three Little Books plus Greyhawk, even before AD&D) when it comes to delving dungeons with pencil/paper/funny dice. Wish I could tell him war stories of the early days, even before The Satanic Panic first targeted D&D.
Discovering D&D was what extracted me from that Shepherding Fellowship(TM) that was love-bombing me into their cult compound in Whittier.
I agree. I think that’s an issue with the idea of “ministry” as your calling for your entire life. People change, and life circumstances change, and “the right thing” for you to do with your life can change over your lifespan.
“I have no idea whether this can be improved within the current business models of the churches.”
I agree.
That.
An Oscar-worthy performance by White.
Oh yeah, he’s slick … or should I say slimy?
“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable, for He does not withdraw what He has given, nor does He change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call.” (Romans 11:29 AMP)
A truly called Pastor is in it for the long haul, because God put him there and he knows it. IMO, most church leaders “go” into the ministry, rather than being “called” into it … they go to seminary to “prepare” for the ministry, while those who are called are “propelled” into it by the hand of God. Such pastors are becoming rare & endangered species in the American church.
And we all know the Koine Greek word for “actor performing a role”, don’t we?
Why not both?
I have an idea – it will not be improved within the current business model of churches!
Prior to Mohler being an “up & comer” in the Founders Ministry he was a “moderate,” and he started a petition in favor of women in the ministry! Watch the video in this link: https://thewartburgwatch.com/2023/06/13/albert-mohler-was-for-women-pastors-prior-to-opposing-women-pastors/
“Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth” (Proverbs 4:24)
“Moore sold his home in Cedarville, packed up his possessions, and he and his family moved to Springfield, MO. From there he went off the radar”
It’s easy to hide out in the Ozarks. The region is home to a lot of birthers, election deniers, Jan. 6 insurrectionists, Covid hoaxers, and a host of other such folks. There’s plenty of room for bad-boy preachers.
AKA A Truly CHRISTIAN Region.
His own little Dodeka playgroup.
Perhaps local congregations should equip believers within their midst to do the work of the ministry … but I suppose that would be too Biblical (Ephesians 4).