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cary gordon
March 5, 2022:
Pastor Cary Gordon (Sioux City, Iowa; Cornerstone World Outreach) has an article posted at "The Gatekeepers" titled "Destruction of liberty must continue in America until we repent for how we elect our leaders." In it he lists 9 bullet points which describes how a person should be picked as President. He used Deuteronomy 17 as his framework. His first point is that the leader "Must be chosen by God (Vs. 15) through God's delegated ecclesiastical authority, not by lawless populism." and it goes on in a way any Christian Nationalist would be quite proud of. It does more than erode Democracy but destroys it completely..which may be insight as to why the GOP nationalists dont seem bothers by their anti democratic efforts. I would be curious if Trump is still the one "chosen by God" or many of the other Republican congressmen and governors who seem to be making effort to usurp America as it is and create their own government. His article ends with "American antinomianism has usurped every single one of these immutable and wise plumb-line standards for office-holders. Destruction of liberty must continue in America until we repent for costuming our political and legal foolishness with counterfeit grace arguments to justify disobedience." Though in his mind it is clear he means something else but he is essentially a gospel of fascism.
Pastor Cary Gordon (Sioux City, Iowa; Cornerstone World Outreach) has an article posted at "The Gatekeepers" titled "Destruction of liberty must continue in America until we repent for how we elect our leaders." In it he lists 9 bullet points which describes how a person should be picked as President. He used Deuteronomy 17 as his framework. His first point is that the leader "Must be chosen by God (Vs. 15) through God's delegated ecclesiastical authority, not by lawless populism." and it goes on in a way any Christian Nationalist would be quite proud of. It does more than erode Democracy but destroys it completely..which may be insight as to why the GOP nationalists dont seem bothers by their anti democratic efforts. I would be curious if Trump is still the one "chosen by God" or many of the other Republican congressmen and governors who seem to be making effort to usurp America as it is and create their own government. His article ends with "American antinomianism has usurped every single one of these immutable and wise plumb-line standards for office-holders. Destruction of liberty must continue in America until we repent for costuming our political and legal foolishness with counterfeit grace arguments to justify disobedience." Though in his mind it is clear he means something else but he is essentially a gospel of fascism.
bill gothard
Jan 10, 2022: Religion Unplugged: Financial Uncertainty At Bill Gothard’s Institute In Basic Life Principles
In the 1970s and ‘80s, Bill Gothard’s Institute in Basic Life Principles’ week-long seminars filled arenas. Millions of evangelicals attended the programs, and many Christian leaders today say the events were life-changing, resulting a first-time commitments to Christ or decisions to enter the ministry.
In the 1970s and ‘80s, Bill Gothard’s Institute in Basic Life Principles’ week-long seminars filled arenas. Millions of evangelicals attended the programs, and many Christian leaders today say the events were life-changing, resulting a first-time commitments to Christ or decisions to enter the ministry.
Jan 8, 2022: The List: This New Amazon Documentary Could Be The LuLaRich Of The Duggar Family
A 2016 exposé of the organization in Chicago Magazine revealed that the IBLP and its founder, Bill Gothard, have been sued for sexual harassment and inappropriate sexual conduct (Gothard has since left the IBLP). A former IBLP member who spoke to the New York Post claims that sexual abuse is common in the IBLP, enabled by the organization's teachings on obedience to men and its blame-the-victim approach.
A 2016 exposé of the organization in Chicago Magazine revealed that the IBLP and its founder, Bill Gothard, have been sued for sexual harassment and inappropriate sexual conduct (Gothard has since left the IBLP). A former IBLP member who spoke to the New York Post claims that sexual abuse is common in the IBLP, enabled by the organization's teachings on obedience to men and its blame-the-victim approach.
May 28, 2021: Scary Mommy: True Crime: Here Is Josh Duggar’s Long Timeline Of Depravity
The Institute has been investigated by local Child Protective Services investigation on allegations of maltreatment, and in 2014, founder Bill Gothard resigned from his position at the institute after being accused of sexually harassing or assaulting 34 women. Gothard also ran the Advanced Training Institute, a homeschooling program based on Bible teachings and from which many “ex-vangelicals” come. ATI provides detailed guidance on how to manage “sexual indiscretions” among family members, including specifically what to do in the event “an older brother was guilty of sexually abusing younger ones in his family.” The guidelines also encourage adherents to handle such matters discreetly, warning against “the damage to the younger children, the ridicule to the cause of Christ, the shame of detailed publicity, and the scars to the life and reputation of the boy."
The Institute has been investigated by local Child Protective Services investigation on allegations of maltreatment, and in 2014, founder Bill Gothard resigned from his position at the institute after being accused of sexually harassing or assaulting 34 women. Gothard also ran the Advanced Training Institute, a homeschooling program based on Bible teachings and from which many “ex-vangelicals” come. ATI provides detailed guidance on how to manage “sexual indiscretions” among family members, including specifically what to do in the event “an older brother was guilty of sexually abusing younger ones in his family.” The guidelines also encourage adherents to handle such matters discreetly, warning against “the damage to the younger children, the ridicule to the cause of Christ, the shame of detailed publicity, and the scars to the life and reputation of the boy."
The scale and impact of these communities has unfolded just in the past few months, as some of the biggest names in Christian fundamentalism found themselves in the crosshairs. In March, Illinois-based fundamentalist Bill Gothard resigned after a website published a slew of stories from women alleging sexual harassment. In February, a filmmaker released a 90-minute, Kickstarter-funded documentary alleging hidden sexual abuse in the Jesus People USA Evangelical Covenant Church, a Christian community in Chicago. In January, Bob Jones University terminated its contract with a consulting firm it had hired to investigate the college’s handling of sexual assault, and then reinstated the contract after an internet outcry. Another fundamentalist patriarch, Doug Phillips, recently resigned after admitting to an affair with a younger woman—with every micro-development, including Facebook status updates of former staff, reported by blogs. Sovereign Grace Ministries, a large association of evangelical churches, is facing not just a class action lawsuit but a phalanx of sites publishing documents, transcripts of its counseling trainings, and testimonies from people who say church leaders ignored abuse. -Alisa Harris; Daily Beast 4.14.17
Mar 28, 2015: Homeschoolers Anonymous: Man Shares Personal Testimony of How Bill Gothard Used Bible Verses Which Led to the Abuse of Children
Last month, “Dash” commented on an older SSB article, Bill Gothard’s New Program/Ministry: Total Success Power Teams. He used some strong words to describe his experience:
Last month, “Dash” commented on an older SSB article, Bill Gothard’s New Program/Ministry: Total Success Power Teams. He used some strong words to describe his experience:
Jan 16, 2015: Radar Online: Inside The Duggar ‘Cult': Former Followers Of ‘Destructive’ Religious Teachings Express Fears For The Family
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar began homeschooling their brood in the 1990s using the Bible-based curriculum of the IBLP’s Advanced Training Institute, which was founded by disgraced leader Bill Gothard. He resigned from the organization last year amid allegations of sexually harassing women at his ministry and failing to report child abuse cases.
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar began homeschooling their brood in the 1990s using the Bible-based curriculum of the IBLP’s Advanced Training Institute, which was founded by disgraced leader Bill Gothard. He resigned from the organization last year amid allegations of sexually harassing women at his ministry and failing to report child abuse cases.
Dec 22, 2014: Roger Olson: Comparing the Young, Restless, Reformed Movement (YRRM) with the Bill Gothard Phenomenon of the 1970s and 1980s
Several times here and elsewhere (mostly in responses to comments and questions) I have compared the rise and influence of the Young, Restless, Reformed Movement largely inspired by John Piper with the Bill Gothard movement of the 1970s and 1980s. I would like to explain and qualify that comparison here.
Several times here and elsewhere (mostly in responses to comments and questions) I have compared the rise and influence of the Young, Restless, Reformed Movement largely inspired by John Piper with the Bill Gothard movement of the 1970s and 1980s. I would like to explain and qualify that comparison here.
Aug 29, 2014:Christian Post: Homeschool Advocate Michael Farris Responds to Sex Scandals of Homeschool Leaders Bill Gothard, Doug Phillips
In close to 2,500 words, Farris addressed the teaching of patriarchy, a view among some Christians regarding the role of women in church, families and society, and how that teaching relates more specifically to the recent sex scandals involving Bill Gothard and Doug Phillips.
In close to 2,500 words, Farris addressed the teaching of patriarchy, a view among some Christians regarding the role of women in church, families and society, and how that teaching relates more specifically to the recent sex scandals involving Bill Gothard and Doug Phillips.
May 16, 2014: Pink Flamingo: The Dirty But ‘Godly’ Mind of the Patriarchal ‘Christian’ Male
To begin with, Bill Gothard is a sexual pervert. The definition of such a person is someone “…a person whose sexual behavior is regarded as abnormal and unacceptable. synonyms: deviant, degenerate…”
To begin with, Bill Gothard is a sexual pervert. The definition of such a person is someone “…a person whose sexual behavior is regarded as abnormal and unacceptable. synonyms: deviant, degenerate…”
May 13, 2014: Love Joy Feminism: Gothard’s Sex Rules: Marital Consent? What’s That?
My family never attended one of Bill Gothard’s seminars, and we didn’t use Gothard’s curriculum. We children were, instead, raised on the outskirts of Gothardism.
My family never attended one of Bill Gothard’s seminars, and we didn’t use Gothard’s curriculum. We children were, instead, raised on the outskirts of Gothardism.
Mar 8, 2014: From The Lightouse: Bill Gothard Resigns from Institute in Basic Life Principles Under Allegations of Sexual Abuse (And How to Spot the Signs of a Sexual Predator)
On March 7th, Bill Gothard, the founder and president of the Institute in Basic Life Principles resigned from his position in the organization after allegations from over thirty women were made public that Gothard sexually harassed, and in one case out right sexually abused, these women while they were teens or young women.
On March 7th, Bill Gothard, the founder and president of the Institute in Basic Life Principles resigned from his position in the organization after allegations from over thirty women were made public that Gothard sexually harassed, and in one case out right sexually abused, these women while they were teens or young women.
Feb 28, 2014: Religion Today: Conservative Leader Bill Gothard on Leave Following Abuse Allegations
Bill Gothard, an Illinois-based advocate for home-schooling and conservative dress and who warned against rock music and debt, has been placed on administrative leave after allegations of sexually harassing women who worked at his ministry and failing to report child abuse cases.
Bill Gothard, an Illinois-based advocate for home-schooling and conservative dress and who warned against rock music and debt, has been placed on administrative leave after allegations of sexually harassing women who worked at his ministry and failing to report child abuse cases.
Feb 10, 2014: Wartburg Watch 2014: Recovering Grace Confronts Bill Gothard
It is with a broken heart that we focus once again on Bill Gothard, whose ministry has had a far-reaching impact in Christendom for nearly a half-century.
It is with a broken heart that we focus once again on Bill Gothard, whose ministry has had a far-reaching impact in Christendom for nearly a half-century.
| William W. (Bill) Gothard (born November 2, 1934) is an American Christian minister, speaker, and writer, and the founder of the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP), notable for his conservative teachings. Among the several strong distinctives of his teaching have been encouragement of Bible memorization, large families, homeschooling, aversion to debt, respect for authority, conservative dress, and extended principles related to identity, family, education, healthcare, music, and finances. At the height of his popularity during the 1970s, the Basic Youth Conflicts seminar with Bill Gothard was regularly filling auditoriums throughout the United States and beyond with attendance figures as large as ten thousand and more for a one-week seminar. In this way, he reached many in the evangelical community from the Baby Boomer generation during their teen years and years of young adulthood. Other seminars during this time included an advanced youth conflicts seminar and as well as seminars for pastors, physicians, and legislators. Bill Gothard has credited a large influence to his parents. His mother, Carmen Christina Gothard (née Torres), was of Mexican-American descent. His father, William Gothard, Sr. was a speaker at many seminars during the early years, and held high positions at organizations that included the Gideons, Child Evangelism Fellowship, and Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago.
By 2009 to 2012 though, Gothard's Institute in Basic Life Principles began a steady decline, losing money, assets, and greatly decreasing the number of annual seminars it conducted, while allegations of sexual misconduct became more public. Gothard has resigned from the Institute. |
franklin graham
Feb 25, 2022: Christian Post: 6 Evangelical reactions to Russia’s Ukraine invasion: ‘Potentially major prophetic fulfillment’
“At Samaritan’s Purse we have many friends not only in Ukraine, but also in Russia as well,” Graham wrote on Facebook. “There is so much fear and uncertainty. Many Ukrainians are fleeing their homes toward the west. These families need our prayers.”
“At Samaritan’s Purse we have many friends not only in Ukraine, but also in Russia as well,” Graham wrote on Facebook. “There is so much fear and uncertainty. Many Ukrainians are fleeing their homes toward the west. These families need our prayers.”
Feb 22, 2022: Charisma: Franklin Graham Receives Sharp Rebuke for Call to Pray for Vladimir Putin
As tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to boil to a potential tipping point, evangelist Franklin Graham is encouraging his followers to pray for Russian President Vladimir Putin—and he's facing rebuke as a result.
As tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to boil to a potential tipping point, evangelist Franklin Graham is encouraging his followers to pray for Russian President Vladimir Putin—and he's facing rebuke as a result.
- wayne grudem - john hagee -
adam hamilton
Feb 1, 2022: Christian Post: UMC megachurch touts benefits of online worship, says it makes ‘Gospel more available’
“Every week, [Resurrection Senior] Pastor Adam [Hamilton] meets somebody who has never walked into our physical doors before but has been worshiping online with us,” Kirk explained.
“Every week, [Resurrection Senior] Pastor Adam [Hamilton] meets somebody who has never walked into our physical doors before but has been worshiping online with us,” Kirk explained.
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Rev. Adam Hamilton (born July 12, 1964) is the senior pastor of the 20,000 member United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. It is the largest United Methodist congregation in the United States, measured by weekend attendance. Average weekly attendance for all campuses was 10,274 people for 2012. The congregation has expanded to several sites in the Kansas City area, including an online congregation. Rev. Hamilton has received numerous awards, including two honorary doctorates, the B'nai B'rith award in Social Ethics, the Denman Award in Evangelism, and the Circuit Rider Award for excellence in church leadership. He was named one of the "Ten People to Watch in America's Spiritual Landscape" by Religion & Ethics Newsweekly and Distinguished Evangelist of the United Methodist Church by the Foundation for Evangelism. He is a Trustee at Saint Paul School of Theology and as a member of the Kansas East Board of Professional Ministry. He lectures on leadership, evangelism, and preaching across the country. Hamilton spoke at the 2010 Willow Creek Leadership Summit on the topic of leaders and the power of temptation. Following the second inauguration of President Barack Obama, Hamilton delivered the sermon at the Inaugural Prayer Service held at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. on January 22, 2013.
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jack hayford
Feb 18, 2015:
PastorJack Hayford said Friday that the founding of the Fellowship of Israel Related Ministries (FIRM) could not have been more timely because "we live in perilous times" where standing for righteousness, including standing with Israel, may mean persecution, perhaps even martyrdom.
Hayford, founding pastor of the Church on the Way in Van Nuys, California, was the final speaker in a three-day sellout conference in Loveland, Colorado, which served to launch FIRM. Read earlier articles on the conference here.
Saying we must engage in spiritual warfare, Hayford emphasized the need to pray and urged the crowd to take the "1% challenge" to devote 1% of each day--14 minutes--to pray for Israel and the Jewish people.
Using the backdrop of history and biblical quotes, Hayford said Israel has a right to the land and cited the many miracles that have happened, including their winning the six-day war.
"FIRM must stand with Israel and stand for righteousness," Hayford said, urging the people to take on the "whole armor of God" (Eph. 6:10).
He lamented the lawlessness in the world where "people won't listen to God," and "deception," where leaders actually bow to Muslim leaders, as well as immorality resulting in people rejecting "the Creator's order for sexuality."
PastorJack Hayford said Friday that the founding of the Fellowship of Israel Related Ministries (FIRM) could not have been more timely because "we live in perilous times" where standing for righteousness, including standing with Israel, may mean persecution, perhaps even martyrdom.
Hayford, founding pastor of the Church on the Way in Van Nuys, California, was the final speaker in a three-day sellout conference in Loveland, Colorado, which served to launch FIRM. Read earlier articles on the conference here.
Saying we must engage in spiritual warfare, Hayford emphasized the need to pray and urged the crowd to take the "1% challenge" to devote 1% of each day--14 minutes--to pray for Israel and the Jewish people.
Using the backdrop of history and biblical quotes, Hayford said Israel has a right to the land and cited the many miracles that have happened, including their winning the six-day war.
"FIRM must stand with Israel and stand for righteousness," Hayford said, urging the people to take on the "whole armor of God" (Eph. 6:10).
He lamented the lawlessness in the world where "people won't listen to God," and "deception," where leaders actually bow to Muslim leaders, as well as immorality resulting in people rejecting "the Creator's order for sexuality."
Allen Hickman
June 16, 2021: Picayune Item: Unity Rally held at Jack Read Park
Pastor Allen Hickman was one of the speakers during the event and his message was one of faith as he explained how God sees all of his creations equally and loves them all dearly.
“It is people Jesus Christ died for. When we devalue people we lose something of ourselves and our ability to make good decisions, because people are the crown jewel of creation,” Hickman said.
Pastor Allen Hickman was one of the speakers during the event and his message was one of faith as he explained how God sees all of his creations equally and loves them all dearly.
“It is people Jesus Christ died for. When we devalue people we lose something of ourselves and our ability to make good decisions, because people are the crown jewel of creation,” Hickman said.
Aug 18, 2020: Sun-Herald: As a Black family searched for a loved one, white Picayune groups spread rumors of fear
Allen Hickman, a pastor at Resurrection Life Church in Picayune, was on vacation at Smith Lake in Alabama when he started getting calls from congregation members.
Allen Hickman, a pastor at Resurrection Life Church in Picayune, was on vacation at Smith Lake in Alabama when he started getting calls from congregation members.
June 20, 2020: Picayune Item: Prayers for Peace event brings local community together
An extensive line up of speakers during the event included Pastor Brian Dees, Pastor Allen Hickman, Pastor Vernon Robinson, Pastor Tony Lambert, Pastor Donald Hart and Pastor Josh Braddy.
An extensive line up of speakers during the event included Pastor Brian Dees, Pastor Allen Hickman, Pastor Vernon Robinson, Pastor Tony Lambert, Pastor Donald Hart and Pastor Josh Braddy.
May 3, 2019: Picayune Item: Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast was heavily attended
After the series of prayers, Rev. Allen Hickman of Resurrection Life Church asked all public officials and everyone running for public office to stand at the front of the room. Then the attendees stood, raised their arms and joined him in a prayer over public officials and candidates. His prayer asked God to give the officials strength and included a request that God eliminate abortion from the nation.
After the series of prayers, Rev. Allen Hickman of Resurrection Life Church asked all public officials and everyone running for public office to stand at the front of the room. Then the attendees stood, raised their arms and joined him in a prayer over public officials and candidates. His prayer asked God to give the officials strength and included a request that God eliminate abortion from the nation.
Allen Hickman has been married for 23 years to Amy and they are the parents of 11 boys. They also have two grandchildren, and another one is on the way. They live in Picayune, Mississippi. Allen and Amy both knew at an early age that God’s calling of ministry was upon their lives.
Allen graduated high school at Picayune Memorial High School in Picayune, Mississippi in 1983. After graduating high school Allen went on to attend Mississippi College where he played football and graduated in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Bible. After graduating college, Allen felt God’s call on his life to pursue ministry further so he went to Emmaus Road Ministry School in Texas where he also graduated. Allen is currently ministering as Senior Pastor of Resurrection Life Worship Center located in Picayune, MS about an hour north of downtown New Orleans, LA. He has been at Resurrection Life since it’s inception in 1989. He also ministers to the church body at large as a prophet. Pastor Allen also serves on the Life Outreach International board, Evangelist James Robinson organization. He ministers to the body of Christ as an apostle helping churches and church leadership become the true body of Christ.
Allen graduated high school at Picayune Memorial High School in Picayune, Mississippi in 1983. After graduating high school Allen went on to attend Mississippi College where he played football and graduated in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Bible. After graduating college, Allen felt God’s call on his life to pursue ministry further so he went to Emmaus Road Ministry School in Texas where he also graduated. Allen is currently ministering as Senior Pastor of Resurrection Life Worship Center located in Picayune, MS about an hour north of downtown New Orleans, LA. He has been at Resurrection Life since it’s inception in 1989. He also ministers to the church body at large as a prophet. Pastor Allen also serves on the Life Outreach International board, Evangelist James Robinson organization. He ministers to the body of Christ as an apostle helping churches and church leadership become the true body of Christ.
- Benny Hinn -
Excerpt from article by Peter Hitchens:
In their attempt to argue that effective and binding codes can be developed without a deity, atheists often mistake inferior codes - "common decency" - for absolute moral systems. The Golden Rule, or doing as you would be done by, is such a code. But the fact that men can arrive at the Golden Rule without religion does not mean that man can arrive at the Christian moral code without religion.
Christianity requires much more, and above all does not expect to see charity returned. To love thy neighbour as thyself is a far greater and more complicated obligation, requiring a positive effort to seek the good of others, often in secret, sometimes at great cost and always without reward. Its most powerful expression is summed up in the words, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
It is striking that in his dismissal of a need for absolute theistic morality, my late brother Christopher states that "the order to 'love thy neighbour as thyself' is too extreme and too strenuous to be obeyed." Humans, he says, "are not so constituted as to care for others as much as themselves." This is demonstrably untrue, and can be shown to be untrue, first through the unshakeable devotion of mothers to their children; through thousands of examples of doctors and nurses risking (and undergoing) infection and death in the course of caring for others; in the uncounted cases of husbands caring for sick, incontinent and demented wives (and vice versa) at their lives' end; through the heartrending deeds of courage on the battlefield, of men actually laying down their lives for others.
We all know these things happen. If we are honest, they make us uncomfortable because we are not sure that we could do such things, though we know them to be right and admirable. In a society where the absolute code has been jettisoned, and we have all become adept at making excuses for shirking such duties, selflessness of this kind will become less common, nursing less dedicated, wives more inclined to leave their babbling husbands in care homes to be looked after impersonally by paid strangers and perhaps encouraged gently down the slope of death, soldiers readier to save themselves while their comrades lie in pain within reach of the enemy. And there will always be a worldly relativist on hand (as there already is at every marriage break-up and every abortion clinic, and increasingly by the bedside of the old and sick) to say that this was only sensible, to urge that we do the easy thing, and to say that it is right to do so. CONTINUED HERE
In their attempt to argue that effective and binding codes can be developed without a deity, atheists often mistake inferior codes - "common decency" - for absolute moral systems. The Golden Rule, or doing as you would be done by, is such a code. But the fact that men can arrive at the Golden Rule without religion does not mean that man can arrive at the Christian moral code without religion.
Christianity requires much more, and above all does not expect to see charity returned. To love thy neighbour as thyself is a far greater and more complicated obligation, requiring a positive effort to seek the good of others, often in secret, sometimes at great cost and always without reward. Its most powerful expression is summed up in the words, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
It is striking that in his dismissal of a need for absolute theistic morality, my late brother Christopher states that "the order to 'love thy neighbour as thyself' is too extreme and too strenuous to be obeyed." Humans, he says, "are not so constituted as to care for others as much as themselves." This is demonstrably untrue, and can be shown to be untrue, first through the unshakeable devotion of mothers to their children; through thousands of examples of doctors and nurses risking (and undergoing) infection and death in the course of caring for others; in the uncounted cases of husbands caring for sick, incontinent and demented wives (and vice versa) at their lives' end; through the heartrending deeds of courage on the battlefield, of men actually laying down their lives for others.
We all know these things happen. If we are honest, they make us uncomfortable because we are not sure that we could do such things, though we know them to be right and admirable. In a society where the absolute code has been jettisoned, and we have all become adept at making excuses for shirking such duties, selflessness of this kind will become less common, nursing less dedicated, wives more inclined to leave their babbling husbands in care homes to be looked after impersonally by paid strangers and perhaps encouraged gently down the slope of death, soldiers readier to save themselves while their comrades lie in pain within reach of the enemy. And there will always be a worldly relativist on hand (as there already is at every marriage break-up and every abortion clinic, and increasingly by the bedside of the old and sick) to say that this was only sensible, to urge that we do the easy thing, and to say that it is right to do so. CONTINUED HERE
Michael Horton
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- Brian Houston -
bill hybells
Jan 10, 2022: The Addict Pastor: Deconstructing Discipleship
Bill Hybels founded Willow Creek church in the late 80’s and is famously known for coining the phrase ‘the local church is the hope of the world.’ This mindset has manifested itself within churches across America and has brought about significant tension. Stunted growth in learners. Mass exodus from the very church that we think will be the hope of the world. And yet, the church continues to replicate the thing that has caused powerful damage. Discipleship.
Bill Hybels founded Willow Creek church in the late 80’s and is famously known for coining the phrase ‘the local church is the hope of the world.’ This mindset has manifested itself within churches across America and has brought about significant tension. Stunted growth in learners. Mass exodus from the very church that we think will be the hope of the world. And yet, the church continues to replicate the thing that has caused powerful damage. Discipleship.
Nov 18, 2021: Presbyterian Outlook: Stop chasing the fly: Mars Hill and the problem of growth
But of course, we also have Donald McGavran and Church Growth, Bill Hybels and seeker sensitive churches, John Piper and the new Calvinism. In these different movements, growth is rarely interrogated as a good. We plan instead to expand our reach, to curate greater influence and assume this is to the glory of God.
But of course, we also have Donald McGavran and Church Growth, Bill Hybels and seeker sensitive churches, John Piper and the new Calvinism. In these different movements, growth is rarely interrogated as a good. We plan instead to expand our reach, to curate greater influence and assume this is to the glory of God.
Oct 9, 2021: Christian Post: 'Pandemic of narcissism': Seminaries respond to the evangelical church leadership crisis
"Church scandals like Bill Hybels, Mark Driscoll and James [MacDonald] are not random anomalies. Scandals are a natural part of the risky corporate leadership structure.
July 8, 2021: Crosswalk: Why Are Christian Leaders Falling?
But it’s not worth it just because of that one situation. It’s worth it because of so many other demises of late: Bill Hybels, Ravi Zacharias, James MacDonald, Darren Patrick, Tullian Tchividjian, Perry Noble, Ted Haggard, Carl Lentz… the list is gut-wrenching
June 28, 2021: Christianity Today: Boomers, The Big Sort, and Really, Really Big Churches
When Mark Driscoll arrived to preach at the Crystal Cathedral, he had already walked a ministry path paved by the likes of Schuller, Bill Hybels, and Rick Warren—leaders who dedicated significant time to demographic research as well as expository study.
Aug 28, 2020: Chief Learning Officer: 2 communication pitfalls (and how to avoid them)
In the words of American church figure and author Bill Hybels, “Many leadership problems are driven by low self-awareness.”
March 25, 2018: Chicago Tribune: Willow Creek congregation comes together to support pastor accused of misconduct, cleared in inquiries
Hybels’ wife, Lynne, recently declared a radical sabbatical from social media. And Hybels’ daughter, author and blogger Shauna Niequist, posted on social media Saturday that she needed some space.
Mar 8, 2015: Leadership Freak: Bill Hybels on Integrating Young Leaders
Peter Drucker believed leaders of nonprofits had lots to teach corporate leaders. With that in mind, I’m delighted to share insights from my conversation with Bill Hybels, one of today’s most highly regarded leaders from the nonprofit world.
Aug 14, 2014: Religion News Service: Sweeping away the clutter: A Q&A with Bill Hybels on ‘Simplify’
Clutter influences the way you work, the way you live and the state of your soul, too, argues megachurch pastor Bill Hybels.
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Willow Creek Community Church started as a whisper in a college classroom in 1972. At Trinity College, 20-year-old Bill Hybels sat captivated by the beautiful picture New Testament professor Dr. Gilbert Bilezikian painted of the first church as described in Acts chapter 2. “When I left Dr. B's classroom that day," Bill says, "I went out to my car, put my head on the steering wheel, and cried. The dream of being part of such a church had taken root in my soul.”
William Hybels (born December 12, 1951) is the founding and senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois, one of the most attended churches in North America, with an average attendance of nearly 24,000 as of 2011. The church has been listed as the most influential church in America for the last several years in a national poll of pastors. He is the founder of the Willow Creek Association and creator of the Global Leadership Summit. Hybels is also an author of a number of Christian books, especially on the subject of Christian leadership
"Church scandals like Bill Hybels, Mark Driscoll and James [MacDonald] are not random anomalies. Scandals are a natural part of the risky corporate leadership structure.
July 8, 2021: Crosswalk: Why Are Christian Leaders Falling?
But it’s not worth it just because of that one situation. It’s worth it because of so many other demises of late: Bill Hybels, Ravi Zacharias, James MacDonald, Darren Patrick, Tullian Tchividjian, Perry Noble, Ted Haggard, Carl Lentz… the list is gut-wrenching
June 28, 2021: Christianity Today: Boomers, The Big Sort, and Really, Really Big Churches
When Mark Driscoll arrived to preach at the Crystal Cathedral, he had already walked a ministry path paved by the likes of Schuller, Bill Hybels, and Rick Warren—leaders who dedicated significant time to demographic research as well as expository study.
Aug 28, 2020: Chief Learning Officer: 2 communication pitfalls (and how to avoid them)
In the words of American church figure and author Bill Hybels, “Many leadership problems are driven by low self-awareness.”
March 25, 2018: Chicago Tribune: Willow Creek congregation comes together to support pastor accused of misconduct, cleared in inquiries
Hybels’ wife, Lynne, recently declared a radical sabbatical from social media. And Hybels’ daughter, author and blogger Shauna Niequist, posted on social media Saturday that she needed some space.
Mar 8, 2015: Leadership Freak: Bill Hybels on Integrating Young Leaders
Peter Drucker believed leaders of nonprofits had lots to teach corporate leaders. With that in mind, I’m delighted to share insights from my conversation with Bill Hybels, one of today’s most highly regarded leaders from the nonprofit world.
Aug 14, 2014: Religion News Service: Sweeping away the clutter: A Q&A with Bill Hybels on ‘Simplify’
Clutter influences the way you work, the way you live and the state of your soul, too, argues megachurch pastor Bill Hybels.
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Willow Creek Community Church started as a whisper in a college classroom in 1972. At Trinity College, 20-year-old Bill Hybels sat captivated by the beautiful picture New Testament professor Dr. Gilbert Bilezikian painted of the first church as described in Acts chapter 2. “When I left Dr. B's classroom that day," Bill says, "I went out to my car, put my head on the steering wheel, and cried. The dream of being part of such a church had taken root in my soul.”
William Hybels (born December 12, 1951) is the founding and senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois, one of the most attended churches in North America, with an average attendance of nearly 24,000 as of 2011. The church has been listed as the most influential church in America for the last several years in a national poll of pastors. He is the founder of the Willow Creek Association and creator of the Global Leadership Summit. Hybels is also an author of a number of Christian books, especially on the subject of Christian leadership
chip ingram
Oct 17, 2022: Christian Post: Apologist Chip Ingram lists 5 relationships key to Christian discipleship
Speaking at the Southern Evangelical Seminary’s 26th annual National Conference on Christian Apologetics in Charlotte, North Carolina, over the weekend, Ingram explained that Romans 12 lays out five relationships that are integral to Christian discipleship: a relationship with God, a relationship with the world, a relationship with oneself, a relationship with believers, and a relationship with nonbelievers.
Speaking at the Southern Evangelical Seminary’s 26th annual National Conference on Christian Apologetics in Charlotte, North Carolina, over the weekend, Ingram explained that Romans 12 lays out five relationships that are integral to Christian discipleship: a relationship with God, a relationship with the world, a relationship with oneself, a relationship with believers, and a relationship with nonbelievers.
Wayne t jackson
For the first time in nearly two years, the Unadilla House sits empty, no longer home to a rotating cast of residents who have long been the subject of local controversy.
Unadilla Mayor Jack Insinga credited “dedicated community members” with the ouster of the occupants.
In the ensuing six years, the house has been twice owned by CitiMortgage, once by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and most recently by Great Faith Ministries International, a Detroit-based megachurch led by Wayne T. Jackson, an outspoken supporter of former President Donald Trump and cofounder of the Impact Network, which bills itself as the “fastest-growing and largest Black-owned faith-based TV network.” -Sarah Earnes; Daily Star 8.23.21
Unadilla Mayor Jack Insinga credited “dedicated community members” with the ouster of the occupants.
In the ensuing six years, the house has been twice owned by CitiMortgage, once by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and most recently by Great Faith Ministries International, a Detroit-based megachurch led by Wayne T. Jackson, an outspoken supporter of former President Donald Trump and cofounder of the Impact Network, which bills itself as the “fastest-growing and largest Black-owned faith-based TV network.” -Sarah Earnes; Daily Star 8.23.21
Cindy Jacobs
June 1, 2021: Religion News Service: Prophetic prayer leaders backing awakening prayer movement
James Goll, Cindy Jacobs, Patricia King, Barbara Yoder, Dick Eastman, Dr. Michael Brown, Becca Greenwood, Bishop Bill Hamon, Che Ahn, Larry Sparks and Alveda King, the niece of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and others are also standing in support of Awakening Prayer Hubs.
James Goll, Cindy Jacobs, Patricia King, Barbara Yoder, Dick Eastman, Dr. Michael Brown, Becca Greenwood, Bishop Bill Hamon, Che Ahn, Larry Sparks and Alveda King, the niece of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and others are also standing in support of Awakening Prayer Hubs.
- TD Jakes - David Jeremiah -
Skye Jethani
Instead of becoming an outreach, it becomes an inreach."The “church” is the community of God’s redeemed and empowered people. The church institution and its leaders exists to equip God’s people. God’s people do not exist to equip the institution. Ministry is not what we do within the church institution, but what we do to manifest the reign of Christ in the world". --Skye Jethani
Bill & Beni johnson
Feb 14, 2022: Christian Headlines: Bethel Church Launches 24/7 Prayer Campaign for Beni Johnson amid Cancer Battle
Bethel Church recently launched a 24/7 prayer campaign for Beni Johnson, the wife of senior pastor Bill Johnson, who is battling cancer.
Bethel Church recently launched a 24/7 prayer campaign for Beni Johnson, the wife of senior pastor Bill Johnson, who is battling cancer.
Bill and Beni Johnson, two of the church's most senior leaders, have been accused of heretical conduct for what they believe in and teach. Bill, for example, included the Biblical truth in his book, "Jesus Christ is Perfect Theology," that God always intends to heal someone.
Beni, on the other hand, had been criticized for her focus on angelology Previously, she was claimed to have said in a blog post that is no longer available, that there are "different kinds of angels" who had "fallen asleep." And when she posted images of herself on the graves of well-known Christians such as C.S. Lewis, she was accused of "grave soaking" which was eventually called "grave-sucking."
Lloyd wrote: "Many wild suggestions have been made of the activity within these walls of 'wacky cheer'. It should be made clear that, initially, I, too, was the one who stepped over students laughing on the floor, inwardly judging their reactions to the presence of God. My secret conversations with the Lord however, would always confront my judgement for another's enthusiasm. Just as I was once encouraged by great art directors in London to let creatives take a risk, so too did I need to ensure I made space to allow their zealous spirit to encounter God, however that may look." -Sarah Mae Saliong; Christianity Daily 11.26.21
Beni, on the other hand, had been criticized for her focus on angelology Previously, she was claimed to have said in a blog post that is no longer available, that there are "different kinds of angels" who had "fallen asleep." And when she posted images of herself on the graves of well-known Christians such as C.S. Lewis, she was accused of "grave soaking" which was eventually called "grave-sucking."
Lloyd wrote: "Many wild suggestions have been made of the activity within these walls of 'wacky cheer'. It should be made clear that, initially, I, too, was the one who stepped over students laughing on the floor, inwardly judging their reactions to the presence of God. My secret conversations with the Lord however, would always confront my judgement for another's enthusiasm. Just as I was once encouraged by great art directors in London to let creatives take a risk, so too did I need to ensure I made space to allow their zealous spirit to encounter God, however that may look." -Sarah Mae Saliong; Christianity Daily 11.26.21
gary d johnson
The pastor of Rapid City's Dove Christian Center learned Friday that his Haitian friend and longtime ministry partner, Pastor Serge Coulanges, had survived the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that devastated the small, impoverished country. A soon-to-open three-story hospital that Coulanges recently built in the Port-au-Prince area, largely through Dove Christian Center's financial support, had its top floor heavily damaged in the earthquake, but the building was not destroyed...."This guy is Jesus with skin on," Johnson said of Coulanges, who has visited Rapid City numerous times in the 37 years since the two men met. "I was so excited to hear that he's OK." -Mary Garrigan ; Rapid City Journal 1.15.10
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Johnson gave the ABC reporter his interpretation of End Times theology, which includes heeding prophetic signs, such as an increase in natural disasters, escalating ethnic strife in the Middle East, huge leaps in scientific and technological knowledge, and the ability to travel rapidly around the world and far into the universe.
"Jesus said to look for these signs, including when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies," Johnson said.
When asked what his church's response would be to global cataclysm, Johnson told ABC News that it should not despair. "I told him we wouldn't go hide in a cave and eat frozen foods. We'd be about our Father's business. You keep on doing what you're doing, but you look up," Johnson said. "It wouldn't be cause for despair, because we have hope." -Mary Garrigan; Rapid City Journal 8.28.06
"Jesus said to look for these signs, including when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies," Johnson said.
When asked what his church's response would be to global cataclysm, Johnson told ABC News that it should not despair. "I told him we wouldn't go hide in a cave and eat frozen foods. We'd be about our Father's business. You keep on doing what you're doing, but you look up," Johnson said. "It wouldn't be cause for despair, because we have hope." -Mary Garrigan; Rapid City Journal 8.28.06
Tim Keller
Apr 7, 2022: Chorus in the Chaos: Sorry Tim Keller, People Reject Christ Because They Reject the Bible
Tim Keller recently tweeted, “Jesus’s teaching consistently attracted the irreligious while offending Bible-believing religious people of His day. However-our churches do not have this same effect which can only mean one thing. Our preaching and practices are not declaring the same message that Jesus did.”
Tim Keller recently tweeted, “Jesus’s teaching consistently attracted the irreligious while offending Bible-believing religious people of His day. However-our churches do not have this same effect which can only mean one thing. Our preaching and practices are not declaring the same message that Jesus did.”
A Facebook post by Pastor Timothy Keller on Apr 7 explains the problems with mega churches:
Thread on why we multiplied Redeemer into three (now five) congregations, rather than give the megachurch to a single successor?
First, because megachurches have some design deficits. In general, they are poor places for formation and pastoral care due to their size. In our current cultural moment that is a deadly problem because Christians are being more formed by social media than local Christian community. We need thick communities and the size of our churches factor into that.
2nd, because megachurches are grown large under a founder, they are not usually sustained by being given to one successor. That person is always excessively and sometimes harshly compared in every way to the founder. It’s lose-lose for them and the movement.
3rd-because megachurches—tend to grow fast under a founder, they usually depend too much on the gifts and personality of that founder so the sooner that addictive dependence is broken, the better.
4th, because often the founder comes to see the church as their personal possession-and an extension of their personality and self-image, they often never want to leave, nor do they know how to well. It is good to leave sooner rather than later as a spiritual discipline.
5th, because I was able to hand off Redeemer to a more diverse group of leaders-instead of one white American, Redeemer has now been led by Sr Pastors who were Chinese, Korean, British, and Nagamese/Lebanese. All, though solidly united on Reformed theology, bring their distinct-enriching cultural perspectives, experiences, and wisdom.
6th, because smaller congregations must make use of a greater percentage of lay persons’ gifts & talents there is less dependence on staff and a smaller number of onlookers who only attend to observe and not participate.
7th, we didn't just want to build one megachurch, our core vision was centered on “to help build a great city for all people through a movement of the gospel.” Gospel movements are fueled by the multiplication of generative churches, and diverse leaders.
8th, megachurches tend to draw people from great distances who then are not geographically close enough to take part in community building, discipleship, and local ministry to the neighborhood of the church. It is harder for them to be other-focused in the local area. Cities and regions can benefit from the unique resources of a megachurch (eg counseling centers, seminaries). But in general, the area—and the Christians—will benefit more from 10 churches of 400 scattered throughout the city, rather than one church of 4,000 in the middle of it.
That was our thought process. Now, while still having the resources of a megachurch, through their size and model, they can be more nimble to the needs of those who attend and the surrounding area.
Thread on why we multiplied Redeemer into three (now five) congregations, rather than give the megachurch to a single successor?
First, because megachurches have some design deficits. In general, they are poor places for formation and pastoral care due to their size. In our current cultural moment that is a deadly problem because Christians are being more formed by social media than local Christian community. We need thick communities and the size of our churches factor into that.
2nd, because megachurches are grown large under a founder, they are not usually sustained by being given to one successor. That person is always excessively and sometimes harshly compared in every way to the founder. It’s lose-lose for them and the movement.
3rd-because megachurches—tend to grow fast under a founder, they usually depend too much on the gifts and personality of that founder so the sooner that addictive dependence is broken, the better.
4th, because often the founder comes to see the church as their personal possession-and an extension of their personality and self-image, they often never want to leave, nor do they know how to well. It is good to leave sooner rather than later as a spiritual discipline.
5th, because I was able to hand off Redeemer to a more diverse group of leaders-instead of one white American, Redeemer has now been led by Sr Pastors who were Chinese, Korean, British, and Nagamese/Lebanese. All, though solidly united on Reformed theology, bring their distinct-enriching cultural perspectives, experiences, and wisdom.
6th, because smaller congregations must make use of a greater percentage of lay persons’ gifts & talents there is less dependence on staff and a smaller number of onlookers who only attend to observe and not participate.
7th, we didn't just want to build one megachurch, our core vision was centered on “to help build a great city for all people through a movement of the gospel.” Gospel movements are fueled by the multiplication of generative churches, and diverse leaders.
8th, megachurches tend to draw people from great distances who then are not geographically close enough to take part in community building, discipleship, and local ministry to the neighborhood of the church. It is harder for them to be other-focused in the local area. Cities and regions can benefit from the unique resources of a megachurch (eg counseling centers, seminaries). But in general, the area—and the Christians—will benefit more from 10 churches of 400 scattered throughout the city, rather than one church of 4,000 in the middle of it.
That was our thought process. Now, while still having the resources of a megachurch, through their size and model, they can be more nimble to the needs of those who attend and the surrounding area.
| -Tim Keller |
greg laurie
Feb 25, 2022: Christian Post: 6 Evangelical reactions to Russia’s Ukraine invasion: ‘Potentially major prophetic fulfillment’
California megachurch pastor, evangelist and author Greg Laurie took to his Facebook page Thursday to urge supporters to “stand united in prayer for the people of Ukraine.”
California megachurch pastor, evangelist and author Greg Laurie took to his Facebook page Thursday to urge supporters to “stand united in prayer for the people of Ukraine.”
Scott lively
Apr 14, 2022: WND: Scott Lively: When and why American exceptionalism died
| Scott Lively is an attorney, pastor, human rights consultant and missionary with service in more than 50 countries. He is the author of eight books including "Redeeming the Rainbow," a textbook on pro-family advocacy and opposition the the LGBT agenda, and his most recent work "The Prodigal Son Prophecy: God's Amazing Plan for the Restoration of the Two Hebrew Houses and the Salvation of the Gentiles." |
max lucado
Feb 9, 2022: Ministry Watch: LGBTQ Community Organize Petition Against Max Lucado Preaching at Washington National Cathedral
More than 1,600 people signed a petition protesting the Washington National Cathedral’s decision to host evangelical megachurch pastor Max Lucado as a guest preacher last weekend (Feb 7), saying the move contradicted the Episcopal Church’s stance supporting LGBTQ inclusion.
More than 1,600 people signed a petition protesting the Washington National Cathedral’s decision to host evangelical megachurch pastor Max Lucado as a guest preacher last weekend (Feb 7), saying the move contradicted the Episcopal Church’s stance supporting LGBTQ inclusion.
