I first heard this word used by Gene Edwards in his 1984 book, “Letters to a Devastated Christian”. For those millennials who are rejecting “organized” church, I might recommend it. It’s not that I believe everything Edward’s states (he had his own church wounds he was dealing with), but it’s a perspective that you might want to “chew on”. It seems particularly relevant in a social media age where every grievance, disappointment, and accusation of abuse finds its way instantly in a chat space.
Contemporary Church Issues
SCORECARDS (An initial review of the podcast, “The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill”)
I have been listening to a recent podcast series through Christianity Today entitled, “The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill”. The premise and proposition of the podcast is to analyze the collapse of the Mars Hill Church (Seattle) in 2014, as well as dissect the leadership style and problems of it’s (then) pastor, Mark Driscoll. The stated promise was to be “balanced” and “fair” in its presentation. Much could be said regarding the accuracy or fulfillment of that promise without even hearing the last several episodes. For me, it gave the vibe of numerous unstated, perhaps even unnecessary, agendas. However, let me set that dynamic of “unbiased journalism”, or as they call it “story-telling”, aside to address the context of the podcasts, which appear to be a smash hit in the eyes of many. The producers are attempting to deal with the concept of church abuse, hurt and woundedness, as well as pastoral authoritarianism. The entire series is not yet completed, but after 7 segments into it, along with a couple of excurses into somewhat similar disconnected themes, I feel I can safely say that I get where this is going.
DEALING WITH PROPHETIC IMPRECISION
“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;”
Ephesians 4:11-13
As a committed theological continualist, I consider the above passage to be one of the clearest texts presenting the ongoing ministry of the prophet. It is not possible, nor is it the purpose of this post, to elaborate on the similarities and dissimilarities between the Old Testament prophets and the place of New Testament prophetic utterances. The truth is a number of OT activities transitioned at the Cross of Christ while a number of things remained the same. That is called a “continuity and discontinuity” discussion or debate amongst students of the Bible. There are plenty of books and online articles for the interested student to study ad infinitum.
Prosperity Bashing and the Justification of Jealousy
If a doctrine can be twisted, then be sure, it will be twisted.
I have said for years that if the great Deceiver (the devil) cannot keep you from entering the Kingdom and receiving the emancipating grace and atonement of Jesus Christ, he will resort to strategic plan “b” which is to twist legitimate doctrines and confuse you so you will live far beneath your scripturally endorsed right.
Case in point…
Prosperity.
Why Social Justice Is Now The Rage
Since transitioning from the pastorate and embarking upon this new season of ministry travel and university teaching, I have been able to analyze and reflect on certain cultural and church trends. The most significant trend (or trends) may be labeled under the banner of “social justice”. I will define social justice shortly (as it has scores of meanings), but let me first make sure we all understand the concept of “justice”. Justice, simply defined, means, “to make right”. Who can argue with that? Who can disagree that there are incredible numbers of things in this world which are “wrong”? And, for most Christians, we know just enough of the Bible to be able to say that God wants to see things “right” and correct those things which are “wrong”. These incredibly general remarks are things upon which the saints from many perspectives can say, “amen”. Where it becomes tricky is when we begin to discuss what is “right” and what is “wrong” and how exactly are these wrongs to be remedied.
Continue Reading