Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Whose Kingdom is it?

Epicenter: spiritual formation for Kingdom impact put on by the BGCT this past Spring:

“It is possible to participate in church expansion and unintentionally be an agent for shrinking the kingdom of God,” Jeff Christopherson, pastor of The Sanctuary in Oakville, Ontario, said at Epicenter, a spiritual formation and missions event sponsored by the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
I guess after having been on the mission field doing volunteer work for 7 years I've come to wonder more and more about sects within my denomination.

Probably one of the most eye opening comments I heard was from this Pastor in Canada as he talked about when you cross a certain line in your authority you actually begin working for the dominion of darkness.

Knowing what I know... it seemed the community of the IMB was being led to "group isolation." It's okay to know these "other" denominations but don't partner with them.

Our "brand" church first and Jesus a close second. Our new authority isn't from the King, Jesus but from our corporate idenity. Does it have a "Southern Baptist" name on it? And even though they might not come right out say it... you MUST conform to our way or find yourself another way.

Thus our mode for changing the world becomes no better than the crusades years ago in heart motive. Where is the "follow God" in conformity? Where are the leaders who say... we will support you as God leads you?

AND the one of the most defining things... the energy comes from competions. You know how I know it comes from competition? Numbers. Right? The missionaries are told you can't partner and one of the reasons was there will be inaccurate counting of "believers"... you and this other entity can not count these handful of believers for both your churches. Since you are with the SB then they must be SB or you must move on to find other believers to disciple. Competition.

How are we not crossing over a very fine line from the Kingdom of God to the Kingdom of Darkness?

I praise God daily for men and women who take a stand to call us back. My prayers are with them as they continue. May they continue to fight the good fight, stand up for what the Word of God says and always point to where we are compromising our own beliefs or leading people astray. So that we may walk together and serve God well.

posted by miriam plowman @ 5:59 AM