PASTORAL PAPER: Ecumenism (Part 2)
that the Roman Catholic Church should be included in the Evangelical family and be treated as if it were just another denomination amongst the rest. This first letter deals with my impressions of a luncheon I was invited to attended for the Global Pastors Network, which was hosted by an AG pastor, introduced and endorsed by AG leaders, attended by high level AG District officials, and headlined by world famous German AG Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke. I have great personal regard for all who were in attendance, but we need to examine both the charismatic ethics of what was presented that day, as well as the governmental impact of where it is potentially leading us.
September 13, 2005
Dear District Brother,
I just wanted to drop you a short note because we were not able to connect following the Bonnke luncheon in Warren…. The first impression that made an impact on me personally, was the energetic appeal made by (National AG leaders) relative to our getting on board with Bonnke's efforts in the name of the Global Pastor's Network (referred to as GPN from here on). After the number of speakers finished, each communicating the impact of having Bonnke in their churches, there was a striking appeal relative to helping him finish his seven part film project, prefaced by the opening statement of one of the brothers that "I believe there is $500,000 in this room". The other element that struck me was when we were encouraged, much like watching a TBN share-a-thon, that we would receive a portion of Bonnke's anointing for the nations if we sowed into his "good soil" (the parable used by a brother from Georgia, I believe). Then just this morning I received a GPN e-mail promoting an upcoming conference that stated:
Announcing the 2006 Billion Soul Pastor Conference "Releasing Soul-Millionaires for God". GPN announces the Billion Soul Pastors Conference, January 25-27, 2006, in Orlando, Florida. Since 2001, more than 15,000 have attended GPN leadership events, including 5,100 and 6,300 at the past two biannual pastors' conferences. This year, 1,600 kingdom-minded pastors and leaders will be able to attend an event that is all about raising up and releasing "Soul Millionaires" for the cause of Christ! In order to accommodate pastors on the level of ministry growth and strength they desire, this Billion Soul Pastors Conference will offer three levels of registration:
I. The Success Level
Investment is $250 per pastor/leader-and their spouse can attend for an additional $100-for only 900 openings at his level of registration.
II. Strategic Level
Investment is $500 per pastor/leader- and their spouse can attend for an additional $150- for only 400 openings at this level of registration.
III. The Soul-Millionaire Level
Investment is $1,000 per pastor/leader- and their spouse can attend for an additional $250- for only 300 openings available at this level of registration.
Register Now!
Go to www.GPN.tv and register today. Due to the limited number of seats available, we anticipate this event to fill quickly. Don't be left out. Register today!
(My letter to "Brother continues)
I completely understand that we as AG credential holders have the freedom to participate in cross-denominational ministry (OR NOT) as the Spirit would lead us (I myself am the President of our local ministerial alliance and participate in monthly "Church of Niles" worship services amongst like-minded Protestant Churches), but some of the language of this new movement is rather all-encompassing and borderline irresponsible. I am very thankful to already be a part of a 6 Billion-Soul campaign known as AGWM; good soil to be sure. I am also disturbed to be exhorted to "lay down my ego and my logo" at the feet of the GPN. I pray that I am laying down my ego on a daily basis, but keeping my logo still serves a discipline and networking purpose that is absolutely necessary in this blurred "global village" that we live in. Thanks so much for your time and efforts, and I addressed this note to you personally because I saw you at the lunch, and carbon copied it to our "District Leader" so as to keep closely in touch. I welcome any teaching or insights you can give me.
Brother Jeff
At this juncture I approached national leadership in the AG for clarification and direction relative to these fast-moving developments.
September 23, 2005
Dear "Father",
I know that with all the recent developments relative to Hurricane Katrina, you are probably consumed with many meetings and calls, so I am not anticipating a quick answer to my questions. I am writing concerning the recent luncheon held in Warren, MI under the auspices of the GPN. I saw many of my friends and District Officers…. "The Evangelist" greeted us via cell phone and then your DVD welcome was played. I was very attentive to what would follow because of my familiarity with the ministry of Brother Bonnke and the enthusiastic endorsement given him by our key leaders in attendance. The overall presentation of the seven part film series was very striking, and the excellence of production was quite evident. Questions began to form in my mind and heart as the program advanced to the pledge stage. We were told by one of the platform speakers at the beginning of the presentation "I believe that there is $500,000 in this room!" We were then exhorted that Bonkke's ministry was the "good soil" of Matthew 13, and that if we sewed sacrificially into it, we could expect a corresponding release of the same anointing that rests upon Bonnke in Africa, so that "what is now our ceiling will become our floor". I was struck by the TBNish atmosphere with many of the impartational statements that were being made. This was compounded when I received the following e-mail last week: (SEE THE SAME PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL CONTAINED IN THE ABOVE LETTER TO "DISTRICT BROTHER").
(I continue…) I completely understand that AG credential holders have the freedom to participate (or not to participate) in para-church community ministries. I have been employed by the Billy Graham Association while studying at North Central, traveled in interdenominational music ministry, and am now the President of my local ministerial association, etc. and enjoy seeing the Lord move amongst His entire Body at home and around the world. Having said that, I again express my concern about the tone and language used by the GPN. I watched my own copy of the promotional DVD sent out before the Warren, MI luncheon and listened intently as our late Brother Bill Bright exhorted us to "lay down our logos and egos" to come together in this unprecedented outreach to 1 Billion souls, 5 million church, etc. The advertisement that I copied to you in the previous paragraph floored me with its "investment" language and appeal that the registration paid would be according to "the level of ministry growth and strength they desire". Every pastor I know would love to be a "soul-millionaire", and can now achieve it by (merely) sowing $1,000 into a conference as well as receiving Bonnke's anointing by giving sacrificially. I KNOW THAT OUR FELLOWSHIP UNDER YOUR LEADERSHIP HAS NEVER ENDORSED THIS KIND OF SIMONY. Being located where I am in Southwestern Michigan, I have had personal contact with a pastor about charismatic fundraising techniques, and (told him) that "dead men don't ask for refunds". Is the GPN desiring to function in a "trans-denominational" form after we have all laid aside our egos and logos? I pray that my ego is crucified daily, but my logo is a useful tool in stating doctrinal positions and providing guidelines for raising up disciples.
I was one of the people who spoke to the ecumenical resolution during General Council in Denver, and believe that this issue reflects its implications that go far beyond what some hold as the archaic, 500 year old issue of Luther's argument with the Pope. The letterhead of the GPN is full of names and agendas, which would require exhaustive research if one sought to understand the totality of what is being presented. However, someone who is a loyal son or daughter of the AG may be tempted to simply say, "If 'Father' endorses it, it must be alright"; the burden that this places upon your leadership is almost unbearable. The principle issue of the selling of indulgences and promising spiritual blessings of impartation of God Graces in connection with money is exactly what started the Reformation, and I could not imagine that Luther himself could have kept silent in light of the "soul-millionaire" and "$500,000 in this room" talk that was being forwarded. Globalism is another face of ecumenism that is not specifically directed at the fallen institution of the Roman Church.
Please forgive my tone if I have come across as sarcastic. I am just passionate about the incredibly challenging days we find ourselves in. I have enjoyed the gracious correspondence I have had with Brother Superior and the Professor prior to council, and am eternally grateful to be a current member of the ongoing "6 Billion Soul Campaign" being conducted by the unsung heroes of AGWM (Assemblies of God World Missions). I look forward to hearing from you and receiving deeper understanding of these issues at your leisure.
Asking, seeking, and knocking,
Jeff Whittaker
Niles, MI
September 23, 2005
Dear Brother Whittaker,
Choice Christian Greetings!
I am writing in response to your email dated Monday, Sept 19. As you have seen, I have been a participant in GPN. My time goes back to the days of Dr. Bill Bright. Having said that, it does not mean that we throw a covering over all that GPN is doing. And what you encountered there in the Reinhard Bonnke meeting would not receive our endorsement.
I don't believe that one should be pressured or made to feel as a second-class citizen if one doesn't participate in this type of fundraising. It is unfortunate that that happens. I have deep appreciation for Reinhard Bonnke and others, but that certainly does not mean I endorse this method he is using. I guess what I am saying to you is it would appear that one would have to chew the meat and spit out the bones. Keep that which is good and throw aside that which is unacceptable.
I trust I have been helpful to you in these matters. May the Lord richly bless you is our sincere prayer.
Sincerely,
"Father"
(his secretary's initials)
September 29, 2005
Dear "Father",
In your kind reply to my inquiry regarding the GPN, you referred to the Assemblies not giving blanket endorsement to the movement. Then your recorded endorsement at the beginning of the presentation sent the wrong signal, implying that you are highly placed in the GPN, along with your photo being displayed prominently on all their literature. If you are not, at least the (AG) Evangelist is. This kind of high-level endorsement definitely communicates that we're all in this Global Family together. I am curious as to what we can do to speak to the serious theological issues raised by the Kingdom Now/Latter Rain positions of Bonnke and others. When I did a word search of "Latter Rain", I found the resolution passed by our 1949 General Council coming out clearly against it, as well as conferences conducted by figures active in the "New Prophetic and Apostolic Movement" like Ted Haggard, C. Peter Wagner, Bill Hamon, etc.
I understand your counsel contained in the old cliché "eat the meat and spit out the bones", but I am stirred much deeper as I remember Paul's Scriptural exhortation found in Galatians 5:6-9. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availed any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith that worketh by love. Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." How many bones do we spit out before we stop eating or choke? The bone of Mel Gibson's traditionalist, Latin Mass with no public testimony of New Birth through faith in Christ's finished work alone (Mel was featured at the beginning of the GPN DVD being interviewed as a team member by "the AG Evangelist")? The GPN DVD images of our dear late brother Bill Bright receiving an award on a platform filled with Roman Catholic Cardinals (the Templeton Prize?), or maybe the bone of the prominent Kingdom Now theology which includes transferable anointing through the three levels of financial investment for Kingdom Minded leaders (Simony/Indulgence)? At some point Scriptural orthodoxy demands a joint statement of faith to clarify some of these "bones". With all respect, I do not feel that we can afford to adopt a permissive posture in light of the urgency of these questions. As a local pastor, I counsel my people not to invest hundreds or even thousands of their dollars in manipulative media ministries that mix just enough true Gospel with their own contrived doctrines to sound credible. I wish that all you and I had to do was to dedicate babies, teach attentive Sunday School classes, and baptize new converts; but I fear that we are laboring under the burden expressed by Jude who lamented, "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, an denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ".
A Timothy,
Jeff Whittaker
Allow me to insert some information related to one main figure listed amongst the luminaries of the Global Pastors Network. Pastor Ted Haggard, current President of the National Association of Evangelicals, is considered to be one of the most cutting edge leaders in the United States today. I want to reproduce some e-mail correspondence that took place between Pastor Haggard and the Apologetics Coordination Team, a discernment ministry based in the U.S. Upon Pastor Haggard's election to the head of the NAE, Brothers Sandy Simpson and Mike Oppenheimer felt compelled to write an open letter to the Association, seeking clarification as to how they could accommodate some to the unorthodox beliefs held by their new President. This concern arose out of Haggard's prominent place in groups that include: The Wagner Leadership Institute under Apostolic Ministries (AM) and the International Coalition of Apostles (ICA). He has also been listed in a number of The National School of the Prophets (NSOTP) conferences (An Answer to Ted Haggard: Response to Ted Haggard's Email Rebuttal to our Open Letter to the NAE. By Sandy Simpson and Mike Oppenheimer, April 2000). The reason I am including highlights from their material is not primarily to establish a picture of Ted Haggard's doctrine, but rather to demonstrate the manner in which he responds to straight forward questions (or doesn't). On page 1 of the article, Pastor Haggard responds,
"I assume that what I write always has the possibility of being used in public. If I want something to be personal or confidential, I mark it such, which is very seldom. It's just the wording of (an) 'official response' might require a little more thought…."
Take note of the use of the familiar term "OFFICIAL". By invoking unofficial status, Brother Haggard can simply go on and on without ever taking responsibility for what he really believes. And, if challenged, he can quickly say that the questionable material was "unofficial", making any inquiry null and void. If Brother Haggard grows weary of the process, he can simply stop responding and hope that the troublesome seeker will just go away. Earlier in ACT's Open Letter, Simpson and Oppenheimer wrote,
"Ted Haggard has been promoting the agenda of C. Peter Wagner and his New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and International Coalition of Apostles (ICA). (p.1)"
To this charge, Pastor Haggard responded,
"I do not embrace the modern prophetic movement represented by Dr. C. Peter Wagner, Chuck Pierce, Cindy Jacobs and others, nor have I ever. Because of the legal arrangement we made with Global Harvest Ministry when the World Prayer Center was being constructed, they have used our building for conferences. I am invited to speak at those conferences because I am viewed as a 'balancing voice.' After hearing me speak, the attendees know that I do not embrace the interpretation of the prophetic that the other speakers espouse. (p.2).
The amazing thing is, that though Pastor Haggard states that he doesn't "embrace the prophetic movement represented" by the individuals cited, nor agrees with their teachings, he nonetheless appears on the platform in his own sanctuary with those same figures praying in the following manner.
"Father, I thank you for those who have the office of either a prophet or a prophetess or have a strong flow in the prophetic. And Lord Jesus, we as a group of pastors, many in this room apostolic pastors, we release, we bless, we confirm the calling of the prophet- the calling of the prophetess- the calling of the prophetic, and we welcome it into the global church of the world." (Ted Haggard, National School of the Prophets, Chuck Pierce/Cindy Jacobs, Saturday May 13, 2000, 11:00 AM).
When I quote Pastor Haggard as saying, "I do not embrace the modern prophetic movement represented by Dr. C. Peter Wagner, Chuck Pierce, Cindy Jacobs and others, nor have I ever", and then record his "prophetic prayer", I do so only to demonstrate the main problem that lies at the root of many of the modern Global/Ecumenical movements. That problem is DISHONESTY! When clear definitions are sought or doctrinal expositions asked for, all that is given are broad, confusing statements of "unofficial" babble. The Vatican's Ecumenical double talk is dishonest, the Fuller Professor's perceived crusade to bring awakening to Rome is dishonest, and the misrepresentation of where our fellowship stands is dishonest. I believe that everyone's motives are pure, but LET'S JUST LAY OUR CARDS ON THE TABLE! What does anyone "officially" believe anymore? Martin Luther made 95 statements that still stand after 500 years, but we have trouble defining things after a mere 42 year span between 1963 and 2005.
November 1, 2005
Dear Father,
Thanks, as usual, for your kind reply…. I understand that we do not have an official connection with the GPN, the same way we do not have an "official connection" with the Vatican through "the Professor" from Fuller Seminary, and that our church's governmental structure is based upon local autonomy. My question is: When is local autonomy superseded by the General Council's Constitution and Bylaws? If a school or local assembly, for instance, begins to teach post-tribulation rapture or that tongues is no longer considered the initial physical evidence of Spirit baptism, I assume that the District and/or General Councils would step in to remedy the error. In the same way, with all the varied winds of doctrine that exist in today's confusing world, shouldn't we leaders be prepared to give either endorsement or censure to things being taught under our watch? I allow my local Sunday School teachers the liberty (autonomy) to teach their classes out of books that they want to teach from (most are using GPH). However, I have had teachers that wanted to use works by extreme "Word of Faith" or "Restored Apostolic and Prophetic" authors, and I had to veto their autonomy of the good of the local body. They have, to a person, been very submissive and understanding once I showed them the errors of the desired textbook compared with Scripture. This is the posture that I am continuing to work out in my own heart and mind with regards to current "global trends". It seems that there area so many varied schools of thought represented, that an indistinguishable noise just drowns out any meaningful discussion. If it's global, it must be good and right. If it's big, it must be good and right. These pragmatic and utilitarian forms of reasoning are unreliable indicators of God's truth and overall will. That is why I continue to preach the 16 fundamental truths, and labor in my small corner of God's harvest field in Michigan…, knowing that I am already a part of God's Global Harvest, and a member of His Cosmic, Universal Body; even if I don't register into the very broad based and poorly defined ecumenical Networks of our time. As you said in you latest minister's letter entitled "A of G or K of G", "…we must be willing to put aside "our ambitions, our egos, our agendas, and find what the Lord's agenda is for the Assemblies of God." I agree. The only thing that arrested my attention was that what you said sounded much like a paraphrase of Dr. Bill Bright's quote of North American Mission Board President Robert Reccord who said, we must be willing to "leave our logos and egos behind". Administrative and doctrinal definitions are very vital in the days ahead. We here in Michigan are having many fellowships and discussions amongst the credential holders, and are looking forward to many more opportunities for study and debate.
By His Grace,
Jeff Whittaker
I have repeatedly cautioned throughout this paper about the slowly numbing nature of the designations "OFFICIAL" and "AUTONOMOUS", and how they affect our thinking towards trends in the church. The classic words of the hymn "prone to wander, Lord I feel it" are too often swept aside and replaced with a faulty belief that "we could never do what all those other men and movements have done!" So we eventually end up going down the same tragic path, all the while being deluded into thinking we are doing a "global thing" for the Lord, creating a Bride worthy of His return! We trade on famous names and high-profile celebrities while God is still content to work in His mysterious ways through nameless missionaries and martyrs around the world. A solitary Vietnamese woman preaching from village to village and being arrested by anti-Christ secret police will surely have more reward in Heaven than we will with our "faith talk power lunches" where we buy and sell the anointing according to our "desired level of success", enabling us to fill our buildings and be considered "Soul-Millionaires" by our peers!
This next letter is the last in my series because I never received a response to it. My goal was (and is) to come to grips with current trends through meaningful exchange with those more experienced and wiser than myself, and to receive instruction to correct my misperceptions. However, I do not believe it wrong to keep "asking, seeking, and knocking" in the process.
November 16, 2005
Dear Father,
Last week I was in Springfield to visit Dr. Opal Reddin, whom I am sure you know is day to day in her battle with illness. While booking my flights, I came upon an invitation to Dr. Denbow's inauguration! I arrived in Springfield on Tuesday afternoon, had a blessed time with Dr. Reddin, attended two days of classes and a chapel service at CBC, and enjoyed the inaugural service immensely! I was unable to find you at the reception, and regretted not having the chance to greet you personally. While in Springfield I also received your e-mail answering questions relative to the autonomy of a body such as the College (we discussed) while still being under the governing leadership and guidance of the General Council Constitution and Bylaws and Executive Officers. The main thrust, once again, to my question, has to deal with the issue of clarity of definition. As an Assemblies of God Pastor, I have "signed on" under the banner of our fellowship with its 16 fundamental truths (which I am in the process of preaching through right now). I have an identification card in my wallet with your signature on it…. We have a legal relationship as well as one of shared vision for spreading the "Full Gospel" around the world. That relationship was reinforced at Dr. Denbow's inauguration on 10 November. However, the question that remains unanswered is: How far do we go in establishing new entities with a very broad base of participation and doctrinal views? It seems that every time we turn around, we run into a new question mark. In my previous notes I have asked about the fundraising theology of the GPN luncheon given in Warren, MI where we were challenged with the statement "I believe that there is $500,000 in this room", and that if we gave sacrificially, the same anointing that is on Reinhard Bonnke in Africa would fall on us here in America (latter rain doctrine of transferable, purchasable anointing). After this AG (unofficially) endorsed lunch, I find that one of our Colleges is offering two of Bonnke's classes. When I went to the GPN website to do some follow-up checking, I found that there is a GPN Pastor's Training Institute with four chairs of study offering 29 classes each, and that you are the head of the Spiritual Formation Chair! An entire college education for ministry offered through the GPN!
The AG Evangelist (and leader in the GPN), in a letter dated 7 November 2005 states, "Our own General Superintendent, Thomas Trask, and many fellow AOG pastors and evangelists have also committed themselves to the vision of planting five million new churches for a billion soul harvest within the next 10-15 years." The AG Evangelist is using your name as a point of influence to get other AOG pastors to sign onto this "vision". How does one commit himself to a vision that is unofficial? The appearance is that we are indeed moving incrementally towards an official relationship as in the aforementioned connection with "the College". The GPN has set goals very similar to our own "Decade of Harvest" of the 1990s, but now we will do it as a global conglomeration of varied leaders and theologies. The Dean of the GPN Pastors Institute, Dr. Elmer Towns, is credited with helping to found Liberty University with Brother Jerry Falwell. In the Spiritual Foundations Chair, are we able to teach the beneficial nature of tongues in devotional prayer or the public ministry of the gifts of the Spirit? I know that we can at CBC, NCU, etc. The last time I checked, Jerry Falwell was still anti-Pentecost.
I had an AG missionary in my office this morning for a get acquainted meeting and the usual budgetary discussion. With the AG Evangelist's (GPN) letter in my hand, I told him that I would love to help him with his little ministry..., but I was committing a large amount of funds to Brother Bonnke and the GPN for the purpose of "fulfilling the Great Commission in my lifetime", receiving a portion of the anointing that rests on Bonnke, and so that I could be considered a visionary "Soul-Millionaire". I asked the "little" AG missionary if he could promise me that kind of return for my dollar…. He didn't have an answer. After reassuring him of my love and respect for his "little" ministry, we gave him a love offering.
We can only maintain an "unofficial" position for so long before concrete definitions are called for. Whether it is evangelical restorationism from one side through political activism, or hyper-charismatic latter rain/dominionism from the other, many believe that our historic Assemblies of God Biblical position needs to be reaffirmed. There are many figures in the GPN that support using the Koran to reach Muslims and retuning them to their villages as "Messianic Muslims" without renouncing Islam, while others are teaching that we must take over and prepare the earth before Christ can return. I agree that we should continue to lovingly cooperate with any and all who hold to orthodox protestant theology (as in our new ecumenical bylaw), but when it's time to train up pastors and future leaders for our churches, we should send them to a place where we know they'll get the same training that made our fellowship the fastest growing body in history.
Thanks for bearing with me, Jeff Whittaker
In the Assemblies of God (as in every denomination) there are many missionaries who are struggling for support and colleges that are in need of funds for the carrying out of their respective missions. I included my exchange with the AG missionary to demonstrate the hurtful nature of the whole pragmatic, success driven way of thinking when it is allowed to take root in the church. Why would the head of one denomination that has its own schools for training young men and women throw his support behind an ecumenical school for pastors that has a "crazy quilt" faculty and an equally diverse doctrinal foundation? Is there some kind of change coming? How can our leaders insist that new credential holders be grilled during interviews about their belief in Tongues as the initial physical evidence of Spirit Baptism, while at the same time occupy leadership chairs in Global Training Institutes where that distinctive means nothing because it is seen as divisive or belonging to a particular "ego and logo"?
I cooperate frequently with other churches in my local community, even serving as the President of our area Ministerial Association. Right now our local Assembly is giving a Southern Baptist home missionary free office space in our building to aid him in getting his new work off the ground! Do I believe one denomination should reach out to help another? Should AG dollars sent to aid Hurricane victims be shared with others who are not part of our denomination? Is it even possible for several evangelical denominations to join forces for community outreaches or even a National Day of Prayer? To each of these questions my answer is a resounding yes!! "Then", you may ask, "What is the problem"?
We are not to strive to become a global "force" that brings God's Kingdom into realization through geo-political demonstrations of man made, visible unity. This has always led to one tragic appearance of a Church/State Beast after another, which has done nothing but wreak havoc on the true Gospel. The Crusades, the social gospel, and even some of the new "purpose driven" efforts to reform world governments through battling AIDS in cooperation with the United Nations, are all examples of the Church attempting to do God's work with man's wisdom! In a recent bulletin from the GPN reporting on their January "Soul-Billionaires" convention in Orlando Florida, organizers were beaming due to the fact that the secular media was singing its praises, and that former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani put in an appearance to the delight of the gathered throng. Is Mayor Giuliani now a born again believer in Christ and an auxiliary member of the GPN? What was his purpose in attending and making such a high profile appearance? This is very reminiscent of the whole Mel Gibson interview used on the GPN promotional DVD that made him look like a cooperating brother. Where do these men stand with Christ, and are we giving them UNOFFICIAL endorsement by sharing platforms and press releases with them? In a January 27, 2006 e-mail release reporting on the same GPN Billion Soul Pastors Conference, Robert Barringer of Peru was quoted as saying,
"To plant five million churches is the great mission of the church - we must be focused and ready for Christ!"
Is planting five million churches truly "the great mission of the church"? Whose Church? "Christ's Church of course!" the visionary rebuttal rings out. That is wonderful, but allow me to be practical for a moment. Will the new Churches be Southern Baptist? Assemblies of God? Evangelical Free? United Methodist? "Don't be so carnal and political!" the Soul Billionaire rebukes. But under what statement of faith will these churches worship? I have already demonstrated that I completely believe in cooperative ministry amongst denominations, BUT DO YOU SEE THE UNDEFINED CHAOS THAT LOOMS ON THE HORIZON? Perhaps they will simply be local congregations incorporated under the banner of the new "UNOFFICIAL" GPN fellowship. Will national executives of each denomination sign on with the GPN vision as AG Evangelist Jimmy Davis stated in his November 7th letter that, "Our own General Superintendent, Thomas Trask, and many fellow AOG pastors and evangelists have also committed themselves to the vision of planting five million new churches for a billion soul harvest within the next 10-15 years."?
Please allow me to see if I clearly understand this. The Assemblies of God National Executives are now committed to helping plant 5 million non-sectarian, non-Pentecostal, pro-Global/Ecumenical Churches, while also training ministers through the GPN Pastoral Training Institute, 25% of which is led by chairman Trask of the Spiritual Formations Department. At the same time, they are committed to planting thoroughly Pentecostal "Transformational Churches" within the Assemblies of God, a fellowship that now has an average pulpit vacancy rate of 10% in each District according to CBC President Dr. Gary Denbow (January 10, 2006, Michigan District Conference on the Ministry).
As a small member within the Assemblies of God denomination, I ask (one final time) the question about our collective future in light of our continuing high-profile quest for Ecumenical Globalism. I have genuine affection for the leaders of our fellowship at every level and do not want to be contentious, provocative or sensational. This small pamphlet would not even exist if my personal correspondence with each figure had not been cut off by the silence of "unofficial" non-response. My hope is to foster discussion and debate so that clear understanding can be found that will lead to clear actions that will ensure the spiritual health of all Biblical Fellowships around the world, starting with our own.
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