Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Barriers To Church Growth

Is your church not a mega-church like Rick's?   Do you want to break through the barriers that keep you from being large?    Here are the "essentials" that  Rick says you need to do in order to grow your church.

"You must develop an unshakable conviction about growth "  - Rick Warren                                                                         
                                                                                       Break Through These 3 Barriers to Growth by Rick Warren 3.19.2012, pastors.com             


But why not a conviction about Jesus, God and the Bible?


"You must change the primary role of the pastor from minister to leader. "- Rick Warren
                                                                                             Break Through These 3 Barriers to Growth by Rick Warren 3.19.2012, pastors.com 

No more "ministers"... just "leaders." 
However, Jesus called his disciples to be followers.  
Let's read scripture and while doing so, substitute Rick's word selection for "minister."



That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, 
ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the 
Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. 
Romans 15:16 

Who also hath made us able ministers of the new 
testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: 
for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 
2 Corinthians 3:6 

If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, 
thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, 
nourished up in the words of faith and 
of good doctrine, 
whereunto thou hast attained. 
1 Timothy 4:6 


                                                                          Jesus called his disciples to be followers.

"You must organize around the gifts of your people." - Rick Warren
                                                                                              Break Through These 3 Barriers to Growth by Rick Warren 3.19.2012, pastors.com 

Rick elaborates as to why his idea to do this is so grand....
"In the New Testament, there is not a single explicit organizational pattern about church. It doesn’t tell us how to organize the church or give us job descriptions for deacons or elders. Why did God leave the structure so vague? "

Did God leave this vague?  Was God deficient?  He did not give, at least according to Rick,  "even one single explicit organizational pattern."  Not even one?  Wow.  But never fear, Rick knows,  But, does Rick really know better than God?

Then after giving you this information and asking you why God let it be so vague, Rick gladly gives us the answer, " So that it could fit in every culture and every age."  (He has it all figured out.)  Then he asserts, even though he just told you that the bible is not explicit... (that God neglected to give directives about this in His Word,)  that he, (Rick) knows exactly what God wants you to do...


" God wants your church organized on the giftedness of your members."- Rick Warren
                                                                                              Break Through These 3 Barriers to Growth by Rick Warren 3.19.2012, pastors.com 

Really Rick?  
Does the Bible teach this?


No.
This is nothing more than man-centered ideologies taught by Rick.



Communicating a vision... even if it is a vision of successful leadership... and having the abiblity to motivate or even to manipulate people  through messages that sound biblical but are not....and coaching people for profit or for selling books or promoting your own personal agenda ...  as well as being able to raise money..or even having good time management skills is not what Christianity is about, despite what this article by Rick would have you believe.




But why stop there.....with three.

There are apparently more than three. Rick has eight barriers...to teach you about if you buy his Timeless Conference Lectures,  Apparently, he has already broken the barrier of raising money.... because even though the gospel is free, Rick's Timeless Conference sermons at Saddleback rescources will cost you $20.00!



See 
"How To Break The 200-300 Attendance Barrier:
"Learn the barriers that face a church and keep it from growing. Discover what keeps the American church from growing. Realize 8 changes that must take place in order for a church to grow. Develop a strategy for your church. Adapt practical solutions from Saddleback's successes and failures."













The Crowbar Approach


Rick has a series he calls "UNCOMMON COURAGE."  Take note at how the UN on "common" is emphasized and how it is in RED as he promotes this series at his Saddleback website.  Why?  What is the difference between "uncommon" and "uncommon"?  You just have to wonder....

This series, (from saddlebackrescources,com)  is apparently targeting  those afraid to speak up for their convictions.... people who are worried, anxious about decisions and even cautious about taking risks. 

Wow.  The last thing you ever want to do is be wary of "risk taking" ... right?  

Really?
Is he serious?  Is doing the "sure thing" undesirable.

So... are you any of these things?  
Afraid, worried, anxious, cautious about taking risks?

Apparently, these are bad traits to have and you
 need help, but help is here…see, Rick will help you....

It's a five part sermon series that consists of:
1.  Standing Courageously for the Faith
2.  The Courage to Keep Going
3.  Courage to follow Your Calling
4.  Finding the Courage to Face Your Faults
5.  The Courage to Let Go of Your Past

Take note:  It is all about "you" and your doing.  
Silly Ricky.   It's not supposed to be all about "You."

It's about your convictions..... your courage…your calling..... It's about you facing your faults.... your past.. and ultimately your ability to do all of the above, because Rick, (who, apparently, knows everything about everything and more...)  has helped you overcome these negative things.  Note too, that courage is not even listed in scripture as a fruit of the Holy Spirit…like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and self control all is.  So, it is really “uncommon courage” or is it really just “common” courage with a big UN in front of it?

In his sermon he asks:

"Do you realize how important it is that you not be a coward about your faith?" 

How important is it?  (You might wonder.)  Is cowardice a sin?  When was the last time you were "afraid?"  Now, while you are wondering about it, answering Rick's question, Rick then begins his talk by using  a book called "The Message" to prove his point that it is important you not be a coward about your faith.  He teaches "scripture" from that book telling us that Jesus said, (quoting Matthew 10:32)  "Stand up for me against world opinion and I'll stand up for you before my father in heaven."

It sounds reasonable to say that.... somewhat like the Bible we know and love, but did Jesus command or direct or even ever tell his disciples, "Stand up for me against world opinion ?"  No.  Peterson made that up!

Is that what Jesus did?  (Stand up against world opinion?)

The King James Bible, (KJV) reads:
" Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven."

The New International Version (NIV) reads: 
"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. "

 Funny, the Bible talks about "confessing"  or "acknowledging" Jesus Christ before men,,,, but the Message avoids making this known.... it just says, "Stand up for me against world opinion."  It’s a defensive act, as if we have to defend Jesus.  It is almost defiant… like an argument rather than merely a confession of a belief congruent with one's heart.  Also in the Message, is an element of "tit for tat..." (If you do this and I will do that. )It appears to be sort of a bargain... as if … IF your do this, then I will do that for you.  Funny, but Jesus is not like that.  He is love and in the scriuptures we have his statement as a promise... not a "works" I must do in order for him to respond to me.  It's a statement too of hope and truth for those who simply confess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord.  
Why does the Message change the spirit of this.  More importantly, why does Rick choose this book to quote from? One can only wonder.

It seems the message has a message…. And it’s not the same message as our traditional bible "translations."  Be reminded, the Message is a paraphrase, not a translation.  Rick, by slickly inserting the Message in place of a true translation is being quite shrewd.  He gives the appearance that he knows all the "bibles" out there... and he tickles hears and changes the truth of who God is and what Jesus has said.  If The Message by Eugene Peterson is not even a translation, just a readable novel to be enjoyed.... then why does Rick, (and others)  treat it and use it as if it is? 

Perhaps the Message has a purpose?  Interetingly, crowbars have a purpose too. 

A crowbar, is a tool used to lever attached items apart.  They are utilized to remove stuff, like nails and parts, and usually, this is for the purpose of demolition.  Rick inserting the Message is like him using a crowbar to change up the way you think about the things the scriptures say, for the Message does not say the same thing in the same spirit that the scriptures properly translated actually say.

Rick commonly uses this approach.  He craftily removes grace, replacing it with works.  Instead of preaching gospel he preaches law.  He even replaces Jesus with his favorite word… “Purpose.” 

“Healthy churches are built on purpose!”
                                                                    A healthy church balances the Five Purposes by Rick Warren

Ephesians tells us that the church is "built 
on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, 
with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone."
The bible does not say the church is built on anything else.

“Successful ministry is: building the church on the purposes of God”
                                                                    Secrets to serving your generation in your time by Rick Warren

We have to wonder….
 Why isn't a “healthy church” built on
the Rock of Ages, Jesus Christ?

Every church is driven by something: tradition, programs, finances, events, seekers, and even buildings. But to be healthy, it must become purpose driven.”
                                                                      Becoming a Purpose Driven Church, Part One  Rick Warren

It must what? 
It must become what?  
Apparently, it must become under Rick Warren's control,
and it must be built on purpose…IF it is to be a "healthy" church.
This infers, doesn’t it, that every other “church” is not healthy.




How To Use The Crowbar Approach

                1. Secure the object you are demolishing.  
 Rick has done a good job in securing the object he wants to demolish.
 He has successfully marketed his purpose theory and some
 pastors stop preaching from the Bible and use his sermons instead.
 Yes, Rick has overpowered them with his grand image and has even
subsequently taken over whole congregations (for six week intervals)
where he has orchestrated teaching young and old about how God
made them for a purpose, even Christians.  Rick’s is highly thought of
as being is a picture of Christianity, a picture of everything a pastor should be,
after all, he is relaxed, friendly, rich, smart, successful, philanthropic,
and he has a good grip on the church now.  People even believe
 him when he asserts how much he knows.  

But when it comes to having a good position and a grasp
 on the church, Rick has a lot of help from friends. 
There are famous names like TIME magazine, Newsweek, even
Christianity Today, or Oprah, for example, who promote Rick
and his products and his sermons and sermon series'.  Rick’s followers
 promote his tweets, repeat his sermons, buy his books and his sermons from
the internet (some are sold to them for as much as $26.00 for a set.) 
Yes, they believe him when he tells them to be leaders like himself and when
 he tells them that he has a plan for peace in the world.  After all, they are no
 doubt interested in serving the world, finding their purpose
and their unique shape for ministry… (Rick’s specially designed
 methodology of helping you learn more about YOU…
(using manmade methods of determining spiritual
giftedness and personality types.)


2. Find a narrow crack within which to insert the crowbar.

(Rick often uses different translations and renderings, choosing of course to use whatever version of the "Bible" best suits his application at the moment.  Thus he has craftily inserted his crowbar.  In the Message passage that Rick chose during the series "Uncommon Courage,"  he basically inserted an angry overbearing Jesus.

Lets look at the passage from the message in context.  Please take note that the spirit in this is quite different from the spirit of a loving and forgiving… merciful and gracious God.

32 "Stand up for me against world opinion and I'll stand up for you before my Father in heaven.33 If you turn tail and run, do you think I'll cover for you? 34 "Don't think I've come to make life cozy. I've come to cut - 35 make a sharp knife-cut between son and father, daughter and mother, bride and mother-in-law - cut through these cozy domestic arrangements* and free you for God. 36Well-meaning family members can be your worst enemies. 37 If you prefer father or mother over me, you don't deserve me. If you prefer son or daughter over me, you don't deserve me. 38 "If you don't go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don't deserve me.  "
                                                                                                                                                             Matthew Chapter 10, The Message by Eugene Peterson



3. Step Three, once the pry bar is inserted, is to apply force slowly until the two pieces, once attached, separate.


Quite interesting is the title of Lesson Five in the "UNCommon Courage Series." It is titled, The Courage to Let Go of Your Past.  To what in your past, dear friends, will you "let go."

What does this mean? 

Will it be your doctrine, learned as truth from God's Holy word?
Will it be believing that Jesus is the Only way to God?
Will it be your friends... who vociferously 
warn you about the dangers of the  
                teaching of a man like Rick Warren?
Will it be your "Christian "family ties?  
Will it be your TRANSLATION of the Bible? 
 Will you replace your translation with the 
Paraphrased “Message” or some other ‘best selling” or
 "Purpose Driven" title?



               4.  Step Four is simply to claim any levered off parts for yourself and make yourself the sole visible leader              
               of it all, and call it a "New Reformation."

"I believe we’re on the verge of a second Reformation in the church. 500 years ago we had the first Reformation. It was about beliefs. This one is going to be about behavior. It’s not about what the church knows, it’s about what the church does....We need to reattach the hands and the feet to the body of Christ. About 50 years ago the hands and the feet got cut off, and all that’s left is a mouth. Evangelicals in particular are known more for what we talk about than what we do. A lot of times we’re known more for what we’re against than what we’re for. I intend to change that. So this second Reformation will be about being the church in the world. Reformations don’t happen overnight. They take fifty years. I can give twenty years to it. But that’s probably all I’ve got left in my life, is another twenty years. The next generation will be the Reformation generation.  My goal is to train them, to prepare them to finish the task."
- Rick Warren
                                                                                                                              Rick Warren Interview by Paul Grant (Urbana.org)

“This weekend, I will begin teaching the most important series of messages we've ever taught in 23 years…We believe it is part of the beginning of a Spiritual Awakening, a Global Movement, a New Reformation.”
                                                                                                          -Rick Warren, 
Nov. 2003  Peace Plan Letter to Saddleback Church

"The Bible calls the church the body of Christ. And, in my opinion, for about the last 50 years at least, the, the legs and the arms, and the hands, and the feet of the body of Christ have been amputated, and all that's left was a big mouth. We're better known at, at speaking than doing. And usually we're known more for what we're against than what we're for. " 
- Rick Warren 
Interview With Rick Warren, Prayer in America, the Duncan Group. 2007


But be of good cheer!  The Crowbar Approach does not always work.  If in the past, you have repented of your sin and believed on Jesus Christ for your salvation, do not be moved.  Stand.  Jesus saved you.  Simply stand in your conviction and in the connection by which you have been "attached."  If you lack anything... fear anything, simply ask of God.  IT helps to know the scriptures and the doctrine given to us by the Word.  Truth be told, Jesus is the foundation of His Church... not purpose. Not only that, but faith in Jesus Christ is rock solid strong and the gates of hell cannot prevail against it!  


                     
Matthew 16:13-18
When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.  He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?   And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.   And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.   And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Half a Tree

Purpose Driven
Book Cover for
Tenth Anniversary Special Edition
The Purpose Driven Life

(His book is now "redesigned")

Trees.  They sure are beautiful!  Not only that, there are so many kinds!  Their fruit, their shade, their  stature, their structure, the way they grace the land with their uniqueness and give life, as well as harbor the lives of creatures seeking shelter is all quite amazing.  There's a lot of trees mentioned in the scriptures too, so it's no wonder Rick Warren choose something as meaningful as a tree for the cover of his newly released book pictured above, the NEW "Purpose Driven Life" book.

 Rick has been quoted in several articles talking about his new book and the reason for it.  He says, "Our world has changed dramatically over the last decade, but God's word is always relevant.  I believe now, more than ever, people need the hope, joy, and peace that comes from living our their God-given purpose." True to form, Rick delivers the information he does about things only half-right.  You see, God's word IS always relevant, and people do need hope... joy.... peace.... but what on Earth is that part about finding their God-given purpose being the thing that will give them that hope and joy and peace?  This half truth, half bible reality thing he deals out on a regular basis, makes it quite appropriate that he uses only half a tree on the cover of his new book.

Is it really half a tree?  Yes.  Note how "forty" is a special number, indicative of Rick's 40 Day "campaign" idea (which, by the way, he learned  "from the Communists." <---click here to see that post.) The picture he choose for his book from the many submissions from graphic artists everywhere, displays only half of a tree with lots of leaves.  There's no fruit, just leaves; and count them.  It is purposely pictured as a "tree with forty leaves."  The thing is, it is not a tree, but really only half of a tree.

Somehow Matthew 21:19 comes to mind.... Have you read that lately?

But back to that book and the tree... no, the half of a tree.  Zondervan's marketing executive behind the book's republication told the Christian Post that there appears to be divine intervention in the selection that was made for it's cover.  He has a point.  The cover is quite telling.  As someone once said, "A picture is worth a thousand words?"  Rick's half-truths are right there on the cover!

Make no mistake, God's word does not come back void.  There are some scripture references and even perhaps some encouraging words in this book, but the truth is that there are some important and key elements of the Christian faith that are, like half of the tree on the cover, missing from this book, often omitted or dismissed by Rick's programs, projects and peace plans.  Just the same, God's word is powerful, sharper than a two edged sword.  It will do the work that he desires, the bible tells us so, but  do we have eyes to see and ears to hear what He says?

Church enthusiasts and the leaders interested in building large church followings have been... for ten year now, embracing Rick's false vision of hope in finding this thing called "purpose."  It is a find sounding replacement for repenting, and being found.... believing in Jesus Christ.   Now rewritten and republished, the book is being promoted shamelessly once again.  In usual Pupose Driven fanfare, Zondervan announces that over the last ten years, " the Purpose Driven Life has transformed countless lives, selling more that 32 million copies worldwide." (They probably hope people who bought the first will by this one too at $26.00 a book.  

PurposeDriven.com blows their own horn of plenty too.  They tell us about Rick's new book is the "best selling nonfiction hardtack book in history.   The announce, "10 years ago, Pastor Rick Warren wrote The Purpose Driven Life that changed the way millions of people understand their meaning and significance. This book has since become the best selling nonfiction hardback book in history.   Is that true?   (See: wikipedia)

Rick Warren himself, promotes his book saying things like, "Three things..have changed my life…2 ½ years ago  One was the overwhelming success of the book. It has been the best selling book in the world now for 3 years…in 50 languages Publisher’s weekly said it’s the best selling hardback book in American history… "
                                                                    Rick Warren.  KBMI (Moody Bible) OPEN LINE PROGRAM Interview,  October 7, 2005

Do you suppose he thinks his book, his thoughts, his widsom about the church is greater than what we learn in the bible? 
"We need more than the Bible to grow we need other believers."  
                                                                  Chapter 17,  Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

                                                                     
We need more than the Bible to grow?

"No matter how wonderful a translation, it has limitations."
                                                                                                                  Chapter 27 Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

The Bible always has limitations?
"No matter how wonderful  a translation it is.... "  ???  
Does this mean it is flawed no matter what?


"The last thing many believers need today is to go to another Bible Study."
                                                                                         Chapter 29, Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

Of course, a Bible Study is the LAST thing 
they nee.... because when people hear the whole gospel
or study the words of the Bible, 
Rick cannot pull the wool over their eyes 
with his fancy double speak.

He will happily give them a six week purpose-driven anything to study though.

So, while Rick seems to embrace the bible, the scriptures... and the importance of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, he only half embraces it.  The bible is not enough to Rick.  No Translation is adequate.  The last thing a believer needs to do is go to another Bible Study..... but hey... you can bet he believes that same person needs to purchase his book, read it and join a life group study about Rick's book or his Peace Plan.

  
In the Scriptures, wisdom is like a tree..... not half a tree. Wisdom is wholesome, vibrant, life-giving, and fruitful.

Wisdom?


  1. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her:
     and happy is every one that retaineth her.

  2. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life;
     and he that winneth souls is wise.

  3. Hope deferred maketh the heart sick
     but when the desire cometh,
     it is a tree of life.

    A wholesome tongue is a tree of life
    but perverseness therein 
    is a breach in the spirit.

  4. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the 
    Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that
     overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life,
     which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

There is a Purpose Driven tree that is only half a tree, but God's Tree of Life, is complete.  
Revelation 22:1-2

And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, 
clear as crystal, proceeding out 
of the throne of God 
and of the Lamb.
In the midst of the street of it,
 and on either side of the river, 
was there the tree of life,
 which bare twelve manner of fruits,
and yielded her fruit every month:
 and the leaves of the tree 
were for the healing 
of the nations.