Could we say that Jesus was radically normal? That is, relational, accepting, fun to be with, share some broiled fish with, ride in a boat with, etc. Definitely loved in a radical way, forgave in a radical way, etc…!
Elitism should always be a sign that the “unspirit” is at work. In 1993, I was church pianist in Whitefish Montana when I first recognized this “elitism.” It came with the Vineyard teaching, but so much more. I was married and had two young sons. The interim pastor was from Fuller, he began to groom me as he ushered in the Signs and Wonders, then came Paul Cain and Jack Deere. We were a Presbyterian Church. I have often wondered why our church elders wanted that teaching. . . I forgive Jack, though it took 30-plus years to realize he was also deceived by Cain. I don’t have a story of clergy SA—I am not saying that. I just have a story about how the lust for “more” can make a group within a church body lie and coerce and confuse people until some of them leave in anger or shame. Thank you Jack Deere for publicly refusing to be part of the group and asking that your name be removed (see Stephen Deere’s Substack). Thank you Chloe for giving us truth. We did not leave in anger or shame—we left because we stopped hearing the Gospel. The completed work of Jesus Christ. Let His Name be forever praised. Amen!
Great reflections! The book “God of the Mundane” by Matt Redmond (not the worship leader fleshes this out more.
Be kind, love people, be ordinary.
Could we say that Jesus was radically normal? That is, relational, accepting, fun to be with, share some broiled fish with, ride in a boat with, etc. Definitely loved in a radical way, forgave in a radical way, etc…!
Elitism should always be a sign that the “unspirit” is at work. In 1993, I was church pianist in Whitefish Montana when I first recognized this “elitism.” It came with the Vineyard teaching, but so much more. I was married and had two young sons. The interim pastor was from Fuller, he began to groom me as he ushered in the Signs and Wonders, then came Paul Cain and Jack Deere. We were a Presbyterian Church. I have often wondered why our church elders wanted that teaching. . . I forgive Jack, though it took 30-plus years to realize he was also deceived by Cain. I don’t have a story of clergy SA—I am not saying that. I just have a story about how the lust for “more” can make a group within a church body lie and coerce and confuse people until some of them leave in anger or shame. Thank you Jack Deere for publicly refusing to be part of the group and asking that your name be removed (see Stephen Deere’s Substack). Thank you Chloe for giving us truth. We did not leave in anger or shame—we left because we stopped hearing the Gospel. The completed work of Jesus Christ. Let His Name be forever praised. Amen!