Ive never been fond of Mark Driscoll and am not surprised hes in trouble now. [Im also not a fan of Grady, either — but its still got some worthwhile points. If youre curious, Gradys article is here: charismamag/blogs/fire-in-my-bones/21041-so-what-do-we-do-now-with-mark-driscoll But in Gradys article, he concludes with an excellent list of things to look for in a toxic fellowship. For many of you, youll read this list nodding your head and muttering, Uh huh; uh huh; uh huh… as you remember your own similar experiences. But some of you may still be IN a local congregation and its worthwhile to consider Gradys warning signs. Here they are: This is a good time to remind people of the warning signs of an unhealthy church: 1. LITTLE OR NO ACCOUNTABILITY: When celebrity preachers seem eager to tell everyone else what to do but arent willing to hear correction from others, prepare for a train wreck. There is safety in the multitude of counselors (see Prov. 11:14). There is much less safety—even danger—when a leader does not seek counsel from a diverse group of his peers. 2. SPIRITUAL ELITISM: If there is a spirit of control in a church, people are usually told their group is superior. If people choose to leave, they are shunned or branded as renegades. Sometimes, in extreme cases, people are even cursed if they leave. This cultic behavior inflicts unimaginable emotional suffering and also divides families. 3. AN OPPRESSIVE ATMOSPHERE: Authoritarian leaders control people through manipulation. This may come in the form of threats, legalistic demands, unreasonable requirements or false doctrines. In such a church no one is allowed to ask questions. Spiritual heaviness lies like a thick cloud over the congregation, and few believers manifest genuine joy. 4. ANGRY DOMINATION: Tyrants are surprisingly similar. Because they want to control their surroundings, they often blow up when people do not conform to their demands. Yet the apostle Paul taught that church leaders should not be violent or quarrelsome but self-controlled and gentle (see 1 Tim. 3:2-3). He also instructed Timothy that the Lords servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone (2 Timothy 2:24). [Emil here: Angry Domination? What the heck? If theres ANY domination, get out!!!] 5. A LOW VIEW OF WOMEN: While churches today differ in their views on women in leadership, it should be noted that authoritarian churches almost always discourage women from pursuing any genuine role in ministry. Women are viewed as useful only in their functions as submissive wives and mothers, and they are not encouraged to step beyond these confines to pursue ministry opportunities. Lets pray that the healing power of Jesus covers this situation in Seattle—and that the people who left Mars Hill Church, the people who remain there, and Mark Driscoll himself can recover from the trauma of spiritual abuse. J. Lee Grady is the former editor of Charisma. Em
Posted on: Thu, 14 Aug 2014 03:34:58 +0000
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