Hindrance #5 Lukewarm Faith

#12 April 26, 2010

Part 1

The text of Scripture has much to say about wholeheartedness. The unrelenting tendency of sinners is like that of water and electricity. They all seek the path of least resistance. People and Sinners almost always seek the least common denominator. They do not seek out the most passionate, spiritual and godly model to pattern their life after. Paul cautioned the Corinthians about comparing themselves with themselves. I do not believe that any of my readers will challenge the premise that spiritual fervor, pure devotion to the LORD is significantly less today than it was even 10 years ago. We are on the fast track to the abyss. This week I dealt with three (3) local church situations in which there is deep-seated strife. The reason in every case - denial of the authority of Scripture.

Part 2

The resoultion for this Laodicean Limp is in part:

A. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom

B. Man does not live by bread alone - restore genuine surrender to the postulates of the text

C. Develop and maintain a Leadership Selection & Development profile that honors the text

D. Exercise genuine church discipline. Not punishment-loving accountability, life in community

E. The application of an intentional disciplemaking metric with consistency and evaluation.

Dump the ludicrous myth that the local church is to be governed by a democratic process.

Consider the Lord's response to subjective self-evaluation.

So because you are lukewarm -- neither hot nor cold -- I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing. But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. (Rev. 3:16).

Measuring Ministry - Baptisms or Transformation?

April 22, 2010

Ladies & Gentlemen. We interrupt our series of Hindrances to Transformation to bring you this important message. Rev. Marshall Fagg was until recently responsible for Evangelism in the State Convention of SC, SBC. In 2006 this writer had a series of exchanges with Rev. Fagg. Part of this exchange is the substance of the message that follows.

Is it any wonder that the church in America is impotent and lethargic when people at this level embrace such theological distortions. Pray for Reformation and Renewal - - sound Theology that leads to Healthy and Effective churches that make disciples fully formed in the Image of Christ, obeying all that Jesus commanded.

On April 20, 2006 I sent a message to Marshall Fagg at the State Convention. My appeal was that we focus on Making Disciples not counting baptisms. Our own HMB study revealed that we could locate fewer than 10% of those baptized one year after their baptism. If they cannot be located they most certainly are not being disciple.

In his response Rev. Fagg stated: “Numbers are important because:

1. They represent souls who will eternally escape the awful judgment of a Holy God.

2. They represent potential disciples who have been given the task of proclaiming the gospel to the ends of the earth.

3. They represent those who have become a part of the family of God and the Body of Christ.

In response to #1. It is not ‘’souls’ that God redeems but people. The motivation is not merely to ‘escape judgment’, but, to be sanctified. As redeemed men live holy lives in the midst of a sinful world Christ is glorified.

In response to #2. Where in Scripture are we instructed to baptize potential disciples? If in fact they are not truly redeemed they most certainly are NOT to proclaim the gospel - - they are lost.

In response to #3. It is not baptism that marks a person as a member of the family of God. That identification, according to the text of Scripture, is repentance and holy living.

I submit and continue to appeal for a radical and biblical re-orientation of our Theology. Evangelism is not a separate component. Rather, it is the first phase of disciple-making. Until we recognize that fact and modify our practice accordingly, we will continue to suffer the ravages of a dysfunctional metric drawn from the culture not the text of Scripture. Jesus said Make Disciples. When will we focus on obeying all that He has commanded?

What think ye dear readers? www.info@igniteus.net

Hindrance #4 Unregenerate Membership

#10 April 12, 2010


**Just to refresh my readers - - we are considering hindrances to Transformation in this series.


Part 1

The clear and unambiguous declaration of the text, specifically the teaching of Jesus, states that the metric by which we are to validate faith is conduct. It is not just what a person says, but more significantly the testimony, the fruit of their life. What is the character of their conduct?

A Denominational State Newspaper recently carried an article describing the utter and absolute turmoil in the churches of that state. Conflict, power struggles, strife and division. This is certainly not evidence of people who are directed by the Word of God and enabled by the Spirit of God. Unity is inherent in the Body of Christ. If unity is absent, it is evidence that the people making up that body are very possibly, even probably unregenerate. Denominations have entire departments dedicated to "Conflict Resolution". This hindrance to Transformation is indisputable.

Part 2

This circumstance is directly attributable to deficient theological foundations. People have been swept into the church for decades as members for simply walking down an aisle, signing a response card, or being baptized. The text of Scripture makes profoundly clear that the test of regeneration is a transformed life. Regenerate people have and apply the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. He gives us every essential necessary to resolve our differences ( and we should expect to have them - - we are ALL SINNERS). But, we should also demonstrate His indwelling presence and power by minimizing the scope and effects of those differences.

Until the metric of Transformation becomes pervasive we will continue to witness chaos in the assemblies in which this defective theological profile exists. Courageous Leaders who bring correction with compassion is the need of the hour.

Begin Today!

Hinderance #3 Biblical Literacy

#9 April 5, 2010

Part 1

In a survey taken among 100 people attending a Conference on Music & Worship (hosted by a major Christian Organization) so it is reasonable to assume that the vast majority of the participants would be professed believers - - 39% indicated that "they had never heard of justification". This is a tragically representative sample of the evangelical church in America. The level of Biblical Literacy is low and declining all the time. It is virtually IMPOSSIBLE to obey all that Jesus commands when we do not even know what he has said.

Part 2

As is true of other aspects of the Health & Effectiveness of the church in America, there is no quick fix for this malaise. The burden for this rests on the Leadership in each local church. We must return to some process similar to Catechism. As a young man (12-13) I attended two years of instruction on Saturday mornings. I memorized the Apostle's Creed, The Ten Commandments and other foundational Christian essentials.

Pastors must abandon the focus on mere activity and entertainment and equip Fathers to fulfill their God-given role in the lives of their children. Eliminate the traditional 'Youth Pastor'. Replace them with Staff members whose function is Pastor of Family Ministry. They equip Fathers and Mothers with the skills and resources to disciple their children. They hold these people accountable for this glorious privilege.

God's profile for Biblical Literacy is infallibly effective. That is true only when we follow his mandate and process. Unless this egregious deficiency is corrected the church will continue to decline and the power of the collective witness of the Body of Christ will be seriously compromised.

Hinderance # 2 Biblical Authority

#8 March 29, 2010

From the historical perspective it can be said that for two thousand years the Christian church has agreed that the Bible is completely trustworthy; it is infallible or inerrant. (Harold Lindsell, The Battle for The Bible, p.19).

Part 1

The Doctrine of Scripture is a 'watershed' issue. Abandon this premise and you have embarked on a slippery slope slide into the abyss of apostasy. The denial of this premise is seldom expressed as a transparent declaration. Rather, it is propagated using the language of appearance. Subtle but lethal accommodations to an authority that arises from the culture rather than the text. Usually, this is done under the guise of 'Scholarship'. This posture leads ultimately to the denial of Biblical Authority.

I would also point out that when there is a departure from historic orthodoxy there is never any exegetical substance provided, only cultural pressure or opinion. This observation almost always applies.

Part 2

Biblical Authority is much more than a declaration or a doctrinal statement that one claims to affirm. I recently read an article by an individual who would claim to believe in Biblical Authority. However, in the article the author challenges the orthodox position on homosexuality and gender issues in leadership roles within the church. When such departures are cited the usual result is to charge those who question such postures with 'witch hunting' or worse.

Biblical Authority means that each and every issue related to ministry and the church is subject to exegetical scrutiny. Cultural trends often dictate ministry profiles. The Evangelical Church in America languishes in many instances under the tyranny of subjection to The 'By-Laws', The "Constitution' or the ultimate 'Roberts Rules of Order'. Many assemblies have a resident expert in Roberts. They know little or nothing about the content of Scripture but they can cite an infinite number of parlimentary nuances from Roberts. Their objective is almost always to prevent, postpone or control, never to enable and expand ministry horizons.

Biblical Authority means that we submit in humble and joyful surrender to the clear and unambiguous declarations of the text of Scripture and seek to obey all that Jesus has commanded. Culture changes. The church needs to modify ministry in legitimate and appropriate ways. However, the text of Scripture is forever settled in heaven. The text never changes. Ministry must harmonize with the expressions of the text as derived from orthodox and precise exegesis. This and this alone postures the church as Healthy, Effective and thriving in making disciples fully formed in the image of Christ.

I call my readers to examine church history. Identify the high water marks that exhibit God's blessing, periods in which the church flourished and Christ was honored. Those periods are always marked by a high view of Scripture as the infallible Word of God that provides the parameters and guidelines for ministry. cf.Psalm 119

Hinderance # 1 - Leadership

#7 February 15, 2010

For many years, Max DuPree was considered the 'Dean' of Leadership wisdom in evangelical circles. His statement on Leadership was:

"The first task or responsibility of a Leader is to accurately define reality."

Part 1

It is obvious to even the casual observer that those with the title and responsibility for leadership in the Evangelical Church in America are NOT fulfilling that role. The church in America, Main-line denominations and Evangelicals alike, is in a state of precipitous decline. David Olson (www.theamericanchurch.org) documents the fact that the church is not growing in a single state in the contiguous states of the USA.

Further, we are not even coming close to planting enough new churches just to keep pace with population growth. Several years ago World Magazine had a feature article titled Locked From The Inside. The article provided a heart-wrenching saga of buildings that seat hundreds occupied by a dwindling dozen or two geriatric congregants shuffling in and out with their walkers, soon to close the doors permanently.

Denominations and even many Seminaries are highly resistant to accepting this fact and most certainly to adopting any changes in their programs with sufficient modification to stem the tide. Territory and Tradition have a higher priority than Truth and Effectiveness. They seek programmatic 'quick fixes' which simply are a mirage, a delusion. Ed Stetzer (LifeWay) said, "We love our traditions more than we love lost people." Sad but true.

Part 2

Impotent and incompetent leadership is always marked by lack of focus and purpose. Organizations led by such people (I refuse to label them Leaders) suffer the consequences of their deficiencies. Study the US Presidents. Several immediately come to mind because of their pathetic indolence and sheer confusion while they occupy the office of leader.

Leadership is not titles. It is not degrees. It is not power. It is not mere longevity in service. Leadership is the capacity to influence people to do what they otherwise would not attempt and to do it with joy. Management is about answers. Leadership is about questions. Management is about status quo. Leadership is about change. Zenger & Folkman summarize this distinction well:

The highest expression of leadership involves change, and the highest order of change is guiding an organization through a new strategic direction, changing its culture, or changing the fundamental business (ministry) model. Thus, change is an importnat and ultimate criterion by which to measure leadership effectiveness (Zenger & Folkman, The Extraordianry Leader, p.18).

Hinderances to Effectiveness in the Evangelical Church

#6 February 8, 2010



Part 1


Many Pastors are diligent. They pray for and love the people they shepherd. They do accurate and careful exegesis of the text. They prepare and deliver solid messages. They have Vision and Goals. They engage the community in which they serve. They are faithful.


The church they lead does not grow numerically or spiritually. People are not Transformed. The Pastor ask himself - - WHY???


The exegesis that is missing is of the culture. I refer to the ministry culture that frames or shapes the church. Every church exists in a culture. The factors that comprise that culture have a profound but often unrecognized impact on effectiveness. When these factors are not identified, analyzed and addressed, stagnation and decline are the inevitable result.


Part 2


What are these factors? Over the next seven weeks I will list and speak to each of these factors. It is profoundly futile to invest effort into Spiritual Formation when there are multiple elements that mitigate against that reality. Coming to terms with this issue, eradicating these elements and then anticipating progress is reality. Ignoring these factors will produce only frustration, stagnation and ultimately perhaps resignation.


Be encouraged. There is hope. Visit this BLOG every week for the next eight (8) weeks and learn what needs to be removed. Then, you will have the prospect of finding joy in seeing God transform His people into the fullness of Christ. That is will worth pursuing!


Next Week - Issue # 1 - LEADERSHIP