Attribution on Everything

#17 May 31, 2010

Part 1

The current culture is driven by internet expressed in a variety of forms; email, twitter, face-book, my space, etc. The results of that is the probability of total vetting or review by a host of people. This makes integrity openly transparent and subject to intense scrutiny.

People with a world view that is based in Christian Theism celebrate such examination. People who claim to be Christian Theist but do not honor this principle get exposed for their duplicity. There are a multitude of exhibits that validate this premise.

Part 2

The principle is simple and not complicated. When you write something original there is no need to attribute or credit any other author. When you cite another author's work, whether a quote or in essence of the content you MUST give credit to the author that produced the work.

There is a term for this practice - PLAGIARISM. The stable of journalism are replete with this sin; The New York Times , The Boston Globe, etc.

When you write, if there is any doubt whatsoever, footnote, end note, give credit to the source from which you drew the data. Better to offer overmuch documentation than to discredit your good name by the theft of a few words or phrases. There is no joy or satisfaction in unwarranted hyperbole or outright theft. Do the work. Take the credit. But, DO NOT engage in theft and call it authorship.

"No Spin" - "Mis-Speaking" & Flat Out Lies!

#16 May 24, 2010

Part 1

The following copy provides the public statements of two figures recently in the news; Campbell Brown of CNN and Richard Blumenthal, Attorney General of Connecticut. The first is a refreshing splash of "No Spin" straight up truth telling that is rare in our land today. The second is from a NY Times article published May 17, 2010. The reader is fully capable of assessing the integrity or lack of same in both statements.

I have . . . always marveled whenever a television anchor says that he or she pays no attention to ratings. I’m pretty sure the last time any anchor could honestly ignore ratings was well before I was born. Of course I pay attention to ratings. And simply put, the ratings for my program are not where I would like them to be. It is largely for this reason that I am stepping down as anchor of CNN's Campbell Brown. To be clear: this is my decision, and one that I have been thinking about for some time. As for why, I could have said that I am stepping down to spend more time with my children (which I truly want to do). Or that I am leaving to pursue other opportunities (which I also truly want to do). But I have never had much tolerance for others’ spin, so I can’t imagine trying to stomach my own. The simple fact is that not enough people want to watch my program, and I owe it to myself and to CNN to get out of the way so that CNN can try something else. (Campbell Brown speaking to the issue of her leaving CNN, May, 2010).

At a ceremony honoring veterans and senior citizens who sent presents to soldiers overseas, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut rose and spoke of an earlier time in his life.

“We have learned something important since the days that I served in Vietnam,” Mr. Blumenthal said to the group gathered in Norwalk in March 2008. “And you exemplify it. Whatever we think about the war, whatever we call it — Afghanistan or Iraq — we owe our military men and women unconditional support.”

There was one problem: Mr. Blumenthal, a Democrat now running for the United States Senate, never served in Vietnam. He obtained at least five military deferments from 1965 to 1970 and took repeated steps that enabled him to avoid going to war, according to records.

The deferments allowed Mr. Blumenthal to complete his studies at Harvard; pursue a graduate fellowship in England; serve as a special assistant to The Washington Post’s publisher, Katharine Graham; and ultimately take a job in the Nixon White House.

In 1970, with his last deferment in jeopardy, he landed a coveted spot in the Marine Reserve, which virtually guaranteed that he would not be sent to Vietnam. He joined a unit in Washington that conducted drills and other exercises and focused on local projects, like fixing a campground and organizing a Toys for Tots drive.

Many politicians have faced questions over their decisions during the Vietnam War, and Mr. Blumenthal, who is seeking the seat being vacated by Senator Christopher J. Dodd, is not alone in staying out of the war.

But what is striking about Mr. Blumenthal’s record is the contrast between the many steps he took that allowed him to avoid Vietnam, and the misleading way he often speaks about that period of his life now, especially when he is speaking at veterans’ ceremonies or other patriotic events.

Sometimes his remarks have been plainly untrue, as in his speech to the group in Norwalk. At other times, he has used more ambiguous language, but the impression left on audiences can be similar.

In an interview on Monday, the attorney general said that he had misspoken about his service during the Norwalk event and might have misspoken on other occasions. “My intention has always been to be completely clear and accurate and straightforward, out of respect to the veterans who served in Vietnam,” he said.

(Update - Blumenthal received the nomination for the Democrats regardless of his lies. This says much about Democrats in CT and also about Blumenthal. TRAGIC! 05/22/10).

Part 2

The Evangelical Community is currently in the throes of a disgraceful display of double talk and duplicity in the case of Prof. Ergun Caner at Liberty Seminary in Lynchburg VA. Prof. Caner apparently, to use his language, has 'mis-spoken' in a multitude of areas on his CV & his resume. Rather than stepping up and providing clarity to these issues by answering the questions being posed , now by a whole host of entities, he has taken the posture of silence.

What exacerbates this fiasco is the tepid and tragic response of Elmer Towns and the University's leadership (sic??). I need not repeat that message here, it is available all over the pages of newspapers and magazines world wide. They first said there was no error or sin in Prof. Caner's conduct. Then, when the pressure came to bear, they suddenly decide they ought to conduct an inquiry.

The Muslim community is involved. The local Lynchburg paper did a front-page spread on this matter. No matter how this matter ends, damage of irreparable magnitude has been done.

In August of 1974 Richard Nixon taught this nation a principle. We are all sinners and we sin - - not 'mis-speak', but flat out lie. He did. If he would have stepped up and humbly asked the nation to forgive him I believe he would have been granted that most necessary grace from the American people.

However, that window remains open for a brief time. When it closes, no light shines through those portals ever again. Such is the case in Lynchburg. Sad. Kudo's to Campbell Brown. May her tribe increase!

Program Not Doctrine

#15 May 17, 2010

Part 1

Cecil Sherman died on April 17, 2010. He had led the so-called "moderate" element of Baptist Life now known as the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Dr. Al Mohler wrote a piece on the legacy of Sherman. The following quote is from that article.

Speaking of the adoption of the denomination's first confession of faith, The Baptist Faith & Message, in 1925, he asserted that "no one paid attention to it." He was largely right. The denominational culture that produced the generation of Cecil Sherman was a culture of program, not doctrine.

Validation of this fact is not difficult. So called leaders are all looking for a quick fix, a painless path to numerical and spiritual growth. None exists. Give these impotent charlatans the option of the latest greatest 'program' and a clear path to true biblical transformation and they will snap up the program formula every time. I met with denominational leaders (sic) whose responsibility was church renewal. I began by stating there is no such thing as a 'quick fix'. Less than 10 minutes into my presentation one of them said, 'Tom, we are hemorrhaging, we need a quick fix!'

What don't you understand about the statement 'There is no "quick fix"? The addiction to programs is lethal and deeply etched on the soul of SBC life (and other denominations as well).

Part 2

Consider this statement from the work of James Davidson Hunter To Change The World.

Change in political systems and economic conditions can occur relatively quickly but the most profound changes in culture typically take place over the course of multiple generations. p. 45

Hunter also makes clear that the ideal access to effective change is through those he labels 'gatekeepers'. Most of these folks are also addicted to programs. They are prone to status quo verses change because change brings tension, strife and sometimes outright raw conflict.

What is the solution to the horns of this dilemma? I suspect it is the same as it was for the OT Prophets. Pray. Weep. Persevere. But, DO NOT COMPROMISE THE TRUTH! New Methods, sociological pablum devoid of Theological Substance will produce change and do so rather quickly. Another new program. But, the epitaph of this pathway will be yet another failed and abortive disaster, seeking to substitute program for substance.

The need of the hour is for Leaders who lead with Courage, Compassion and an unflinching dedication to the Truth of Scripture as determined by Holy Spirit directed fidelity to the text, Applied Theology with loving zeal for Christ and His Church. Now that's a novel idea!!

Pray for and with IgniteUS for legions of such Leaders. Our PURPOSE is to build leadership competence to transform Americ'as churches into healthy, intentional disciple-makers.

Follow this link and learn of 'unbelieving pastors'. This is truly a "fox watching the hen-house" issue! http://www.baptistpress.com/bpnews.asp?id=32843

Hindrance #7 Defective Metric

#14 May 10, 2010

Part 1

Metric = a unit of measure, a standard by which evaluation is conducted.

The Scriptures are referred to as the 'canon'. A canon was a measuring rod. Therefore, today we measure orthodoxy, fidelity to the Truth and all of life by the text of Scripture. That is our standard for faith and practice.

The church in America has adopted a metric that is seriously flawed. The church measures what I refer to as transactional dimensions of ministry. How many, how much, how often. Attendance, Offerings, Baptisms. While these aspects of ministry have value and therefore should be accounted for in the overall evaluation of ministry, they are one dimensional.

What does the Scripture require that we measure? Transformation! Consider Heb. 13:17 and Col. 1:28. Read carefully Rom. 12:2. Clearly the issue is Transformation. So, what is the problem?

You cannot measure what you have not defined. What is a Disciple? What are the character indicators, the daily practices of a person who is being transformed into the fullness of the image of Christ. Each assembly needs to draft such a definition but it is guaranteed failure if a church claims to make disciples but cannot tell the disciple or the watching world what a disciple is. This is nothing more or less than Sanctification (progressive). Consider Heb. 12:14!

Part 2

The following are steps that any local church may take to get on the right path concerning this vital aspect of ministry.

1. Repent - admit that you are simply going through the motions, wearing people out with activity that does not produce holiness.

2. Define - draft a definition of a disciple that fits the text of Scripture and your ministry setting and culture. Consider the education level of your people and their overall comprehension of God's truth.

3. Instruct - teach your people what is required. Educate them on the absolute necessity of being conformed to the image of Christ.

4. Enlist - get your people into Phase specific Small Groups. They should progress with others who are at a similar phase of spiritual maturity so that they find affinity and fellowship that encourages and motivates them to press on.

5. Evaluate - develop a metric system that equips people with the capacity to asses their progress. Give each person two (2) accountability partners who will encourage and enable them to stay on course.

6. Celebrate - recognize with principled affirmation those people who achieve specific growth as measured objectively and exhibited with consistency in their behavior.

You can do this Pastor. We provide detailed assistance for this process. Call us at 803 776 5282 or send us a message at info@igniteus.net .

Read the article provide by this link - the work of Jim Collins.


http://www.outofur.com/archives/2006/06/beyond_bodies_b.html

Hindrance #6 Defective Polity

# 13 May 3, 2010

A rose by any other name is still a Rose!

Just because you call a cat a dog does not mean he will bark!

#1

Many, if not most churches are ordered by a corrupt polity. God's blessing comes to His people when they honor His word. Most churches have men in leadership roles that function as 'directors'. They label them deacons but they function as a Board of Directors. Their actions are almost always best characterized by limiting, preventing, stopping, eliminating, etc. Worse, these individuals rarely meet even the bare minimum of spiritual qualifications required in the text for Leaders (1 Tim. 3; Titus 1; Acts 6). They are disqualified for leadership by these deficiencies. It matters not one whit what the Constitution or By-Laws say. If the personnel are disqualified by the text of Special Revelation, no amount of filibustering or tradition can overcome God's disapproval of such shabby reality. Does this profile sound like home? If so, you need a drastic and biblical overhaul of the Polity of the assembly where you worship.

#2

Every NT church found in the text has a plurality of Elders. Their responsibility is the spiritual oversight of the body. They will be held accountable for the spiritual health and transformation of God's people who serve under their care (Heb. 13:17). Many churches are fearful of what has been stated as 'Elder Rule'. An Elder is an Elder is an Elder. All Elders are to honor Peter's profile for Leadership Protocol (1 Peter 5:1-5). Some basic exegesis and word studies make it profoundly clear that Elders are the norm in the NT church and that their leadership is to provide vision, maintain orthodoxy, and to nurture the growth of God's people. They must teach and preach the Word of God with authority, compassion and unflinching persistence.

The American church is suffering what I label a "precipitous decline'. This is an indisputable reality (www.theamericanchurch.org). Little wonder. The key to intentional disciplemaking is Modeling. When the model is corrupt, so goes the people. This applies in churches as well as families. Correct this polity issue. Place biblically qualified men in leadership and witness God's blessing upon His church. Making this change is filled with risk. It requires compassion, time and tenacity. I will provide a full-fledged process to anyone who inquires. 803 776 5282 or info@igniteus.net.

**This issue is pervasive, crucial and must be modified if the church in America is going to once again flourish. COURAGEOUS and WISE leadership is required to make this transition. The Good News is - - it is possible.**

Resources

Biblical Eldership, Alexander Strauch

The Book on Leadership, by John MacArthur

The Shepherd Leader, by Timothy Witmer

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