An open letter to Lee Grady

A few weeks ago Charisma editor Lee Grady published a column titled 'Christian Dropouts and the Coming 'Revolution''. Like many other 'established' charismatic leaders he struggles to understand the megashift that's taking place from church-as-we-know-it to church as an organic network or movement (also see his earlier column on Barna here). Because he asked for a response, I wrote him a letter that I publish here as an open letter.

Dear Lee,

I appreciate your columns, but your take on Barna and also this week's column is quite biased (and dare I say short-sighted). It is not just an issue of religious burn-out. It goes much deeper, it's a cultural-historic megashift that's taking place.

Quite a number of people who left established (or system) churches, have started missional alternatives. I don't find it helpful to polarize the house churches against the megachurches, als both are valid expressions, but not necessarily a helpful format for everyone. You mix godly authority with the clergy system that Jesus did not introduce. There is godly authority, also in the more organic expressions of church, but not in a positional way. Could we please release some grace? History shows that some promising new movements got off-track because the established church persecuted them. The more inclusive we respond, the better it is for the future of the church and the Kingdom of God.

Yes, some people are wounded and therefore in a reactionary phase, but that's quite understandable looking at some of the rubbish (manipulative leadership, abuse, fraud, etc.) that's happening in charismatic churches. It's good that you spoke out on that issue too, some months ago. People who are wounded need to go through a restorative phase outside the context where they were wounded. But this is not the case with most church-leavers, as Alan Jamieson's sociological study shows, and which is also my experience. Most people leave the system church to follow Christ in a new way. Out of church for them does not mean out of fellowship or backsliding. In fact, most church leavers have been active and committed church members, and continue to passionately follow Christ. We better listen to them and learn from their journey, instead of throwing away the baby with the bathwater.

You might be interested in this posting, a summary of Alan Jamieson's study on the out-of-church phenomenon.

Marc van der Woude
joelnews.org

Comments

[WA]

I just found this, so my reply is late, but I just have to add something. I have heard several intelligent, well-meaning individuals whom I respect (including Lee Grady, Peter Wagner, Naomi Dowdy, etc.) make statements expressing their concern about this "Revolution." They make many valid points. BUT I have yet to hear (or read) any of those who oppose this church-leaving move hit the proverbial nail on the head - in other words, they're missing the main point.

The reason why my husband and I have left our church and why many of our friends - and undoubtedly countless others - have done the same is this: we want JESUS. He has become scarce in our local church. John the Baptist said "He must increase but I must decrease." How can Jesus increase when leaders (at least in many American churches such as our former church) are caught up with their own fame, success and building their ministry empire? They are increasing; Jesus' presence among them is decreasing; and they haven't even noticed! Ironically, they (at least those in the P&C camps) blame the exodus on the devil - and the weakness of the believers to give into the devil. I know most of them are very well-meaning, and they believe they are busy "building the church," yet Jesus said to seek first His Kingdom and HE would build His church. When one really discovers Jesus' Kingdom, one is willing to sell all to "purchase" it. It is a shame that selling all may mean having to leave the organized church system, but nothing - not even a local church - is more valuable than Christ and His Kingdom.

I have served full-time at a "cutting edge" ministry for over a decade. My husband is a Bible school graduate, former pastor and ordained minister. We aren't "fringe" people, but we have been forced to the outside of the system, because we have finally put personal loyalty to Jesus and His principles ahead of personal loyalty to the leaders. When my husband preaches, teaches, or shares one-on-one with friends, people are amazed. One man said, "That was the best message I've heard in 24 years." A member of the prayer team said, "It's the best message I've ever heard." A friend said, "I got more out of talking to you tonight than out of the last 5 years of attending church." Why? Not because of any slick methods or style - it's because he talks about JESUS. He unveils the person of Christ, the Holy Spirit comes, and God the Father is honored. When people encounter Christ, they leave full, not bored or empty. Anyone can do what my husband does - but only by resisting the temptation to talk endlessly about oneself, one's programs, and one's status quo and to impose pressure on the people to participate. It is truly sad that these Christians had to wait 5 years or 24 years to be amazed by a sermon! When Jesus taught, the people were always amazed by His teaching. This shouldn't be rare among His followers today!

People are leaving churches because they have a hunger for God on the inside that won't be satisfied by anything less than Christ Himself. As painful and difficult as this "Revolution" is in terms of misunderstandings and hurt relationships, I believe ultimately the hunger for more is the GIFT of God. I pray each one who hungers and thirsts will find the pearl of great price.