February 2001

Most Madison Church of Christ members were oblivious to this article, “More Holyroller Influence at Madison” in the February "Plumbline Newsletter" which quotes the "Madison Marcher.”

The third worship service at Madison is to be held at the same time as the 10:30 a.m. worship. The "atmosphere will be more conducive to non-Christians. Many “unchurched” people are intimidated by a more formal atmosphere...." The worship affair will be an effort "...to make it easier for people with no church background to feel comfortable.... More time will be given to singing and communion... The sermons will not be as long as what we are used to. There is no question that God is working among our church family. He recognized our suppressed capacity to love…. Attendance for this first Sunday was 538 souls." Jim Hinkle said, "We will not be still, we will not be quiet."

February 2001

The elders announced that a "Third Contemporary" service that they had previously formed was going to be melted into the 10:00 a.m. or second service.

This announcement established a "contemporary service" at 10:00 AM and the 8:00 AM service remained unchanged. While making this announcement, Elder Buck Dozier said the Fire Marshal’s office had said there were too many people in the third service for the size of the auditorium. Since Buck is the past Fire Chief, one has to wonder if this was just a staged excuse to proceed with what was already planned.

February 25, 2001

Tom Haddon is instructing his "Homebuilders" class on how to transition the church members over to the ways of the Saddleback Community Church and that of "Holy Entertainment." He talks about the well laid plans that only a few know about. See the transcript of February 25th class.

March 2001

Praise teams, hand clapping, and raised hands during prayer have been introduced at the second service. Children’s Sunday school has been changed from Bible-based to more entertainment and singing. Young women teaching Sunday school to baptized young men.

April 13, 2001

The elders respond to a NewsChannel5 report about growing controversy at the Madison Church of Christ. They send out a LETTER to 683 Churches of Christ in the Channel 5 viewing area.

"The controversy seems to be over-reaction to change. The main things we have done in the 10:30 service are introduce more upbeat praise songs, give less time to the sermon, and give greater emphasis to the Lord's Supper. This embraces a more contemporary format, of course, but we don't feel that it departs from scriptural worship."

See ConcernedMembers’ Letter to the Elders of 683 Churches of Christ.

April 22, 2001

In this meeting on April 22, 2001 the deacons ask the elders, “What is going on?” On May 02,2001 the Elders reply in a letter. Here Are the Questions and the Elders’ Answers

May 2001

Concerned members receive a copy of a rough draft of a "Covenant of Membership" that was supposedly written by Elder Buck Dozier. Mr. Dozier admitted "playing" around with one when contacted.

The concern about a "Covenant of Membership" is that it's one of the hallmark signs of a "Community Church" like Saddleback. They are generally written in such a way to assure that the membership can't take over the "community church" like they took over your church.

July 2001

According to THIS ARTICLE in the Tennessean, the elders bring in a mediator (Larry Sullivan) to help with the split within the church. We understand that Buck Dozier met Mr. Sullivan while attending a "seminar." Meetings are set up for the elders—we understand they had to swear to secrecy. Meetings are set up for the members to discuss their objections to the split contemporary and traditional services.

It's later shown by the ConcernedMembers that LARRY SULLIVAN is not an unbiased mediator. He has direct ties to the Saddleback organization. He is trained in using the HEGELIAN DIALECTIC techniques to compromise a groups consensus in whatever direction is predetermined.

Mid-August, 2001

By this time many members have left the Church. The unpaid volunteer minister on this particular Sunday abruptly left before giving his sermon at the second service. He was allowed only the last 6 minutes of worship time by the “worship leader.” Sometime during this period, Buck Dozier appeared in Bill Ruhl's adult class to take over. Bill Ruhl's absence was unexplained to the class.

August 29, 2001

Concerned members send out 2500 ballots and a LETTER asking for church members to indicate on the ballot the type of church service format they wanted. All ballots were to be received by September 20, 2001. Threatening phone calls are received by the contractor hired by ConcernedMembers to do the mailing (August 30, 2001). Other notes not full of brotherly love are received by mail. Ballots from ConcernedMembers mailing are tabulated, and totals posted along with a FINAL REPORT (September 15, 2001)

September 23, 2001

The members have been waiting on an announcement from the elders regarding the future format of services at the Madison Church of Christ. Today (09-23-01) that announcement was made.

EVERYTHING WILL REMAIN AS IS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

September 30, 2001 (Sunday)

Larry Sullivan was Guest Speaker! (The Unbiased Mediator)

October 11, 2001 (Thursday)

Deacons had a special meeting with an attendance of over 100 concerned members and deacons. Petitions were given out to collect signatures—to dismiss “the elders that have split the Madison Church of Christ.” Petitions are due to be turned in by Wednesday the 17th.

October 14, 2001 (Sunday)

Frank Scott delivered his first in a series of talking head animated and canned sermons. Sometime during this period, two elders resigned—J.D. Elliott and Bobby McElhiney.

October 17, 2001 (Wednesday)

A member reported that Wednesday night when she inquired at the help desk as to where she should turn in her petitions, she was told by the lady: "Over there with the trouble makers … they are the mafia." Sometime during this period two more elders talked about resigning! No confirmation of that as of today.

October 21, 2001 (Sunday)

Sermon—Second in a three-part series of Frank Scott being a talking head for a canned and animated sermon on joy and entertainment. The words "corporate worship" and joy and entertainment were used extensively. Interesting!

Deacons—The deacons, headed by Ben Jones, nicely and in a very godly way asked the leaders to step down and let the church elect new leadership. (Complete transcript is available.)

October 24, 2001 (Wednesday)

”Elders and Deacons” meeting tonight! We understand that the 7 or 8 elders that have caused a split at Madison Church of Christ have been formally asked to step down or be disfellowshipped.

October 25, 2001 (Thursday)

”Saddleback Planters” meeting tonight! Talked about rebuking Ben Jones Sunday!

To rebuke is to criticize or reprove sharply; to reprimand.
To reprove is to criticize for a fault or misdeed; to scold.
To rebuke or reprove Ben Jones, then, Ben Jones must have done a misdeed.
To define that misdeed, those who will rebuke him must find applicable scriptures.

What Ben did was to give each and every Madison Church of Christ member an opportunity to ask for forgiveness or repentance for causing division or for allowing division to occur.

October 26, 2001 (Friday)

Flash message coming in the next 72 hours from the ConcernedMembers!

October 28, 2001 (Sunday)

T H E...M A D I S O N...C H U R C H...O F...C H R I S T...H A S...B E E N...H I J A C K E D ! !

Today, according to an announcement made by everyone's favorite elder, Russ Kersten, the church has been hijacked by all the concerned members, deacons and I guess that includes the 5 elders that have been holding out against them. … Is “hijack” a chargeable offense in the church?

October 29, 2001 (Monday)

We received a copy of a letter sent to the deacons. And we felt compelled to reply. ConcernedMembers announced future plans (10/30/01). The server for this web page has recorded 22,645 page views since its creation 8 weeks ago (11/1/01).

November 2, 2001

Transcript of Homebuilders Sunday School class—a recording of Tom Haddon on how to transition the congregation to Saddleback and Holy Entertainment in Homebuilders Class (available under Interviews & Transcripts).

November 4, 2001

J.R. Compton and wife, members at Madison Church of Christ for 58 years, came before congregation to ask for forgiveness and ask to have their names removed as members.

November 7, 2001

Interview with Gary McDade of the Getwell Church of Christ in Memphis, TN. Discussion concerning the takeover of churches by the "Community Church" movement and the embracement of this movement by many of the Christian colleges.

November 9, 2001

Two different sources say Bruce White has been hired as a new minister.

November 20, 2001

ConcernedMembers retract a letter sent by the elders to 683 churches of Christ.

November 21, 2001

Email from J.E. Choate—“And also another personal evaluation is that Buck Dozier should be the first to leave the Madison eldership. His qualifications for the work is moot at best. His past shows that he is no stranger to igniting church fires with no solutions."

November 28, 2001

The Book: What Happened at the Madison Church of Christ?
http://www.concernedmembers.com/thebook/

December 02, 2001

Bruce White appears to have been warmly welcomed as new minister at the Madison Church of Christ. First sermon was about the degrees of love. It appears that the “Praise Team” and their microphones have been turned off in the second service for the time being.

December 18, 2001

Fundraising letter sent out by the Church. Student ministry letter to former members (12/19/01).

January 20, 2002 (Sunday)

Rumor says there is a new group forming called "The PeaceMakers." Their training is probably coming from PEPPERDINE.

January 21, 2002 (Monday)

Letter sent by Donnie Cruz to the elders and other people about the crisis at Madison. The Christian Chronicle publishes article about Madison Church of Christ (01/21/02).

February 4, 2002 (Monday)

We understand that Buck has presented the members of “The Peacemakers" with a list of 192 reasons churches split. We wonder if pagan worship practices were on the list?

February 6, 2002 (Wednesday)

Big flare-up at church Wednesday night. We understand 4 or 5 of the good and godly elders have resigned, leaving the church under the control of the clapper and Saddleback crowd.

February 9, 2002 (Saturday)

After the resignation of two elders last year, Madison Church of Christ was left with 13 elders: Bill Bennett, Dale Bishop, John Broadway, Joe Corley, Buck Dozier, Chris Gingles, Howard Henderson, Tommy Hoppes, Russ Kersten, Charles Link, Ken Rice, Norman Slate, Ray Wilson. Five of these elders had been opposed to the "praise teams" and clapping which had permeated the second service since last February 2001. This was when Elder Buck Dozier first announced the decision to turn the new third service loose on the second service. The five elders that were opposed we believe were: Joe Corley, Bill Bennett, Dale Bishop, Norman Slate, and Charles Link.

It's understood Tom Haddon and about 200 of his followers threatened to leave sometime ago when the praise teams were stopped. It's understood that Chris Gingles encouraged them to stay and fight it out. Recently the Haddon followers put the push back on to bring back the praise teams, through the elders they control. It's understood that the elders had become rather hostile toward each other, and when this push came again, then 4 of the 5 elders resigned. Charles Link was out of town, and it is assumed he will resign when he returns.

Quote as told to Bobby M. Johnson by one of the elders: "... told me that there had been a recent meeting of the 10:30 AM crowd including Chris Gingles’ and Tom Haddon's followers and they said they would never leave. So that with the push to return to the praise teams and the microphones was the “last straw."

The 5 elders had already decided to resign if the “winds of change” didn't subside. So that's that! 3 of these elders also announced that they would probably be attending church at other locations sometime in the future. [No one here blames them, and we can only try to imagine the pain they have been put through. We are sure that like many of us they were unable to continue to worship in that building.]

HAS GOD LEFT THE BUILDING?

ConcernedMembers announce statewide newspaper advertising campaign

February 10, 2002 (Sunday)

Sunday Services reviewed by Donnie Cruz [see earlier “Timeline”]

February 11, 2002 (Monday)

We at ConcernedMembers have been told that when the 4 elders resigned, that they were assured that their letter would be read to the congregation. Well, as you are probably aware ... not only did their letter not get read, there was also no mention of their resignation, other than a little blip in the Marcher. We have been promised a copy of this letter, and we intend to post it on the web as soon as we get it up.

The Elders’ Resignation Letter Is Here [see earlier “Timeline”]

February 2-17, 2002

Announcement by the Elders [see earlier “Timeline”]

March 1, 2002

The Trap Has Been Set at the Madison Church of Christ [see earlier “Timeline”]

In the February 20, 2002 Madison Marcher, statement made by the elders February 17, 2002:

4. "We believe that there can be unity in diversity and will continue to employ two styles of worship services."

March 10, 2002 (Sunday)

Screen presentation of the elders [6 have already resigned] and their length of service helps Donnie Cruz to figure it out:

(1) John Broadway ...... since 1998
(2) Buck Dozier ........ since 1996
(3) Chris Gingles ...... since 1998
(4) Howard Henderson ... since 1999
(5) Tommy Hoppes ....... since 1999
(6) Russ Kersten ....... since 1992
(7) Charles Link ....... since 1978
(8) Ken Rice ........... since 1989
(9) Ray Wilson ......... since 1992

(Most of the Remaining Elders Are ... That Explains It! [see earlier “Timeline”])

March 24, 2002 (Sunday)

Charismatic Contemporary Style Continues: March 24, 2002 [see earlier “Timeline”]

I don’t believe it is all right to be singing “It’s All Right” when the church is not united in spirit because of what this worship facilitation program has done to begin with. It is NOT ALL RIGHT when the body of Christ is suffering….

March 31, 2002

SUNDAY SERVICES—“Easter"

Notes from the “Madison Marcher” (Wednesday, March 27, 2002):

Bruce White: “We are going to have a great day next Sunday. It is Easter, and we [are] looking for a large crowd. I especially want to see the children in the colorful clothes.” Of the “Great Day in May” (May 5): “… will have a big lunch under the tent at 12:00. One of our choruses will entertain at 1:30.”

May 19-26, 2002; June 2, 2002

Changes Continue At Madison [see earlier Timeline]

(1) the present deacons will be interviewed by the elders and new deacons will be named; (2) there will be additional elders to be selected; (3), the "love feast" -- and it's only "fitting" -- is to follow the Lord's Supper; (4) Canaan's Land is moving; (5) the "praise team" will be reinstated in the early part of July.

June 23, 2002 (Sunday)

ELDER CHARLES LINK RESIGNS, and more!

August 1, 2002

Is There a Tithing Pledge in Madison's Future? Donnie Cruz reports, there could be!

September 1, 2002 (Sunday)

Small Groups, Living Stones, or Prayer Circles?

October 27, 2002

TITHING NT Christians for Services of the OT Levitical Priests

We are continuing to monitor the progress of the tithing campaign at Madison as taught by Dr. White, based on the tithing manual (“Take God at His Word”) written by Dr. Kregg Hood. Is the truth about tithing (equals 10%) continuing to be perverted as a CARRY-OVER and as a PERPETUAL command from the Old Testament for New Testament Christians? Since Dr. White proclaimed his message in August 2002 that we TITHE to TEST God and to let Him give the increase, we will be referring to the following amounts collected as being “TITHED”:

==================================================================
Church Budget ----------------- 47,143 (2001) ---- 38,000 (2002)
Children’s Home ---------------- 5,400 (2001) ----- 4,021 (2002)
Amazing Grace/CPI -------------- 3,000 (2001) ----- 1,539 (2002)
==================================================================
TOTAL BUDGET---- -------------- 55,543 (2001) ---- 43,560 (2002)
==================================================================
------------- (Sermons on “TITHING” in August 2002) ------------

November 7, 2002

Transcription of Bruce White's Sermon on Tithing [see earlier Timeline]

VOTE:
Would you be willing to sign a Tithing Pledge?
Would you be willing to sign a Church Oath or Covenant?

January 5, 2003 (Sunday)

DRAMA MINISTRY KICKOFF JANUARY 19 (by Kelley Hughes, Madison Marcher)

Drama is nothing new at Madison Church of Christ. From the Summer Spectaculars to Canaan’s Land … we have a long and great tradition of using drama to touch the lives of our members and visitors…. So Jesus himself used A TYPE OF THEATRE to help get his point across…. You may know of someone who is “UNCHURCHED” … The Drama Ministry kickoff meeting will be on January 19 at 5 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

April 13, 2003 (Sunday)

EASTER SUNDAY IN “CANAAN’S LAND” (Madison Marcher: April 9, 2003)

Easter Sunday is very special to all of us. For the last ten years in Canaan’s Land, we’ve used our time together on that Sunday to reenact the last week in the life of Jesus…. Responsibilities will range from … to dressing kids to assisting at the various story “sets” (e.g., HELPING SERVE CHILDREN BREAD AND GRAPE JUICE DURING THE LAST SUPPER [emphasis, d.c.]). All of us will celebrate Communion together as we reenact the LORD sharing it with His apostles and telling them its meaning.

(On May 19, 2003, Chris: “I received a copy of the CD that has the worship service from "Easter" on it. It was given to me by a member of the production crew there. … Was there any preaching? Or just reading?” Jeremy responded: “I do agree with what has been said about the Easter service. It definitely was a show. And most of the people I've talked to about that service say the same thing….”

May 12, 2003 (Monday)

Madison Church of Christ, Incorporated: ONE YEAR LATER

Annual Membership Meeting (Madison Marcher, Vol. 52, No. 19, May 7, 2003):

Because Madison Church of Christ is now incorporated, we are required to have an annual membership meeting. This meeting will be on Wednesday, June 4, 2003, at 6 p.m. in the Auditorium for the transaction of such business as may come before the meeting.

June 4, 2003

Madison Marcher (6/4/03) announces: “Broadway Resigns From Eldership.” Ken Rice, May Chairman of the Eldership, said, “It is with great regret that we have received the resignation of John Broadway. Here is his statement:”

After much prayer and deliberation over the past several weeks, I have decided to submit my resignation from the eldership of the Madison Church of Christ….

June 19, 2003

A comparative analysis of statistics from the 2003 publication of “Churches of Christ in the United States,” compiled by Mac Lynn. The counts, based on the reported numbers in 2002, consist of: (1) membership [assumedly “baptized” believers], (2) average worship attendance, (3) adherents [including children?]. Please notice MCC’s staggering data.

---------------------------------------- Members/Attendance/Adherents
Goodlettsville Church of Christ ---------- 490 ----- 685 ----- 770
Hendersonville Church of Christ --------- 1557 ---- 1323 ---- 2105
Woodmont Hills Church of Christ(*)------- 1660 ---- 2300 ---- 2500
Madison Church of Christ ---------------- 3142 ---- 1786 ---- 4730
Richland Hills Church of Christ, TX ----- 4450 ---- 3700 ---- 5240

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(*) Not listed as “Woodmont Hills Family of God” in the directory
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

July 23, 2003

Madison Marcher: “We are expanding the leadership of this great church.

Terry Ashley,
Mark Street,
Phil Coats

are being added to the eldership today. We are so pleased to see this number grow and expect to be able to service more effectively with these men in place.”

August 6, 2003

Madison Marcher: “The Madison Church of Christ has always had a heart for children and will continue to respond to, assist, and nurture children. We have our camp, youth activities, classes, and other programs for children … Morning Star Sanctuary…. So, we need to support all of these activities through our Sunday School Contribution. The Childcare program … however, will be closed. The State of Tennessee Children’s Services has altered the approach to childcare….”

August 13, 2003

Madison Marcher: “The shepherds are planning a new vision for Madison. They will be listening for awhile and then formulating what the Spirit leads them to envision for this church. Your prayers are earnestly solicited.”

September 3, 2003

Madison Marcher: “We want to encourage both 8:00 and 10:30 services. You will see the designation “traditional” and “contemporary” on our sign and in publication to inform the community of a choice. We hope that both times will see increase in attendance and involvement.” . . . “CALLING ALL SINGERS! The Worship and Music ministry is looking for additional singers. We are especially in need of male singers….” [also appeared in the next 2 weeks].

September 17, 2003

Madison Marcher: “Check your Saturday newspaper and find our new advertisement! . . . ||EVERY SUNDAY||--||Traditional Worship 8:00 am||--||Sunday School 9:30 am||--||Contemporary Worship 10:30 am||--||Evening Worship 6:00 pm|| . . . ||Pulpit Minister, Dr. C. Bruce White||--||Worship Minister, Keith Lancaster||”

September 28, 2003

The message on this Sunday was “Worthy of Double Honor.” It had been announced: “We are planning a very special day on September 28. We will be honoring our shepherds that day.” Former elders (J.D. Elliott, Bobby McElhiney, Charles Link, etc., with their wives) were honored first; current elders, with their wives, were also honored.

October 8, 2003

Madison Marcher: “Please pray for our shepherds. These men are going through some very trying meetings right now. The future of this congregation is weighing heavy on their hearts as they seek the Spirit’s guidance. They need your support and encouragement.”

December 15, 2003

A special e-mail has been received: “… I am troubled by the innovations, because they seem mostly to lean toward entertainment and behavior that I grew up associating with Pentecostal orgiastic ‘worship services.’ I quit going to Tulsa due to this. ...”

December 17, 2003

Madison Marcher: “Keith Lancaster will be taking a sabbatical from Madison for the next several months to spend more time with Acappella. We wish him well and look forward to his return!”

February 4, 2004

Madison Marcher: “A WORD FROM THE SHEPHERDS”

Shepherds’ Vision 2004: The shepherds have spent the last several months focusing on prayer and preparation of a course for the church family at Madison. … We will maintain a traditional worship style in our 8:00 service on Sunday morning and a contemporary style of worship at 10:30. We are interested in accommodating a worship style which connects the worshipper with the Creator … The elders have implemented a functional change in their roles as shepherds. An Elders Administrative Committee composed of … and Buck Dozier, in conjunction with the Business Manager, will handle day-to-day administrative details. The remaining elders will give their “attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word.” The goal of the elders is to “smell like sheep.” … The Deacons Administrative Committee….

We will be searching for a pulpit minister, as Dr. White enters partial retirement. He will continue to work on staff in other ministries. We look for a long relationship with him and Judy.

We will be looking for anew youth minister to lead our program of developing our young people into leaders for tomorrow.

February 18, 2004

“A Little Flavor of Rick Warren’s Saddleback Community Church-ism”—the following was advertised in the Madison Marcher:

27th Ladies Renewal (April 16th-17th, 2004) in Cadiz, KY—

Come share the Love of Our Lord and your sisters in Christ.
”The Purpose Driven Life”
We will use the book by Rick Warren as we study God’s Word

March 10, 2004

Interactive EASTER drama worship—Dr. White announces change in schedule: The drama presentation on “Easter Sunday” will no longer be an event in the “traditional” worship—it will be performed only during the “contemporary” worship.

March 23, 2004

• Announcement on the Church Sign: WORSHIP WITH US EASTER APRIL 11, 8 & 10:30 A.M. … EASTER PASSION WORSHIP DRAMA AT 10:30 A.M.
  
  
• Easter Worship Drama (Madison Marcher, March 17, 2004). “ . . . Easter Sunday [emphasis here and elsewhere, dc] is always a special time at Madison—but this year, April 11th is going to be unlike any worship experience we’ve ever shared together. During our 10:30 service [wonder why not at 8:00 am, dc], the story of Christ’s last hours—culminating in His Crucifixion and Resurrection—will be presented in the form of an interactive worship drama.
  
  Everyone is encouraged to attend this special time of worship
  

April 5, 2004

• FRONT PAGE re “EASTER SUNDAY PASSION DRAMA”: (MADISON MARCHER, March 31, 2004). “ . . . Experience much of the excitement next week as our Easter Sunday Passion Drama plays out at the 10:30 service [wonder why not at 8:00 am, dc] . . . We’ll join Jesus and His apostles in the upper room where we, as a congregation, will celebrate the Lord’s Supper. … This promises to be a very moving, powerful retelling of the Easter Story….”
  
  Calendar: April 11 (Sunday—Easter) … Easter Worship Drama … 10:30 a.m.— ”The story of Christ’s last hours culminating in His Crucifixion and Resurrection will be presented in the form of an interactive worship drama.
  

April 12, 2004

Jim Morris, who began serving as an elder at the same time with Pat Burch and Marty Rothschild in September, 2002, made the following announcement in the Madison Marcher (Vol. 53, No. 13, April 7, 2004), “Statement to Madison Church:” This is not the time for me to serve this body as an elder.

The Preacher Potpourri column in the Madison Marcher has announced the following (4.21.04): “We are adding more elders. We want you to submit names to help in the process. Think through your selections, write his name or names on a piece of paper, and share it with one of our shepherds.”

June 9, 2004

Russ Kersten retires from eldership (Madison Marcher reports).

June 16, 2004

Ray Wilson retires from eldership (Madison Marcher reports).

There were 15 elders at the end of September 2001—10 of whom have resigned since. Is this report . . . troubling?

J.D. Elliott ----------- resigned 10/2001
Bobby McElhiney -------- resigned 10/2001
Joe Corley ------------- resigned 02/2002
Bill Bennett ----------- resigned 02/2002
Dale Bishop ------------ resigned 02/2002
Norman Slate ----------- resigned 02/2002
Charles Link ----------- resigned 06/2002 (… served since 1978)
John Broadway ---------- resigned 06/2003 (… served since 1998)
Ray Wilson ------------- resigned 06/2004 (… served since 1992)
Russ Kersten ----------- resigned 06/2004 (… served since 1992)

Ken Rice --------------- has served since ---1989
Buck Dozier ------------ has served since ---1996
Chris Gingles ---------- has served since ---1998
Howard Henderson ------- has served since ---1999
Tommy Hoppes ----------- has served since ---1999

Jim Morris ------------- resigned 04/2004 (… served since 09/2002)
Pat Burch -------------- has served since 09/2002
Marty Rothschild ------- has served since 09/2002
Terry Ashley ----------- has served since 07/2003
Phil Coats ------------- has served since 07/2003
Mark Street ------------ has served since 07/2003

Quoting Phil Sanders:

“Entertainment settings should not be regarded as periods of worship. … There is no harm in clapping with appreciation for the entertainer, but clapping in worship seems to take the focus off of God and put it on the performer. To be caught up in the skill of a performer and to lose sight of God dilutes and cheapens worship. The rock star status accorded to some entertainers has little place next to the cross. In worship the focus must be on praising God, not the skills of men. Worship put on for show is clearly condemned in Scripture (Matt. 6:1-18; 23:5-12). … The recent blurrings of these distinctions [between entertainment and worship], coupled with the exposure to so many denominational worship services on television, services which feature professional performers, has created the confusion.”

_______________________________________

NOTE: Prior posts to this thread have been archived here. This is done to keep the loading time down and to ensure that all messages in the thread can be viewed. Thanks.

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————————————————————————————————————————
QUOTED FROM AN E-MAIL: [[[[[… I am troubled by the innovations, because they seem mostly to lean toward entertainment and behavior that I grew up associating with Pentecostal orgiastic "worship services." I quit going to Tulsa due to this. ... ]]]]]
————————————————————————————————————————

Madison’s “Worship” Attendance Pattern—a Reflection of the Implemented “Church Growth” Scheme by Rick Warren of the Saddleback Community Church in California

———————————————————————————————————————————
Combined 8:00AM and Contemporary (10:30AM) Attendance (recent statistics taken from the Marcher)
NOTE: All figures below include 300+ from the EXT department [?]
*@ .. Sunday School Drive on October 19, 2003
*$ .. “The Passion…” Movie Drive in February-March, 2004
*@ .. Interactive Worship Drama (“Easter Sunday”)
@@ .. Baby Day Celebration (May 2)
$* .. Mothers Day (May 9)
@$ .. Church of the Week (May 16)
X* .. Great Day in May (May 23)
&$ .. Memorial Day Service
———————————————————————————————————————————
2001 _____________________ [NOTE: 2002 census shows MCC with—
__________________________ 3142 members;
__________________________ 1786 in worship attendance;
__________________________ 4730 adherents
2001 JANUARY _____________ 3000+ [?]______________________
2001 APRIL _________________________2525______________2303
2001 MAY _________________ 2498_____2675_____2403_____2348
2001 JUNE ________________ 2355_____2558_____2543_____2371
2001 JULY ________________ 2531_____2508_____2428_____2306_____2386
2001 AUGUST ______________ 2177_____2375_____2297_____2161
2001 SEPTEMBER ___________ 2163_____2335_____2577_____2096
2001 DECEMBER ____________ 2148_____2008_____2039_____2134_____1985
2002 _____________________ [no stats available________1786 reported average]
2003 JULY ________________ 1483_____[7/20]
2003 AUGUST ______________ 1702_____1759_____1726_____1742_____1732
2003 SEPTEMPBER __________ 1782_____1722_____1629_____1498
2003 OCTOBER _____________ 1681____________*@2028_____1643
2003 NOVEMBER ____________ 1708_____1664_____1526_____1637_____1596
2003 DECEMBER ____________ 1554_____1534______________1557
2004 JANUARY _____________ 1725_____1712_____1640_____1715
2004 FEBRUARY ____________ 1746_____1606_____1608_____1647_____1816*$
2004 MARCH _______________ 1819_____1718_____1738_____1698
2004 APRIL _______________ 1630_____2697*@___1628_____1733
2004 MAY__________________ 1639@@___1748$*___1605@$___1713X*___1686&$
2004 JUNE ________________ 1648_____1629_____1660_____1781
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So, we have reviewed in this thread some of the “transition” events—Saddleback Community style—at the Madison congregation. We have seen the attendance pattern (above) since the “upheaval” in the early part of 2001 thru the end of June, 2004. [Perhaps unbeknownst to many, let’s not forget that the ever-so-gradual-and-subtle Rick Warren “scheme for church growth” had already been in place at Madison in most of the 1990’s.]

While there are still unreported events since the last post in Timeline—Part VII, let’s pause for a moment and reflect on an inventory—a little examination of where the congregation stands on the “immunity to fads in worship.” In all fairness, anyone who is or has been a member at Madison is being a given an opportunity to make such an assessment. Here’s the questionnaire in the form of an article, written by John Waddey:
____________________________________

PROVIDING IMMUNITY TO FADS IN WORSHIP

Today our congregations are troubled by preachers eager to sample anything proposed for worship that is new or different. Few members would come up with such ideas on their own. They are led astray by enterprising young preachers determined to make a name for themselves.

There are some churches where the promoters of the change agenda cannot gain a foothold. Their schemes for change are dead on arrival. In such congregations brethren have antibodies that make them immune to the smooth and fair speech of change agents (Rom. 16:18).

Those who receive a steady diet of meaningful Bible instruction are safe from this ailment. Knowing God’s will, they can spot error, no matter how lovely it is packaged. They have no appetite for anything contrary to the Master’s message for the church. They have been fed the meat of the word in the classes and sermons (Heb. 5:14). It has settled deep in the hearts and minds and they will tolerate no changes to the divine plan.

Those whose worship experience is meaningful and genuine are not interested in the promotions of the change agenda. Where elders and preachers provide rich, spiritually uplifting worship, there is no interest in tricks and performance to give them some emotional exhilaration. They are thrilled as they lift up their voices in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19). They thrill as they are led in devout, meaningful and sincere prayers to God. They are deeply touched when they commune in memory of the death of their beloved Savior (Matt. 26:26-29). They rejoice at the privilege to give their gifts to the Provider of every good and perfect gift. They feast on well-prepared lessons, spoken with enthusiasm, love and concern. The gimmicks of the promoters of change seem foolish to them. Such things profane the holy worship they already enjoy.

Those who enjoy in a close walk with God have no interest in artificial stimulates offered by the peddlers of change. This walk is pursued when they leave the worship assembly to live their daily lives (I John 1:7). It is presenting oneself to God as a spiritual sacrifice seven days of the week (Rom. 12:1). Those brethren who live sober, righteous and godly lives laced with prayer and devotion have the deep, meaningful relationship with the Father that satisfies their souls.

Those who are actively involved in meaningful Christian service have no need for entertainment when they come to worship. Having experienced pure and undefiled religion in ministering to widows and orphans and in keeping themselves unspotted from the world (Jas. 1:27), they know unspeakable joy in Christ. They do good to all men, especially fellow-Christians (Gal.6:10). They are abound in the work of the Lord (I Cor. 15:58). The charade of the change agents seems like silly child’s play to them.

Those who are actively engaged in seeking and saving the lost do not need the assistance of performers in order to rejoice in the Lord (Phil. 4:4). No greater thrill or satisfaction can be known than leading a lost soul to the Master. It is much like the birth of one’s child. To have witnessed the power of God and his gospel (Rom. 1:16), in transforming sinners into saints, changing those who formerly were like lions, but in Christ are like lambs, puts all the show time stuff in the shadows.

While a few disciples might be able to find these blessings by their own initiative, most will need the guidance and leadership of godly preachers and elders, who like good shepherds, lead them to the green pastures. Now is the time to take inventory and determine the spiritual status of your flock. You cannot afford to wait until the agents of change appear in your midst. Sheep will follow their shepherds, but the shepherds must lead the way.

_____________________________________
John Waddey, Editor
Christianity: Then and Now
E-Mail: johnwaddey@aol.com

A review: December 17, 2003 (as noted in above Timeline)

Madison Marcher: “Keith Lancaster will be taking a sabbatical from Madison for the next several months to spend more time with Acappella. We wish him well and look forward to his return!”

In “the next several months” that the “Worship Leader” was taking a sabbatical, Stephen Vail and Kevin Dunnebacke led singing at the 8:00 a.m. and at the contemporary 10:30 a.m. assemblies, respectively.

On June 20, 2004, Stephen Vail led singing in both assemblies due to Kevin’s injury. [What similar coincidences when Mr. Lancaster was “ill” on the last Sunday [in December 2003] that he was scheduled to lead the worshippers—just prior to the sabbatical—and he was unable to lead the contemporary worshippers.] Well, let’s see what was to happen the following Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Madison Marcher (June 23, 2004) reports regarding the class to be taught by Phil Barnes [begin being familiar with this name] and the Summer Spectacular 2004—the “Field of Promises” drama (July 18-21):

It has been a couple of years since we had an adult class in our Summer Spectacular. We decided that there was a definite need, so we are having a class this year.

It will meet in Bixler Chapel and be taught by Phil Barnes, pulpit minister for Western Hills. Phil preached for several years at Hermitage before moving to Western Hills. Many of you will recognize him from being a “regular visitor” at our Sunday evening service. The class will follow the theme of our year, “Devoted.” Each night Phil will share a lesson on the four parts of Acts 2:42…

We will conclude the class in time for everyone to be in the auditorium for the drama…

And now—June 27, 2004! Surprise, surprise! Mr. Lancaster is leading the contemporary worshippers! Sounding humbled [somewhat], he remarked: “I missed being here so much.” [Hmmm! Was this a tryout for the position of “Worship Leader” again?]

(Please note: Here’s a quote in the worship guide from the T.L.B.—quite unusual—rather than from the leadership’s official version, the N.I.V.: “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only [the word “begotten” omitted, d.c.] Son so that anyone who believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:16, TLB])

July 4, 2004—Charismatic worship is back! Mr. Lancaster again leading the contemporary worshippers—two Sundays in a row… There was thunderous rhythmic handclapping with just about every contemporary “praise” song. “This Is How We Overcome” reminds me of vain repetition in a prayer in Matthew 6:7—“But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” Why? In some part of the song, “This is how we overcome” is repeated some 7 times in a row—and at the end of the praise song performed, applause is likely to follow.

This article in the Madison Marcher (July 7, 2000) titled, “From the Madison Search Committee” [with other emphases mine]:

Growth and change—while inevitable events in the life of a healthy organism—are only occasionally welcomed, frequently challenging, and often avoided at all costs. Our family at Madison, however, has a heritage of embracing these realities, for in them we have chosen to see signs of life and vibrancy….

Several months ago—concurrent with an announcement from the Madison elders to the same effect—two groups appointed by the elders began praying and working toward the goals of hiring new pulpit and youth ministers. Those committees and committee members are as follows:

PULPIT MINISTER SEARCH

[The Chairman; Pat Burch, Elder Liaison; plus 11 other members, including both men and women are listed—looks like the elders alone are incapable of making the decision … needing the wisdom of Solomon here.]

YOUTH MINISTER SEARCH

[The Chairman; Chris Gingles, Elder Liaison; plus other members, including 5 men and 6 women are listed— again, looks like the elders alone are incapable of making the decision … needing the wisdom of Solomon here.]

These committees have been meeting regularly for several months, and will very soon be in a position to begin sharing the progress made toward achieving their assigned objectives.

What You Can Do


• Be in prayer about the men whom God has already chosen [but the committees would still choose, d.c.] to serve with our Madison family. Pray that God will make us sensitive to His leading and direction, that He will make His will obvious, and that He will bless Tory’s efforts as he seeks out new opportunities. [Sorry, Tory Treadway. Perhaps, you are outmoded and no longer meet the leadership’s “contemporary” standards. You will be missed!]
  
  
• Share your thoughts with a committee member or elder liaison. For example, what are the characteristics and qualities of the man you would like to see in the Madison pulpit?
  
  
As announced, our new pulpit minister (once hired) will enjoy a period of transition with Bruce and be fully in place by the end of the year. Our new youth minister will join our existing ministry team and assume Tory’s responsibilities—also by year end.

Starting with the first Sunday in July, articles will be published regularly in the Marcher to keep our family apprised of the progress of each committee. We encourage (and expect) everyone to participate in this process, and welcome your input….

[To be continued. . .]

It is clear that the ELDERS, after all, ARE more apt to chase a coon [a code word] than APT to "teach the Word as it has been taught."

If the Bible and the concurrance of ALL of history's scholars have any meaning, then you are, according to Harold Bloom who defines the Baptists as a distinctly American Gnostic religion, defining a RELIGIONISM which has no connection to historic Christianity. Well, they told you that the OLD Bible has been Shelly Sifted and "we gonna partner with God and work out our own Scriptures" and of course RELIGIONISM which is as new as the Island of LESBOS.

I want to TEACH, TEACH, TEACH that those who preach the legality [you OWE me] of tithing or the anti-Biblical and anti-Christian LAW OF GIVING have their ROLES only because "fools love to be fooled." Paul allowed the opsonion or DAILY DOLE OF FOOD for the soldier or temple worker but had to define HIMSELF as a ROBBER for taking even volunteer, individual help in order to DISQUALIFY and MARK those who are so evil and obscene that they want to ride on the backs of widows WHIPPING them as love partners to get their own kicks and "performance of religion for pay." There is NO exception to the Greek world's agreement with Paul that they are PARASITES.

YOU need to kick them out of the SADDLE on the BACKS of honest workers and get in the DRIVER'S SEAT so YOU can lay by in store BY YOURSELF so alms to the destitute can go from YOUR hand to the hand of the POOR so secretly that no parasite can even catch the crumbs. If you let your hard earned money fly loose in the AIR or LIMBO between the collection plate and GOD'S WORK then don't be surprised that, like Sadam Hussein, ALL tele-marketers and ALL churches, about 90 to 95% of the money is for OVERHEAD to feed the PARASITES.

They all subscribe to the anti-Biblical principle: Paul said THIS IS NOT a command but THEY say "this IS a command and you don't even WORSHIP unless you put something in the pot" where YOU lose control to the "god handlers."

http://www.piney.com/LayByInStore.html

http://www.piney.com/Lay.by.him.in.store.html

If you want to preach LOVE and the GOSPEL you might begin by connecting these links to all of your e-mail lists and THREATEN them if they do not pass it on to their e-mail lists. This is not "just my opinion" but the opinion of most for 2,000 years. Jesus especially made it a point to pay the TEMPLE tax and declaring that SONS OF THE KING don't pay taxes.

I believe that there is NOTHING you can do short of cutting off their hands when they get into the piggy banks for your kid's health care and education. SHAME, SHAME, SHAME. I believe that any one who CONTINUES the practice in these "bad seed" churches is as evil as the misleaders. God extends no grace to the blind willing to be led by the blind.

Ken

-----Original Message-----
From: J_____ _______ [_____________________]
Sent: Sunday, November 21, 2004 2:53 PM
To: donniecruz@msn.com
Subject:

Hello Donnie

I have been reading your posts. I am disappointed that some churches that used to be sound have gone by the way. I had not realized that Madison was one of them until I came across your post about two weeks ago. I have read and re-read them and it is still unbelievable! I had always been told that it was such a great congregation. In 1979 I and Hudson Nichols bought a group of young people to high school day at Lipscomb. Even though we did not visit Madison we heard good things.

Now a question: I have been in congregations where Ray Walker or Nick Boone would be leading the song services and both said they were from Madison. Do you know what has happened to either of them?

Thanks,

[Signed]

P.S. I am a member at ___________ Church of Christ in ____________, TX

Dear J_________,

Thanks for writing. Thanks also for taking time to read my posts. You must know that it’s never a pleasure to report the happenings at a congregation, such as the one that I still consider “home.” It’s also hurtful when I am told to leave and go somewhere else by folks who disagree with me, with alienated brethren and with “the old paths, where is the good way.” The rest of the passage says, “… walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.” It further says, “But they said, we will not walk therein.” (See Jeremiah 6:16.)

It is very sad to witness firsthand the happenings at any of the congregations that experience infiltration and subversion by those who impose their will upon others and attempt to improve upon God’s will and doctrine for the church. What you had always been told about the greatness of Madison’s past is undeniably true. So, those were the days, and the current leadership would not even want to be reminded of its great past. When alienated members were told, “get over it; we must move on,” that pretty well summarizes the same pervasive attitude today.

I’m sorry that I’m unable to answer your question concerning Ray Walker except coming from those in defense of the current “worship leader” [think about this term—it must be distinguished from “song leader or starter”], that Ray was not any less “charismatic” than Mr. Keith Lancaster. (But I think, in defense of “worship leadership” and Keith, being “charismatic” is confused with being “energetic” in leading singing. I’ll let you make your own deduction from that. But to me, one was energetic; the other is charismatic.)

When I adopted Madison as my home congregation, Nick Boone was the one who led singing. NO ONE WAS LEADING WORSHIP at the time, as no one “owned” or tried to dominate all the activities during the entire assembly. Many contemporary “worshippers” have the misconception that someone who leads the “MUSICAL WORSHIP” [… and there’s no such animal in the New Testament] is THE WORSHIP LEADER. The “Acts of the Worship Leader” (in contrast to the “Acts of the Apostles”) would be a big insult to Christ Himself who said in John 4:23-24— “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” Seriously, Christ our mediator has a superior way of teaching His disciples how to worship our Father in heaven.

Oops … by the way, Nick did an excellent job in leading singing. Worship to me was reverent and meaningful then as sacred hymns that “teach and admonish” (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16) were not some of the silly, singy-clappy “praise” songs of today. [I wonder if you have heard the contemporary version of “Let Us Worship the Father”—sung as if the “Praise Team”—another man-made invention—were out there “cheerleading” at a sporting event. Note that this song has the potential of becoming a great hymn in the future, but the “way” it is sung and the “irreverent” impression that the singing portrays … embarrasses me to no end when I “listen” to it—no way could I ever participate in singing a cheapened song like that.

I believe—just my personal opinion—Nick was “outmoded” for the purpose that the leadership had envisioned for the transformation of the congregation, according to the Saddleback’s Rick Warren doctrine. Just as Jimmy Sites became the new minister at around the time, to the pro-musical worship segment of the leadership, there had to be a replacement for Nick. I had brought up this opinion before, but we’ll just have to wait and see if there’s someone else who can come up with the real reason, if there is any. For certain, there have been so many changes (besides certain doctrinal issues) in the leadership positions and in various religious and “cultural activities” of the congregation.

I have quickly looked at your church’s website. I really like the layout of the front page—the “Plan of Salvation” … the link to “Our Elders” … the link to “Our Evangelists” … the “School of Preaching” …. Unlike certain congregations with Community Church and Charismatic influences, your congregation is still adhering to the New Testament pattern—that’s my personal observation. I do not find any reference to “Worship Leader” or “Praise Team”—my presumption is that REAL congregational singing still exists there—not Praise Team domination or performances.

Again, thanks for your inquiry. [I am posting your e-mail because of the nature of my response to your very important message and question. Your identity will remain confidential unless you tell me otherwise.]

Please pass along the information to your elders and to your evangelists.

Donnie

I know Ray Walker. He goes to Church with me at Rivergate Church of Christ.

This is the most obscene blasphemy I have heard about since I TRIED to read Hicks heresy which is like reading Max Lucado and wonder if ALI CE is still smocking hash out on the plains getting ready for her WONDERLAND vision quest.

We worried about the HOMEBREAKER'S CLASS when there was too much oohing over how Keith tickled them somewhere. Now, it sounds like the SACRIFICIAL SYSTEM of the pagans is being MANNED by Dawn, Janelle and Kathy. The Bible knew that when the effeminate and feminine get involved you get roses, music and what the Greeks called a VISIONARY ORGASM. It confirms that when you have rejected the word and turned to MUSIC to worship a Holy Spirit God you have fallen and things will WAX WORSE AND WORSE. Revelation indicates that the LOCUSTS or MUSES have the job of driving away those MARKED with the Word and holding captive and TORTURING those who will not run until Jesus returns. The image I get is that they are a COLLECTING POINT AND HOLDING PEN for those who will be TOO HEAVY to rise to meet the Lord in the Air.

It is all GODDESS WORSHIP lies, lies, lies. We unwrapped the reasons God ALWAYS prohibited women in "mediating" roles in an article on the AGAPE.

http://www.piney.com/AgapeSummary.html

We also reviewed Rubel Shelly and John Yorks REVISIONING push which is a take off of the Methodist effeminate and Lesbian professors and "pastors." The HONEY they use for the 'eucharist' is NOT always what you may think. The women pushed the idea that the BLOOD to be FEASTED UPON must be or must be tainted with menstrual blood. I would run for my life and not even take a SIP.

The Lord's Supper was to REMEMBER the DEATH of Christ and NOTHING else. It was to SHOW FORTH or PREACH the DEATH of Christ. To return to Adam and Eve is to IMAGE or VISION the fall where LUCIFER the "singing and harp playing prostitute" WHOLLY SEDUCED Eve so that Paul likened it to a sexual encounter. That is why CAIN--meaning "a musical note"--is said to be OF THAT WICKED ONE. Lucifer was bi-sexual and Adam ATE from the MIDST of the TREE without questin. The Assyrians are called THE TALLEST TREE IN EDEN. Eze.31:8

Hicks book sounds like someone who HATES Jesus by associating HIS death with the SACRIFICIAL FEASTS in the SACRIFICIAL SYSTEM where he drags up the old Pagan, ignorant, legalistic superstition that GOD actuall ATE and DRANK during these festivals. The flesh and blood was their SUPERSTITION permitted by God when the ELDERS fired Him. They slaughtered TYPES of Lord Jesus Christ.

By LIMITING the Lord's Supper to a REMEMBRANCE like Passover, Jesus DELIBERATELY leapfrogged over the sacrificial system and outlawed "taking the Lord's Supper with swine flesh still in your teeth." Rubel Shelly says that Jesus would enjoy our PORK feast with the "gods."

The Jews called Jesus Beel-Zebul or the DUNG GOD or the Lord of the Flies. That is because HE was supposed to hoover around the feast like hungry flies to eat the DUNG consumed for Baal-Peor and drink the blood.

I reviewed as much as I could stomach of Hicks Holy Horror here:

http://www.piney.com/Hicks.Come.Table.html

I warn you that when you EAT and DRINK the GODS you DO NOT know what you are eating as the FEAST and drinking to the pagan Mother of the Gods or ZOE or EVE who gives LIFE.

This is the MARK of the locusts or singers.

And the starry heavens disappeared[c] as though rolled up like a scroll and taken away; and every mountain and island shook and shifted. Re.6:14

The sky is OURAONOS visioned like the Cockatrice we pictured. It is specificially the GOSPEL or CHRISTIANITY. As OROS it the mountains lifting up above the plain. That is the meaning of Armageddon. It is SYMBOLIZED by the hens or FEMALE DOMESTIC FOUL taking wings.

The GOSPEL disappeared as the BIBILON or Bible . Missed anything around Madison yet?

Disappeared means to REND APART or SEPARATE.Have you gotten any of that at Madison yet?

Did you know that literal ISLANDS just "fled away" and that the earth probably WOBBLED? God INTENDS to SHAKE the earth again and the ONLY passport is the TRUE body of Christ in the kingdom which CANNOT BE SHAKEN. When you see the WAVES attacking you it is because when the EARTHQUAKES come in a spiritual sense you FLOCK AROUND to see why the beach is so dry: then, whammo! Sad, sad that bitter wail."

Moved is kineo: the New Style Worship out of a Grace-Centered Guy is promoting KINES. The girls are getting ready to CONVERGE your SENSORY EXPERIENCES with IDOLATRY so that you CANNOT POSSIBLE remember Jesus Christ unless He has returned to INFILTRATE and DIVERT.

Fred Peatross: the percussive use of light, images and beat, the behaviors of the crowd, the kinesthetic involvement of the audience in moving, dancing and typically staying on their feet the entire time. The power of the event for the participative audience occurs
in the convergence of the sensory experience.
They are drawn into a vortex of personal and social yearnings and satisfactions.

Read my stuff and if you still want to EAT the GODS and DRINK the GODDESS for heaven's sake look it over carefully. There are more and more EFFEMINATE or FEMINIST leaders getting into DUNG and MENSTRUL BLOOD. A favorite WORSHIP of the GODDESSES now manning the sermons and singing is eating the AFTERBIRTH. My wife's sister, a missionary nurse, had to fight the men off from these practices. It certainly fits the VOODOO of "praise singing."

I would suggest that SOMEONE is deliberately forcing the ignorant to EAT AND DRINK DAMNATION OF THEIR SOULS. Remember that God has no pity on the BLIND led to eat and drink the gods by those who MAY NOT be blind.

Ken

When "scholars" write their TRAFFICKING books you MUST NOT assume that they have read any of the original documents. This includes the Bible other than just to scoop up proof-texts. Hicks has done this and doesn't have a clue to the meaning of animal sacrifices as a BURDEN laded on the backs of primarily the tribe of Levi--like "woorshuup services"--because they repudiated THE BOOK OF THE COVENANT of grace, rose up to PLAY in musical idolatry of the Egyptian trinity, and God TURNED THEM OVER to worship the starry host.

Nor can Hicks have ever read the Didache except to extract a few verses which do not mention BLOOD. However, the document mentions the Lord's supper and baptism which pretty well points to the blood of Christ to have purchased what the Didache expounds:

Waddey quotes Hicks: Contrary to most change agents, the author appeals to the law of silence to prove his point, but only in reference to the Didache, an uninspired document from the early church. Regarding the document's reference to the Lord Supper, Hicks notes, "Strikingly absent is any reference to the body and blood of Christ, or the traditional words of institution..."(p. 130)

Strikingly absent is any mention of the CROSS : shall we REVISION the Cross? Why not

By definition DIDACHE means doctrine or teaching. Hicks etal would distinguish between GOSPEL and DIDACHE. By its name we would expect that they "apostles" are writing for the benefit of people who KNOW about the cross or they would not have been baptized.

Didache CHAPTER 9

9:1 But concerning the Eucharist, after this fashion give ye thanks.

9:2 First, concerning the cup. We thank thee, our Father, for the holy vine, David thy Son, which thou hast made known unto us through Jesus Christ thy Son; to thee be the glory for ever.

9:3 And concerning the broken bread. We thank thee, our Father, for the LIFE and KNOWLEDGE which thou hast made known unto us through Jesus thy Son; to thee be the glory for ever.

9:4 As this broken bread was once scattered on the mountains, and after it had been brought together became one, so may thy Church be gathered together from the ends of the earth unto thy kingdom; for thine is the glory, and the power, through Jesus Christ, for ever.

9:5 And let none eat or drink of your Eucharist but such as have been baptized into the name of the Lord, for of a truth the Lord hath said concerning this, Give not that which is holy unto DOGS.

The word EUCHARIST has no meaning without the cross. If Hicks can SHED the blood from the Lord's Supper then why cannot he SHED the cross and go back--as he curses himself TO DO--to offering animal sacrifices to get the SHED BOOD for his "eating with the gods."

Waddey: * Per this book, we should "revision the supper as a family event, including children." "They are on the journey of faith, and the supper will shape the growth and development of that faith" (p. 192). If this logic be correct, would not baptism also be a learning event to shape the growth and development of children's faith? If not why?

This would demand that children MUST be baptized PRIOR to participating. But, the Didache says of Baptism:

Didache CHAPTER 7

7:1 But concerning baptism, thus baptize ye: having first recited all these precepts, baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, in running water;

7:2 but if thou hast not running water, baptize in some other water, and if thou canst not baptize in cold, in warm water;

7:3 but if thou hast neither, pour water three times on the head, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

7:4 But before the baptism, let him who BAPTISETH and him who is BAPTIZED fast previously, and any others who may be able. And thou shalt command him who is baptized to fast one or two days before.

The voluntary FEASTS had nothing to du with the Eucharist which in the latter MASS was a daily event primarily by the clergy.

Didache 13:5 If thou makest a feast, take and give the firstfruits according to the commandment;

Didache 13:6 in like manner when thou openest a jar of wine or of oil, take the firstfruits and give it to the prophets;

Didache 13:7 take also the firstfruits of money, of clothes, and of every possession, as it shall seem good unto thee , and give it according to the commandment.

This proves that the "apostles" agreed with Paul that eating to FILL UP with food or drink MUST not be done during the assembly. The temporary practice resembled the AGAPAE which when attempted by Christians never worked without CAUSING the outbreak of the polluting, sexual excesses including adding STRANGE STUFF to the feasts. This might gag us but the call for WOMEN ARTS to improve the Lord's Command produced what was considered the HIGHEST form of food. It also worshipped SATAN who used all of the ARTS to take the eye off God and His Word. Because Satan is a bisexual creature also FACILITATES goddess worship.

Speaking again of the Lord's Supper

Didache CHAPTER 14

Didache 14:1 But on the Lord's day, after that ye have assembled together, break bread and give thanks, having in addition confessed your sins, that your sacrifice may be pure.

Didache 14:2 But let not any one who hath a quarrel with his companion join with you, until they be reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be polluted,

Didache 14:3 for it is that which is spoken of by the Lord . In every place and time offer unto me a pure sacrifice, for I am a great King, saith the Lord, and my name is wonderful among the Gentiles.

Didache CHAPTER 15

Didache 15:1 Elect, therefore, for yourselves bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord, men who are meek and not covetous, and true and approved,

for they perform for you the service of prophets and teachers.

Ken

http://www.piney.com/ Prdidache.html

COME TO THE TABLE (A Review)


Dr. John Mark Hicks is professor of theology at David Lipscomb University. His Ph.D. is from Westminster Theological Seminary. In this book, he has given us the latest chapter in the ever-evolving "change" theology that has captivated many of our young intellectuals. The book is the result of his "revisioning" the Lord's Supper. His thesis is, "Their supper (that of the early church) was home-based, a full meal with food and drink, and interactive fellowship at a table and characterized by joyous celebration" (p. 9). To put the book in proper context, readers should note that Dr. Hicks was active in a "Community Church" experiment while living in Memphis. Currently he is closely associated with Dr. Rubel Shelly and the Woodmont Hills Family of God in Nashville. That church served as his laboratory for testing his new concept of communion. When one has read this book he may well agree that Dr. Hicks and those of his kindred in the "change brotherhood" are much like the ancient Athenians. They "spend their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing" (Acts 17:21).

In general, the book is reflective of Hick's training and station as a theologian. In terms of readability and comprehension, this means that the average disciple, not trained in theological jargon, will not fathom a good 80 percent of what he says. The author is also a university professor. Readers will find his method and style dull and repetitious. For slow readers, or those loathe to read such materials, they can read his concluding chapter wherein he summarizes his twelve points for revisioning the Lord's Supper.

• In that he repeats his thesis that the "supper is a table rather than an altar" (p. 185). He evidently has us confused with the Catholic church for it is their priests who observe the sacrifice of the mass. Our brethren have never done so.
  
  
• He insists that the "Lord's supper is a meal eaten at a table," not just "bread and wine" but a meal. "It is not the Lord's ‘snack' but the Lord's supper," he says (p. 186). By this he means we should have a dinner meal with the usual provisions and then commune while thus engaged in the dining experience. Some folks read, "he took a cup" and insist that the communion wine must be served in that which has a handle. Some read "table" and insist that there must be a sit down table in order to commune. Strange, unfounded thinking.
  
  
• To Dr. Hicks, the Supper is "more than a mere symbol. It is a genuine communion with God through Jesus Christ in the Spirit. God is present at the table" (p. 187). In this he is remarkably close to Luther's notion that the emblems become the real flesh and blood of Jesus when taken.
  
  
• The supper should be "a time for sharing, prayer and conversation about what God has done for us...” (p. 188). Earlier he calls it a "Jubilee festival" (p. 63). He would have it observed with "resounding jubilation or enthusiastic outbursts" (p. 97).
  
  
• He likes to say that we have "evoked images of blood and gore at the supper and participants feel guilty if they do not concentrate on the cross and Christ's death as they eat and drink" (p. 189). Paul, who did not have the privilege of studying at a modern seminary, taught that the Lord ordained bread and fruit of the vine to be taken in remembrance of his body and blood. In so doing we proclaim the Lord's death. He taught that eating and drinking the emblems in an unworthy manner would make us, "guilty of the body and blood of the Lord" (I Cor. 11:23-29). But Dr. Hicks believes that the supper is "focused on the resurrection of Jesus rather than the death of Christ" (p. 189).
  
  
• According to Hicks, the church should "revision the supper as a socio-ethical witness through shared food" (p.189). He sees it as "an example of economic ethics" as "the meal served the poor in the Christian community" (p. 190) and those of the world as well. "The church...should invite the poor, the disenfranchised and the outsider to share food with them as a witness to the grace of God" (p. 190).
  
  
• To Hicks, we should revision the supper as a moment of inclusiveness that transcends all cultural, ethnic and gender boundaries" (p. 191). Already we commune with any Christian man or woman of any race or station in life. But he means more. He wants the women to participate in the teaching and serving related to the observance of the supper. He faults those churches where "only men may serve the table" (p. 79).
  
  
• Bro. Hicks tells us, "At the table we ...we mutually pledge to ‘be there’ for each other...we mutually commit to give our lives for each other..." (p. 191). This is one of the many new discoveries Dr. Hicks has made regarding the Lord's Supper. But he did not find them in the Bible.
  
  
• We should "revision the supper as the participation of all except the rebellious." By "all" he means whether they are Christians or not. Only rebellious sinners should not be invited. They need not even be believers in Christ. He reasons, "we do not exclude guests from singing, hearing the gospel or giving, and neither should we exclude them from the table" (p. 192). Per his logic even Hindus and Buddhists and others should share the holy feast just so they are not rebels to God.
  
  
• Per this book, we should "revision the supper as a family event, including children." "They are on the journey of faith, and the supper will shape the growth and development of that faith" (p. 192). If this logic be correct, would not baptism also be a learning event to shape the growth and development of children's faith? If not, why?
  
  
• Dr. Hicks acknowledges that his plan is "difficult because it creates dissonance between ourselves and our immediate heritage. It is difficult because its implementation is fraught with logistic, practical and communal problems" (p. 194). And we would add it is fraught with Biblical problems. But such means little to the promoters of change who have already displaced Biblical authority with their own standards. It is also certain to cause strife and division when men try to implement such practices among those who know and love the Truth of God.
  
  
• Jesus asked, "When the son of man cometh will he find faith in the earth?" (Lk. 18:8). Hicks has a different version. He asks, When the Son of Man returns, "Will he find a church sitting at table with each other, sharing their food, embodying the values of the gospel, and waiting for the Messianic banquet?" (p. 195).
  

In general, the reader will note that Dr. Hicks employs a new brand of hermeneutics to reach his conclusions. For example, he seems to make no distinction between the Old and New Covenants. He sees the O. T. festivals as a communion service and thus we are to model our Lord's Supper after them (p. 47). "Eating the Lord's Supper is analogous to eating Israel's sacrifices" (p. 47). He finds Christ sharing communion with people before he instituted the Lord's Supper. For every passage that speaks of Christ eating with anyone is, according to him, part of the communion story. Of course since the text does not imply his conclusions, he assures us it is found in the "theological meaning." "The table during Jesus ministry continues in the church when his disciples gather at the table. Jesus' table etiquette is kingdom etiquette..." (p. 63). The new hermeneutic even allows him to make the meal eaten by Paul and the hungry, storm-tossed mariners a communion (p. 201). Why has it taken the world so long to discover this new system?

Another discovery is that "the Lord's Supper...was not a mere corporate worship ritual, but the daily experience of worship...in a community of disciples who ate their "common" food together" (p. 91). He also finds it acceptable to describe the supper as "sacraments" (p. 104).

As change agents are wont to do, he first reaches his conclusion then looks for supporting facts to prove his case. It seems not to bother him that to do so he must compare apples with oranges. For example, Jesus provided fish and bread for the five thousand (Luke 9:10-17), therefore we should have a meal for communion (p.57-58). Since those meal stories are the "theological basis" for communion, would it bother the author if someone proposed buttermilk and cornbread with our communion? While one of the first principles of the change gospel is that there is no pattern for the faith, worship, organization and work of the church, Dr. Hicks quotes with approval, criticism of folks like us for not returning to the "New Testament patterns" he thinks he has found (p.137). Contrary to most change agents, the author appeals to the law of silence to prove his point, but only in reference to the Didache, an uninspired document from the early church. Regarding the document's reference to the Lord Supper, Hicks notes, "Strikingly absent is any reference to the body and blood of Christ, or the traditional words of institution..."(p. 130).

Those brethren who cannot see or hear evil in the doctrines of the change agents, should know that in Hicks' view "the essence of the modern supper (our communion, jhw) is suspect because it has lost its table... (meal) form" (p. 121). "(T)he modern church dangerously distorts the supper..." (p. 126).

A similar view of the supper had arisen in the church in Corinth. In his rebuke of their practice, Paul asked, "What, have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? Or despise ye the church of God..." (I Cor. 11:22). For those who know God's Word and love and respect it, the simple noting of Dr. Hicks' teaching on the sacred Supper is sufficient to demonstrate his faulty thinking. Perhaps you will agree that it is truly amazing what a fellow can learn at a seminary!

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John Waddey, Editor
Christianity: Then and Now
E-Mail: johnwaddey@aol.com