LTRP Note: We received the following comment today from a reader regarding the article we posted earlier this week by Roger Oakland about the emerging church. From phone calls, e-mails, and letters we receive, we know many are going through similar situations in their churches. We pray that pastors who do seem to have some discernment and understanding for the times in which we live will pastor with courage, strength, and spiritual fortitude and not be afraid to speak the truth. Perhaps print a copy of a recent commentary we posted titled “Spiritual Discernment What It Is and How to Get It” and give a copy to your own pastor.
To Lighthouse Trails:
Upon relocating to a new area of the US, we found a local church to attend. Initially it appeared to be a “fit.” The pastor shared similar concerns & convictions at first. We had been told by him his church had been heading toward a seeker-friendly church, but the red flag of concern was discerned by him and others and they attempted to cease in that direction. As time went on, there were red flags that we discerned: it didn’t matter what Bible translation was used; Beth Moore studies were being used by one of the woman teachers, a liberal bent pervaded in & across many of the members, contemporary music that did not glorify the Lord, but instead was emotional & entertaining, psychological principles blended into some of those who taught and/or gave a message, and so much more. There was much concern, and we talked to the pastor from time to time of what we were discerning. After almost 4 years we were convicted to leave that church. In addition to the emerging church manifestation, psychological “self” messages, the awareness of free masonry activities of the worship leader and others in that church and more lighter goings on led us to leave. The pastor covered for all that, and we exited!!!
Glory
(photo from bigstockphoto.com; used with permission)
