CMA (Christian Management Association) was founded in 1976 and represents “today’s most recognized and influential Christian organizations and growing churches.” According to their website, CMA “members can focus more of their attention on their mission and impacting the world for Jesus Christ.” Dr. Jerry White, CMA Chairman of the Board is President Emeritus of The Navigators.
It is unfortunate to report that CMA is promoting contemplative/emerging spirituality. In their recommended books section, they include several contemplative/emerging authors: Ken Blanchard, Bill Hybels, Leonard Sweet, Dan Allender, and Daniel Goleman (author of The Meditative Mind). Goleman, a staunch proponent of mantra meditation sees meditation as a common ground between all the world’s religions, and his book is a type of manual on the basics of mysticism. For Goleman to be on a list of recommended books on a Christian ministry website is quite disturbing.
On March 12-15, CMA will be presenting their 30th Annual Conference in Palm Springs. Speakers include Priscilla Shirer (Be Still DVD), Henry Cloud (Be Still DVD), Lee Strobel, Alistair Begg, and Patsy Clairmont. Workshops will include Spiritual Formation (i.e., contemplative spirituality) and other workshop speakers include Nancy Ortberg (wife of contemplative John Ortberg), and Phyllis Hendry (President Lead Like Jesus) (see topical index for more information on Be Still and these other topics).
Articles in CMA magazine back up the association’s affinity with contemplative. One article called “The Soul of a Leader” (you have to sign in to read their articles), talks about being intimately connected to God through spiritual disciplines and recommends Richard Foster, emergent Tony Jones, and Dallas Willard as authors to read.
Perhaps Chairman of the Board, Jerry White (of the Navigators) is not aware of what is being promoted at CMA. But we hope the organization will reconsider the direction they are going in and turn away from the un-biblical teachings of contemplative spirituality.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.