The Times They Are A-Changin’
When I am stretched for time like I am this month and I have to cut my reading down to the bare bones, I continue to keep up on Phil Cooke’s blog. Phil’s an original Christian thinker who maintains his faith while asking good questions. His blog deals with the impact of modern Christianity on the culture. In a recent post, he wrote of Four Conversations That We Need to Have in 2008. I suggest that you read his post (it’s short) and compare notes with my (short) take on his points.
1. The Prosperity Gospel is Done.
Some early Pentecostals, like John Lake, didn’t take up offerings because they didn’t believe that the people could afford to give. Since that time, there has arisen the doctrine/teaching of “seed faith” that has been tied almost exclusively to financial giving. I’ve sat in many, many services where preachers have spoken about “sowing into good ground,” “financial anointings,” and “activating” the blessings of God. I’ve also sat in services where the preacher/pastor has said that he believed that God would raise up millionaires in the congregation. As a Bible school graduate, ORU graduate, and plain ‘ole vanilla Christian, I’ve failed to see the scriptural soundness of these particular teachings.
While the Word speaks of God’s prosperity, the New Testament also contains scriptures that say “slaves obey your masters” (even cruel ones) and be content if you have food and clothing. Prosperity teaching should not be “done,” but it needs to be balanced just like anything else found in the Word.
2. The Luxury Life of TV Evangelists is Over.
Back in the late 1980’s we had the PTL scandal, the deal with Robert Tilton, and also Jimmy Swaggart. All three ministries were “major” ministries with multi-million dollar budgets and “royal” ministry families. Twenty years later we have much of the same with large mansions, Bentleys, and private jets. The pertinent issue really isn’t the lavish lifestyle; Paul wrote that the motives of the minister were irrelevant (“some preach for profit”). As in Paul’s day, there will always be those preachers who sport a lavish lifestyle (and followers that say “I follow him”). The crucial issue really is whether the gospel is accurately preached.
3. Fundraising Is Undergoing Dramatic Change.
A balanced prosperity message would necessarily effect a change in fundraising. When you take away “anointed offerings,” “giving to get,” and other similar teachings, you come to the naked truth that Christians should give for the love of the Gospel and the desire for the unsaved to hear it (which includes supporting those who “live by the Gospel”).
4. We’re Seeing A Shift From First-Generation Leadership Style to a Second-Generation Leadership Style
While Phil doesn’t address it in his post, there is the primary question of “legacy” or a changing of the mantle. Many of the larger first-generation ministries have begun the process of transition of the organization to the kids. The question is: Are these kids actually called of God into the ministry? Most of today’s preachers would say “yes,” but what does the Word (and history) show?
Moses, Paul, David, Peter, etc. did not come from a “spiritual legacy.” Each was separately and independently called by God (some might argue about David, but that’s beside the point). Pentecostal history is full of stories of how God raised up a particular man or woman (often an eccentric personality) from out of nowhere to ignite the flame of revival and the move of God, e.g., Dowie, Branham, Semple-McPherson, Kuhlman, Allen, Roberts, Hagin, and the list goes on. Personally, I’ve always gotten a kick out of that and, frankly, that’s a lot more fun than some kind of handing over of the corporate/ministry keys.