More Personally, and about Lydia Joy Shatney and others

very encouraging email from John Stevens

Hi Chris,

Over the years I think it would be true to say you've spent more time outside church than I have but I'm now more than a year away from regular Sunday morning attendance and general church involvement.

So...gives one time to reflect.

Was sitting down strumming my guitar the other day and realised it was a bit out of tune. A bit lazily I tuned the strings to the bass E and it was improved enough to enjoy playing but not quite perfect. Sometime soon I'll probably get fed up tuning it to the E or the A and tune each string in reference to software on my phone/tablet.

Thought then of you and pianos and then of church. Vague memories of hearing you or someone saying that you actually don't tune each string to perfect pitch as that doesn't quite give the best sound?

What's the place of the best pastors in church. Agree with you that they really don't have to be the 'leader', often they're not! The best pastors are in the congregation! But thinking that you know a pastor when you meet one because they're likely to either be in tune or know how to tune you or enable you to tune you to them. And so the effect of having a few good pastors is a church that just 'feels' in tune. There's love and reality and little social fear. The same problems as the church down the road with all the right doctrines, good teeaching, evocative prophets, but somehow not in tune. But even churches that are lucky to have a good few pastors eventually need a re-set and need to be tuned directly to Jesus.

What I'm getting at here I think is that you have a vision for the third level working on a church wide, body of Christ dimension. When we were colliding with the early charismatic leaders they preached a vision of the body of Christ...certainly my pastor/teacher did - he preached from Call to Discipleship for months just after I was converted just prior to Exeter days. We went to listen to Juan C-O up in London at the Quaker Meeting House. (I discovered that my pastor had little regard for the Highway Code but made a lot of time for honking his horn and swerving the minibus in time with the praise singing in the minibus..but we survived and thrived).

Those days and the vision for the church as taught have stayed deep inside ever since.

But he and I therefore ran aground in Rom 6 and so on. I had to leave and get that knot untied at Roffey...not that they knew there was a knot or that it was untied!

Last thought. Why are you a piano tuner? Piano tuning doesn't play the music but without the tuning the most skilled players can only make a discordant noise. Piano tuning doesn't make the piano or the strings or the pedals.

It's a bit like the piano tuner is in the background...he is an enabler. He's the unsung hero.

It's a spiritual parable.

Keep tuning the pianos. Keep the blog going. You're serving many by being an E or an A in tune. Others tuning themselves to you. They can't be you or you them but they can enjoy their faith that bit more and any ministry/gift they may have that bit more.

Your vision isn't of individual strings making the right sound but of the infinite variety of sound that can be produced when a whole body of believers is in tune. An orchestral vision in fact.

I think Is 62 is a bit like this.

I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem;
they will never be silent day or night.
You who call on the Lord,
give yourselves no rest,
7
and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem
and makes her the praise of the earth.

Keep going Chris!

___________________________

2 photos of Lydia having given birth to a son in 1998 and today

Just gonna leave this right here.....
Some-freaking-how I am managing to raise four boys all on my own and I honestly don't know how -even when people ask me every day I simply say; "I just do it"
When I say on my own I mean on my own, no help from family, no help from their dad and the child support I get is a laughable joke.
But somehow I'm not completely losing my shit and somehow my kids are hanging in there too.
It certainly is a messy, hard as hell, crazy, wild situation, but as crazy as this sounds I wouldn't change it for the world!
Today I am reminded to just BREATHE!!
I've got this thing, right?!!!

writes Lydia Joy Shatney


Julie Anne Morris

https://www.facebook.com/aaronandjuliemusic/

Who are Lydia Joy Shatney, Julie Anne Morris and  a man called Dan Bowen who has recently died?
They may be unknown people to you but in summer 2007 I was googling Ern Baxter details, and found the blog of an English Nurse brought up in Stanley Jebb's Dunstable church called Dan Bowen.

Through Dan Bowen I learned about Ern Baxter's subsequent ministry in UK fellowships and conferences
I learned that Larry Tomczak and CJ Mahaney had established Sovereign Garace Minstries. I loved Larry and CJ when they were touring Britain in the 80s.

But things had gone a bit sour and I learned that Julie Anne and Lydia Joy were both in SGM as youngsters. Many people chatted. Sheila Atchley who is a pastor's wife in the States and is a friend on Facebook was also one of these who commented on what Dan was sharing.

We shared so much in the comments section of Dan's blog. He told us about Rob Rufus minstry in Hong Kong and we read and listened to many of the mp3s on grace. If you want to dig around in some of what we were talking about, it is still all there in Dan's blog.

It was around 2008-9 that Christian men began meeting each other big time on Facebook.A sister in Kenya said I ought to go on Facebook, some years earlier, but at that point men weren't really doing Facebook in the same way as it has now developed.

So just prior to Facebook, Julie -Anne and Lydia Joy encouraged me to start my own blog in the following summer of 2008.  The 8 Bubble LOGO to highlight the day I began and which in Hebrew numerics actually means  the THIRD GATE or ENTRANCE or PORTAL was devised by Lydia Joy for her own blog to celebrate that date.

In Christ , lives touch for a while and pollinate and when it is genuine something of lasting significance continues to grow inside us.

For others it is not so meaningful perhaps....but for one who was unable to share anything anywhere for about 20 years from the time I was chucked out of the charismatic realm in 1988 until this opportunity opened on the net......wow.....it was so beautiful and timely....and probably necessary lest I explode!!!!   I had to share somewhere.

Shift Happens - (many components to this blog)

Lydia Du Toit on Facebook shares Ralph's status
1 hr ·
brilliant!! shift happens
Ready to land, seat belts buckled, seats in the upright position the flight attended reminds us all that once the plane had taxied to its gate and came to complete shut down, to take care when opening the overhead luggage space because as she put it " sometimes the luggage will shift upon takeoff and landing". She added with a hint of humor "and we all know shift happens"
Well shift is happening in the church…lots of shift. Its not the plane that was changing or shifting, it is the contents, the luggage, the travelers, its us…the message is being re-told ~ this time the way it was first revealed and as intended.
We are shifting…not God. The shift is taking place without our permission. We are being taken for a heavenly ride with our God that upon takeoff and landing, the things once lodged in what we assumed were "stable" and "unshakable" are being shaken and shifted.
A shift from the stagnant air of powerless legalism to the fresh air of heavenly life of Rest of joyful receptivity of God's finished work(s) for us and through us…Where the journey brings us back to joyful relationship and peace even in the bumpy ride we hate so much…where heaven and earth collide in effortless living…
Like or love it….shift happens. We are being shaken around and re-settled into the life God as intended….This shift is very "Good News"
Prepare to land…watch the overhead containers…we are shifting
~ ralph brier

Another Word for Shift in this context can be acceleration also



Canon Andrew White is establishing his very own mission to give him more freedom in the countries he can visit. Jerusalem Merit and CAWR

Torben Sondergaard's ministry name is the Last Reformation. He posts some things on YouTube and somethings to Facebook followers and friends.

i hope you can see both.




Here is Torben's Lesson 23 in Pioneer School describing the difference between religion and genuine experience of Christ, in this way Torben and I are very similar.

Art Montgomery from Facebook over at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem




Finally the very shocking news that the young man who first dared give ear to me speaking about the Thirdlevel online on his blog and in his comment sections ,called  Dan Bowen, a nurse in Birmingham, died suddenly two days ago.

He grew up in Dunstable Church under the very pastor Stanley Jebb, who had driven Ern Baxter round England during those absolutely stunning Bible Weeks in the 70s that were so pivotal in launching all the new churches. Dan was for a time a part of a Sovereign Grace Ministries Church  which began under the twin ministry of Larry Tomczak and CJ Mahaney. His friend Scott and his family who are doubtless having to come to terms with this shock, must surely appreciate prayers and thought right now.

The Human Beings Behind the Trust Boards - Dan Bowen

Dan Bowen works in the NHS here in the UK. He runs a blog entitled Life on Wings a tribute to Ern Baxter. Here is a copy of his contrarian blogpost....contrarian to the steady stream of depressive information mostly issuing from lack of NHS funding that appears virtually daily in the press.


The Human Beings Behind the Trust Boards

I am writing this short blog post inspired by a tremendous friend I have yet to have the privilidge to meet (awesome Twitter effect again!).  Rev Dave is a chaplain in Worcester and he runs an outstanding blog celebrating the good news stories within the NHS.  This is something we both feel PASSIONATELY about and have spoken of much.  Much of the media focus on the NHS at the moment is negative - and perhaps rightly so.  There have been awful cases of unforgivable poor care and we must learn, take responsibility and make every effort to ensure it never happens again - and as NHS privilidged staff weREALLY make every contact count.

Rev Dave was published recently in local media writing an article about his local Trust Board that profoundly impacted me because of it's unique slant and his passionately, positive attitude shining through.  So I want to reflect somewhat similarly on my local Trust Board at Birmingham Children's Hospital FT.  I could write about many NHS Trust Boards that I have watched through the wonderful medium of Twitter and the new transparent accountability it brings (national heroes of mine include Chief Nurse of NHS England, Jane Cummings, NHS Employers CEO Dean Royles, Patient Experience Lead for NHS England, Kath Evans and of course - never forgetting Sir David Nicholson, CEO of NHS England himself - among many others such as the wonderful CEO of South Tees FT Professor Tricia Hart).

But many of us in the NHS work locally, and it is therefore obvious that most of our contact and observation is to our local Trust Board.  I have beenMASSIVELY privilidged as a mere Band 5 staff nurse to perhaps have a little more contact and observation from afar of the BCH Trust Board than others (mainly through the wonderful participation I used to have on the BCH Flufighter Team).  So like Rev Dave - I want to write personally as a frontline nurse on what I have seen of the BCH Trust Board and the people who carry responsibility for the hospital.

One word about salaries - it is, I supppose obvious, that in the popular critical culture of media coverage of the NHS, that some spotlight is put on the salaries of Trust Boards.  This is guaranteed to raise my blood pressure and incense me beyond words.  Here's why.  A quick Google search through the Financial Times reveals that CEOs or Directors in the private sector earn ridiculously more than NHS Trust Boards.  How can you compare a salary of $4.1million (salary of the CEO of Barclays) even with the current salary of the CEO of NHS England?!  One CEO of course takes responsibility for the money passes through an organisation.  But NHS CEOs and Trust Directors take responsibility for HUMAN LIVES.  And they are paid far less for that responsibility.  I have said before - and again - I never resent them a penny, who can imagine the pressure they are under for running our hospitals?

So - the Trust Board of Birmingham Children's Hospital Foundation Trust (in similar vein to Rev Dave - let me tell you some stories):

Chairman Jo Davies: (I must add BCH have been ably cared for by acting-Chairman Keith while Chairman Jo was away and I understand they are looking for/interviewing a new Chairman).  But my first real contact with the pinnacle of our Trust was breathtaking in real humanity!  Chairman Jo was eager for her #flufighter jab, and I was invited to her office a few years back to give it.  I was on full, "political correctedness" mode but she breezily popped her shoulder out for me and presented, without fear!  Further contacts amazed me with her absolute fierce passion for the BEST care for the children and families coming through the hospital.  I can only imagine the tight rule she had over Trust Board meetings and the questions she would have (somewhat like HM the Queen to encumbent Prime Ministers?) if she wasn't content the best was being done!

But this amazing, force of nature could sweep through the hospital wearing the most amazing coats of a variety of velvet, gold and all manner of materials!  Presence was the word!  But this Chairman could sit happily with the children (most important in her eyes) and talk and laugh with them.  I have no doubt her successor will have to live upto her high standard!

Chief Executive Sarah-Jane Marsh:  Ah where to start with this absolutely amazing lady.  Like the Chairman, my first contact was through promoting the Trust "Flufighter" campaign.  I was amazed at the strong support from the CEO that came through persistently and positively.  Sarah-Jane always was interested in uptake results, and still is to this current day - the amaze current campaign is here!  Through that initial contact I became progressively vastly impressed with her committment to the absolute and best patient experience (this was pre-Francis) for the patients and families who came through BCH.  I seized many, many quotes from various CEO briefings I was fortunate enough to hear that I have never forgot such as;

"It's not just what we do - it is theWAY we do it that really matters".

A couple of times I heard from parents under my care who hadn't had the best experience and were upset about it.  It was without fear, and complete trust that I recommended they contact the CEO Sarah-Jane.  I would tell them of my brief contacts with her and suggested I felt she would care, and would seek to make changes.  One father in particular excitedly told me he had written a 6-page letter to Sarah-Jane!  I did have a brief moment of complete fear and anxiety wondering if my P45 would be in the post!  I was floored to be updated now and then that Sarah-Jane and our Chief Nurse Michelle (more later) had met the father and implemented REAL change from what they had learned.

One final unforgettable encounter with this amazing woman - I had the amazing opportunity to meet Sarah-Jane just before Christmas (related again to flu I think) and she asked me genuinely how my substantive work (then as a PICU staff nurse was going).  I related to her a very tragic account of being so privilidged to care for a family who were going through the tragedy of facing the withdrawal of care on their poorly child and palliative care for them.  I was stunned to see visible tears in her eyes as she connected instantly with the pain and anguish a family was going through who she had not met.  I have never forgot that.

Chief Nurse Michelle Mcloughlin:  The CEO Sarah-Jane quite rightly refers to Chief Michelle as; "a force of nature".  Patient Experience Lead Kath Evans refers to her; "Can do - will do" attitude!  This so accurately represents a role model in the most excellent, highest standard of patient care and experience delivery - I have been privilidged to meet.

Once again, my first real contact with Chief Michelle was through the contact of the "Flufighter" campaign in 2009.  I was amazed to find that Chief Michelle had expressed her wish to become an "Immunisation Champion" and join in immunising staff.  This was highly unusual around the time - typical NHS practice was to run campaigns via Occupational Health services.  Chief Michelle was key in spreading the positive message of flu vaccination to top consultants who previously may have avoided frontline immunisation nurses.

My later contact with Chief Michelle before leaving the Trust was focused around patient experience and in particular the importance of play therapy and input for our patients.  I again was Patient Experience Application" which has won several awards - and also the "Dignity Giving Suit" - which I think is the mostFANTASTIC innovation for giving dignity to young people ever!
amazed at her passionate focus on improving and exceeding everything in the Trust that could be affected and improved.  I caught that vision, loved it, and it remains with me to this day.  Like Sarah-Jane - the CEO - Chief Michelle has been one of the main hero impacts on my nursing career.  Since being away from the Trust, Chief Michelle has been influential and behind the "

Chief Medical Officer - Dr Vin Diwakar:  I have always have had something of a tremendous soft spot for expert clinicians.  This comes from, I think, my esteemed and expert uncle - Dr Andrew Long (Consultant Paediatrician at Great Ormond Street Hospital FT and head of the London School of Paediatrics as well as being on the Board of the Clinical Ethics Team).  Dr Vin has more than earned my tremendous respect and admiration again - all through the accounts of his patient experiences.

As a Paediatrician, Dr Vin Diwakar has cared for and built up a tremendous rapport with many of his patients, and I have heard that many of them have his personal phone number so they can seek support and help if they need it.  He manages to balance his Executive and clinical duties somehow (who knows how!?) and is seen frequently on ward rounds, but also of course at Board meetings promoting patient interest - and the vital role of safety in the Trust.  Just as per Chief Nurse Michelle, Vin strongly supports the Trust "Flufighter" campaign and was pictured this season with Chief Michelle being jabbed!

Chief Finance Officer - David Melbourne: - Non-clinical Directors often receive a less-than-high-profile.  They have no obvious cause to circulate among patients and are often seen to be hiding in offices.  David is not guilty on all counts!  He acted up as Chief Executive while Chief Sarah-Jane was off on maternity leave, but now is frequently seen around the Trust.  I have heard many accounts of his sheer generosity and giving attitude (in an atmosphere of austerity when the NHS should be counting every penny) if it benefits true patient experience.  Quite rightly and deservedly he won the austure "Finance Director of the Year" from HFMA in 2011.

I have no doubt he manages the finances of the Trust sensibly, carefully and accurately - but love accounts where he eagerly invests money if and when it directly benefits the patient experience at BCH.

There are of course, many other BCH Trust Board Directors who I do not have the privilidge to have encountered, but have no doubt (from reading the Trust Board minutes as I do monthly) that they daily defend the importance of nothing less but excellent patient care.  But like Rev Dave - I wanted to highlight the PEOPLE I have had the honour and privilidge of meeting who step up and take responsibility for the care of the precious and vulnerable children a
nd families who are daily cared for by BCH.  I haven't even had the time to talk about the Non-Executive Directors of BCH like Professor Jon Glaseby - who again I am positive carry out a vital role in the care of the children and families in BCH.

They are nothing less than true NHS heroes and want nothing but the best and most excellent care for the patients.  For that they should be saluted!  Of course there will be some "human" Trust Boards who do sadly fail the patients they are entrusted with (such as Mid Staffs) and they should rightly face the accountability of the Secretary of State and the Department of Health and indeed the nation if appropriate.  But until such errors are revealed and proved, Trust Boards across NHS England need our support and thanks as they seek to lead the NHS to do better - and better.  A never-ending journey for the good of our patients.

To end with Rev Dave's words;

"And OK, since you’re asking, (I can’t resist it) here would be my words: expert, professional, passionate, caring, engaging and visionary. But then my Mom always used the quote from Disney’s Bambi and tell me: “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all!”

Social Networking is Transforming the Church! by Dan Bowen

From Dan's Blog - Life On Wings

I've been thinking for a while how social networking (firstly blogs and then Twitter and Facebook) have been forcing change upon churches and particularly church leadership. Some church leaders like C J Mahaney and Dave Harvey are seeing the social networking medium as negative - and are seeing the open forum that many victims of SGM have as "assaults" and "attacks".

But what if there was a way to see it positively?

My friends Dee and Debs over at the "Wartburg Watch" wrote their version of the new rules that the perhaps more authoritarian pastors can expect;

In case you haven't noticed, there is a new set of rules in effect. Here are SEVEN of them:

(1) No longer can a pastor control his own press.

(2) The pulpit is no longer a one-way microphone. Because of the internet and blogs, there are so many microphones that it has become a dialogue.

(3) While pastors may perceive things to be one way, they need to assume that people are going to dig down deep for the truth and not just take the pastor at his word.

(4) Some pastors have been clamoring to be noticed, and they should not be surprised that some who come and take a look may not like what they see and dare to say so.

(5) Remember, anything a pastor puts on the internet lasts forever. If he attempts to remove the evidence, he needs to keep in mind that folks these days are savvy. They are documenting information BEFORE it is removed, and it will show up again…

(6) We highly recommend that pastors refrain from editing out portions of their sermons they put online or altering their transcripts. People are listening and taking notes…

(7) If you chastise from the pulpit, expect to be chastised in a comparable forum like the internet.

Guys, it's a whole new ballgame. Batter up!

Larry Tomczak Finally Has His Say (via Dan Bowen)

 

Larry Tomczak Finally Has His Say      from  Life on Wings

My note on this copy post:

Why is this important? After all, this represents an organisation rooted and grounded in the second level of seeing. Originally at least, SGM preached the two layer gospel of   Repent,be baptised in water,    and then two, be filled with the Holy Spirit. 
What do you mean originally? Well, many of these type of churches...and without having been there , Dunstable apparently seems to be one of the worst examples (not part of SGM network), have now been bewitched by Reformed doctrine.

What do you mean bewitched? How it works is this. When the Spirit working in the life of a believer  produces effects that either 1. don't lead to what is judged to the eye as sanctification 2. or appear to lead to other disturbing results

- immature spiritual leaders  panic, and instead of looking properly to God to get His eye view.....(probably that all the dark hidden secret foundations that really run believer's lives are now being squarely challenged by the Spirit as He unearths them one by one)  they look back to the flesh as they did in Galations, and start to slap "external laws/conditions and behaviours" on new believer's lives.

Inserted biography as example: What do I mean? Emsworth Church was founded by revelation.Jean Darnall,Harry Greenwood and others gave "words" out of nowhere.The Church foundation word was "given by accident" as an apostle passed through a prayer meeting. The Foundation of the Church WAS to be Bible House...a prototype of how future church was to function in the Spirit. The whole pattern of it "came down the mountain". It was not dreamt up. Both Ed Miller and later Jorge got the patterns (2 rolled into one) in heaven waiting on God.I don't think I was too different ,because flesh is flesh, but I was probably the worst. The week I arrived, my first houseowners "saw in the Spirit" a "lurker" walking about my room.I wasnt there.I was also unaware of this in my life.Anyhow, I feel sure (without knowing properly) that immature leadership decided to abandon the project after what happened with all of us, and in particular me. 2ndlevellers have absolutely no clue of the intercession involved in bringing people forth in Christ. They read, but cannot perceive in the Spirit the words of St Paul" I came amongst you to find Christ crucified."

Does that mean Reformed doctrine is wrong? No. For the most part, it ties in with scriptures. The bad thing about it when you look in the Spirit is that you are encouraging Christians to  

• try and be better Christians by doing this........ and that

•  not ever seeing in the Spirit that the Christian at his/her core centre has never been founded properly on their inner believing of who they now are in Christ

So, never breaking into the third level of seeing, why is it a surprise that this list of behaviour issues should manifest

extract from below: Five issues were highlighted at that time: 1) Pride, Sectarianism and Elitism 2) Self-righteousness and Judgmentalism 3) Blackmail and Intimidation 4) Lack of Integrity and Deceitfulness 5) Abuse of Spiritual Authority.

This is none other than a part of the list that Jesus reeled off in His ministry describing the Jews trying to live in "flesh righteousness". So again, why should this be a surprise among an organisation that has only 2 out of the three layers of foundational revelation of the life in Christ.

Well, I have included this post for this reason.

Larry Tomczak and CJ Mahaney  were "something else". In the 1980s, when even John Wimber was John Wimber, that is a ministry that although firmly promoted the Body of Christ as an every member ministry, was still mysteriously doing the promoting in the name of a single individual with a team.... Larry and CJ were breaking the mould. They truly were something quite new in the earth. A twin ministry of mightily anointed people, commencing the message of grace to the Spirit-filled community. What had been emerging in corners through Maurice Smith, was here being brandished openly and imparted by a lovely twin ministry.

But ofcourse, this grace message foundation is Romans 3 to 5 ministry, and hasn't even entered into the territory of Romans 6 to 8  which is explained at the side of this blog by Norman Grubb in the link.

Now the default in Spirit "works", Spirit -filled churches, across the Body worldwide is for these new churches to hit a wall about the time we would be beginning to share the "lead up" to the third level. The church I was in at Emsworth in the eighties hit the same wall.

 Leaders either break through personally to discovering the third level, or they redouble control and slowly the Lampstand of the church is withdrawn. Opposite where Emsworth Church (NLCC)now meet was a tin tabernacle hut first opened by Smith Wigglesworth as a visiting Pentecostal minister. 60 years on, a sad and tired old lady handed over the key to us to continue the work of the gospel. She was the last member. Same story.

Below is of interest though, because Larry at least, seems to have a heart to move on in God, and I have every reason to believe that the God who moved me on, will also move him on. But the bigger question is what will happen to SGM as a whole. It is being seduced by the same Reformed demon as Dunstable church at the moment....so a mighty mighty touch would be needed. And usually, history shows it is just simpler working with fresh wineskins, as Jesus would say.

 To recap on the header illustration: If you as a church are not prepared to press through in Christ until He Himself has shod you properly with the gospel of peace - "How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news...."

you will cut your losses and seek to manufacture the same results artificially by resorting to works, or in this case Reformed Doctrine.

 

 

Just when we thought there were no more twists and turns to the sorry Sovereign Grace Ministries story - Larry Tomczak has had his say on his website. Here's what he has to say.

THE TOMCZAK DEPARTURE FROM S.G.M. — WHAT REALLY HAPPENED?

— Larry and Doris Tomczak (November 2011)

As you read of our time with Sovereign Grace Ministries, we are sharing some traumatic experiences, yet endeavoring to do so accurately and redemptively. I want to say at the outset that I am not blameless, but I at times yielded to a spirit of fear when told I “lacked discernment” and was at times cowardly when I should have addressed unrighteous behavior. Where we participated in any unredemptive treatment of God’s people, we ask for your forgiveness. Over the years Doris and I have met with numerous people to ask forgiveness and people have been most gracious to us. Feel free to contact us if you feel a need to revisit any past experiences. Thank you in advance for your mercy and love. Let us unite in prayer that what we communicate will help many, bring healing and glorify our Lord Jesus Christ.

“But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones. So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” Gen. 50:19-21

“Encountering departures and desertions from our ministries—we must see them as tutors—revealing our real motives and deficiencies in our methodology. These are tests from God. They will reveal our hearts.” -Dave Harvey, SGM Leader

Note: This quote appeared on the cover page of a paper I submitted to SGM leaders one year after our 1997 departure, “An Appeal for Repentance, Reconciliation and Closure.”

Five issues were highlighted at that time: 1) Pride, Sectarianism and Elitism 2) Self-righteousness and Judgmentalism 3) Blackmail and Intimidation 4) Lack of Integrity and Deceitfulness 5) Abuse of Spiritual Authority.

The paper cited the names of 61 former leaders who experienced mistreatment (the list is currently over 100) and included an appeal for a forum where “individuals with outstanding offenses and unresolved issues could be addressed…these issues will not simply fade away but will continue lingering for years until dealt with redemptively and honestly.” I received no response from any team leaders to the paper or appeal for adjudication. Date of submission: December 1998.

“The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them.” (I Tim.5:24)

Next year I will celebrate God’s faithfulness in my 40th year of full-time Christian ministry. At this juncture I sensed it would be helpful to tell the story of a painful turning point in my life and ministry.

Recently, I wrote a “Statement of Reconciliation” with CJ Mahaney, attempting to be as gracious and discrete as possible regarding specifics. But as more details surfaced on the Internet it became apparent that God wanted everything in the light. Our experience is not an isolated case. It is probably one of the most egregious and ignominious examples of deceit and abusive behavior surfacing in SGM at this time. But it did not create the crisis. Instead, it revealed how root issues have been ignored and left unaddressed for too long. May we all proceed in humility and mercy, mindful of Prov. 28:13, “He who conceals his sin will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes his sin will obtain mercy.”

After 24 years of service in the DC area with the “Take and Give Ministry” (TAG), cofounding Covenant Life Church in our home and then serving in leadership in Fairfax Covenant Church, I with my family departed disappointedly, yet hopefully, for better things in Atlanta in 1996. We knew for a number of years that I was being marginalized in Sovereign Grace Ministries (formerly People of Destiny International) and when differences with Reformed doctrine began surfacing, the tension only increased.

At a youth rally in Atlanta, one of our teen-age sons responded along with other youth to an appeal for living genuine Christian lives. That night at home he voluntarily shared with me areas of waywardness and his desire to change, but the door was now open to confront me for “failures at home” and “character deficiencies.” “Apostolic Team” leaders forbade me to be present for a later meeting with my son where he was told to “share all your sins” with the vow of their “confidentiality” (which was later broken).

Subsequently, the team said it “lost confidence in my leadership,” and agreed to a “leave of absence,” sending out a “letter of confession” written by me, then undergoing several revisions affirming SGM leadership and inserting material with which I was uncomfortable but required to include. At the church meeting announcing the shift, I was told to nod in agreement for the congregation to observe.

The agreed upon 6-12 month period was short-circuited when we experienced a pattern of spiritual abuse, deceit, harshness and hypocrisy (including premeditated blackmail, communicated and reaffirmed on numerous occasions and subsequently left to silence and hang over us for over a decade). The entire apostolic team and the new senior pastor and his staff participated in this. We also were told to consider uprooting to Virginia Beach or Phoenix, which we said we could not do because we did not sense this to be God’s will for our family. Criteria established for returning to my former role as senior pastor made that outcome an impossibility unless I embraced the Reformed doctrinal tenets (although people nationwide were deliberately misled with information to the contrary).

My wife and I finally left PDI when things finally reached the “untenable” point. It became for us a matter of conscience. Disingenuous public statements and letters sent nationwide misrepresented what actually happened and I was publically slandered at Covenant Life Church, called a “liar” (with guests and non-believers present) as the leader declared, “I’d rather be dead than do what Larry Tomczak is doing!” Local leaders were affirmed leading to an almost unanimous standing ovation. My reputation built upon 25 years in ministry, was debased nationally and abroad. My “Seven Reasons for Departing PDI” were not conveyed and for 13 years this perception remained in the public domain, separating our family from many relatives, friends and leaders in the Body of Christ. It also resulted in serious financial repercussions for us as a family of six.

For over a decade we tried to bring CJ and the apostolic team to account for the injustice, even enlisting nationally known leaders in the effort, but to no avail. Finally, in November of 2010 he consented. Years of confrontation by SGM leaders and CLC pastors along with the turmoil and defections of people in the network of churches brought CJ to the realization he needed to repent of longstanding sins, some of which were committed in our unfortunate departure. CJ later made a public confession of some of his transgressions at Covenant Life Church and announced a “leave of absence.” Many believe his confession was a start but was incomplete and minimized the severity of the issues. We were invited to the November SGM Pastors Conference and Covenant Life Church to speak on reconciliation, but the invitation was rescinded. At the conference CJ shared he regretted having taken the leave of absence.

CJ’s example, problems surfacing in churches affiliated with SGM, and Internet disclosures from a former apostolic team member were catalytic in some SGM leaders beginning to come forward to repent and rectify matters with our family. One former team member had already done so years previously, after experiencing abusive treatment leading to his departure. An independent advisory panel, Ambassadors of Reconciliation, has been retained to engage in a discovery process to help facilitate reconciliation with former members and leaders who believe they have been spiritually abused. The panel is also collecting information to assist with reforms needed in SGM as well as assist in determining CJ Mahaney’s future status.

May the Lord guide us all as we redemptively deal with past transgressions and find His grace manifested in this time of reconciliation, reform and discipline for Sovereign Grace Ministries. The changes are not cosmetic but substantive to effectively eradicate systemic issues and transform a leadership culture that has drifted from Biblical norms. Two of the churches in Revelation faced the practice of the Nicolaitans (“suppress the people”). One hated it; the other held to it (Rev.2:6 & 15). May SGM leaders align with the former.

To be faithful to criteria for Biblical leadership; to steer clear of the sin of favoritism and partiality; and to be consistent with what was expected of former SGM leaders, I believe senior leaders should step down for a season to be retooled for ministry according to I Pet. 5 and I Tim. 3 standards. Public repentance and public statements should be made along with restitution where appropriate. Then and only then, can the favor of Almighty God return in its fullness to this ministry and unity be restored. The warning of God’s “lampstand” (His Presence) being removed (Rev. 2:5) is very real when a church or ministry is being evaluated by Jesus and fails to respond. Many onlookers are hoping and praying that will not happen.

Then we all can pray like Nehemiah did after he instituted reforms to restore the walls of the city of God: “Remember me with favor, O my God.” (Neh. 13:31)

ps: Because the issues and contents of this statement have already been made public at church meetings and on the Internet for months, I sensed it was appropriate to release my story at this time. CJ and I are almost 40-year friends and our reconciliation statement still stands. In my study I keep a plaque he gave me decades ago. On it are the words: “My Brother, I would not be the man I am without your care and example. I am eternally indebted to you. Your Yokefellow, CJ.” I would add: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” (Prov. 27:6)

Posted by Dan Bowen at 6:00 PM

Ecumenism- a better definition, and Spiritual Gifts

I added a comment to The Interfaith Amigos, ecumenism, and Christmas blessings post.
Interestingly I was coming from the angle of belief in spiritual gifts. So I was very interested to read Dan's comment today too in the light of his first pastor's current opinions. (Staggeringly, this was the same pastor that used to drive Ern Baxter all over the country.)So I reproduce my comment then Dan's post.
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"I think interfaith means being willing to penetrate the seemingly impenetrable walls that surround each of our traditions, to locate three things: the universals that transcend those boundaries, the things we really have in common... second, the particulars in each of our traditions that support those core teachings; and third, the particulars that don't."
Let alone "other faiths", Christians have a hard time talking with each other. And this was why the ecumenical movement began. But most of our agegroup who, like me were brought up in denominational churches, who experienced a real conversion in some revival or other, have found it so hard to achieve the above in ecumenical settings. For example, why would I discuss healing with a liberal theologian Anglican who does not believe that a miracle ever occurred...that in fact they were just exaggerated distortions that grew like Chinese whispers...why would I want to spend the time of day with such a man...save to try and describe how people have been instantly healed either when I have prayed for them or countless others have? What about one of those amazing Jewish war stories where an old man lifts a truck off the top of someone who is trapped underneath? I have seen and known this sort of weirdness...but in an ecumenical setting...what can you say without offending people...especially the English, where you run the risk of shattering their whole little world view, having been raised on Darwin,Bertrand Russell,and now Dawkins. The sooner we "add" to our Enlightenment world view over here the possibility of a God invading our time and space, the better. As I have been writing on my blog....Thank God for the weirdness of modern physics which shatters most of our beliefs of the last 2 centuries.
Well that's a private rant "inhouse". As regards the Jewish faith,anything Christians come up with HAS TO in some way be underlined by Old Testament writings. If we believe God is the same God...then we have to believe the way that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob broke through in their experience as humans, with this God, is somehow reflected in the Christianity we now live.I write about this here....oh and Dire Straits too....http://080808onnowto.blogspot.com/2009/10/world-famous-evangelist-mark-knopfler.html
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Disobeying Commands?
Something occured to me yesterday. Traditionally in the charismatic/cessationist debate, we charismatics are always accused of being "frothy" and "experience-obsessed" while cessationists pride themselves on honouring and being committed to "the Word". And in the debate is often based around; "I experienced this" and the response; "It doesn't matter - your experience is irrelevant - they've ceased".However there ARE a number of Scriptures that cessationists have never answered. If these Scriptures are to be read as they appear then many so-called "men and women of the Book" are being disobedient to the very Word of God that they claim to honour and revere. Here's two that spring to my mind;1. 1 Thessalonians 5:20; "Do not despise prophetic utterances".So does not Stanley Jebb's statement; "Calling silly remarks prophecy" come dangerously close to despising what actually may be prophetic utterances? That does not mean of course that "silly remarks" never happen - of course they do. But I would not like to put myself in the position of being guilty of despising this gift of the Holy Spirit and thus quenching Him.2. 1 Timothy 1:18; "This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight".Again to cite Stanley Jebb (only because he is the cessationist I probably most know and most read) - he writes; "So, since the final word has been spoken, such signs are neither necessary nor possible". Necessary? Possible? So how does this take into account this clear instruction from Paul the apostle (and writer of most of the New Testament) that there is a degree to which the gift of prophecy is ESSENTIAL for fighting a good Christian fight? Is this not a clear reason as to why the Word of God tells us not to despise prophecy?And finally - a verse that a former friend of mine and former blogger - Jesse Phillips - used to base a lot of his writing on;3. 1 Corinthians 14:1: "Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy".Of course love is our primary calling (lest cessationists accuse me of ignoring the context of 1 Corinthians 13) but what of this command - clear command - of Scripture to "desire earnestly" spirituals but ESPECIALLY that we may prophecy? When did you or I last hear from the pulpit a sermon exhorting us to eagerly desire the bestowing of spiritual gifts but especially prophecy?Just a few Christmas thoughts of mine. For me personally I want to ensure that 2010 is a year of heeding these commands of Scripture - that I honour prophecy and use them as a God-given grace gift to fight a good fight and thereby eagerly desiring especially prophecy.

Passages of the Word - Time release capsules that are set to go off as we go through the Tabernacle?

This post is a question not a statement.
In Eastern philosophies they often mention this principle...kind of turns up in any karate/kung fu movie worth its salt...."when a pupil is ready...then the teacher appears."
Are there Bible verses hidden by the roadside into God that are cleverly primed to go off as we reach certain points.....kind of Lara Croft Tombraider-style...or Sonic the hedgehog or whatever.

Lydia posted Isaiah54: Sing o barren woman sing
This bomb went off for me when I was carried down to Emsworth by the scruff of the neck by a well-known English prophet. It was either this or stoning...so I took the former. Only to find God simply wanted to lavish his grace on me....and then one of the brothers brought this passage including "Enlarge the Place of Your tents".

After which, while enjoying 2ndleveldom to the full, God brought people my way who piece by piece put the whole 3rd level picture jigsaw together. One set of time release verses kicked in at this time : in Psalm 118 5From my (F)distress I called upon the LORD; The LORD answered me and (G)set me in a large place. 6The LORD is (H)for me; I will (I)not fear; (J)What can man do to me? 7The LORD is for me (K)among those who help me; Therefore I will (L)look with satisfaction on those who hate me. 8It is (M)better to take refuge in the LORD Than to trust in man. 9It is (N)better to take refuge in the LORD Than to trust in princes. 10All nations (O)surrounded me; In the name of the LORD I will surely (P)cut them off. 11They (Q)surrounded me, yes, they surrounded me; In the name of the LORD I will surely cut them off. 12They surrounded me (R)like bees; They were extinguished as a (S)fire of thorns; In the name of the LORD I will surely cut them off. 13You (T)pushed me violently so that I was falling, But the LORD (U)helped me. 14(V)The LORD is my strength and song,
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I remember receiving this in my spirit and thinking well how could this be true
in such a nice church with such a strong Presence of God....?

Hmmm.....let's just say it was true...the rest is history. Emmanuel Ferradura went through the same thing in Spain, but when he visited us in Emsworth....with a "trying not to look too crucified" expression, he still managed to bring a teaching on how corn is made into bread
and as in the Feast of Tabernacles...this bread was going to feed the world. (Instead of asking me about this, post him on Facebook...but your answer may be in Spanish).
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I just find it so interesting that Lydia Joy and Dan are revelling in this scripture right now.
For me...it is the embarcation point on the boat to the 3rd level. Cos you see the 3rd level is Huuuuuuge....and you need to expand your tents. Think MEGA!!!
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So to return to my original point . Can I just say that we have a lady in our church who when she brings a scripture, is always crying. Jacqui for those in the know. And the thing is this. Each verse of the Bible is so loaded with dynamite and grace and power....have we really got a verse at all, if it hasn't left our eyes totally welled up, and with us just feeling wasted!!!! So back to the soaking post.....MUSIC is the nearest thing we have to a spirit language in physical format. So it is no wonder that we are to use it to meditate and swoosh around on our insides these great verses of the Bible.

Preach it Dan!

Preach it Dan!

• yes it does matter what we sing!


• we sing ourselves into things
  
• or out of things


• what we believe in our heart and confess with our lips happens!


• if you don't believe me look at the whole of Genesis chapter 1.


• How amazing that Spurgeon wrote all that!!