When I first filtered into an evangelical church at the age of 14, defining the term "evangelical" was simple, even for a kid my age. Without having to be told, I concluded evangelicals preached a solid gospel, emphasized evangelism and missions, majored in soul-winning and minored in social issues, abstained from some worldly values, were faithful in church attendance, Bible reading, and generally had a biblical worldview. I was never ashamed of the old definition of "evangelicalism."
Those churches are still around, but something has happened in the last twenty years. New leaders are rising and some do NOT preach a solid gospel yet are called evangelicals.
To me, this says today no one is really sure what "evangelicalism" means. When those leaning left such as Tony Campolo and Jim Wallis are called evangelicals, I can tell we have a new day. When "EmergentChurch" leaders such as Brian McClaren, Rob Bell, and Erwin McManus are called evangelicals, something is a-miss. This is just blatant false labeling.
"The New York Times" states, "A tug of war is unfolding behind the scenes over theology--should evangelicalism be a big tent open to divergent views, or a smaller movement with more pure theology?"
Theology isn't the only issue. Some of today's so-called evangelicals are into global warming, immigration issues, anti-war movements, and other causes that were once found only in churches a part of the World and National Council of Churches. They are involved in ridding the world of AIDS, which is an impossibility but a noble cause, but is it the cause of evangelicals? Or is it just the old social gospel from which evangelicals fled in the 1940s so a few denominations could focus almost exclusively on soul-winning and Bible teaching?
Now the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) has a new leader and he hails from my hometown, Minneapolis, MN.He states that issues to be addressed by the NAE include human rights, creation care, justice and compassion for the poor, torture, and seeking peace in the world. Isn’t this the organization that should be reminding the world that it is racing towards judgment and there may not be a lot of time to repent?It sounds like making the world a better place to live is the new “great commission.”
I am very uneasy when “evangelicals” remind me of social gospel leftists and when sound theology is replaced by feelings and experience. Or when once-sound theologians applaud the new “Christian mysticism” and rally around “unity.”When church-growth methods take center stage and a church has to have a “marketing approach.” I thought God was the “Marketer-in-Chief” of all churches and ministries.He causes or hinders growth and the spiritual maturity of the body matters far more than growth in numbers.
Old fashioned evangelicalism is on life-support and has been snatched in what the Bible calls an “end-time falling away” (II Thess. 2).I see a new “slippery slope” and enormous compromise, and I will not remain silent.Yet the Lord loves His church. He has not forsaken it.
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I doubt that this will be read, but after reading all the comments, I felt I had to say somthing.
The anger over Jan's article surprises me. Do you not see that Jesus came for one reason, to die for my sin, that I may repent and believe on him. How many people know this is what Jesus is about?
Not many. I was brought up in a cult where the Blood of Christ was never mentioned, where the Cross was no where to be found or taught about.
All emphasis was on working your way to Heaven.
That being said, I see the Miracles that Jesus did were there as a sign for the Jewish people to believe in Jesus as the Christ. The Son of God.
Nothing Christ did dealt with the issues so many seem to think is important today. Christ had no dealings with the goverment.
But Jesus did speak concerning morality or the lack of morality. I do not see what I expect to see at a Church, if they are not proclaming the Gospel, The Return of Christ and prayer for the lost and those who need our prayers.
There was one so concerned with the poor, that he spoke harshly against the woman who anointed our Lord Jesus with expensive purfume. That one was Judas.
These social issues take our eyes off Jesus when they are preached in a Church. We are to follow Christ, give to the poor, take care of those in need.
But these other issues are of an agenda all their own, and they are being used for those ideas and goals that I want no part of.
Do not let these things distract you. Their are many who are leaders in Church taking on issues that they need to leave alone. We have enough to do proclaming the Gospel. Keep up the good work Jan, God Bless you all.
Christine in Seaside Click here to reply to this post
Re: The New Evangelicalism
Posted On: 11/24/07 10:19:22 AM
Age 60, FL
Pastors have fallen under the influence of the Purpose Driven Movement that is a part of the Emerging Church. It’s a ready made program that they don’t have to start. All the heavy lifting has been done.
They spoon feed the congregation with it and the touchy-feely, huggy-pooh-kissy-face magic wand makes everyone happy.
2Ti 4:3 For a time will be when they will not endure sound doctrine, but they will heap up teachers to themselves according to their own lusts, tickling the ear.
Many pastors today think that process is more important than people. Processed people get hurt, unfortunately!
This is a very fast paces society. Pastors trying to be popular or modern tend to throw out the baby with the bath water.
The Gospel is just as fresh today to a dying man as it ever was. It does not need refreshing or repackaging. Sin is still sin, repentance is still repentance. God is still God and never changes.
Satan is at the heart of Ecumenism, but pastors succumb to the Rodney King School of Theology, “Why can’t we all just get along?”
No, we will not see all things differently in heaven.
God is the same God there as here!
He Word is the same there as here!
His doctrine is clear and unchanging!
We don’t need to repackage it.
We need to obey it.
Ernest Gregoire
Old Town Florida Click here to reply to this post
Re: The New Evangelicalism
Posted On: 11/15/07 02:20:54 PM
Age 32, OK
Amen Jan,
I haven't been to a steady church location since a couple years ago the neighborhood pentacostal church pastor left. The Organization from city filled in a few replacements pastors, then they got a young lady just out of bible college. They told elderly people serving there as deacons,teachers,workers who had been a Christian probably 30-50 yrs to listen to her she's your pastor don't try to teach her. What? A few comments nonbiblical happened to me that hurt from others around Atmosphere changed it felt different. The organization running things felt like they were in control. Gimmicks, fads, Communion got changed to quarterly 3-4 times yr?
. Then when they started a giving campaign you had to write your name and amount you're giving on a tree in front of everybody I thought over a couple weeks woh thats between us and God it sounded like something on t.v. something taught.Being a part of body of Christ shouldn't feel like you're in a business that's way it became Seeing things bible says not to do done it just felt wrong. The church building
got sold 2 yrs later. I visited a few since then. Just don't like how unbelieving in holy spirit, how cosmopolitan,worldly,business like, how like a television ministry cookie cutter, so many feel like. I just miss worshipping the Lord with other believers and go to some places every now and then. I read bible, watch a few on tv.radio,read on internet. I think of few ministers that I used to like passed away this past year that stood out against unrighteousness Zola Levvitt, the one from Coral Ridge in Fl.and the one from Va who helped unwed mothers. I thought why Lord are so many who spoke truth dying now? What is your timing in this? Why do I see a change in a lot of Christian leaders,why do I see a light flickering?If the salt loses its flavor what shall we do? Click here to reply to this post
Re: The New Evangelicalism
Posted On: 11/13/07 09:55:06 PM
Age 53, CANADA
I sometimes feel that Jesus must be weeping when Christ followers are trying to define words that are not even in the scriptures. Jesus just wants us to do what we see the Father doing. Click here to reply to this post
Re: The New Evangelicalism
Posted On: 11/07/07 12:37:55 PM
Age 46, TX
Churches have always been involved in social problems. Hospitals and Orphanages were Christian responses to societal ills. Christians were instrumental in eliminating slavery in Europe and the US. James instucts us that our Christianity is not to be merely done with words but with actions also to demonstrate the faith that we have. Thinking that the Churches only job is to witness in a particular way is Biblically wrong. The better question to discuss is since the Church/Christians are to be involved in social problems how do we determine which ones and how do we prevent ourselves and Churches from being used by either political party for their glory instead of God's. Click here to reply to this post
Re: The New Evangelicalism
Posted On: 11/06/07 12:19:56 PM
Age 21, MN
That's it. Back off Jim Wallis!!!! He is conservative Christian who is politically moderate. The ONLY reason you would dub him liberal is because his actions arent 100% focused on abortion and homosexuality because he realizes that poverty and racism exist too. I am sure he would apologize for using swear words like "poverty" and "racism" and "genocide". The Gospel is done in many different ways, but the message is still sent. Bible tracts and the message of "cheap grace" (which is way too common in "your" evangelicalism) will not get the Kingdom anywhere if the non-believers dont realize that we actually care about them. Do you only care about saving someone's soul and not also their well-being and development in Christ? Just something to think about. -Dan Smith Click here to reply to this post
Re: The New Evangelicalism
Posted On: 11/06/07 08:53:10 AM
Age 50, MN
Your article makes it very clear what you are about Jan and it's exactly what you claim to be upset with. Your beef is about political leanings and not about actually living an authentic Christian life. You are upset with these people because they don't fall into your right wing political views - so you want to discount their role in the evangelical world.// So is your christianity all about politics? - you mention 'soul winning' - but that's not really your point is it? The individuals you dislike are in the business of changing lives radically and dramatically - but, much to your dissapointment - they may not be changing into republicans, but rather followers of Jesus - obviously a lesser calling in your view. Click here to reply to this post
Re: Re: The New Evangelicalism
Posted On: 11/06/07 11:42:14 AM
Age 28, TX
If you please, I will take the liberty of answering your comment, neighbor. What Mrs. Markell takes issue with is that the "evangelical church" is abandoning EVANGELISM for the rather less important issues du jour. The most important thing in life is salvation; it's the only thing that will carry forward. How many churches, though, are setting that aside? This is the point, neighbor! We can do no greater thing than to share the TRUTH!--Mrs. Pilgrim Click here to reply to this post
Re: Re: Re: The New Evangelicalism
Posted On: 11/06/07 01:40:00 PM
Age 50, MN
If you read the gospels it is clear Jesus 'won' as many converts because of what he did as he did by what he said. People were constantly amazed at the things he did and the way he treated people, especially the poor and disenfranchised, which prompted them to want to know what he was saying. //I'm not saying evangelism in and among itself is bad - but likewise people who want to follow Jesus' example of letting 'their light shine before men' in this way to prompt curiousity about the source of their works should not be invalidated the way Jan seems to want to.// Which brings me back to the original point - to me it still appears her distate is for the political leanings - it doesn't fit her politics. Click here to reply to this post
Re: Re: Re: Re: The New Evangelicalism
Posted On: 11/11/07 11:56:00 PM
Age 41, FL
Please reread the gospel my dear friend. Jesus performed miracle after miracle and fed thousands but at the end when he stopped the physical feeding and began to only feed the people spiritually the masses left him faster than lightning. Jan is right on!! Nothing and I say Nothing is more important than where a person will spend eternity. First and foremost we must feed them with the Good News!! Click here to reply to this post
I am not able to make the political connection that you have from the article. I would however caution others to avoid making connections of the sort: Conservative Christian equals Republican; or Liberal Religious heresy equals Democrat. As far as I'm concerned, both major political parties have become anti Christian because most of their representatives have become self serving. George Cancilla Click here to reply to this post
Re: The New Evangelicalism
Posted On: 11/05/07 08:35:56 PM
Age 61, MO
"Then they said unto Him (Jesus), What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?" (John 6:28). Jesus did not say give to the poor, visit the old folks, and comfort the sick. He said, "This is the work of God, that ye believe on Whom He hath sent." (John 6:28-29). The Holy Spirit will govern those in a right relationship with Jesus, and His will for each individual varies according to specific work. There will be some things that we don't have to do, even if society holds us guilty for not doing what it is in our power to do. All we must do is God's will for us individually. Jesus doesn't tell everyone to do the same thing. I see contemporary "evangelicalism" putting the work of the Lord before the Lord of the work. We are NOT authorized by the Bible to replace a relationship with the Living God with the practice of religion. George Cancilla Click here to reply to this post
Re: Re: The New Evangelicalism
Posted On: 11/06/07 11:13:14 AM
Age 50, MN
This is an incredible response - well since there are HUNDREDS of commands in this area I'll only give you a handful - please open up your Bible and read it before saying something like this.// Luke 12:30 & 3:11 & 14:12-14/ Matthew 5:42/ I John 3:17/ Galatians 2:9/ Eph 4:28. //I could go on and on and on. Wow, I guess we really can read the Bible to tell us whatever we want it to. Click here to reply to this post
