Hello Beloved:
In returning to the original structure I established regarding this series on the missiology of Sovereign Grace Ministries (SGM), I will now quote myself from Missiology Part 1:
“In the Evangelical Dictionary of Theology (1984), Professor Arthur F. Glasser attempted not so much to define what he believes missiology should be as he does documenting what it has been and what five ”Major Issues” have surrounded it and shaped it over the last two millennia and beyond: (1) Apostolic Practice, (2) Church Structure and Mission, (3) The Gospel and the Religions, (4) Salvation and Non-Christians, and (5) Christianity and Culture. (Elwell, 725) [enumeration mine]“
In Glasser’s description and question regarding number (2) above, he writes the following:
Church Structure and Mission. What is the relation between the church’s structured congregations, ruled by its ecclesiastical authorities, and those mission structures within its life directed by others, whether voluntary or authorized, whereby the gospel is shared with non-Christians and new congregations are planted? (Elwell, 725)
I think it is interesting to note that Glasser observes both “voluntary” and “authorized” as legitimate. This is probably the view of most evangelical bodies’ theology regarding missions, but it is very much not the case with the organization I am affiliated with, Sovereign Grace Ministries (SGM).
The church structure, or polity, that SGM claims and exhibits has been examined at this link. In summation, the best way I know to describe our polity is a hierarchy that wants to call itself a plural eldership. We have an “apostolic team” that has recently re-dubbed itself a “leadership team.” However, in the latest missions video when Josh Harris interviews C.J. Mahaney, C.J. speaks about the “apostolic team.” One can only surmise that the name change was short lived, or simply toyed with and backed up by very little conviction regarding it. Whatever name changes we’ve had, this has little to no changes in how our polity operates. This is discouraging, to say the least. How this affects our missions is profound, and a partial description of this can be found in this series’ previous post.
In some final words about polity’s influence on our missions is the concept of the church planter who is given elder status (Harvey, 20, 44) and leads the church as an elder from the moment the first service begins. It must be said by me and the confirmation of many others at SGM Refuge that our experience -inside and outside SGM- is the term “elder” is never used at SGM. It is understood very early on that we have a “senior pastor,” then “associate pastors” and “interns.” If the language of “elder” is used along with the aforementioned terms in Dave Harvey’s booklets Polity and Missiology, this can lead to confusion quickly, particularly with new members. One wishes that the terms we actually use were more honestly represented in Harvey’s works, as “elder” is completely absent from our vernacular.
SGM missions are not done without SGM HQ’s authorization and direct involvement, period, end of story. While this may afford “support,” it also smacks of control in an area where God may be mobilizing a person in a unique way to serve a unique task. Imagine the response if you told a member of leadership you felt called for the specific task of being a missionary, and then proceeded to elaborate on it. Exintern has, and the results were less than positive, to say the least.
The absence of E-Teams in the 2000s, a ministry that was once an integral part of SGM/PDI also leaves some members scratching their heads. The bulk, if not all of our missiology, rests with SGM’s powers that be, a group of self-described “gifted and proven” leaders. (Harvey, Missiology, 4)
It would serve SGM’s leadership team very well to examine the Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20 through the eyes of fellow T4G guest speaker John MacArthur (who, I can confidently proclaim, has done a few things other than speak at T4G conferences), particularly regarding his comment on verse 16:
28:16 the eleven disciples does not mean that only the eleven are present. The fact that some there “doubted” (v. 17) strongly suggests that more than the eleven are present. It is likely that Christ arranges this meeting in Galilee because that is where most of His followers are. This location seems the most likely for the massive gathering of disciples Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 15:6 (see note on v.7). (MacArthur, 1186)
So, per his suggestion, let’s stroll on back to Matthew 28:7 and look at MacArthur’s comment regarding it:
28:7 there you will see Him. See verses 10, 16 [Matthew 28:10,16] [and] [Matthew 26:32] [and] John 21:1-14. This does not mean that they would not see Jesus until then. He was seen by the apostles several times before they saw Him in Galilee (Luke 24:15,34,34,36 [and] John 20:19,26). But His supreme post-resurrection appearance is in Galilee, where “He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once” (1 Corinthians 15:6). See note on verse 16. (MacArthur, 1184)
Christ is not speaking to a closed group. Beloved, this small sampling of verses (Matthew 28:7,16 and 1 Corinthians 15:6) should once and for all make it very clear that the Great Commission was given to you by Jesus Christ. Christ did not elaborate in such a way that necessitated making ridiculous triangular diagrams, charts and formulas (Harvey, Missiology, 6, 15, 25, 27, 28, 36 and Polity, 2, 19, 24, 26) that try to bottle up people and through a corporate manager style of franchising, distribute those who have been “called” to do mission work.
ONCE AGAIN: Our apostolic authority comes from the Bible, via the Epistles and Gospels, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Great Commission contains the precious words of Christ. What an infinite honor it is to be sent by Him! Don’t overcomplicate the Gospel. Go because Christ commands you to go. That isn’t reckless, that’s Holy Scripture.
…pk
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Elwell, Walter A. (Editor). Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House Company, 1984.
Harvey, Dave. Missiology: Entering the Field of the Lord (Number 4 of the Sovereign Grace Perspectives Series). Gaithersburg, Maryland: Sovereign Grace Ministries, 2006.
Harvey, Dave. Polity: Serving and Leading in the Local Church (Number 2 of the Sovereign Grace Perspectives Series). Gaithersburg, Maryland: Sovereign Grace Ministries, 2004.
MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Bible Commentary. Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2005.
PK,
Amen to the above. I never heard anyone in the two SGM churches I attended for over 20 years addressed as “Elders”. When my early church was taken over by PDI, our two Elders were removed. Never heard anyone called anything but Sr. Pastor or assistant Pastor, etc. after that. To address themselves as Elders in their writings but not in actuallity smacks of a little deception, that, somehow, their writings will be better received if they use bible terms to describe their leadership. When you speak one way to your public (leadership team) and another way to your church members (apostolic team), there is something weird going on.
About the E-Teams: the last one I remember was hyped up so much on Sunday mornings. It was given so much attention, like the team was going to save a whole university (where they were going). The week after, little was said about the event. No one received Christ. I saw it as man’s attempt to evangelize, instead of a Holy Spirit-filled leading. There was no power. This was after the time where the “renewal” was stopped by leadership.
Just my thoughts on what I saw. If one denies the power of God, then one will have no power to draw others to Christ.
PK, as ever, your heart for SGM shines through.
Thanks, canary. I think the E-Teams were like most SGM efforts: some good, some bad, and reigned in to meet the specs of the “apostolic team.” Missions, like the church, is a messy business at times, and the realization that the “apostolic team” cannot micromanage it should increase their trust in God as opposed to the stranglehold they have on it now.
good “observations” canary…
…pk
…the realization that the “apostolic team” cannot micromanage it should increase their trust in God as opposed to the stranglehold they have on it now.
That is true. Too many things are micromanaged by a few men in a controlling church. Looking to God for power and guidance will help leaders release their grip on everything so that the body can begin walking in all it’s giftings. Men, women, children…a Pastor in my area allowed an eleven year old girl to begin prayer meetings at her house on Friday nights. She had gone somewhere on a missions trip, and come back feeling strongly that the Lord wanted the children to come together for prayer. Pastor and parents encouraged her. Now, the meeting time is in the church bulletin. No adult felt threatened or insecure. I’m sure there is some supervision at the meetings, but only the kind that guides and encourages, not the type that controls everything.
Kinda cool, huh?
That’s very cool!
Thanks for great posts, PK and Canary!
I was having a discussion with one of my students the other day. I asked him why SGM retains the calling of ‘apostle,’ but not ‘elder’ or ‘deacon,’ both of which are given to the church.
He said there were not apostles.
So, I said ‘Yes there are.’ He said, ‘No there aren’t.’ I said, ‘Yes there are…’ and we continued to use this very effective argument technique for awhile.
I asked him who he thought made up the apostolic team, and he said that the word ‘apostolic’ simply gave the team a position of authority over the regional leadership teams and pastors, but that the men on the team did not claim to be apostles.
So, o wise ones, please tell me: is Josh Harris an ‘apostle?’ Is PK literally an ‘apostle?’ If so, who conveys the office of apostle on them?
Thanks for your help and insight, because the ‘yes he is,’ ‘no he isn’t’ routine isn’t getting me too very far, and since this great kid is thirty years younger than me, he is definitely going to outlast me!
ps–Great layout each post–so sharp and engaging.
pps–ROFL with your illuminating John McArthur/T4G comment! Guffaw.
I visited a church recently that when the worship started several men came forward toward the altar and began worshiping. It was different ot see. These men did not draw attention to themselves rather just prayed during worship. When I asked, I was told these are the elders in this church. I liked that. I felt safe.
when crap hit the fan, (this is the edited version) nobody knew if they were an elder or not. Quite frankly it did not matter because the Senior Pastor did what ever he wanted, twisting information and sharing a slightly different version with whomever he pleased. There was a short time when those who thought they were elders were informed they were not and ta da..complete confusion. Church polity sounds to me to much like church politics.
Where are the men, who are men. People who are willing to take the high road, not the low road and when something is not right, who is willing to stand and say so. A title to me is like a mask that you wear. Apostle, Senior pastor, Elder….God sees the heart. Care group leader. oh thats another one. I can’t repent at your command. The truth has yet to have been told.
Reformed Teacher:
All of what I am about to say you already know, but I never mind spelling it out for the benefit of others who might be reading.
Josh Harris is not an ‘apostle,’ in the big A or little a or even the italicized sense of the word. The fact that he or anyone else may be willing to say he isn’t an apostle but affirm membership on the “apostolic team” is simply a Big Brother Who’s-on-first word game resulting from throwing Abbott, Costello and George Orwell into a blender. This type of circus act belongs nowhere in the language or polity of the church.
PK, ain’t no apostle, no way, no how, not ever.
The apostolic team is jockeying for a church officer position third only to Jesus Christ, somehwere after “apostle” and desperately throwing elbows to move ”elder,” into fourth, and it’s just not going to happen. Why? Because it isn’t between the covers of the Bible. Harvey can “appeal” all he wants to for this (his words), but the appeals court Judge -in the form of the Bible- has already ruled on it: IT DOESN’T EXIST.
The response from your student has been well rehearsed by the powers that be and handed down to the second and third generations, I’m sure. The fact of the matter is that the position is man-made, and I’d like to see Wayne Grudem’s response (I already know what he’s written about it, I’d still like to see it verbalized) to that student’s explanation, especially if that explanation came out of the mouth of a member of the apostolic team.
I think a few people would hand in their WE LIKE WAYNE buttons that day.
…pk
Hi PK and Jim,
Are either one of you aware CJ has “edited” and released a book called Worldliness? It is written for pastors to keep worldliness out of the church. John Piper wrote the forward. (Sigh). Do you know anything about it?
A bit concerned.
Hi SC-
I’ve heard of it but haven’t read it.
worldliness? what the heck is that supposed to even mean? handing in their volvos? trading their homes for monastic like lifestyles? or i know, maybe they will choose what is this month’s “too much like the *eek* world thing”, focus in on that, route it out of your church (along with human beings who value such things), and then your church will not be worldly.
anyone have a sick bag?
Has anyone heard of the Modesty Project or Proposal or something like that? Is this part of this Worldliness book?
Hi SC:
I’ve heard about it, and will take a gander when I get a copy.
DB:
I have not forgotten that article you posted and asked for my thoughts on. Crazy week, but I WILL read it and get back to you (although skimming it, I’ve raised my eyebrows a few times… I wonder why this subject was even granted time to write an article about it…oh boy).
…pk
RT:
The only thing I have heard about is the “Modesty Check(list).” To my knowledge it’s not part of this new book, but I have not read the WORLDLINESS book yet.
To answer your earlier question as to who appointed the “apostles” at SGM… in the early days, themselves. Now? Probably two to three indiciduals, with one probably calling the final shots. Can anyone say “Episcopalian form of Polity?”
…pk
Concerning modesty:
I don’t know about the rest of you girls, but there is something awfully strange about another man who is not my husband or my father telling me how I should dress. I always felt so uncomfortable when this happened in our church, as though we women were somehow dressing in an indecent way, which is far from the truth. We were being preached at by man-leaders about our appearance when most of us dressed modestly in the first place. It didn’t make sense to me. Honestly, it made me feel like they thought that women were stupid, second-class temptresses.
Okay, I’m off my soap box, and am handing over the mic.
I remember this one family I know. The wife had become much, much heavier than when she and hubby married, dressed extremely modestly (extremely- made my 94 year old grandmother look like a floozy), and kept a long “modesty mirror” at the front door so anyone in the house could always check to “make sure” they were modest enough. Yet hubby STILL got upset if she wanted to go out with her Godly, Christian friends for dinner. (The waiter was SURE to be a perv and flirt with her and who knows WHERE that could lead?!) She walked around with a lot of guilt and shame. Her life was a crazy repressed double hockey sticks.
I guess I shouldn’t have been too shocked when I found out that the husband was the perv who refused to even go into a Starbuck’s cause he couldn’t stop thinking about women’s crotches. (The chairs and tables in there are small and not covered in fabric, therefore if you look closely enough, you can see that area of a woman sitting down. Seems he was the one with the problem. It’s a shame that he put his issues on to her and other women.
Reminds me of the above posts.
Stunned,
I’ve seen what you posted in other situations. I think it is a very dangerous place when a man blames his lust on women. If there were no more women, his sin would be gone? Oh brother. Men who see women as the sole reason for their lust are treating the faireer sex like objects. That is what pornography does. It is offensive. Maybe that is why I’m uncomfortable with man-leaders teaching about modesty. I think women are best suited for that job ( though I reiterate that most Christian women live by their conscience and are naturally modest in their dress).
I hope that poor woman you spoke of found her freedom and self-worth in Jesus. He does not see her as an object, but as a beautiful creation!
Well said, Canary…
Thanks, Jim.
After the previous post, I was thinking about Jesus. He had a prostitute weeping over His feet and drying them with her hair. Ten to one she wasn’t dressed modestly. Her full time job was to attract men, and take their money for services rendered. Yet, there she was, not only pushing her way into the presence of the Son of God, but touching Him, both no-nos in the Jewish law.
Yet Christ did not sin, neither in thought nor in action. He was perfect, His mind constantly on His Father. What is even more incredible is that He treated this pariah to religion with gentleness, not as an object to be lusted after or a sinner to be thrown out of His presence. I expect this woman’s life was changed forever. One cannot experience that sort of Divine Love and not become a new creation.
Oh Lord, I just have to say how utterly wonderful You are!!!
I have a theory that I call the “Talibanization of our Women” which is the end result of these types of thoughts: covering women and making them invisible.
Women are called to submit to their husbands, their church elders, and their government…each in different ways…but no one is told to make them submit.
Submission is a contract between a woman and God. Her submission, or lack thereof, is a transaction between her and the Lord, a holy calling and privelege which does not depend on her husband–just like Sarah, we are called to submit without fear.
Men are called not to lust. That is between them and God. Covering a woman won’t affect a lustful heart, how ridiculous. It is just like Adam afer he was busted in the Garden eating the fruit: “that woman you gave me, she made me do it!” He blames the broad and God, rather than finding strength in repentance and prayer.
Older woman are, according to Titus 2, to teach younger women how to love their husbands, love their children. Scriptures are our guide in how to do this.
Anytime I see a man overly worried about controlling the outside of a woman, I sense we’ve got something wrong with the inside of that man!
Everyone:
Good thoughts and comments.
Apologies for not being here in awhile with posts or comments; my health hit a temporary valley this past week and a half, in addition to a tight schedule; by God’s grace I am back at the keyboard.
I ask for your prayers in regard to that, and also the fact that I am writing a difficult post for the ‘fuge… difficult as in many from both sides of the fence (within and without SGM) will be tempted to come out nothing short of baring claws and roaring. It’s a subject that goes beyond being touchy, to say the least; while not officially part of the “missiology” series we’ve been doing lately, the point I’ve reached in examining missiology is now necessitating it. Pray that I would have clarity of thought and a heart for folks and their situations while writing it without compromising the truth.
God bless…
…pk
You know, speaking the truth in love is often misused and lifted from context…biblically, speaking the truth in love is directly tied to theology, speaking true things about spiritual matters.
Thanks for doing that.
I am sorry about physical setbacks, and will pray whenever you or refuge come to mind for this specific need.
PK,
The Lord keep you and protect you. This tweety bird will spend some time in her cage (with the door open!) lifting you up.
PK,
So sorry to hear about your physical valley.
James 1:5 “if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Remain steadfast in Him.
I will pray for you. That He will “lavish” you with wisdom and faith.
:-\
Reformed Teacher, canary & Singing Cook:
Your prayers are appreciated and are felt!
Jim… I have not dropped off the face of the earth!
…pk
PK,
I wanted to let you know I have so appreciated you thoughts on Missiology. I know you have put many hours and much energy into each post. All I can say is AMEN and AMEN. i know you believe you are called to “stay and fight” for now but my heart truly grieves for you and your wife. YOur heartbeat beats differently than SGM. It can’t be easy. I really do hope and pray -you and your beloved find somewhere to be refreshed and strengthened in HIM while you are there in the thick of the battle.
If people are not responding and commenting as you hoped it really may be the election. I have been focused on that for the last few months. But I wanted you and Jim to know I read and reread to remind myself I am not the crazy one and the things God was speaking to my heart about were legitimate.
thanks so much for your thoughts, time and energy. I have been immearsurably blessed,
SC
pk
I, too, echo the above comments. This has been my lifeline. I have been on the forum to read and about 3 times a day I check this site. Where is everybody? I’ve been praying for your back also. I know what it is to crash. I have fibromyalgia and sometimes the pain and fatigue put me flat on my back. I will be praying for you as you get ready for the next post.
a
Anxious,
It has been a busy time. I will be glad when the elections are over. It’s been almost two years of campaigning!
I’m sorry you experience chronic problems with fibro. It is a hard disease to diagnose, and still harder to live with. I believe the Lord allows these sort of trials in our lives to teach us to rest in Him more, to depend on Him, to know HIm better. I’ve also heard from a number of women who have experienced similar chronic problems after leaving SGM. For me, it was as though my body got creamed from all the stress that I experienced AL (after leaving). It was a sign that I had been enslaved by fear, by man’s traditions, and was terrified about what would happen to me if I began walking in freedom. Would I be ruined? Would I loose Jesus? Would I die?
Because of Jesus, none of those terrible things happened. But the fear of them was so real that my body took on alot of ailments. I had to learn to be comfortable walking as a free woman instead of a slave to religion. I have finally found the peace that surpasses understanding. Though I still deal with one or two physical issues, the others are gone. Rest in my soul gave me rest also in my body.
I pray that our Great Physician comforts and guides you, that you experience peace in Him, even during the “spells” that come with fibro.
Thanks, Canary
I’ve had fibro for 21 years. I just have to get rest and also rest in Jesus. I think a lot will subside as my family gets through the leaving process.
a
That’s for sure, Anxious! You will be amazed how life changes AL. Just soak up His amazing grace. Breathe the fresh air of freedom in Christ. I’m so glad for you and your family. I know that you will find a loving body of believers to be a part of. They are everywhere!
I’ll be praying for you, PK. I, too, have a chronic physical condition that wipes me out especially when I’m experiencing stress.
I will also pray for your writing and hope I don’t raise my hackles upon reading it (as you suggest may happen.)
Pk,
I appreciate all your posts and your encouragements. I do love what you are doing, and I know there are many men that think, feel and believe exactly what you are doing.
My hat is off though (as I write under a alias) to the men and women who have represented themselves face to face with no mask. Like Jim, and ex-intern. And my
_____________friend who has suffered seriously for biblical truth. Man, it grieves me for the church. I don’t know these other men, but my _______________friend did his best to represent the scriptures in the same way you do here, only to be beat away with false accusations of “sin” I am not as intellegent as you gentlemen are as I am learning day by day…my place was also to speak truth, and then to pray. I did leave, I ran from serious deception but I appreciate all you are doing for the body of Christ.
I appreciate everyone’s words of encouragement, and prayers, more than you know. I, in turn, will be praying for those who are in a rough season or have physical conditions/needs as well.
Christ is sufficent for all things!
I would encourage everyone here to not make a golden calf out of this election, as I found myself doing.
While God can bless and judge a nation through its leaders, these leaders, in the end, are not our saviors. Christ and Christ alone is our Savior.
Pray for our nation as a whole, and not just those promising they can “fix” it. They can’t. We need to fall upon God’s mercy, as His mercy is wonderful, just and true.
Happy voting!
Remain in the grip of His grace.
…pk
Has anyone viewed the new mission videos appearing on SGM’s website? I think they are very interesting in light of this series of posts regarding missiology. In particular, CJ talks about why SGM exists and if I am quoting him correctly, he states that it exists to serve plant churches and serve pastors but nothing about training and equipping lay folks for the work of missions rather folks are just encouraged to send in their money. If I was more cynical I would think of this as nothing more than a shakedown.
I find this to be very sad since I have understood one of the primary roles of a pastor to be that of equipping the saints for the work of ministry.
Former-
I think you hit the nail on the head-SG’s vision of equipping the saints (who are not SG leadership material) is to make sure they obey and are a joy to their pastors. And I have seen up close, that SG in it’s corporate structure is really catered to serve pastors and seldom anyone else. I’m sure they’d say the best way to serve the people is to equip the pastors (trickle down means of grace)-but I think they’ve narrowed the definition of ministry and abonded the idea of the preisthood of believers when it comes to practice and practical discipleship.
Just my 2 cents.
peace-mm
I was just trying to imagine trickle down shepherding. Let’s see, a shepherd eats everything he wants or needs. He sleeps lots. Has fun with his friends and somehow, this alone is supposed to take care of his sheep? They are supposed to be happier and full just watching their shepherd eating. Hmmm, let’s give that a try out on a pasture sometime and see how many sheep are still alive by the end of the season.
Oh, I’ll just come out and say what Stunned is too polite to say; Shepherd eats all he wants and what’s left for the sheep?
Yup, you got it, crap from the Shepherds.
“…Behold, I judge between sheep and sheep, between the rams and the great he-goats (the malicious and the tyrants of the pasture).
Is it too little for you that you feed on the best pasture, but you must tread down with your feet the rest of your pasture? And to have drunk of the waters clarified by subsiding, but you must foul the rest of the water with your feet?
And My flock, must they feed on what your feet have trodden and drink what your feet have fouled? Therefore thus says the Lord God to them: Behold, I, I Myself, will judge between fat sheep and imporverished sheep, or fat goats and lean goats.
Because you push with side and with shoulder and thrust with your horns all those that have become weak and diseased, till you ahve scattered them abroad, therefore I will rescue my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between sheep and sheep. And I will raise up over them one Shepherd and He shall feed them…” Ez. 34: 17-23 (Amplified).
Thank God for Jesus Christ, our Great Shepherd.
Ellie,
I don’t understand what the face means. Is that surprise?
In this case it’s a kind of “ut oh, I would be skeered if those verses applied to me”! face…
Oh, right! Gottcha!