Some speakers are lightning rods. By that I mean to have some men on lectureships, workshops, or invited to speak at local congregations is to cause disruption due to what radical things they might say. Such are known as lightning rods; they will attract criticism and the Lord knows that's one thing we sure don't stand for in the true church. After all, He never was involved in such reckless speakers.
Or was He?
Regardless of how careful leaders of any of the above venues desire to be, they can count on one thing: God will wreck our lives on occasion. Do you really think that Jesus, Peter, James, John, and Paul were not lightning rods? Do you really believe each was tossed into prison for double parking their camels? Do you really believe they were careful not to offend their audience? Do you really believe they never ruffled feathers?
No, theirs was a much different climate than ours. We have so established the true church that we have weeded out the lightning rods. No storms allowed among some. Peaceful like cemeteries....that's our motto. By the way....where are our children going to church once they graduate from high school and get out on their own?
I know....just another blog post from a lightning rod.
6 comments:
I enjoy the lighting rods. The problem I have is when a lighting rod begins ENJOYING being a lighting rod a little too much. Speaking the truth is one thing. Saying something shocking simply to get a reaction out of people is just annoying. There are enough Ann Coulter and Bill Maher types in the secular world to last me a lifetime. Lord knows we don't need them in the church.
On another note - I enjoyed Rubel's lessons at the Tulsa Workshop this past year, and I also very much enjoyed listening to Edward Fudge. I know their presentations drew harsh criticism from some.
I didn't necessarily agree with everything Rubel said, but I did find his perspective on divorce and remarriage interesting.
I also admire Mr. Fudge for coming forward and sharing his testimony regarding visions from God. I've already read a couple of periodicals basically calling him a heretic for advocating the doctrine of progressive revelation.
I have a feeling that as time goes on, more and more people may come forward and share their own dreams God has given them. I'm sure they will be written up by someone too.
On the other hand, simply because a speaker is controversial does not necessarily mean that he is anything like Jesus or that he is loyal to what Jesus taught.
Sometimes I've heard thunder and anticipated lightning, only to find a big wind blowing. Since workshop delights in lightning rod controversey, can we expect to have speakers invited to counter Rubel, etc. or is just a particular type of lightning rod enjoyed?
Ahhhh, that explains the picture I sent you ;) Love you!!
For Young Leaders,
I will do this for one reason and that is to help you through your times when you get notes from "anonymous" such as the one above.
There are several factors which go into this and you will want to develop an ability to use such tactics toward you for the work, the kingdom, and the glory of God.
When "anonymous" knocks at your door, don't die. And, don't explode. Realize that behind such a term is one living in shadows afraid to be seen. Such is similar to the brave terrorists as the mid-East...behind cloaked masks.
However, you will want to see more. In such shadows lives a very real, important person. While their intent may be to dig at you or to insult you, your role is to disregard. Such a person is worth very much to God. The real test is not whether you can endure their flaming missles. The real test is whether you can grow to love them.
And surely we all have had our moments when we've fought from the shadows; bravely but full of cowardice. We feel dirty when we do it. It is our role to love one another as it covers a multitude of sins.....theirs and ours.
Don't fall apart when "anonymous" comes courting. In personI bet whoever they are must be much nicer. In the past they may have been wounded or beaten up. Our prayer is that not one malfunction of theirs will ever be held against them...not one...not ever.
"Anonymous" is always important and valuable. Don't forget it. We love because He started it!
Terry,
I think your orginal comments and follow up comments are helpful.
What would Jesus have me to do? That is the question. For some of us that is to be bold, prophetic, storyteller type that is a trailblazer for Jesus. These walk with Jesus and teach in paradigm breaking manner that rattles some cages. If this is done to lift up Jesus and not to glorify the self, then that is good.
Others of us are not so gifted to do this work. We are more the under the radar types who do our work and are not noticed and not criticized and insulted because there are more public figures that soak up the suffering from us. This allows us to go on about our work without the joy and suffering of some "national stage".
If we are worker bees, we still have the work of standing with Jesus against Pharisee centered religion. We will be attacked more on the family level or local level and we must be sure to pray for those who attack and ask God to bless them. We need to learn from them as you say.
Some of us who are older who have avoided having enemies by saying what our "traditions of men religion" said, then we are not doing what Jesus would have us to do.
Jesus said, they hated me and they will hate you.
Still, with such big things attacking our kids, with garbage like there is no difference in Jesus as leader and Mohmed as leader, I cannot get to excited about using my energy to determine whether a man who raises His hands in church is "liberal."
Sorry for the length.
Larry Wishard
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