Published by Terrace Crawford
on 1/29/08 at 8:38 AM. 
This morning I was handed a brochure titled "
A Book of Deception Not Based on God's Word." Its a brochure all about
Rick Warren. I laughed when I read the title.
A few lines from the very first page of the brochure read
"His (Rick Warren) teaching is centered in changing the whole life of local churches. The emphasis is to do away with New Testament standards and to bring in modern thinking that will satisfy present-day Christians. The PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE is so deceptive that the average Christian will support any church, even one that no longer exists to 'Preach the Word'. The most startling fact of his book is that Warren does not teach the Word of God."
What!?
Probably the most interesting (and most hilarious) thing of all was a short insert inside which provided "
Signs That Your Church is Following Rick Warren." Check out this list...
Change in music to a contemporary rock style.
Removal of hymn books; eliminating the choir.
Replacement of organ and piano with heavy metal instruments.
Repetitive singing of praise lyrics.
Dressing down to casual and informal attire.
Eliminating of business meetings, church committees, council of elders, board of deacons, etc.
The pastor, or a new leader with a few assistants, usually four, takes church of all church business.
A repetitive 40-day Purpose Drive Church study program stressing psychological relationships with each other, the community, or the world begins.
Funded budgeted programs are abandoned, or ignored, with ambiguous financial reports made.
Sunday morning, evening, and\or Wednesday prayer meetings are changed to other times; some may even be eliminated.
Sunday School teachers are moved to different classes, or replaced by new teachers more sympathetic with the changes being implemented.
The name "Sunday School" is dropped and classes are given new names.
Crosses and other traditional Christian symbols may be moved from both the inside and outside of the church building. The pulpit may also be removed.
In accordance with Dr. Warren's instructions, new version Bibles are used; or only verses flashed on a screen are referenced during regular services.
Purpose Drive Church films, purchased from Saddleback, precede or are used during regular services.
The decor, including the carpets, may be changed to eliminate any resemblance to the former church.
Wow.
Ok, if you are guilty of any of the above... the author wants you to
REPENT.
Labels: Hot Topics, Issues, Leadership, Marketing, Straight Up Funny, Youth Pastors
For a moment I thought about writing how hilarious this is. Then I realized how many people out there actually believe this and how many more are receiving these wicked handouts. Yes, wicked. It's tearing down the church and edifies nothing. During this post, I went from laughing at these people to getting really ticked off that they're representatives of Christ and Christianity. It kills the credibility of the whole Church.
Scott, These are my sentiments EXACTLY. It was incredibly hilarious but how true that many people are even 'deceived' by these folks.
Thanks for the comment.
/TC/
Guilty on all charges...I REPENT!
Seriously though, that is so sad. I've been down the road of legalism and it's not fun. So many people are under this kind of bondage. The best we can do is that God by His grace brings freedom into their life.
Brad Ruggles
www.bradruggles.com
Didn't know I was going to hell until today...man...
I hope that my church is almost exactly like the one they say follows Rick Warren.
Top Kind of Church I would tell anyone to absolutely avoid:
Singing mainly or only from Hymnals, elders that lead the church vs a pastor being the leader, dressy attire...
Hey I might be offending some of you guys but any church that is stuck in the past....I would say I'm out.
@ Brad - Glad you repented.
--
@ Zak - LoL. U are too funny.
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@ Jason - Agreed.
/TC/
The PULPIT? Okay now they have a point! I am going to my Pastor right now and make him put the pulpit back. Wait we never had one. I guess we are just going to have to burn. Anybody know where I can buy a pulpit?
I so understand the point of view, especially since my family attends a fairly progresive assembly and LOVES it. And yes, we are committed followers of Christ despite that. *snark*
However there is a side of me that leans towards refrain...from assuming a "the way we do it is better then the way they do it" mentality.
Granted, the flyer in question is divisive and downright wrong. But so is assuming all hymn singing "white haired" churches are wrong because of their worship PREFERENCE.
I have had the privelege to know a few blue haired old ladies who gave generously to a contemporary Christian station (non-profit) even though they NEVER listened. Why did they do this? They said if God is reaching our young people through this medium, we want to be a part of it! To them it was a kingdom building endeavor.
And yes, on Sunday, they went to a quiet service with a specific order, sang hymns, took an offering, and listened to a pastor preach from a KJ Bible. DEAR sisters in Christ.
Not all traditionalists are divisive brochure writers. Lets be careful not to lump them in. :)
Good to be part of the discussion.