An Open Letter from Dr. Matt Olson of Northland International University

Dear Friends in Ministry,

Thank you for your demonstration of true friendship over these past few months. So many of you have called, emailed, and written me. Yes, God has been doing great things. Yet, when He does, the pot gets stirred. Conflict often follows.

What God has been doing among us…

I thought it would be helpful for me to share a few thoughts concerning recent events at Northland as well as our process of thought. My prayer each day is that God would give us grace to work through our present opportunities and challenges in ways that fulfill His purposes for us and that please Him most. Never has there been a more exciting day to prepare this next generation for Great Commission living or to advance kingdom causes!

January 2008: I began praying for God to do “greater things” here at Northland. It seemed to me that the church as a whole had grown cold with the works of men and was crying out for the works of God to be manifest. I prayed to that end:

  1. For God to give us vision and clarity for what He wanted at Northland.
  2. For wisdom in navigating from where we were to where we needed to be.
  3. For boldness and grace—as we knew the process would be difficult.
  4. For abundant provision.
  5. For His name alone to be magnified.

In many ways God has been answering those prayers and has blessed Northland beyond our expectations. We felt, however, that this was only the beginning.

August 15, 2010: I began a forty day journey of fasting and prayer for the works of God to be manifested and for the fulfillment of the Great Commission. I took this step of faith with some uncertainty—not really knowing how I would do or what God would do. I was certain that I was not content to coast through this final stretch of life and ministry without seeing God do something much more. I have been longing for “greater things.” Dr. Ollila, the administration, faculty, and staff joined me in this. I wish I could share all that has taken place. It has been an incredible time!

What I did not expect was the testing that would follow. Yet, now I realize this to be a familiar pattern in scripture and in history. So, we take it from the Lord and respond with strength and grace that He gives. Sometimes our motives and actions can be misunderstood and miscommunicated. I know that happens. I have always felt that the best response would be to communicate in a positive way. The following are a few points of clarification on what is happening at Northland:

1. The Way of Discipleship

We have superseded our demerit system with what we feel is a biblical model of discipleship. In reality, it is a re-commitment to a means of discipleship that has already been present at Northland. We just took away an artificial demerit system that was awkwardly laid on top of our student system of governance. Our standards and expectations remain the same. But, the way we confront and encourage is relational and the consequences practical. Quite honestly, it is a lot more work with this new way. But, it’s more biblical. And it already appears to be yielding better results. We see “The Way of Discipleship” in the spirit of Matthew 5 where Jesus “raised the bar” from the Old Testament law. We believe grace expects more—and deepens more. While we see our system as a “work in progress,” we have been very pleased with the responses of our students, faculty, and staff.

2. Our Music Philosophy

Philosophically, it is unchanged. Let me say it again…unchanged. What we have always been trying to do, and will continue to do into the future, is to make sure Northland’s practice of music (as with every aspect of the Christian life) is built principally on clear teachings from the Bible rather than on reactionary, extra-biblical reasoning that has proven to be troublingly insufficient when exported to cultures beyond American borders. We believe the Bible is sufficient to bring us to right and God-honoring positions regardless of time and culture. Even though we haven’t changed our music at a philosophical level, we are changing our music on a missional level. Where you will see changes is in our intent to expand our training to prepare students for worship and music globally. This only makes sense because, as you may have noticed, Northland International University has become more and more an international, global ministry with a passion to take the gospel where it is not proclaimed. Over 41% of the world’s population is still without a Gospel witness. This has become our students’ burden. Our Director of Fine Arts, Kevin Suiter, has recently informed us he does not believe he can take us forward in this way and thus has announced his plans to move on. We wish Kevin and Grace the best and thank them for the investments they have made here.

3. Our Guest Speakers

We invited two speakers that have generated some questions.

a. Rick Holland. Dr. Holland is the Executive Pastor at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, where John MacArthur is senior pastor. Since we get many questions concerning John MacArthur and where he is in regard to fundamentalism, we decided that the best way to address this was to meet him face to face. In April of this year, Les Ollila, Doug McLachlan, Sam Horn, and I went to California and sat down with Dr. MacArthur, Rick Holland, and Phil Johnson (Executive Director of Grace to You). We had an excellent visit and found that while we did not agree on everything, we did agree on the most substantive issues of life and ministry. While we realize we function in different circles and with different constituencies, we appreciated what they were doing. I invited Rick to visit our campus to see what we were doing at Northland, meet with our Bible faculty, and speak in chapel. This was an opportunity to get to know one another and discuss significant issues of our day.

b. Bruce Ware. Dr. Ware is a professor at Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville. He is a well-recognized teacher and author. We have invited him to teach half of an advanced-degree seminar on a specialty subject our leading pastors need to be fully versed in. Why? Because Dr. Ware has written so skillfully and authoritatively on this particular topic. This seminar is for experienced, mature pastors who are presently in ministry. We see this as appropriate in the academic context and the type of thing we have done in the past for the very same reasons. In fact, most seminaries bring adjunct professors in to address key issues that they believe helpful. Never has this been intended as a move to align with any other group.

We did not see that having these speakers would be a significant problem. Biblically, we worked through a process of decision making and felt these choices and the context in which they were made were consistent with what we have always believed. Knowing now that these decisions might be confusing, misunderstood, or miscommunicated, we would likely have planned differently. We have no desire to distract from our focus here or on the field of ministry.

We affirm that Northland stands in the historic tradition of Fundamentalism and is committed to remain as an independent, Baptist, separatist institution. We will do our best to serve the local church, which we believe is the primary institution ordained of God to carry out the Great Commission. We respect the autonomy of the local church, the priesthood of the believer, and individual soul liberty. We know that other Fundamentalists will develop different applications based on biblical authority and the principles that flow from it. We will do our best to defer to our brothers in Christ but refuse to be swayed by party politics, threats, and pressures. While deference brings unity, the fear of man paralyzes our ability to serve Christ. In the spirit of Galatians 1, we will serve Christ.

Sometimes I have to smile when I think about the politics in college ministry. Early on I found that I had to just keep it simple: do the right thing, keep a right spirit, communicate the best I can, and leave the results to God. That is all I can do. That’s what I will do. I am not disappointed with differing views and opinions or even challenges that come from healthy critics. These help me grow. What I do think needs to be confronted in our movement is the lack of biblical process in responding to one another when we have questions or disagreements.

We must keep our focus. A friend of mine shared this with me, and I found it to be a great encouragement:

Stick with your work. Do not flinch because the lion roars; do not stop to stone the devil’s dogs; do not fool away your time chasing the devil’s rabbits. Do your work. Let liars lie, let sectarians quarrel, let critics malign, let enemies accuse, let the devil do his worst; but see to it nothing hinders you from fulfilling with joy the work God has given you. He has not commanded you to be admired or esteemed. He has never bidden you to defend your character. He has not set you at work to contradict falsehood about yourself which Satan’s or God’s servants may start to peddle, or to track down every rumor that threatens your reputation. If you do these things, you will do nothing else; you will be at work for yourself and not for the Lord. Keep at your work. Let your aim be as steady as a star. You may be assaulted, wronged, insulted, slandered, wounded and rejected, misunderstood, or assigned impure motives; you may be abused by foes, forsaken by friends, and despised and rejected of men. But see to it with steadfast determination, with unfaltering zeal, that you pursue the great purpose of your life and object of your being until at last you can say, “I have finished the work which Thou gavest me to do.”

If you have further questions or comments, please feel free to write or call me. I welcome that. We have never been more excited about our future than we are now. Doc O and I believe that God is moving in a very special way and that the evidence is seen in both the abundant blessing of God and in the attacks of the Devil. We have the greatest and most exciting opportunity in the world—preparing this next generation of servant leaders for Great Commission living. Pray with us as we move boldly forward for the cause of Christ.

Your friend and fellow servant,

MO

Discussion

[Brandon Crawford] Perhaps Northland’s critics could help us understand their position better by taking a moment to answer the following questions:

1. In what way did Rick Holland’s chapel appearance hurt the cause of biblical Christianity?
I am not sure we are in a position to evaluate this question. In criticizing Matt’s letter, I am not really dealing with the appearance of Rick Holland at Northland, even though I disagree with it… and my disagreement isn’t based on “hurting the cause of Biblical Christianity”… you are assuming too much in asking the question the way you do.
[Brandon Crawford] 2. How does a public denunciation of Rick Holland and Bruce Ware better advance the cause of the gospel?
How am I denouncing them? I am criticising Matt’s letter, not them.
[Brandon Crawford] 3. How does completely sealing off fundamentalism from the rest of conservative Christianity promote a healthier fundamentalism?
Sealing off… I don’t think that is what I would be advocating. But the issue for fundamentalists and evangelicals for the last 60 years has been ministry cooperation. Can we work with a brother given his positions vis a vis separation from error or worldliness? Apparently Matt believes he can work with, say Rick Holland and MacArthur in spite of the worldliness of the Resolved Conference and their connections with charismatics. That’s fine, Matt can make his own decisions about that. But the rest of us have a right to evaluate our relationship with Matt based on his associations, no? And so we are.

And Matt appears to be surprised about it! Unbelievable.
[Brandon Crawford] 4. Why do you feel that indoctrination is the best educational model? In other words, how will a “see no evangelical, hear no evangelical” approach to education improve the quality of the graduates?

Just wondering.
Again, you are assuming some things by your question, so you are attempting to make us say something we are not by asking your question that way.

Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3

Don’s criticism is substantially right. Doesn’t really matter if you like him or his tone or his position. It boils down to this:

- To say that they are surprised by backlash seems remarkably naive.

- To say that they are not really changing seems to be remarkably disingenuous.

I say “seem” because I am happy about the changes and would very much like to give them the benefit of the doubt. However, I find it difficult to swallow the spin that things are as they always were since I was a student there myself and having persons such as Holland, Ware, and Simien was out of the question according to the lectured positions on separation when I was there. Call it what you will, but most reg’ler folk call it “change.”

I’m thrilled that the leadership has such a great desire to follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit and Biblical frameworks for discipleship. This is SO refreshing in Fundamentalism!

Bruce

[Brandon Crawford] Perhaps Northland’s critics could help us understand their position better by taking a moment to answer the following questions:

1. In what way did Rick Holland’s chapel appearance hurt the cause of biblical Christianity?

2. How does a public denunciation of Rick Holland and Bruce Ware better advance the cause of the gospel?

3. How does completely sealing off fundamentalism from the rest of conservative Christianity promote a healthier fundamentalism?

4. Why do you feel that indoctrination is the best educational model? In other words, how will a “see no evangelical, hear no evangelical” approach to education improve the quality of the graduates?
I’m not sure if I’m exactly among the critics (I think I’ll claim “Still not entirely clear on the whole chapel speaker thing”). But the questions are pulling at me so…

#1 - In my view, the impact is very indirect if any. My own concerns have to do with fundamentalist identity, which I believe has an important role in “the cause of biblical Christianity.” But there are many important roles. But the event is significant both from the standpoint of the recent history of fundamentalism and also the institutional history of Northland.

#2 - I’m not sure anybody’s asked for a “public denunciation.” I wouldn’t personally see why that would be necessary. But if indeed, as the letter says, there are important differences—properly valuing those differences may not be well served by chapel engagements. The case can certainly be made that they are well served, but given that this is a departure from fundamentalist practice over the last several decades, it’s not unreasonable to expect this kind of reaching out to be preceded by publicly making a really strong case for it.

#3 - Several possibilities come to mind. For one, this has been the status quo for a good long time now, so those arguing for maintaining that kind of distance are not reaching for something new. I’m not sure “completely sealing off” accurately describes how things have worked, but sealing off to the extent that chapel—and usually course instructors—do not include non-fundamentalists has been the norm. It’s pretty easy to make the case that in the environment of the 40’s & 50’s, that was essential to the health of fundamentalism. It’s harder to make that case now since there seem to be more evangelicals now who do not fit the “new evangelical” mold.

#4 - I don’t really know what you mean by that one. We all know that these guys are seen and heard by all. The controversy is about (a) what we are communicating and (b) what kinds of increased influence we are opening up to by these adjustments to the old boundaries. (I guess there are some who really do want to avoid books, conferences and everything else the CE’s touch. In my view, that’s impossible so whether it’s good or bad is moot.)

Personally, I think the landscape has changed enough that some redrawing of lines is inevitable. But there are alot of ways to mess that up and I’m not clear on what there is to gain in some of these recent events.

It seems clear though that everybody’s going to have to get used to a period of boundary murkiness. It’s just where the movement is now, and I don’t see any end to that on the horizon.

Views expressed are always my own and not my employer's, my church's, my family's, my neighbors', or my pets'. The house plants have authorized me to speak for them, however, and they always agree with me.

[Louise Dan] This IS a change. But sadly, it’s a change without acknowledgment of or repentance over the legitimate problems they are addressing. Which means it won’t be Biblical change. There is no humble heart of repentance. Apart from that, it’s just changing the externals.
I agree with the first 4 words! (and not the remainder)

I appreciate Dr Olson’s letter. My observation is that as we pray, as we study the Word and seek to follow Him; that there will be differences of opinion about the application of the Word. One may differ with Dr Olson (as my friend Don Johnson did). It is change (as http://bobbixby.wordpress.com/2010/11/24/we-are-changing-we-are-not-cha… brother Bixby notes on is blog ).

For me, I have great confidence in the leadership team at Northland (although I still can’t bring myself to call it an International University!)

I have posted on the thread regarding Don Johnson’s statement on this matter.

My final summary was:
Matt Olson, Les Ollilla, Doug McLachlan, and others must be naive as to the real ministry results and consequences of some of John MacArthur’s beliefs and ministry, as seen by those here in Southern California and the West coast. He has a good ministry in many respects but the increasing negative consequences is a concern to many. Why do these classic Fundamentalists feel a need to have association with this ministry? Why travel to Grace Community for a meeting? Mac Arthur may be viewed as a big name and influential preacher in some circles. However, the concerns increase as you cross the Rockies and with those more familiar with all aspects of the ministry and results.

As convictions erode and institutions change, it is never clear cut denials and open change of practices. It is always gradual undercover change and a gradual minimizing of convictions without any direct assertions. It is here a little and there a little until all of a sudden a there is realization that there has been a real change that has taken place. Some Fundamentalists are not Paranoid just experienced.

As to the endorsing of KJVO and some considered Hyper Fundamentalists. Just don’t do it!! That has no bearing on the right or wrong of other endorsements and associations.

As for those calling the statements by Don Johnson as arrogant and condescending: NONSENSE! That was the old continued accusations of the Neo Evangelicals whenever such issues were raised. By contrast they hoped to be seen as loving and humble as they advocated their compromise. I have lived through some of that.

Rick Holland is not only on the staff at Grace Community church, he is the driving and organizing leadership behind the ResolveConference for youth and young adults. This is a conference that pushes Reformed theology conviction within the context of extreme hard driving music imported from our contemporary amoral youth culture.

What was said to the students of a college or university when he is invited to speak in chapel?
Many posters here are very quick to give accolades to what is obvious compromise. The same old arguments heard over and over again in the sixties and seventies from the Neo Evangelicals who had left, and were leaving Fundamentalism, are still being trumpeted but now by a new generation. Some are; Fundamentalism is exclusive, losing their youth, closed minded, not accepting good men who have Biblical ministries, will accept right wing extremists, etc.

The reasons for my comments involve the ministry of John MacArthur and were given in two posts on the thread regarding Don Johnson’s reply.

The issue here is the acceptability of the ministry of John MacArthur. That is so because Rick Holland is on John’s church staff and Rick Holland’s invitation followed a visit to him.

I am getting the impression that many who are Fundamentalist leaders today are just plain naive. This appears the case with Northland and also with Calvary Sem. who have invited militant Reformed Baptist Mark Dever to speak.

Some of what are being labelled CE’s may say much that is good, and have much that we can benefit from in their writings and messages. However, they also are off the mark sufficiently to be a danger in influence if Pastors and other leaders give the impression of endorsements through invitations to speak. The admonitions of Acts 20:17-35 give us a mandate and duty to be ever diligent and discerning. I can fellowship with many I would not invite to speak or be associated with in ministry.

The message by Matt Olson is mush served with Chop Stix to eat it. Reminds me of other letters I have read written by some other college Presidents as they sought to placate the alumni and donors while moving away from the schools historic stand. Unintended consequences lie ahead.

Obama transparency at work.

Someone should read or reread Dr. Rolland McCune’s book “Promise Unfufilled: The failed strategy of Modern Evangelicalism.”

To those who answered my questions, I thank you. And you are right, my questions did have some huge assumptions in them. Chief among them were the following: (1) That the mission of fundamentalism is to preserve and propagate the historic Protestant faith; and (2) So long as the decisions of a fundamentalist leader remain consistent with that mission, he should not be criticized on the WORLD WIDE WEB.

The changes at Northland are a legitimate subject for discussion. However, I don’t think it serves our cause at all to lace our posts with sarcasm or unnecessarily harsh language. Matt Olson has not introduced Northland’s student body to unorthodox teaching or encouraged the students to extend Christian fellowship to unbelievers.

Privately, some may feel compelled to talk to Matt Olson about these issues. But let’s not be too critical on a public forum like this one. Publicly, let’s either show him our support or remain silent.

P.s. If you are reading this and don’t think my words apply to you, they probably don’t.

[Brandon Crawford] To those who answered my questions, I thank you. And you are right, my questions did have some huge assumptions in them. Chief among them were the following: (1) That the mission of fundamentalism is to preserve and propagate the historic Protestant faith; and (2) So long as the decisions of a fundamentalist leader remain consistent with that mission, he should not be criticized on the WORLD WIDE WEB.
I thought it was only the “cultural fundamentalists” whose leaders were beyond criticism.
[Brandon Crawford] The changes at Northland are a legitimate subject for discussion. However, I don’t think it serves our cause at all to lace our posts with sarcasm or unnecessarily harsh language. Matt Olson has not introduced Northland’s student body to unorthodox teaching or encouraged the students to extend Christian fellowship to unbelievers.
That is not what I am criticising him for in this instance. I am criticising him for playing politics and offering up a disengenuous letter to the WORLD at large.
[Brandon Crawford] Privately, some may feel compelled to talk to Matt Olson about these issues. But let’s not be too critical on a public forum like this one. Publicly, let’s either show him our support or remain silent.
Right, move on, move on, nothing to see here. The new Babtist gurus have spoken and must not be subject to criticism. Might harm their fragile egos, you know.

Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3

Why people leave Fundamentalism?? I do not… with all of the sniping at Matt Olson, Northland, etc. It does not surprise me at all.

Personally, I think it is great that they have invited Rick Holland and Bruce Ware. Exposure to different viewpoints is not a sin.

I am also glad that they went personally and met face to face with MacArthur, Holland, and Phil Johnson. I have never met MacArthur or Holland, but I have met Phil and he is a Christian gentleman and I appreciate his contributions to the body of Christ in a larger context.

Did those of you who disagree with Matt Olson and NIU read that they admit upfront that there are some areas of disagreement?

Last time I checked there is such a thing called amicable disagreement - fundamentalists sometimes do not know what this means.

I can hear now, “Oh no, Northland is going liberal because they had Ware and Holland in to speak”

Nothing could be further from the truth….

It is about time a fundamentalist institution quit living in the 1950’s and I am glad that they are not catering to the opinions of everyone out there.

[Bob T.] I am getting the impression that many who are Fundamentalist leaders today are just plain naive. This appears the case with Northland and also with Calvary Sem. who have invited militant Reformed Baptist Mark Dever to speak.
Bob:

You have it right. These leaders are naive and you are discerning?. I mean why would anyone want to fellowship with a militant Reformed Baptist or with those who import music from “an amoral youth culture”? It’s all so clear. Shame on them. Surely the Bible speaks to that and I will let you know when I find it.

Steve

The family heads carve out their territories, and if you ever cross them, watch out. Beg for forgiveness and kiss the rings all you who wish to see scripture rule over culture.

By the way, did McCune ever write a follow up to Promise Unfilfilled regarding fundamentalism and its failures?

The new media has stripped the family heads of their power. They don’t control the information anymore so they can’t control the people.

Don and Bob help make my point better than I possibly could. On this day of thanksgiving, I thank you both.

1 Kings 8:60 - so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God and that there is no other.

Is the corresponding “Filings” thread that had Johnson’s letter being censored or are the links broken?

Dan Burrell Cornelius, NC Visit my Blog "Whirled Views" @ www.danburrell.com

I can’t think of one original SBC college where I’d fit theologically.

North Greenville University - probably closer than you think Dan

Bruce