As iron sharpens iron,
one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
“In a statement released Sunday (Nov. 3), the church elders found MacDonald was prone to anger, ‘had a pattern of improperly exercising positional and spiritual authority over others to his own advantage,’ and sought to profit from the church’s ministry.” - RNS
“…the jet will likely not be back in operation because it needs a part necessary for landing that would cost Grace Cathedral six-figures, which the ministry does not have. Pilots also refer to the Pinal Airpark as a ‘boneyard’ because many of the aircraft that are stored there are eventually used for parts and scrapped.” - Christian Post
“I think it hurts the Gospel, so I’m making this statement for the first time in my life and frankly, I don’t care what people think about me anymore” - CPost
“Tullian Tchividjian has returned to ministry and has started a new church in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.” - Christian Leaders
“Former Harvest Bible Chapel pastor James MacDonald reportedly shared some news on a closed Facebook page indicating that he may be returning to ministry” - Christian Headlines
Why do people who have been influential in the evangelical world passionately advocate a cause, pull back, and then sometimes take the opposite stance with equal energy?
The answer, I think, is found in the word “fanaticism.”
Not all who fall are fanatical. Not all who fall from leadership end up denying the Lord or the Word. People like Bill Hybels, James MacDonald, or Mark Driscoll have succumbed to various sins (some more serious than others). As far as I know, these men still profess faith in Jesus Christ.
“Nearly three years after apologizing to Christians and calling his advice against dating in his best-selling 1997 book, I Kissed Dating Goodbye, a ‘huge mistake,’ author and pastor Joshua Harris revealed he and his wife are separating.” - Christian Post
“Citing a tip published by Dee Parsons at The Wartburg Watch, independent journalist Julie Roys, confirmed in a report Tuesday that MacDonald gifted Stetzer a just under $13,000 1971 VW Beetle last April. Stetzer said he had no idea MacDonald used money from church donations to pay for the gift.” - Christian Post
“I do think there is a contemporary foible that leads, among other things, to these catastrophes. Why do churches need to have 12 site campuses with everybody linked up by video feed so they can drink from the pure font of one guy’s leadership?” - Rooted Thinking
Discussion