Expert: Brian Thompson - 7/4/2007

Question
Brian,
I am concerned about the spiritual condition of the AG. I have seen and heard of many of it's church's becoming "seeker friendly". The accepting and promoting of such things as the purpose driven life, passing out the Velvet Elvis book, and turning their backs on the Pentecostal message. Is it too late? Have they gone too far? Or do you also accept these things. I am interested in your thoughts.
Thanks,
S.

Answer
I think you have to divorce what individual churches and Pastors do from the movement itsself. The AoG is essentially an association of like minded congregrations with a common doctrinal statement. Sometimes individuals go too far with a particular theme because they want the congregations to grasp the essence of a message. What you have to look at is the fruit, have they produced fruit or as you indicate, have they foresworn the pentecostal message.

I am a person who has a certain frustration with what is happening in certain parts of the pentecostal movement today, but since my knowledge is very much local rather than global, I have to be careful not to judge the movement rather than the individual. We are all very much in need of revival and renewal, and I don't think the AoG any less than others.

Rick Warren's message is good even if his interpretation is a little shallow at times. We do need to get our focus in the right place. I don't see there is any place for someone who is a Sunday Christian, such people need to repent and the Church needs to call them to repentance. We are not called to be bookworms or tape worms clinging to the latest fad message but to be signed on to the essential message of Christ. If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me.