Expert: Elder Greg Madden - 1/20/2007

Question
Sure, I can tell you why I left the Assemblies of God for Lutheranism. First, I feel that Lutheran theology more accurately interprets the Bible than Pentecostal theology does. I also enjoy the order of the Lutheran Liturgy and the emphasis on following biblically prescribed guidelines, which I feel keeps us safe from extreme practices, and keeps our denomination doctrinally unified.

There were quite a few issues in the Assemblies of God, and Pentecostalism as a whole, that warranted enough concern for me to leave the denomination, and the Pentecostal Movement altogether.  

One issue is the lack of doctrinal unity among Pentecostals. Pentecostalism is the most splintered of all Christian groups, with a wide range of beliefs on a variety of issues. All of these people believe that God speaks to them on a daily basis, that God gives them the gift of discernment, and that the Holy Spirit causes the word of God to "come alive" when they read it. If that were the case, Pentecostals should be the most doctrinally unified group of Christians of all.

There are a number of practices in Pentecostalism that I believe can be detrimental to a person's spiritual and emotional health. One is the practice of issuing death threats. I know of several cases in which someone, either the pastor or a church member, made someone believe that God would kill them.

For example, in one AOG church I attended, the pastor told a story of a man on the church board who suddenly died, as in the case of Ananias and Saphira. The pastor suggested the man was killed by God because he was a member of the church board, and often opposed the pastor's ideas. Stories like this only serve to instill fear in parishioners who may not be behaving as the pastor would like them to.  

Sometimes the threats of death went a step further and became death prophecies. I personally spoke to a long-time member of an Assembly of God church who was actually issued a death prophecy by two other members of his church. It has been over 12 years, and the man who received the death prophecy is still alive.

The pastor of the famous Brownsville Assembly of God in Pensecola Florida also gave a death prophecy to Hank Hanegraaff, which he later apologized for. This one became public, because Hank Hanegraaff and Steve Kilpatrick are so well known, but it is my opinion that many more death prophecies occur in AOG churches, but do not receive the same public attention that Kilpatrick's did.

Less severe than death prophecies, but also detrimental, is the practice of instilling fear in members by threatening disaster if they do not tithe. I remember being told stories of people who didn't tithe and had disastrous things happen to them. usually the story indicated that they lost money in some way, by their car breaking down or their business failing. Being a regular tither, I was not offended by the story, but I felt the story served to instill fear in parishioners, and could lead to fear-based giving, rather than joy-based giving.   

Pentecostalism is also responsible for a number of fringe groups and extreme practices that have been detrimental to individual Christians, as well as the reputation of Christianity. The snake handlers, the Dominionists, the Shepherding Movement, the Kansas City Prophets, the barking and crowing at revivals, the prosperity gospel, Word of Faith, and so on.

While many Pentecostals today condemn these movements, one has to consider that it was in Pentecostalism that these movements developed, and it is in Pentecostalism that many of these movements continue to flourish. It is my belief that Pentecostalism tends toward, and fosters, extreme movements because of its emphasis on emotional experience and miraculous signs and wonders, over right doctrine. For example, if a person is very charismatic, and appears to be operating with signs and wonders, but preaches that the blood of Jesus which was poured out on the cross did not atone for sin, it is likely that he will still enjoy quite a large following within Pentecostalism.  Much of this is because of Pentecostals' tendency to equate success with God's approval. One of my former AOG pastors told me that if a televangelist has a large following, it is because the Holy Spirit is drawing those people. I can't accept that, because there are televangelists who preach that the blood that Jesus shed on the cross did not atone for sin, as well as televangelists who believe that you can motivate God to act on your behalf by sending a monetary donation to their ministry.  

One major problem that I have with the Assemblies of God is that, although they have a number of position papers that warn against extreme movements and false teachings within Pentecostalism, they are simply not adhered to.

For example, it was in the Assemblies of God that I was introduced to Word of Faith doctrines, specifically positive confession, the gospel of prosperity, birthing (a type of intercessory prayer in which we spiritually birth people into the kingdom of God) Jesus Died Spiritually, Jesus was rich, and a few others. All of these are doctrines that the Assemblies of God are officially opposed to, but all of these are doctrines that I have heard preached and taught in AOG churches. A denomination that does not adhere to its own teachings cannot be trusted.

Another major problem in Pentecostalism is failed faith healings. During the time I spent in the Assemblies of God, I witnessed many failed faith healings, despite the obvious demonstration of faith on the part of the pastor, the congregation, and the person being prayed for. Sometimes the pastor would give a "word of knowledge" that the person would be healed, but the person still died. Unfortunately, if the person died, it was blamed on the person for lacking faith or the congregation for having doubt. This puts an unnecessary burden on the congregation, who may already feel bad that their prayers weren't answered.

I also noticed that the overwhelming majority of healings that take place in AOG churches fall into two categories: One, the person was receiving medical treatment (like Chemotherapy) and with the help of medical treatment, the person recovered. This, nevertheless, would be touted as a miracle. Two, the person's healing was something minor and internal, like pain in their knee, shoulder, or back. These kinds of testimonies simply cannot be verified. They'rea also different from the miracles of Jesus, none of which involved someone being healed of pain.    

My experience in Pentecostalism led me to the belief that miracles simply do not occur as often as we'd like them to, regardless of how much faith we have. I also feel like members of Pentecostal churches want to see miracles so badly that they are too quick to accept a person's testimony as a miracle. In cases when a person is later found not to be healed, it tends to be swept under the rug, or treated with much less fanfare than the original testimony.

There is also an attitude in Pentecostalism that discourages anyone from scrutinizing a healing claim. If a person suggests or asks something that casts doubt on the veracity of the healing, the person can be seen as opposing the work of God, and a threat to getting people saved, thereby opening that person up to abuse.      

Another problem is false prophecies. The Assemblies of God believe that the gift of prophecy is still available today. I happen to know that a problem the AOG has is the prevelence of false prophecies given in their churches.

Yet nowhere in their official policies is any instruction on how to deal with false prophecies that are given in their churches. In fact, many Assemblies of God members believe that giving a prophecy that does not come to pass does not necessarily indicate that one is a false prophet. I just can't accept this.

Greg, I've already written so much, but I haven't even said half of what I'd like to say. Other problems I have with the Assemblies of God are:

- the Church Growth Movement
- the numerous scandals that plague the denomination
- the ambition of its leaders
- trying to recreate the book of Acts
- magic formulas
- copying other revivals
- citing lack of faith as the reason people do not get healed
- citing lack of faith as the reason people do not get the hundred fold return
- lack of integrity when soliciting donations
- the popularity of prosperity preachers within the AOG
- constant criticism from the pulpit
- failure of those being prayed for to be healed
- using the gift of discernment to accuse others of ill-intent
- hearing comments like:
"When I see rich people I want their tithe"
"when you're anointed, you're invincible"
"all sickness is from the devil"
"if you don't like what's going on in this church, find another one"

and so on. I believe that Lutheranism more accurately reflects Biblical truth, and creates a healthier environment for spiritual edification. I also believe that Pentecostalism creates an unhealthy spiritual atmosphere, and has the potential to be detrimental to a person emotionally, physically, and spiritually. For that reason, I choose not to worship in any Pentecostal church, including the Assemblies of God.

Answer
Gabriel,

Thank you for your honest, forthright, and detailed answer for why you left the AG. I am sorry that you have been hurt and suffered disappointments in your past. Let me be very clear, I am not apart of the AG. I have volunteered to answer questions in this category because of allot of the same concern that you have. I would like to briefly reply to the points that you brought up, and see if I can answer some of the issues you have with the Pentecostal movement. In doing so, I am in no way trying to draw you into some debate, but I would like to  give you some "food for thought". I will answer these issues in the order that you listed them.

1. "...Lutheran theology more accurately interprets the Bible than Pentecostal theology does..."

Though there are various doctrines that we obviously disagree on, both Lutherans and Pentecostals agree on the true, foundational, dogmas of the Faith.
A. the nature of God
B. the deity of Christ
C. the infallibility of Scriptures (though not all Lutheran denominations believe this)
However, Lutherans deny one of the most important, essential dogmas in the Scriptures. That is salvation by faith through grace alone. Instead, Lutherans teach that the means of grace include the Word of God , baptism (including the un-Biblical practice of infant baptism), and the Lord's Supper. Some Lutherans would even include confession and absolution as means of grace, although they are not counted as such by others because no physical element is attached to absolution, as is the case in both baptism and the Lord's Supper. Of these, infant baptism and absolution are the most un-Biblical. These "extra" non-Biblical requirement for someone to be saved cause Lutheranism to to faulty at it's foundation.

2. "...the Lutheran Liturgy and the emphasis on following biblically prescribed guidelines, which I feel keeps us safe from extreme practices, and keeps our denomination doctrinally unified..."
&
"...Pentecostalism is the most splintered of all Christian groups..."

Lutherans unified? Gabriel, either you are ignorant of the facts, or you are not being honest with yourself. The Lutheran church has a myriad of groups, sect's, and denominations within it's own ranks. Kind of like the pot calling the kettle black don't you think?

3. "...the practice of issuing death threats..."
&
"...threatening disaster if they do not tithe..."

Gabriel, I have been apart of Pentecost for twenty three years and I have never heard death threats before. Perhaps it is indicative of the AG, but certainly not most Pentecostal churches.
As to the tithe, I would be amiss in my duty as an Elder in not warning people of the results of disobedience. Though I have never, nor have I ever heard anyone "threaten" the congregation if the people were disobedient to tithe.  

4. "...Pentecostalism is also responsible for a number of fringe groups and extreme practices...over right doctrine..."

This is true sadly Gabriel. The devil will always try to lead Believers into false doctrines. Especially when it concerns those whom he most fears. But you must realize that the Lutheran church is not exempt from these issues either. I have heard of Lutheran pastors and churches teaching many new age doctrines.

5. "...the Assemblies of God is that, although they have a number of position papers that warn against extreme movements and false teachings..."

I agree with you on this point. Though I would also have to point out that many Lutherans did the same thing under Hitler. Truth must never be compromised.

6. "... failed faith healings...false prophecies given..."

The Bible teaches us to prove all things. Whether it be the gift of prophecy in the AG, or false doctrine in the Lutheran church.
As to people claiming to be healed that later go to the doctor, I think you are being too critical. Who are we to say whether someone has received their healing or not? Sure, doctors verification would be a great testimony, but we do not wait for the doctors report to stand on our faith and proclaim what God's Word has declared we can have.

7. This next question is the last points you listed. I will address each briefly.

- the Church Growth Movement
In the 1990's, many Lutheran denominations have been  influenced from the megachurches of American evangelicalism (eg Hybels' "Becoming a Contagious Christian" from Willow Creek and Warren's "Purpose Driven Life" from Saddleback Church) and these have become common.

- the numerous scandals that plague the denomination
This is not just an AG problem.

- the ambition of its leaders
This is not just an AG problem.

- trying to recreate the book of Acts
Not quite sure what you meant here. Though I would say that the in the sight of God, the Book of Acts never ended. It is one of the few books in the New Testament that does not end with a benediction.

- magic formulas
?

- copying other revivals
I don't know if there would be a problem with that. I would love to see another first and second great awakening! I pray for another Azusa Street revival! Copy? Yes Lord!

- citing lack of faith as the reason people do not get healed
This would be a lack of wisdom on anyones part. AG or not.

- citing lack of faith as the reason people do not get the hundred fold return
Your right. God never promised a 100 fold return to all. He said some would receive 30 fold, some would receive 60 fold, and others 100.

- lack of integrity when soliciting donations
This is not just an AG problem.

- the popularity of prosperity preachers within the AOG
Is prosperity a problem?

- constant criticism from the pulpit
I don't no the specific circumstances you are referencing, but I believe we need more preachers standing behind the pulpit proclaiming the need of the church back to holiness! Though I don't think that is what you are talking about, but many would conceder a message of holy living from the preacher a "criticism". When in truth it is Holy Ghost conviction.

- failure of those being prayed for to be healed
I've addressed this earlier.

- using the gift of discernment to accuse others of ill-intent
This is not just an AG problem.

- hearing comments like:
"When I see rich people I want their tithe"
"when you're anointed, you're invincible"
"all sickness is from the devil"
"if you don't like what's going on in this church, find another one"
I cannot address these quotes as I do not know the contexts in which they were given. However, the first and last one sound "mean spirited". But the middle two, if I am understanding them correctly, I would agree with.

Once again Gabriel, I am by no means trying to be critical of you and your decision, or to start some long drawn out debate. I just wanted to address these things you brought up. You don't not have to write back, but please feel free to do so if you would like.

Elder Greg Madden