Painted into a Corner

The Current Plight of Pop Charismatic Culture

It seems the charismatic movement is painting itself into a corner.

Most of the recent exposures are either met by denial, minimizing, or damage control, without the repentance that goes to the root and brings about all necessary changes—even if the cost of those changes is high for the “ministries” involved.

Recently, Bethel leaders apologized for their mishandling of the Shawn Bolz situation. They appeared sincere to me. [Edit: despite my perception of Bethel’s sincerity in that particular apology, I do not believe they see the larger, systemic problems they perpetuate. These include, in my opinion, grossly mishandling CSA; exalting the abuser back to leadership status; promoting their own mishandling of the CSA as an example for others (!) which then furthers the original abuse on victims; and in my view, strange teachings.] My point is: my last paragraph is not a response to their apology. It is rather a response to the otherwise consistent—indeed, predictable—reactions to legitimate accountability by the charismatic elites.

All this has me wondering. Is God dismantling the whole complex of unbiblical leadership? Or is he only exposing it to bring justice to victims and to test his people?

If he is tearing it down, in my opinion, that would be great.

But I don’t really know.

There are still many people who love their heroes and the “Christianity” they embody. There are still those who offer support to the system they love.

So God may very well allow the thing to keep standing. That remains to be seen.

The Cat’s Out of the Bag

But I do know this. The undercurrents of deceit, manipulation, abuse, fake prophecies, celebrity leadership, false apostles, pretend accountability, cover up, hypocrisy, and its entire, gate-keeping fraternity have now become surface currents.

They are no longer dangerous rip tides hidden below water. Now we can see them from the surface.

Or to return to my first metaphor—the paint formerly used to whitewash hidden tombs no longer hides those tombs. Now it has the opposite effect. It is serving to identify those leaders who keep painting the floor—that is, who keep insisting on the legitimacy of their culture of elitism and secrecy—while the Lord is exposing them.

They have covered for one another. Or they have demonized those bringing accountability. Or they have just shut up and maintained the charismatic status quo.

But now we see them.

All of them are painting themselves into that corner where they are huddled together.

And that is where the test lands for the body of Christ. We must take note of these leaders and make some sober choices, while praying for restoration.

These Exposures are Holy Moments—Take them Seriously

God the Father is working all of this after the counsel of his will. Jesus Christ is the sovereign head of the church and standing amid his lamp stands. The Spirit is flowing like a river of fire.

Right now God’s judgments are merciful chastisements. Whatever is next, these chastisements have come to all of us.

God’s providence has brought us to this point for our good and his glory.

(When I say that, I do not imply that God was behind the evil actions of false leaders against innocent people. I am saying that God will accomplish his goals despite those evils, and he will give blessed healing to those who need it. He is fighting for the vulnerable.)

But God will not force his will on us. He’s making our options obvious, but he’s not making the choice for us.

Clear Your Desks and Get Your Pencils Out: This is a Test

Here’s how I see some of the test questions, for whatever it’s worth.

First, will we continue to be duped? Or, will we open our eyes and accept the Lord’s exposure for what it is? The Bible’s warning of false leaders and “leaven” is being played out in front of us. The fact that it may include former heroes, friends, or outwardly respected leaders should not take precedence over Jesus and truth.

This is a test.

If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

Jesus must reign supreme, even when it interrupts our religious worldview. There is a price to pay to follow Jesus.

It is sinful to see these exposures as “accusations” or “outside proper protocol.” It is righteous to welcome them and let the Lord define his own church. There’s still a long, long way to go. But this is a start.

Second, if we are indeed willing to accept these exposures and let them bring clarity to the church, will we also re-commit ourselves to authentic discipleship with Christ-likeness as our goal—both as individuals and churches?

This is another way Jesus reigns supreme. When we treat our personal and corporate growth into Christ-likeness as our main ambition in life and God’s eternal purpose, then Jesus is glorified.

Can These Bones Live?

God’s very nature gives life and raises the dead. Jesus became a curse for us so we would receive Abraham’s blessing. This gospel is still working for the church. We will experience a fresh surge of resurrection life if we will join God in his purpose.

Put another way, good will come out of all of this for the church! We just want to pass the test.

I personally would like to see the parasite of Pharisaical, charismatic leadership culture shrivel to nothing. And I would like to see the simple, Spirit-filled temple built in its place with the wisdom of the Scriptures.

I would love to see the re-prioritization of the gospel, the supremacy of Jesus Christ, discipleship into Christ’s image, healthy local churches, and godly, Christ-like shepherds.

I would really love that.

I would also love to see these “movements” wither like the fig tree in Mark 11 and get replaced by the one Movement—the original Jesus Movement—as it continues into our day.

And I would love to see the white paint stripped off the floor and the hardwood floor beneath it restored.

May God give us grace for his glory.

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