The Way of the Master ministries picked-up Church by the Glades’ “Wii Wish You a Merry Christmas” campaign on their radio show. From my understanding, the ministry was started by ex-Growing Pains star Kirk Cameron. It is a ministry designed to equip people to share their faith. I think that is great!
Unfortunately, one of their radio host, Todd Friel, blasted CBG for what they are trying to do. Although Todd and the TWOTM staff are completely entitled to their opinion, I think that is regrettable. What is interesting to me is that people like Todd (seemingly super-spiritual, know all truth, those who confidently pass-out judgement on God’s behalf on anything that doesn’t look orthodox like they were prophets of God, touting Christian doctrines with really big words in them, etc…) all attack using the same argument. What is it? In short: the church is for Christians. But is it?
When I read the book of Acts, I see a group of people trying to fulfill the Great Commission. I see a group of people taking Jesus’ words in Act 1:8 pretty seriously. This early church went out and shared their faith so that ALL would know who Jesus Christ is and what He had done for them. When issues like discipleship, meeting needs, etc…were brought up, the leaders elected people to take care of those needs. It is almost as if those things were secondary to getting the Gospel out.
I honestly believe that tradition has taught us that Christians are to get inside some building, sing some songs, teach the Bible, encourage one another, eat some food and go home. I don’t think that was Christ’s intend for His Church. Christ wanted His Church to grow! However, in most North American churches, that is simply not happening.
Don’t get me wrong. Should the church equip, train, build-up, mature and meet needs of its believers? OF COURSE! However, is that it’s sole purpose? I don’t think so…
To Todd and TWOTM: Thanks for your ministry and the part you are playing to build God’s Kingdom on earth. You have your methods, strategies and beliefs and are doing what you feel God has lead you to do. I think CBG is simply trying to do the same. Let’s leave the criticism out of it and work together to achieve the same goal–populating Heaven.
NOTE: THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED HERE ARE MINE AND NOT THAT OF CBG.
