“Why can’t chicken just be chicken and stay out of racial and sexual politics – or was that too much to ask?” FORGET THE CHICKEN- BAPTIST HAD HAD THEIR OWN DE&I FIRM FOR YEARS.
Fast on the heels of Disney -Bud Light and Target – Baptist favorite Chicken Sandwhich is proving it is equally as out of touch with its base and more concerned about following the herd of corporate CEOs seekgint to demolish their own houses. BUT it not Beer and chicken or even department stores that should concern Christians. The largest Protestant movement in America is sufferign from the same insanity and has been for years .
Soon Baptist and Christians in general will realize that their churches have been placed on the same trajectory and will likely end up facing more DECLINE.
Rev Thomas Littleton
5/30/2023
CHICK -FIL -A JUST MADE THE NEWS BY ANNOUNCING ITS NEW DIVERSITY EQUITY AND INCLUSION OFFICER – BUT IT IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THE POPULAR “CHRISTIAN” CHICKEN CHAIN HAS FAILED ITS OWN BASE. BUT CHRISTIANS SHOULD BE MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THE LARGEST PROTESTANT MOVEMENT IN AMERICA GOING WOKE.
The question is really not which came first- the chicken or the egg but “which will completly collapse and melt down first – Chick fil A or the Southern Baptist who made them # 1? “.
“Chick-fil-A’s Corporate Purpose is “To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come into contact with Chick-fil-A.”
“Our founder, Truett Cathy, believed that ‘a great company is a caring company,’ and since the beginning, care has been at the center of everything we do. We understand that the path toward Better at Together looks different for every business. At Chick-fil-A, Inc., our commitment is to approach this work with intention and humility, always believing the best in one another and striving for common ground. We’re early on in our journey, but we’re honored by the opportunity to steward our organization’s greatest asset – our people – and are energized by the road ahead.”
“Chick-fil-A restaurants have long been recognized as a place where people know they will be treated well. Modeling care for others starts in the restaurant, and we are committed to ensuring mutual respect, understanding and dignity everywhere we do business. These tenets are good business practice and crucial to fulfilling our Corporate Purpose.Erick McReynolds, VP, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion.”
“One of our core values at Chick-fil-A, Inc. is that we are better together. When we combine our unique backgrounds and experiences with a culture of belonging, we can discover new ways to strengthen the quality of care we deliver: to customers, to the communities we serve and to the world. We understand that getting Better at Together means we learn better, care better, grow better and serve better.”
Chick-fil-A, Inc.’s commitment to being Better at Together means embedding Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in everything we do.
“To achieve this, we focus on:
“Ensuring equal access”
“We intentionally promote equal opportunity through our processes and practices.”
“We strive to provide personalized development and eliminate barriers to opportunities so all can thrive.”
“Valuing differences”
“Our similarities and differences strengthen us as we unite around something bigger than ourselves.”
“We seek to understand and honor our unique experiences and perspectives.”
“Creating a culture of belonging”
“We inspire a community by meeting people where they are.”
“We promote and sustain a culture where all individuals can thrive and contribute their personal best.”
FORGET THE CHICKEN- IT IS GOD’S HOUSE THAT IS THREATENED.
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHARGES OF ABUSE THEIR OWN DE&I COMPLIANCE OFFICERS
Southern Baptist stood accused by their won departing progressive activist “ethicist” – ( using the term loosely ) Russell Moore of years of racism and sex abuse AND coverups. This launched the Sotuhern Baptist movement into the #ChurchToo movement and the desperate feeling of responding appropriately via an “independent investigation” and finding a way out of their troubles via DE&I compliance.
Vision Statement
“A mosaic of diversity and innovation.”
Mission Statement
“Guidepost Solutions fosters an inclusive environment of professionals who share common values of diversity and equality. We treat each other with respect. We listen to and learn from one another with compassion and empathy. We encourage diverse viewpoints as we provide innovative solutions for our clients’ complex challenges.
A dedicated Diversity + Inclusion Committee brings our team together by offering educational presentations, open platforms for listening and discussion, and learning opportunities. We incorporate these activities into our workday and beyond.”
Enter Guidepost Solutiuon and its new brand “Faith Based Solutions”-
The detailed services offered by Guidepost /Faith Based Solutions
NOTE THE CONCEPT OF “CULTURAL ASSESSMENT AND “ONGOING” ANSWERS.
Organizations consistently call upon us in times of crisis as a resource to provide independent and transparent guidance and solutions.
Our substantial institutional integrity practice works with domestic and global religious institutions and parachurch organizations from all faiths and practices on a variety of cultural, compliance and investigative matters. We understand the challenges that faith-based organizations face in identifying, addressing and preventing issues such as sexual harassment and abuse. We are experts in assessing cultural and organizational risks and providing concrete steps to facilitate change.
We apply our unique capabilities, relationships, tools, and programs to unearth and analyze crucial information, allowing you to confidently confront sensitive issues that arise in your church, temple, synagogue, mosque, or other religious or parachurch organization. Our team of skilled trauma informed investigators, intelligence analysts, and forensic professionals have achieved an unparalleled track record of results; helping to identify, address, and correct systemic issues related to sexual, gender-based, and racial misconduct within a faith-based context.
Our process and our efforts are governed by best standards and practices designed to ensure accountability, transparency, and care for the wellbeing of the reporting parties.
Guidepost Best Practices:
Trauma-informed survivor and witness interviews: compassion and care.
Anonymity and confidentiality for survivors and witnesses, where permitted by law.
Independence and transparency.
Practical recommendations that are informed by trauma-informed principles.
Select Experience
Southern Baptist Convention – Conducted a thorough and independent investigation into the response to sexual abuse allegations and an audit of the procedures and actions of the Credentials Committee.
Christianity Today (CT) – Assessed the culture of Christianity Today and its handling of harassment claims, including reviewing its training, policies and procedures, and recommended concrete changes. At the request of CT, we prepared a public report of our findings.
RZIM – Assessed the leadership, organizational structure, culture, policies, processes, finances, and practices of the world’s largest Christian apologetics ministry. At the request of RZIM, we prepared a public report of our findings.
Preemptive Love – Conducted a full organizational cultural review and investigation.
Summit Church – Conducted an investigation of a historic issue and reviewed the hiring of a pastor who was accused of mishandling a past sex crime allegation at a previous church.
Here is an example of what the #churchtoo movement and accusations against the Southern Baptist Convention look like on the street and to the law firms who are lining up to file against them. So is DE&I compliance really going to stop this? Not likely.
Sample ad from law firm seeking to represent victims of Southern Baptist:
“Massive Southern Baptist Church Sexual Abuse Cover-Up and Cases”
” ( Law Firms name )sexual abuse survivor lawyer team is investigating new reports of widespread abuse in Southern Baptist Convention churches, including specific details that many churches worked to protect themselves against the interests of their parishioners, and that victims who did seek justice or even just protection found themselves faced with denials, disregard, and even outright attacks.”
“In May 2022, reports came to light of a decades-long cover-up by the Southern Baptist Convention of the sexual abuse of child and adult congregants by members of its clergy. A new 300-page independent report highlights shocking details about specific abuse cases, the vilification and ignoring of victims, a secret predator database, and reveals how denominational leaders strived for decades to actively resist calls for abuse prevention and reform.”
“The Executive Committee [of the Southern Baptist Convention] betrayed not only survivors who worked hard to try to make something happen, but betrayed the whole Southern Baptist Convention,” noted Christa Brown, a church-member turned activist who is a retired appellate attorney in the Western U.S. “They’ve made their own faith into a complicit partner for their own decision to choose institutional protection over the protection of kids and congregants.”
NOTE- specifically from Faith based Solutiosn the Baptist DE&I compliance partner- this is “culture change ” meaning compliance – even if it goes against biblical truth and Christian conviction.
“Comprehensive review of the institution’s culture and develop plan for transformative change.”
A culture assessment helps determine if there are systemic and underlying issues relating to awareness, prevention, response, and cultural atmosphere within the institution regarding allegations or suspicions of harassment, fraudulent conduct, sexual abuse, and misconduct
Input of key stakeholders critical to success
Develop an implementation plan to make changes, as appropriate.
“We have helped large and small religious, academic, and other types of institutions identify, address, and correct systemic issues related to sexual, gender-based, and racial misconduct within a faith-based context utilizing best standards and practices, consistent with the institutions’ beliefs and framework, and trauma-informed principles.”
CONCLUSION
It is becoming more obvious by the day that the public is weary of the constant activist hot house culture corporations and governement angencies, employers , academic entities and even public utilites are forcing in their faces. Worst of all sports and entertainment and even children’s education and entertainment are being overwhelmd with the same compliance and social change efforts. NOW your chicken sandwich is stuffed with DE&I and so are your church pulpits and missions organizations and childrens discipleship curriculum.
If we are going to BOYCOTT beer and chicken sandwiches – we should alos boycott the churches giving in to the false DE&I “JUSTICE” METRICS.
A BRIEF LOOK AT TIM KELLER’S METEORIC RISE IN GLOBAL CHRISTIANITY. WHERE HE CAME FROM- WHO MADE HIS CAREER- AND WHERE HIS LEGACY WILL CONTINUE TO TAKE MANY IN THE CHURCH.
By Rev Thomas Littleton
5/19/2023
Photo from TGC memorial to Tim Keller
(This author confirming that we join the saints in praying for Kellers family and his very sad illness and death.)
KELLER’S MINISTRY ORIGINS AND SAD LEGACY
Christians seldom know where their Christian celebrity preachers come from.
In Kellers case- his meteoric rise from obscurity in 2008 came from the powers behind the Christianity Today machine and Lausanne operatives promoting his book The Prodigal God.
KELLER WAS EMERGENT -TGC WAS HIS VEHICLE OF INFLUENCE ON YOUNG PASTORS.
Keller was actually part of the Emergent Movement in a series of events and curriculum called “Mission Shift” with Brian Mclaren, Doug Hirsh, J D Greear, Ed Stetzer and other progressives.
By 2010 He was a keynote at Lausanne South Africa and soon dubbed “the new John Stott”- even speaking at Stott’s North American memorial. The Gospel Coalition (TGC) was he and D.A. Carson’s outlet for progressive Christianity straight into the heart of the reformed camp via TEDS CAMPUS / TGC offices and the “Center for Transformational Churches”. TGC hosted huge conferences for pastors and church staff since its 2006 founding and maintained a massive media footprint via its website- blogs and book promotions.
TGC was admitted to be a progressive political organization founded to influence how Christians vote by Colin Hansen its main editor in an ABC interview in 2017. However the deceptive mask for TGC has remained it’s espousal of orthodox “Calvinist/Westminister Confessional Reformed Theology”. TGC/Keller / John Piper / D A Carson etc. used the momentum of Hansen’s writings and labeling of a “Young Restless and Reformed” generation to launch TGC. This generation of young progressive -post modern minded Christians were wanting to escape the ” Moral Majority” ” identites of their parents and grandparents.TGC took advantage of the youthful agnst behind this social/ faith/ political identity crisis to promote a Kuypersim based a “Neo Calvinist” emergent social and political movement. Most who follow it to this day believe it to be an historic, biblical theological movement. TGC marketing has been very successful in achieving its progressive and political goals.
THE TGC CONTAMINATION OF SEMINARIES
The TGC team also helped Oikonomia Network and Greg Forster (out of offices at TEDS) -invade our seminaries and churches with the false “Faith and Work” socialist economics “for the common good”. Keller launched his own Center for Faith and Works at Redeemer Church pushing the social justice/socialst economics. Keller and others in the Faith and Work circles espouse made up ideologies like “Theology of Vocation ” and “Theology of Cities”. Kern Family Foundation has funded much of the invasion of this error and likely funds TGC – but this has never been confirmed nor has the other funding been revealed behind TGC.
KELLER’S SOCIAL GOSPEL AND DIVISIVE FALSE TEACHINGS ON LGBTQ
Keller worked through RTS Orlando in 2009 helping lauch “Seeking the Welfare of the City ” social justice community development “driven model which is also the basis for his “City to City ” planting organization. This city focus is part of the Lausanne /Mission American Coalition’s “City Reaching” strategy which is custom made to fit the United Nations and globalist vision now called Agenda 2030. POLIS INSTITUTE was born out of this RTS Orlando effort which also included CRU-formerly Campus Crusade. POLIS was later to reveal that it is a project of the Institutes for Advanced Studies in Culture ( more on that in a moment ) and funded by Kern Family Foundation. The Seeking the Welfare/ City Reaching/ POLIS INSTITUTE masterplan also included the pro gay ideology of Richard Florida and the assertion of a “gay creative class” needed to do successful urban planning , renewal and community redeveopment.
LEADERSHIP NETWORK, PETER DRUCKER AND TIM KELLER
Before his death -Leadership Network founder Bob Buford- who flooded the church with socialist /Frankfurt /Vienna Circle ideology of Peter Drucker -stopped to check in on Keller’s NYC church. Buford boastfully wrote about Keller’s church which Buford and a billionaire friend Phil Anschutz had heavily invested in. .. helping plant over 300 churches with Keller’s organizations. In the Buford blog he reported and celebrated that a full 40 % of Kellers church members did not profess Christian conversion. But that they were fully committed to Bufords “Half Time ” socialist “common good-give back ” scheme at younger and younger ages. . Amazing ..think about that. Unsaved but dedicted to serve the machine.
KELLER , BUFORD -GLOBALIST VISION AND YOUR MONEY -FOR”THE WORLD WE WANT”.
Keller joined in as a major player in the Lausanne driven “Generosity Movement ” and with high level hedge fund managers from groups like Black Rock to focusing on Christian giving and philanthropy. Buford had boasted to globalist leaders working with the United Nations in “The World We Want ” power grab for control of global philathropy that he had “primed legions of wealthy Christians to become big time philatropist “. These Christians were literally corraled to be harness for their vision. Bufords Halftime brand which is dubbed in its foreword as “picking up where LGBJ’s Great Society (by architect John Gardener) leaves off ” became a well placed tool to prime giving for justice driven domestic and global ” faith based partnerships” (FBP). Keller was a significant part of the “priming ” through his “Theology of Generosity” and role with Lausanne and Buford’s media machine.
Another player -now under the new management of Buford attorney Jay Bennett was the National Christian Foundation which previously took over 24 years to give away $1 billion to Christian ministries but by 2009/2010 was and is giving away well over a $1 billion plus per year with its “donor advised funds”. These efforts have many probelms in part because Christians and ministries to not know where these massive additional infusions of funding have come from and no list of donors or specific exhaustive list of ministries supported is provided. The funds are “donor advised” but not earmarked or committed only to those ministries the donor selects from a pre approved list( not available to the public) by NCF. When contacted for a list of donors -especially of large or foundation donors to NCF and for a FULL list of ministries supported -NCF refused to provide any such list. NCF also does produce income from and looks to be retaining part ofthe funding into its own capitol invetment portfolio. A key figure formerly at Black Rock is also on the board of Lausanne’s Generosity Movement and multiple Keller Boards in NYC.
“CHRISTIAN ECONOMIC FORUM ” AND THE “OTHER 90% OF CHRISTIAN WEALTH”
Not satisfied with the billions in Christian giving , the founder of Crown Financial invisioned a “Davos For Christian Leaders” when launching the “Christian Economic Forum”.It is openly based on the principles and social justice /equity economics of the globalist organization World Economic Forum. This effort targets the TRILLIONS in wealth held by Christians. Aided by “Faith Drivne Investors” (FDI) wealth adivisors – this Davos for Christian Leaders soon recruited Lausanne figures like Tim Keller and David Platt and (then) Southern Baptist Convention President JD Greear as spokespersons along side Black Rock and other leaders in the industry. The effort has been boldly following WEF to lure Christian investing (openly referred to as the other 90% by FDI website pitch ) and justice driven – global vision based investing. It appears that believers having long been primed to merge globalist visions into their giving would hopefully do the same with their investments with trusted pitch men like Keller and Platt providing the theological case for it.
MORE SPECIFICS ON KELLER’S INABILITY TO CONDEMN HOMOSEXUALITY
By 2011 in a Columbia Univesity Veritas Forum event Keller would no longer plainly say that homosexuality was a sin.TGC published all the SSA /Sexual minority activist and hired one of them, Sam Allberry , as editor for TGC on the LGBTQ issue. By 2018 The Keller’s spoke at Allberry/Living Out’s London Conference promoting the Side B narratives and introducing an “Audit ” questionaire for churches on “LGBTQ Inclusion”. Kathy Keller called it “brilliant “and boasted “we are taking it back to our church”. Revoice LGBTQ Thriving in conservative Churches movement was also promoted by this Living Out event and Allberry. Keller continued to promote the Social Justice, Racial , and LGBTQ shift inside Christianity outlined by Lausanne in the 2010 meeting through his considerable-global influence.
KELLER’S POLITICS AND GLOBALISM
Keller was a dominionist theologically who teaches “Christians must redeem culture”. His politics were left. He visited Obama in the Whitehouse on multiple occasions including his efforts to promote “Good Faith “- third way compromise in the church for the Obama administration horrific second term. Keller admitted to being a registered Democrat and his narratives about “Human Flourishing/Thriving Cities” etc all came from his close association with admitted Frankfurt School inspired Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture at UVA.
KELLER’S WORK WITH FRANCIS COLLINS AND BIOLOGOS
Keller has long and often be criticised for his warped views on Genesis 1-11 and creation. The source of his position is better understood in light of his role launching BioLogos first ever event in his Redeemer church and being one of Francis Collins thought leaders in BioLogos. Theistic Evolution is the term used to describe the efforts to merge Faith and Science- specifically false evolution “science”. THIS effort is funded by The Templeton Foundation which is putting over $150 million dollars annaully into promoting this merger among all faiths. Again this means it is an interfaith or multi faith effort by Templeton to force all faiths to abandon full reliance on their sacred text to embrace the modern whims and trends of science . This deception has been “flourishing” ,to use Kellers favorite virtue term, inside the church while organizations like UNESCO have long sought to drive a wedge between faith and science. Darwinian evolution and the origin of the species were promoted by UNESCO founder Julian Huxleys grandfather into the mainstream of science in order to counter the influence of Christianity in education . UNESCO also committed in 1946 to “merge Christianity and Communism” using the dialectic tools in education. Most of TGC and Kellers writings are a form of formating information to complexify issues and walk the reader through a dialectical process appealing to both sides while seeking to move the right toward the middle ground and “consensus”.
Keller is in disturbing company with Francis Collins who was a key player in putting forth false information about his agency NIH funding of “Gain of Function research” at the Wuhan lab leading to the Covid 19 pandemic . Collins was also part of the harmful roll out of and mandating of problematic and politicized vaccines which are now part of the ever growing revelations and controversy surrounding the 2020 Pandemic. Keller participated with Collins and Ed Stetzer is spreading propaganda during the crisis.
KELLER AND THE PCA
Keller was ordained a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America ( PCA) .This is the conservative movement born out of the exodus of Presbyterians from the PCUSA and other groups a generation ago. This exodus took place because of PCUSA compromise over homosexuality and THE VERY SAME “social gospel ” Keller has helped flood into the PCA moving it toward the same failed fate today.
In the last two weeks a long time Keller protege’ Scott Sauls was removed from his church pulpit in Nashville for a creating a “culture of abuse ” among his staff and church members. Sauls had helped plan and endorse Revoice from Fall of 2017 and openly endorsed it and stood with gay activist PCA pastor Greg Johnson who hosted Revoice at his Memorial PCA church. This controversy and Saul’s support of it have continued to divide and conquer and split the PCA. TGC favorite emergent Mark Driscoll had been removed years ago after being exposed for a culture of abuse at his church.
THERE IS A PATTERN HERE WITH THE TGC/KELLER INFLUENCE AND THE PENDING COLLAPSE OF HIS OWN MOVEMENT.
Long time TGC Council member and Keller supporter Harry Reeder of Briarwood PCA was killed in an automobile crash the day before Keller passed away from cancer after a multi year battle.
Reeder pastored Briarwood Presbyterian Church follwing founding pastor Frank Barker. Briarwood is one of the two flagship churches which founded the PCA. The other was D. James Kennedy’s Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A major TGC influencer Tullian Tchividjian and favorite emergent spokesman followed Kennedy as pastor and split Coral Ridge Church even excommunicating Kennedy’s family members and daughter for resisting his emergent, antinominan ,cheap grace gospel. Soon afterwards Tchividjian was exposed for deeply troubling immorality himself.
Briarwood Church was suffering from the WOKE invasion of the false justice teachings in its school and ministries under long time TGC leadership Council member Pastor Harry Reeder. Reeder was also under investigation by the Evangel Presbytery in Birmingham Al. for similar issues as Keller protege’ Scott Sauls.
Because of TGC influence and an unbridled ,unaccountable growth of the Keller legacy among young pastors in the PCA- the movement and its churches are seeing splits and massive repartures of long time members. The negative impact on his own movement by Keller and his TGC are measured in both lost members and fading influence in and of the church.
MORE ON IASC AND CONCLUSION
IASC drafted the Lausanne “Civilitas” documents -a movement to push Third Way Fabian Socialism in the churches globally. Keller was a committed globalist and worked within the Big Eva machine he was a product of in order to move the church toward alignment with “Global Goals” deceptions. … BUT because he could appear thoughtful and contemplative as he polished THEIR talking points- he will forever be remebered by many as one of the “most influential Christians of modern times”. At this stage only a powerful move of the Holy Spirit can bring about a turn around from the damaging harvest the church is now reaping from the seeds sown by Keller , TGC and similar groups and ministers.
AWANA LAUNCHED CHILD DISCIPLESHIP FORUM WITH CONFERENCES TO PROVIDE A “NEW MAP” OF RESOURCES FOR CHILD DISCIPLESHIP BY CONNECTING THE HISTORIC BIBLE MEMORY VERSE MINISTRY WITH THE VOICES OF MODERN PROGRESSIVE CHRISTIANITY FROM THE GOSPEL COALITION’S STABLE OF RACIAL , SEXUAL AND WOKE -JUSTICE ACTIVIST.. BEYOND “BARNA DRIVEN” PARTNERSHIP AND THE DENIALS- NOW COMES THE ALIGNMENT OF CDF /AWANA WITH AXIS RESOURCES/JUDE 3 PROJECT/ & CAMPAIGN/ REVOICE LEADERS FOCUSED ON CULTURE DRIVEN CONVERSATION GUIDES ON TRANSGENDERISM FOR PARENTS AND CHURCHES..
Rev Thomas Littleton
5/13/2023
AWANA IS CHANGING THOUGH NEW CEO ATTEMPTED TO DENY CONCERNS
Pastors and Children’s ministry leaders began expressing concerns some time after numerous publications revealed the WOKE trending of AWANA and its Child Discipleship Forum (CDF) events and resources began showing a steady presence of TGC thought leaders into the AWANA ministry.
For several years now, under the leadership of new CEO Matt Markins, AWANAs new CDF has been using voices like Sam Allberry ( Same sex attracted priest/inclusion activist) who endorsed REvoice LGBTQ Thriving in conservativev churches and whose ministry Living Out put forth a 2018 “LGBTQ Inclusion Church Audit”) , Jared Kennedy ( author the ERLC “Parents Guide to Teaching Your Children about Gender” – endorsing and resourced by Revoice founder Nate Collins) , Andy Crouch ( progressive think tank leader /Revoice leader /former CT editor), Christopher Yuan (SSA/ AIDS victim/ and LGBTQ inclusion advocate) and Rebecca McLaughlin ( TGC WOKE /SSA /Justice/feminist advocate) and many others to message a new culturally relevant and conversation based approach to children’s discipleship. These “conversations focus HEAVILY on issues of sexuality and gender and are geared to dialectical internal social change
Also racial activists who advocated for BLM and who operate among groups who are trending toward wealth redistribution /DE&I / Social and Economic Justice have been included in the CDF events. The inclusion of such voices in the historically solid “Biblical Memory” verse ministry is understandably troubling. Now the “Resources” are being rolled out for parents and churches with similar troubling sources and partnerships.
This factual overview of ongoing changes in AWANA and its new CDF are provided so that parents, pastors, and children’s ministry leaders can make their own informed decisions about these concerns and the future of their child discipleship.
“Are we using the old map of child discipleship in our churches – the one that focuses on entertainment – or are we using the new map, which makes community, engagement and long-lasting faith the goals? Comparing an old mariner’s map to our current church culture, Awana President and CEO Matt Markins gives a compelling reason why it’s time to take a different route to child discipleship.”
NOTE- AWANA SUCCESS WAS NOT BUILT ON THE “ENTERTAINMENT DRIVEN -CHURCH GROWTH MOVEMENT AS SEEMS TO BE IMPLIED BUT ON CHILDREN LEARNING /MEMORIZING THE BIBLE.
The new conversation driven approach with many of the same voices from The Gospel Coalition who have been under intense scrutiny and exposed since the MLK/50 and Revoice events of 2018 is an odd judgement call and inviting controversy. These false ideologies have been significantly challenged and publically discredited for more than five years for promoting a false “Social Justice” gospel by the Dallas Statement and many others WHY now-WHY AWANA/CDF?
HOW DOES A BIBLE MEMORY APPROACH BENEFIT FROM ADDING IN PROGRESSIVE CHRISTIAN PARTNERS LIKE BARNA /AXIS AND OTHERS EXAMINED IN THIS HARD LOOK INTO THEIR CURRENT DIRECTION AND NEW TRANSGENDER RESOURCES?
MATT MARKINS ARTICLE ON TRANSGENDERISM-POINTING TO CARL TRUEMAN AND AXIS.ORG.
After concerns over AWANA /CDF trending WOKE first surfaced IN 2021 and were discussed in detail by this and other publications, AWANA put forth a 5 page denial of any compromise or direct influence into or changes to the AWANA resources for children’s ministry. The central theme of denials over concerns that CDF hosted WOKE and justice activist/ SSA LGBTQ inclusion speakers was that featuring and platforming the speakers “is not an endorsement of everything they say”. Though this is a weak and problematic position -now that further direct AWANA/CDF “RESOURCES FOR PARENTS AND CHURCHES are made available -it is easy to assess which parts of the new rhetoric IS endorsed by AWANA .
WHAT IS MATT SAYING ABOUT OLD MAPS AND THE NEW MAP?
THE AWANA /CDF ARTICLE ON TRANSGENDER.
Among new AWANA/CDF resources is “sample article” under the heading of:
Child Discipleship Resources for Churches and Parents
Transgenderism, Children and the Gospel
ArticleFebruary 28, 2023
Following along with CEO Matt Markins thinking here – it is absolutely imperative to follow the cultural conversations to help disciple children today .Though true on some level Markins appears to be saying that the “New Map ” he is advocating for comes from the culture. This assertion is made after admitting that children and youth are being bombarded with the transgender issue everywhere else so that “proves” we should follow the conversation – and do so from the resources like Carl Trueman , Jared Kennedy, Axis.org /ERLC / Nate Collin Sam Allberry,others which CDF/AWANA are providing. Followers are left to wonder why the Bible Memory Verse ministry needs a “New Map” based culture.
Excerpts Below – (NOTE It is recommended to read the full article but also READ carefully ABOUT THE PROBLEMS with the specific partners and voices featured in it.)
AWANA CEO Markins used the 2022 CDF to FEATURE a discussion of the “need” for doing away with the ” Old Maps” which well meaning but perhaps poorly informed children’s ministry leaders have been using and for the adoption of “a NEW MAP” for discipling children for the modern era.
Here THIS AWANA/CDF article is admitting that the “New Map” is a “Blueprint” being written by the culture via “Cultural Formation”.- at the same time Markins is promoting the “New Maps” needed to reach youth and make “resilient disciples”.
Why must AWANA /CDF leave the simple approach of the “Old Map” of memorizing Bible verses?
Also why must the “New Map” be driven by the culture and involve progressive activist voices?
Matt Markins CEO of AWANA- “While we are having the same sorts of conversations about an old map, however, the world is blueprinting a brand-new map. This new map is unlike anything the world has ever seen — a world where a child can choose their own gender while not even consulting a parent”
“.So how did we arrive at this new map? And are we prepared? The world’s new map is the culture in which today’s child now lives, and this culture is designed to form expressive individualists. With elements on the map such as mobile screens, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit and an under-prepared (or even disengaged) parent — a whole new terrain has been forged. And it’s not only producing childhood confusion, but also emotional isolation, persistent anxiety and a variety of mental-health conditions. It’s in this uncharted portion of the world’s new map that the transgender revolution has sprung up seemingly like a new city overnight. This new city that has come to life so rapidly is going to require dialogue, prayer, wisdom and collaboration. So how do we go from where we are today to where we need to be for the sake of forming child disciples of Jesus Christ in today’s world?”
PUSHING CONVERSATIONS AND PROMOTING CONVERSATION GUIDES.
Markins co-founder with CDF is also focused on “CULTURE” and “storytelling and collaboration”.
“Michael Handler is the Chief Communications Officer at Awana. He has 18 years of experience in business and ministry. Through engaging storytelling and collaboration, he helps leaders understand the culture and creatively solve problems. “
So who is writing the “New Map” ? According to the CDF article -it is the culture -and we need to leave behind the “Old Maps” like explorers who believed the earth was flat and “arrive at the New Map” which is being blueprinted by culture , cultural formation and awareness.
Begs the question- what Bible Memory Verse would NOT AGREE with these assertions?
Jeremiah 6: 16 “Thus says the Lord:”
“Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’
CAN WE – MUST WE – SEEK THE ANCIENT PATH BY A “NEW MAP”
Markins continues – “So how did we arrive at this new map? And are we prepared? The world’s new map is the culture in which today’s child now lives, and this culture is designed to form expressive individualists. With elements on the map such as mobile screens, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit and an under-prepared (or even disengaged) parent — a whole new terrain has been forged.”
QUESTIONS – For the Biblically literate parents, pastors and children’s ministers “Is there anything new under the sun ” as Solomon refuted? Has not EVERY CULTURE and every parent in every generation faced the same timeless challenges to engage their families while living in totally pagan and idolatrous cultures? And in every supernatural and practical way has not the GOSPEL ALWAYS WORKED found a way to reach every generation without altering its simple Biblical approach to letting the WORD of GOD SPEAK FOR ITSELF?
AWANA CDF 2023 ads seem to affirm this truth while their “Old Maps” vs “New Maps” rhetoric seems to deny it and “COMPLEXIFY” the “need”.
“This is not the first generation to be challenged in their faith; throughout the Bible and Church history men and women have courageously followed God even amid persecution. What was different about them? And more pressing, How can we raise children with a spirit like that?”
While AWANA CDF is offering an assertion of remaining biblically based- why is it promoting activist voices who complexify how biblical child discipleship must be re-envisioned and REVOICED with “New Maps” ?
“COMPLEXIFICATION :The act or process of making something more complex.”
The Bible was not written by simpletons but its truths are timeless and its applications so pure and non complex that a child can own them as theirs. Jesus commended and commanded “Child Like Faith” from all of us.
Matthew 18:
3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 19:
14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
WHERE DOES JESUS ENGAGE COMPLEXIFICATION IN HIS APPROACH TO THE GOSPEL FOR ANYONE-INCLUDING CHILDREN?
ANSWER- NOWHERE. Though the Word of God contains the most in depth insights into human nature and to God Himself and the mysteries of Redemption and the world to come. So why does Children’s discipleship suddenly need it?
Markins concludes with the word and concept of being “winsome” which is a favorite of the current editor of CT Russell Moore, the former head of the ERLC who first introduced MOST of these SSA/SOGI/ LGBTQ actiivst voices we now find at AWANA/CDF. Moore was also called “The Man From Issachar” by his mentor Albert Mohler who educated and employed Revoice LGBTQ Thriving founder Collins at SBTS. Words like Winsome have become virtue signalling terms and dog whistles for those who adhere to Moore’s progressive- divisive- and accusatory rhetoric against the household of faith. It was Russell Moore who, after being forced out of his role at the SBCs ERLC accused the Southern Baptist Conventionof being “filled with sex abuse ,cover ups and racism” helping launch the #churchtoo movement and an outside investigation by secular forces bent on forcing the Baptist into mandated “Diversity Equity and Inclusion Compliance”.
Markins -“As a member of the children’s ministry community for over 20 years, if there is one thing I’ve learned about leaders like you, it’s that your creativity, grit and faithfulness is winsome. You just seem to find ways to “get stuff done!” and for that you are admired. Along the way, however, we must also carve out time and space for dialogue, collaboration and prayer about making child disciples in the new world. We must pray and learn more about how to form resilient disciples in our secular age. We have a saying at Awana that goes like this: “We are centered on the Gospel and rooted in the Scriptures, and we will never move one inch off of the Bible.” I pray that as you navigate the new world you will stay rooted in biblical faithfulness and are as wise as the Men of Issachar; may you be men and women who understand the times and know just what to do.”
TROUBLES WITH TRUEMANS RESOURCES AND AXIS PARTNERSHIP.
Markins-“We partnered with Dr. Trueman to produce this three-part mini-documentary-style video for leaders like you. In this beautiful and compelling 38-minute video, Dr. Trueman not only boils down his 500-page book into bite-sized thoughts; he also moves into practical application for children’s ministry leaders, pastors and parents…. To begin having discipleship conversations with the kids in your life around Gender Identity, check out our Gender Identity Parent Guide written in partnership with Axis.”
NOTE : THE PRIMARY APPROACH APPEARS TO ALWAYS BE PROVIDING THE PRESUMABLY INEPT PARENTS WITH CONVERSATION GUIDES!
Some IMMEDIATE PROBLEMS WITH THIS “GENDER IDENTITY PARENT GUIDE “
First -Carl Trueman- though broadly respected as a reliable voice in Apologetics is pointing to and also using Axis.org as a resource. Trueman has had his own questionable associations in recent years.
Secondly -Axis.org does not provide ANY VISIBLE link on its website for parents or church Pastors or Children’s ministry leaders to discover or uncover who they are or what are their influences to determine for themselves if these partners are BIBLICALLY SOUND.
Read on for THAT “omitted information” to make the determination for yourself.
Thirdly- EVERY LINK to Axis.org Resources in the Trueman Parents Guide promoted by AWANA /CDF/Markins is currently A DEAD LINK. None of them WORK.
Of the four links provided in the Trueman article to Axis ALL READ
404 Error
Page not found
Axis older Parents Guides have relied on terminology, emotional appeals and propaganda from pro LGBTQ sources like -The Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network, The Human Rights Campaign, GLADD and the Trevor Project to inform the Christian audience of Axis and its partners. Dead links ususally indicate that a group is shifting as thye make efforts to address criticism or are hiding some of their past compromise with questionable or problematic sources and influences. The other Axis Parentss Guide referring to these actiivst groups as relaiable sources for Christians is caled -“LGBTQ and Your Teen ” ACTUALLY refers Believers to the core of these activist “social change” movements and massively funded organizations who have made outlandish attacks on Christian Faith like HRC’s 2007 hatefilled “For the Bible Tells Me So” film and curriculum. The reasoning for Axis appears to be to help Christians better understadn the LGBTQ Community – to be more loving and welcoming and relational while NEVER informing them of the roots ofand funding for and sexual liberation end game of these organizations. Such reckless ignorance on the part of Axis and of AWANA to now be partnering with these voices in Parents and Childrens ministry for discipling children isblindness on an insane level or stupidity beyond compare.
GLESN QUOTED BY AXIS TEEN LGBTQGUIDE
People They Know and Love
“It’s one thing to talk about LGBTQ+ concerns as an abstract concept, it’s another altogether if your best friend or one of your family members is wrestling with gender confusion and/or sexual preference. This study from GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network) found that “students who knew someone who was LGBTQ+ held less negative attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people than students who did not know any LGBTQ+ people.”
AXIS HRC QUOTES WARN CHRISTIANS DO GREAT DAMAGE AND NEED HRC TO HELP PREVENT THEIR IGNORANCE.
“GET EDUCATED ON LGBTQ+ ISSUES”
“We do great damage through our ignorance. If we’re willing to educate ourselves on these topics, we will speak with greater accuracy, credibility, and compassion. When you meet people who identify as LGBTQ+, expressing curiosity and interest in their lives shows that you care about them. Learn the terminology we mentioned earlier because it’s the language your kids are using. Become familiar with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the largest LGBTQ+ community in the country. If you want to know what the LGBTQ+ community values, you need to follow the HRC—especially if your kids identify as LGBTQ+. See also the other resources throughout this guide, as well as the Additional Resources section at the end.”
The same Parents Guide also uses LGBTQ Inclusion advocate and Revoice leader Preston Sprinkle as a reliable Christian source.
“How to Communicate Those Truth”
Jesus was aggressive with the hypocritical religious leaders of His day, but He was gentle with the sinners and outcasts—those whom society viewed as repulsive. He spent time with them. He ate food with them. He is the model we should look to when determining how to interact with those with whom we disagree. We should not worry that spending time with such people will “tarnish our witness.” Dr. Sprinkle notes that Jesus didn’t stop loving people simply because spending time with them gave Him a bad reputation.”
AXIS RESOURCES PROGRESSIVE “Q IDEAS” FORUM AND RUSSELL MOORE WHOSE ELRC ENDORSED REVOICE AND ITS FOUNDERS BOOK.
Don’t panic—play the long game.
“We’ve already mentioned the Q Podcast, and we specifically recommend Episodes 1 to 6 as a resource on LGBTQ+ issues. In episode 3, Dr. Russell Moore notes that when children fail in some way, there is a tendency for parents to feel that their kids’ behavior is a judgment on their parenting. It’s important that if you have a child who struggles with his or her gender identity or sexual orientation that you don’t see that struggle as a judgment on how you’ve done as a parent. If you do, you will likely be tempted to “fix” your child as a way of validating yourself. And if your main goal is to fix them, they will become a project to master, not a child to love.”
WHO THEN IS AXIS.ORG AND WHO ELSE ARE AMONG THEIR INFLUENCES AND VISION.
“Equipping You for Conversations that Last a Lifetime”
“Axis builds lifelong faith by helping parents and caring adults talk with their kids about what they otherwise wouldn’t (social media, cultural trends, screentime, mental health, and sexuality) one conversation at a time.”
“Our vision is to see all caring adults equipped with the conversation, discipleship, and culture translation skills needed to reach the next generation for Christ. We invite you to learn more about the resources Axis offers to equip you for conversations with your teens. Build your teen’s lifelong faith in Jesus by tackling tough topics together, one conversation at a time.”
Axis is located in Colorado Springs near many evangelical mainstream ministry offices like the now problematic Focus on the Family whose new head Jim Daly endorses Axis.
Axis was started in 2007 by David Eaton and Jeremiah Callihan.
For Children’s ministers, Pastors and parents here are their bios and further information on Axis since finding it on Axis.org website or in the AWANA/CDF /Carl Trueman links is NOT POSSIBLE .
“David Eaton (www.axis.org)co founded Axis because of his passion to see the good news about Jesus transform students, families, culture, and the world. As President, David collaborates with the Axis team, sharing the vision with friends of Axis and creating content. David has led partnerships between Axis and FamilyLife, MOPS, Young Life, Youth for Christ, Focus on the Family, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, the Association of Christian Schools International, Compassion International, Moody Radio, and others. He has been featured on FamilyLife Today and contributed to Dennis and Barbara Rainey’s book The Art of Parenting. David and his family live in Colorado Springs.”
“Jeremiah Callihan is the CEO and cofounder of Axis, leading the vision, strategy, product development, and execution of the plan to reach as many families as possible with the Gospel. It’s Jeremiah’s passion to equip caring adults to be the best possible missionaries and spiritual guides to the next generation. Seeing lifetime conversations between parents and their kids that lead to lifelong faith in Jesus is what motivates Jeremiah every day. Jeremiah lives in Colorado and has been married for fifteen years to his best friend, Kim. They’re in the midst of one conversation with each of their four amazing kids. When he isn’t playing catch or board games or on the trampoline with his kids, Jeremiah might be eating French toast, playing basketball, watching football, or reading a great book somewhere outside, with inspirational music in the background.”
NOTE- Callihan has now left Axis and is presently working with progressive former Christianity Today editor, Revoice LGBTQ Thriving council leader, and AWANA speaker Andy Crouch at Praxis Labs.
Axis founders have co-written several books including :
“Engaging Your Teen’s World: Understanding What Today’s Youth Are Thinking, Doing, and Watching”
NOTE : AGAIN -THE PRIMARY APPROACH IS ALWAYS PROVIDING THE PRESUMABLY INEPT PARENTS WITH CONVERSATION GUIDES.
“Netflix and chill,” “broccoli,” and LGBTTQQIAAP+. If you don’t know what these words and phrases really mean to your teen, you are not alone. The verbal terrain of today’s youth can be difficult to navigate, and sometimes requires a guide–a culture translator to help parents of teens decipher the codes and unlock the doors to an ongoing conversation about faith and life.”
WHO IS JUDE 3 PROJECT /LISA FIELDS AND THE & CAMPAIGN?
Axis Resources for Parents and Churches linked to by AWANA/CDF take users to Axis videos and articles which include Axis new partner called the “JUDE 3 PROJECT” headed by activist Lisa Fields.
This partnership is confirmed by the JUDE 3 PROJECT resources in the Axis links and by the founder Lisa Fields posts on the web.
Lisa (Victoria) Fields-
“I had an awesome convo with some parents in Detroit on how they talk to their kids about sexuality and gender. I look forward to filming with some more parents and teens in Chicago at the end of the month on the same topic. This project between @jude3project and Axis is red hot .”
Lisa Fields of JUDE 3 PROJECT is confirmed to be a leader of the Obama Foundation and Democratic Party delegate lead organization “The & Campaign ” in which the & stands for the merging of polar opposites “Biblical Values & Social Justice “.
(Lisa Fields and Axis partnership based conversations with parents)
On the issue of LGBT and Gender The & Campaign promotes the LGBTQ “Fairness for All ” compromise similar to the Human Rights Campaign’s’Equality Act ” promoting LGBTQ/SOGI into full “Civil Rights Equality ” status. This would criminalize at the federal level any and all opposition to the LGBTQ rights movement. Activist Billionaire Paul Singer funds both the Fairness for All and the Equality Act as both advance the LGBTQ agenda but the former with token protections for religious liberty and so called “exemptions” which are temporary in order to push the main body of the legislation through Congress.
More on Fields /JUDE3 PROJECT/The & Campaign and how this impacts the Axis /AWANA/CDF “Resources” with activism which seeks to merge “Biblical Values & Social Justice”. .
Dr.William Skinner of The & Campaign confirms the activist work of Lisa Fields of JUDE # PROJECT and Justin Giboney co founder of The & Campaign in an upcoming event ,
“Join me & other Christian activists who believe in the authority of Scripture and social justice in the public square on Thursday, April 13th for Heirs of Action with”
“The primary mission of J3P is to help the Black Christian community know what they believe and why they believe it.”… “The Jude 3 Project was designed to equip the African American community in the area of apologetics. The word “apologetics” is derived from the Greek word “apologia”, which means to make a defense and has come to mean “defense of the faith”. Apologetics covers many areas: who Jesus is, the reliability of the Bible, refuting cults, biblical evidences in history and archeology, answering objections, etc. In short, it deals with giving reasons as to why Christianity is the true religion. We are called by God to give an apologia, a defense: “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” (1 Pet. 3:15) We believe it is important to know what you believe and why you believe it.”
JUDE 3 PROJECT Founder Lisa Fields role in The & Campaign leadership is on the & Campaign leadership web link.
JUDE 3 PROJECT is promoting The & Campaign’s new “In Visible Institution” which is a recently launched social justice driven outlet for & Campaign “voter and activism resources” and publications.
@AndCampaignMay 2 Today, we’re launching our new In Visible Institution (IVI) Newsletter to equip faith leaders and pastors in the public square.”
CAUSE FOR CONCERN is that AWANA CDF partnership with Axis Resources clearly includes the partnership resources of Fields /JUDE3 PROJECT and her activism including The & Campaign and its direct influence from the Obama Foundation,The Democratic Party and Paul Singer /Fairness for All.
READ MORE on The & Campaign and its agenda in the church here:
Note that just days after this article was published Tim Keller vanished for the & Campaigns linksits to leadership
AXIS AND THE SIMILARLY TROUBLING ACSI PARTNERSHIP
Association of Christian Schools International ACSI is having similar problems to AWANA as a long respected Christian ministry in K-12 Christian Education which has recently been discovered and exposed promoting Sam Allberry, Revoice , and other LGBTQ Christian/ Inclusive resources for ACSI schools in Europe.
AXIS and ACSI announced their partnership in February 2021
“COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Feb. 16, 2021 – ACSI and Axis have partnered to provide relevant tools to educators and parents designed to help them stay current with rapidly changing cultural trends impacting youth.”
“The partnership represents the latest ACSI initiative designed to help schools to flourish. ACSI research indicates a flourishing Christian school is a community of students, educators, and families that glorifies Christ and excels in knowing Him and making Him known. The association believes Flourishing is best achieved through intentionality.”
“According to Dr. Larry Taylor, ACSI President, an important part of cultivating a flourishing school community is maintaining strong communication between adults and students.”
“The purpose of this partnership is to equip educators and parents by keeping them apprised of current culture so they can have timely, Christ-centered conversations with their children,” he said.”
“Leaders from both ministries share a passion for discipling and training young servant leaders for Christ and see the tremendous relevancy of the partnership.”
“David Eaton, Axis President and Cofounder, believes this offering will help individuals better understand culture from a biblical worldview.”
“Axis is thrilled to offer this opportunity to ACSI members,” he said. “These materials can be used by adults to stay informed about what their children are listening to, watching, or hearing from their friends.”
“Axis is known for creating timeless, Christ-centered resources from great thinkers like C.S. Lewis, while keeping a pulse on relevant shifts in culture.”
“Membership grants users entry to an expansive library of relevant materials and access to a team of Gospel-focused researchers standing by to answer any questions.”
“Ultimately, both ministries believe the initiative provides tools to help adults and children cope with the dizzying, seismic cultural shifts they face.”
“In this rapidly changing culture, it has never been more imperative that educators and parents reach the next generation for Christ,” Taylor said. “We believe this offering will prepare them not only to have important discussions with their children, but also to spur them on in their lifelong relationship with the Lord.”
“ACSI schools will receive a 20% off discount for a one-year Axis membership. Member schools can learn more by visiting https://your.acsi.org/AXIS.”
Read MORE on ACSI troubling LGBTQ “Resources ” for Christian Educators HERE:
(Like AWANA CDF – ACSI has denied the concerns represented by these partnerships and resources BUT has removed the links and materials on LGBTQ / Revoice/Allberry from the web. ACSI has not retracted its UnifyEd partnership with CRF and James Cone Black Liberation Theology advocate Walter Strickland who is founder and head of ACSI racially focused partner UnifyEd.
WHERE DOES THIS DEEPENING DIRECTION LEAVE AWANA ?
EXCERPTS FROM THE AWANA -CDF 2022 “OLD MAPS/NEW MAPS” EVENT IN THEIR OWN WORDS-
FOCUSING ON TOPICS OF RACE, SEXUALITY, GENDER AND ASSERTED TO BE CULTURALLY RELEVANT DUE TO THE PROGRESSIVE “ACTIVIST CHRISTIAN” SPEAKERS.
Matt Markins stressed that since a person’s worldview is primarily shaped and is firmly in place by the time someone reaches the age of 13, then we’re up against a deadline – and it’s earlier than we thought.
Andy Crouch’s warning to be careful of our reliance on technology – “our Precious” – to fill our kids’ lives has us rethinking the importance we have put on it to raise our kids.
We were challenged by the testimonies of Sam Alberry and Trillia Newbell that we must first understand who we are in Christ before we can pass on our faith to those we disciple. While Cindy Bultema‘s story illustrated how, “Every child is ONE caring adult away from having their life changed for eternity.”
David Kinnaman inspired us, the tired leaders who have come through two years of a pandemic and who continue to give their all without much recognition that, “It’s not whether we got it right or the church got it right but that God is able to speak into the hearts of these young children.”
David Kinnaman and Catherine Hwang-Jin shared data from recent surveys that will shed light on the relationship you have with your senior pastor and with the parents of the kids in your ministry. There is so much to unpack, it is worth another look.
Rebecca McLaughlin, Carl Trueman and Derwin Gray challenged us to think about how we perceive those who are different from us – in race, skin color, affiliation, sexual identity, etc. “Christianity is the most diverse belief system in the world,” said Rebecca. “We must reclaim diversity.”
Among the many nuggets of truth Carl spoke, is this one: “We all need a place where we can find validation and support. We need the church to be … a safe place where [anyone] can go to be encouraged that [they] have done the right thing even if it may have cost [them].”
Derwin inspired us to pursue reconciliation. “It is intrinsic to the Gospel and must be normalized in the formation of our kids and our local churches. But you cannot give away what you do not possess.”
CONCLUSION
It is unlikely that current leaders at AWANA or ACSI or any of these historically reliable and trustworthy ministries will listen to the concerns of parents unless pastors and children’s ministry leaders share those concerns and back up those who raise them. Revenue may be the only language being understood at the moment.
According to its own annual reports – AWANA is receiving significant annual contributions which now comprise a larger percentage of its total revenue as sales decline and they become more dependent on possible “outside the church” funding. This issue is at the core of the invasion of once conservative seminaries and many other once BIBLICALLY faithful ministries.
Those who do speak up are often rebuked by accusations of some inapplicable “violation ” and twisted context of Matt 18 :15-17 which deals with how to confront private SIN. These verses do NOT speak to how to deal with open sin, false teaching and errors impacting the church. Paul confronted Peter openly and rebuked him publically.
If you or your church leaders or even pastors are concerned about these influences impacting your children -perhaps for the sake of disabling and dis-empowering false claims of “violating Matt 18 :15-17” you can contact AWANA/CDF leaders like Matt Markins or others like ACSI but thus far they have not listened to multiple others who have/ are attempting to “right the ship” and protect their children and churches and EVEN these once wonderful ministries from descending into the “Cultural Blueprint” and the same paths mapped out by those God left wandering in the wilderness or destroyed for their love of the cultures and idols of the disposed nations around them.
Dealing with a Sinning Brother
15 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.
Instead this author continues to remind pastors and ministry heads and organizational leaders like AWANA that these concerns are indeed Matt 18 matters but it is verse 6 which applies and we should all take heed to Jesus’ intense warning.
Jesus Warns of Offenses
6 “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
THROUGH A MASSIVE FOOTPRINT VIA CONFERENCES, MEDIA , BOOKS AND CURRICULUMS-TGC/NAE CONTINUE TO CORRUPT THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH AND FURTHER MERGE OPENLY WITH INTERFIATH AND THE LEFT.
Rev Thomas Littleton
5/4/2023
At this stage in the decline of the church in our generation the organizations contributing to that decline no longer feel the need to maintain a careful image of biblical fidelity. The mask have fallen because the gloves have come off. The money is flooding in and any ability or even sense of responsibility to maintain an image of bilical fidelity is out the window. All that is left is a faithful remnant of the church untouched by these corrupting influences of organizations like TGC and the NAE. Those faithful have left the institutional church as it has become a “WOKE WASTELAND”.
AGING AND ILL -COFOUNDERS OF TGC CARSON AND KELLER INVITE YOU TO “SUPPORT THE WORK OF THE GOSPEL COALITION” …BUT PLEASE DON’T CONTRIBUTE TO THE WOKE WASTELAND. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/donate/
Jeremiah 2 “What injustice have your fathers found in Me, That they have gone far from Me, Have followed idols, And have become idolaters?
… Also on your skirts is found The blood of the lives of the poor innocents. I have not found it by secret search, But plainly on all these things.”
CONSIDER THE TGC 2023 UPCOMING CONFERENCE
“TGC 2023 HOPE IN THE WILDERNESS :
ENCOURAGEMENT FOR PILGRIMS FROM THE BOOK OF EXODUS”
“As they grew in number in a foreign land, the people of Israel fell under the oppression of a ruler who forgot the old ways and rejected God. But from generation to generation God never forgot his chosen people. He tells them, “I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God” (Ex. 6:7a). Though these exiles doubted and dithered, God delivered them from Egypt and from the wilderness. Prone to wander, the people of God found a home in the land flowing with milk and honey, a land where God would make them a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exo 19:6) so that they would “proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Pet 2:9). Through his people, God’s glory would extend to all the world with the good news of hope.“
But what is The Gospel Coaltiion really offering believers here? Can the organization which has helped bring the church outside the call of God and into the WOKE wilderness be the source of brining it hope? Only if that organization has repented and seeks to lead the way for church wide repntance. That is not what is happening here.
SOME OF THE TGC SPEAKERS
David Platt – Platt and his organization “Radical” ( which is also a sponosr of TGC23 ) are promoting social justice / WOKE globalism and using partnerships among interfaith/ multifaith international globalist organizations like WEF/UN/ CIA / OPEC in and effort to redistribute missions dollars and resources toward “equity”. Platt participated in marches during BLM events and signed up to participate with Revoice leaders LGBTQ inclusion movement. Members of his own church near DC are suing him in an ongoing legal battle to have him removed as pastor.
JD Greear- Greear is the three time past President of the Southern Baptist Convention who led the largest protestant denomination in the America into the # MeToo movement and the hands of feminist promoting Diversity Equity and Inclusion compliance . Greear promotes TGC compromise inside his and Platt’s SBC movement and became a court jestor of leadership when he was caught plaigerizing sermons on Romans maintaining that “God whispers about homosexuality” in the Bible.
Sam Allberry- Allberry is a leader in the push among evangelicals for LGBTQ welcome and hospitality in the church. Allberry became a star of TGC and the ERLC events and web presence with his book “Is God Anti Gay” and continues to be among the most controversial “inclusion ” advocates and activist among conservatives.
Vincent Bacote – Bacote is a racially focused author and speaker pushing race topics through his worls like “Black Scholars in White Space: New Vistas in African American Studies from the Christian Academy; On Kuyper; Aliens in the Promised Land: Why Minority Leadership Is Overlooked in White Christian Churches and Institutions; Keep Your Head Up; and Prophetic Evangelicals. “
Collin Hansen -Hansen is the aging author of “Young Restless and Reformed” which, through the help of John Piper and his “Passion Conferences” and his role at TGC from its inception, has camputred and corrupted a generation of young pastors in the mire of Kuyperism / dominionism/ and justice driven errors. In an interview with ABC Hansen admitted that TGC was founded to correct and influence the voting patters of evangelicals away from “the right ” and toward progressivism.
Jared Kennedy – Kennedy’s work with the Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberties Commission included a “Parents Guide to Discussing Gender with Children”.In his guide Kennedy used the pro LGBTQ inclusion and “LGBTQ Christianity” advocate and activist- founder of the Revoice movement’s book “All But Invisible” as his primary resource.
Greg Koukl and Sean McDowell – Both of Stand to Reason apologetics and Biola University have helped create a rebranding of youth apologetics combining silliness and showmanship with “Rethinking Apologetics” introducing progressives views on sexuality and gender like SOGI and inclusion.
Rebecca McLaughlin – McLaughlin is a rising “star” among TGC and other compromised movements with her WOKE focused “Confronting Christinaity” series. She is an actiivst also claming some level of gay/sexual minority status in her Christian faith.
Jake Meador – Meador is the current head of the progressive Davenant Insitute and an editor of third way social gospel publication “Mere Orthodxy” which panders to a micro-market share among progressive “Christian ” media outlets.
Alan Nobel – Nobel is a part of the Obama Foundation and Democratic Party efforts among TGC and Send Network pastors called “The & Campaign” leadership. The & Campaign promotes the merger of “Biblical Values & Social Justice”. His bio reads-“As the 2016 election ramped up, Alan launched the group Public Faith with Michael Wear to offer an alternative evangelical political voice.” Michael Wear is the Obama Foundation’s Ambassador the America’s Believers”.
Koir Porter- Porter is another Leader of The & Campaign ” seeking to promote the false justice gospel and third way politics in the church. Her bio reads- “Kori Porter is founder of Peacemakers Coalition, a nonprofit that seeks to inspire millennials and Gen Zers to pursue justice and peace to help heal our world. She also serves as VP for Faith and Justice Initiatives at the AND Campaign… She has been published in His Testimonies, My Heritage and the AND Campaign’s A New Narrative on Abortion: Pro-Woman and Pro-Child. She is compelled by her Christian faith to stand and advocate on behalf of those harmed by injustice. “
Tom Schreiner – Schreiner is the Dean of the School of Theology at SBTS- the flagship semianry of the SBC. He is one of three compromised professors who oversaw and approved the dissertation of the founder of Revoice LGBTQ Thriving in Conservative Churches movement .The dissertation asserts that the use of the term “Virgin ” in the New Testament is proof of a “third gender ” option in the New Testamant . Revoice founder Nate Collins has also been a TGC regular contributor and taught New Testament and was a “Garrett Fellow at SBTS under Schreiner while launching the pro LGBTQ Chrisitan movement.
Jen Wilkin – Wilken is a favorite among WOKE Women speakers and is a leader at the Village Church of now exposed and disgraced pastor and TGC leader Matt Chandler. Wilkins asserts unique “insights on bleeding” and the role of women in ministry as the feminist movement is using the #MeToo movement to segway into conservative church leadership.
Trevin Wax- Wax is the painfully tender voiced protege’ of Ed Stetzer who advocated with progressive activist journalist Jonathan Merritt and Sara Pulliam Baily on TGC/Christinaity Today/ Ed Stetzer’s “Future of Evangelicals” asserting that the church would soften its position on social issues for its own good in the near future.
SPONSORS INCLUDE SUCH COMPROMISED AND WOKE ORGANIZATIONS AND INSTITUTIONS AS:
CONVENANT THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY -Which is dismantleing the PCA from inside with WOKE compromise.
BEESON DIVINITY SCHOOL- Where TGC leader Collin Hansen is in leadership and where a new “Center for Women in Ministry” is pushing the borders on bilical roles.
LIFEWAY- Which is the SBC troubled publishing arm spewing error from its materials and curriculum like the Gospel Project with Ed Stetzer,Trevin Wax, and a WOKE braintrust for pre K children through young adults.
MISSION TO NORTH AMERICA – Which is the PCA missions arm with leadership who promote global goals and interfaith dialog.
REFORMED THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY -Which is led by TGC leader Ligon Duncan and is as WOKE as they come promoting in 2009 the “Polis Institute” laying the ground work for CRU and RTS Orlando into the City Reaching/ FBP model demanding a false social justice gospel to alter the vision of missions toward “Community Development”. Polis and RTS employ the ideology of urbanologist Ruchard Florida who wrote the pro LGBT “Creative Class” and “The Great Reset” used by the WEF.
RADICAL- Which is David Platt’s profitable marketing/ branding machine
SBTS- Which is led by long time TGC leader Albert Mohler from which CRT and Intersectionality were mainstreamed in the Southern Baptist movement.
SEND NETWORK -Which is the SBC church planting arm. SN uses Baptist $$$ given to missions to plant churches -some of which helped incubate The & Campaign and Justice driven leaders for the Obama Foundation and the Democratic Party. Long time Send Network VP actually launched The & Campaign with his brother -a co-founder in his Send Network funded Atlanta Church.
TRINITY EVANGELICAL DIVINITY SCHOOL-Which is the home of the original main offices of TGC and “The Center for Transformational Churches” and is the epicenter of the WOKE /Dominonist / Kuyperism contamination through Neo-Calvinism. Virtually no (formerly ) biblical church in America is escaping this influence via its pastors involvement on some level with TGC.
WHEATON COLLEGE- Which is home to the Billy Graham Center.It has been led for years by Ed Stetzer -TGC/SBC/CT super spreader of the justice gospel. Wheaton is also home to Mark Yarhouse and his “Sexuality and Gender Identity Institute” . Yarhouse promotes “sexual minority” and pro LGBTQ/SOGI inclusion doctrine originating from the American Psycological Association .TGCs D A CArson commissioned Yarhouse in 2010 to draft the TGC “Christ on Campus ” whitepaper which has continued to spread the APA views of sexuality and gender in the church like a socially transmitted disease.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EVANGELICALS
NAE WITH “THE & CAMPAIGN”/ CCCU /FORMER ERLC NOW CT HEAD RUSSELL MOORE- ALL EXTREMELY COMPROMISED AND EXPOSED LEADERS JOIN IN TRINITY FORUM EVENT
“In this episode Shirley Hoogstra, Russell Moore, Justin Giboney and Walter Kim consider the historic values of leadership, share lessons learned from their own lives, and provide encouragement for leaders today.”
How to Speak in a Crisis
“Reflecting on the temptation to tell people what they want to hear, Russell Moore encourages leaders to consider long-term credibility and speaking the truth”
“What does it take to listen, respond, learn & lead? In this Trinity Forum podcast on Crisis Ready Leadership, @JustinEGiboney, @HoogstraShirley, @drmoore, and Walter Kim of @NAEvangelicals consider the historic values of leadership.
NAE – SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTMENT
“Now is the time to make your investment in a united Christian witness for justice.”
What is the NAE doing currently ? Much of the same and ,like TGC, getting much more open and obvious about it.
In March NAE featured the opportunity for churches to partner with HLS and FEMA to beef up “church security protocols” which also include government grants .
“Please join the Department of Homeland Security for a “Safety and Security for Places of Worship and Community Spaces” webinar. This webinar will provide participants with an actionable framework to enhance security. Click the link to register. https://fema.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItdO2orTwvEpa7Q4hzQImFLFUtIEcTrjQ“
NAE INTERFAITH EFFORTS
In 2022 NAE head Walter Kim spoke at the MULTIFAITH NETWORK “UNLIKELY CONFERENCE ” with Muslim clerics and the World Muslim League -a Muslim Brotherhood organization promoting the “Charter of Mecca”.
As “UNLIKELY ALLIES ” in their Global Faith Forum – the NAE leader locked arms in solidarity with the multi faith movement promoting globalism and global spirituality.
NAE BOARD
The NAE Board includes TGC/WOKE leaders like Ed Stetzer and Dhati Lewis mentioned above in the TGC circle of compromise.
NAE BOAST ITS “THIRD WAY” – FABIAN SOCIALISM GOALS SINCE REAGAN ERA.
“President Ronald Reagan delivered his “Evil Empire” speech to the NAE in 1983. This was following a research project of the NAE on Peace, Freedom & Security Studies that helped redefine a third way approach to national security and world peace. ” http://NAE.org/history
NAE JUST ANNOUNCED IT IS HIRING A NEW RACIAL JUSTICE LEADERSHIP POSITION
“The NAE is growing, and we’re looking for a professional who wants to grow with us! The NAE is searching for a Racial Justice & Reconciliation Collaborative Project Coordinator. To find out more or to apply:”
“The team at the National Association of Evangelicals is highly collaborative, committed and engaged in our vision to see a thriving evangelical community in the United States that navigates complexity with biblical clarity. This is a big task, and we need the most talented, ambitious and thoughtful individuals with us.”
“The NAE Racial Justice and Reconciliation Collaborative Project Coordinator is a part-time, remote work position. The Project Coordinator works with the Project Director to implement the NAE’s Racial Justice and Reconciliation Collaborative, which aims to ensure that evangelicals understand and act upon the Bible’s commitment to justice and reconciliation.”
“Job Description”
“The NAE Racial Justice and Reconciliation Collaborative Project Coordinator is a part-time position. The Project Coordinator works collaboratively with all NAE staff to help evangelicals foster thriving communities and navigate complexity with biblical clarity. The Project Coordinator works with the Project Director to implement the NAE’s Racial Justice and Reconciliation Collaborative, which aims to ensure that evangelicals understand and act upon the Bible’s commitment to justice and reconciliation.”
Qualifications
Personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord
Agreement to and affirmation of the NAE Statement of Faith
Regular attendance at an evangelical church and familiarity with the evangelical community
Proficient in the use of Microsoft applications
Experience with Adobe Creative Suite preferred, but not required
Strong writer and content developer
Attention to detail
Organizational and interpersonal skills
Willingness to work as part of a team and flexibility to adjust to needs of a small organization
Capability and experience to fulfill responsibilities listed below
Responsibilities
Assist with creation and dissemination of project resources
Coordinate planning and logistics for project gatherings and experiences
Draft project content for NAE publications, websites, emails, social media accounts, etc.
Coordinate logistics for project webinars, podcasts or other communication programs
Collaborate with communication team and other staff to develop and implement a public outreach strategy
Coordinate correspondence with and gatherings of partners, staff and other project stakeholders
Assist with grant reporting to project funders
Other responsibilities as assigned
Relationships
The Project Coordinator reports to the Project Director
The Project Coordinator collaborates with other NAE staff All interested candidates should review the NAE’s Mission and Vision, Statement of Faith, and “For the Health of the Nation” to ensure that their personal values and beliefs are in alignment with those of the organization. The NAE is headquartered in Washington, D.C. The project coordinator may work remotely. Some domestic travel may be required.
CONCLUSION
The main reason the WOKE Justice advocates are ramping up without fear of God or fear of being exposed is in part, like Satan himself, they know their time is short. Exposure has them abandoning prior subtleties for a more agressive approach risking alienation of the following of an older generation in order to secure their hold on the next gen church. The older, fading bilbical conservative generation is no longer the target.It is possible these organizations no longer need the baby boomers money so thye are doubling down on their goals. THESE PEOPLE ARE AFTER THE FAITH OF YOUR GRAND CHILDREN TO TRANSFORM IT INTO THEIR OWN IMAGE. So how do biblically faithful Christians respond? Rise up and LEAVE THE WOKE WASTELAND CHURCHES .Pray and speak and live out the True Gospel to the next generation and watch the pending judgement on these deconstructionist which is fitting and pending … in time.
Jeremiah 2:
God’s Case Against Israel
2 Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Go and cry in the hearing of Jerusalem, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord:
“I remember you, The kindness of your youth, The love of your betrothal, When you [a]went after Me in the wilderness, In a land not sown. 3 Israel was holiness to the Lord, The firstfruits of His increase. All that devour him will offend; Disaster will come upon them,” says the Lord.’ ”
4 Hear the word of the Lord, O house of Jacob and all the families of the house of Israel. 5 Thus says the Lord:
“What injustice have your fathers found in Me, That they have gone far from Me, Have followed idols, And have become idolaters? 6 Neither did they say, ‘Where is the Lord, Who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, Who led us through the wilderness, Through a land of deserts and pits, Through a land of drought and the shadow of death, Through a land that no one crossed And where no one dwelt?’ 7 I brought you into a bountiful country, To eat its fruit and its goodness. But when you entered, you defiled My land And made My heritage an abomination. 8 The priests did not say, ‘Where is the Lord?’ And those who handle the law did not know Me; The rulers also transgressed against Me; The prophets prophesied by Baal, And walked after things that do not profit.
9 “Therefore I will yet [c]bring charges against you,” says the Lord, “And against your children’s children I will bring charges. 10 For pass beyond the coasts of [d]Cyprus and see, Send to Kedar and consider diligently, And see if there has been such athing. 11 Has a nation changed its gods, Which are not gods? But My people have changed their Glory For what does not profit. 12 Be astonished, O heavens, at this, And be horribly afraid; Be very desolate,” says the Lord. 13 “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, And hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.
14 “Is Israel a servant? Is he a homeborn slave? Why is he plundered? 15 The young lions roared at him, and growled; They made his land waste; His cities are burned, without inhabitant. 16 Also the people of Noph and Tahpanhes Have [g]broken the crown of your head. 17 Have you not brought this on yourself, In that you have forsaken the Lord your God When He led you in the way? 18 And now why take the road to Egypt, To drink the waters of Sihor? Or why take the road to Assyria, To drink the waters of [h]the River? 19 Your own wickedness will correct you, And your backslidings will rebuke you. Know therefore and see that it is an evil and bitter thing That you have forsaken the Lord your God, And the fear of Me is not in you,” Says the Lord God of hosts.
20 “For of old I have broken your yoke and burst your bonds; And you said, ‘I will not [j]transgress,’ When on every high hill and under every green tree You lay down, playing the harlot. 21 Yet I had planted you a noble vine, a seed of highest quality. How then have you turned before Me Into the degenerate plant of an alien vine? 22 For though you wash yourself with lye, and use much soap, Yet your iniquity is marked[k] before Me,” says the Lord God.
23 “How can you say, ‘I am not [l]polluted, I have not gone after the Baals’? See your way in the valley; Know what you have done: You are a swift dromedary breaking loose in her ways, 24 A wild donkey used to the wilderness, That sniffs at the wind in her desire; In her time of mating, who can turn her away? All those who seek her will not weary themselves; In her month they will find her. 25 Withhold your foot from being unshod, and your throat from thirst. But you said, ‘There is no hope. No! For I have loved aliens, and after them I will go.’
26 “As the thief is ashamed when he is found out, So is the house of Israel ashamed; They and their kings and their princes, and their priests and their prophets, 27 Saying to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ And to a stone, ‘You gave birth to me.’ For they have turned their back to Me, and not their face. But in the time of their trouble They will say, ‘Arise and save us.’ 28 But where are your gods that you have made for yourselves? Let them arise, If they can save you in the time of your [m]trouble; For according to the number of your cities Are your gods, O Judah.
29 “Why will you plead with Me? You all have transgressed against Me,” says the Lord. 30 “In vain I have chastened your children; They received no correction. Your sword has devoured your prophets Like a destroying lion.
31 “O generation, see the word of the Lord! Have I been a wilderness to Israel, Or a land of darkness? Why do My people say, ‘We are lords; We will come no more to You’? 32 Can a virgin forget her ornaments, Or a bride her attire? Yet My people have forgotten Me days without number.
33 “Why do you beautify your way to seek love? Therefore you have also taught The wicked women your ways. 34 Also on your skirts is found The blood of the lives of the poor innocents. I have not found it by secret search, But plainly on all these things. 35 Yet you say, ‘Because I am innocent, Surely His anger shall turn from me.’ Behold, I will plead My case against you, Because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’ 36 Why do you gad about so much to change your way? Also you shall be ashamed of Egypt as you were ashamed of Assyria. 37 Indeed you will go forth from him With your hands on your head; For the Lord has rejected your trusted allies, And you will not prosper by them.
ArticleFebruary 28, 2023
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