"When you begin to think outside the box, you often become some other "leaders" lousy follower. That usually costs something" (Andy Rayner)

"Our guardian angels are bored." (Mike Foster)

It's where I feel I'm at these days. “In the second half of life, it is good just to be a part of the general dance. We do not have to stand out, make defining moves, or be better than anyone else on the dance floor. Life is more participatory than assertive, and there is no need for strong or further self-definition” (Falling Upward. Richard Rohr.120).

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Problem with Cults In China

" In fact, one of the cults, "dongfongshandian" (Lightning from the East), is extremely insidious. Inter- views with church leaders indicate this group has often resorted to a number of tactics. They attend a local church masquerading as a worshiper for a period of time to gather under- standing of the church. They teach biblically sound materials initially to gain the trust of congregational members. They memorize and quote Scriptures more than church leadership to win the respect of church co-workers. In some places, they have stayed hid- den for over 24 months. During this time, they also visit and understand the other local churches and leader- ship. From time to time they will visit homes of members of the congregation and church leadership and leave their thick, well-bounded, doctrinal book. Then, unexpectedly, they spring into action, taking over the whole church and often an entire network of churches.

"Systematic training, properly implemented, is having a dramatic impact in China. In some cases, after the shepherds have been trained, they will go into areas where the local churches have been infected by cults and the congregation will turn and listen to the voice of the "true" shepherd once again."

(Samel Chiang (Partners international) EMQ January 2002, "How to help the church in China Meet the challenges of a new generation.")

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