tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16075342.post5067543120048835725..comments2023-03-23T05:45:55.345-07:00Comments on Imagining a Better Future: Wondering About Church Planting in Sovereign Grace Ministries?pfbuckley@gmail.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03461262851241454319noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16075342.post-60740797903113306482010-05-01T20:15:23.565-07:002010-05-01T20:15:23.565-07:00Steve,
I actually have visited your blogs before...Steve, <br /><br />I actually have visited your blogs before and I have read them extensively. <br /><br />I am a bit concerned that you contacted me the way you have. It seems a bit of a gossip campaign.<br /><br />While I firmly believe that any genuine abuses must be dealt with thoroughly and honestly and while I do not doubt that there are some real offenses and some real hurts in the stories on these web sites, I have a hard time seeing how running a blog airing almost any and every perceived offense helps. I also have a hard time seeing how this honors Christ and his Kingdom.<br /><br />I have spoken at length on the phone with a gentleman from these blogs and would be glad to do so again. As far as it concerns our church I would be willing to do whatever is necessary on my part to ensure peace and the integrity of the church. I don't believe having an open airing of grievances helps. Not that I am hesitant to deal with them, I just don't think it serves the truth or the kingdom best to merely air one side of the story before everyone else. Usually one-sided stories, no matter who they're from, lack the proper balance and accountabilty to best serve the truth.<br /><br />I hope this makes sense. I also hope you know that should you have any offense about King of Grace church we have an open door policy and a clear appeal and accountabilty procedure. This is our best attempt to live honestly before God and others and honor the biblical processes of reconciliation. I think you would find the same in many Sovereign Grace Churches, despite the implication by many of the comments on the web site that seem to indict the entire family of churches. <br /><br />Please also recognize that your web sites are hurting people by the doubt they spread about a largely good and effective Christ-honoring ministry. Your web sites are set up to draw a lot of attention. Some of that attention is from folks investigating the claims of Christ or just starting out their walk with God. Some of these folks might choose not to continue their journey because of the doubt sown by some of the malicious postings. <br /><br />Certainly there are mistakes, certainly there are real sins, certainly Sovereign Grace Ministries needs to grow. But we are not a evil monolithic group taking direct orders from some absolute despot who weaves diabolical plans from his powerful headquarters. We are a family of autonomous churches joined in friendship and a common theology committed to the centrality of Christ and his gospel of grace, the key understandings of scripture clarified by the reformers, seeking to walk in the broad and continuous ministry of the Holy Spirit. Our leadership team seeks to lead us by encouragement and example. There is no pressure to conform to heavy-handed centralized control. I have never seen this. Come visit our church, come ask any of our leaders, come and sit with our folks and see if you see anything like what you are talking about.<br /><br />I do not doubt there might be some things you would disagree with. I do not doubt your convictions on polity or Calvinism or something else might differ with ours. That is to be expected among Christians. What I would expect is a common love for the Savior, his people and his purposes along with a healthy respect for honest but not essential differences.<br /><br />Some of the recent posts are very disturbing. The accusations made are staggering and very hurtful. As far as I can tell they are unfounded and based on too much gross speculation and believing the worst. I don’t often see the benefit-of-the-doubt given. I don’t see much love and forgiveness. I don’t see much mercy or kindness. Is this what a Christian web site is like? Is this really honoring Christ? I don’t think so. Please help me see otherwise.<br /><br />Give me a call and we can talk. Or come by and visit. <br /><br />Paulpfbuckley@gmail.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03461262851241454319noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16075342.post-88078798260486816612010-05-01T18:42:47.221-07:002010-05-01T18:42:47.221-07:00You might find the following blogs of interest abo...You might find the following blogs of interest about C.J. Mahaney and the group he leads, Sovereign Grace Ministries:<br /><br />www.sgmsurvivors.com<br />www.sgmrefuge.com<br /><br />They tell another side. Hope this helps.Stevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01527099698623190200noreply@blogger.com