Post by ulyankee on Apr 23, 2006 13:31:40 GMT
This was previously posted on FACTNet as well as another thread in this forum. However, I believe this is something that ENC can do to ensure that it can continue on the path toward making real lasting changes. In fact, I feel fairly confident that if this is not addressed, then the organization may not survive long term. Of course, the future of the movement is up to the Lord, not "ulyankee." It certainly would indicate though whether Every Nation top leadership wants to make truly SUBSTANTIVE changes, since the required bylaw is essentially where leaders derived their power and authority from in the past.
If Every Nation is truly serious about these changes, then imho it should consider placing legal restrictions on the "required bylaw."
As Ginger pointed out, Steve Murrell and the current ENC Board have the authority to enforce or not enforce the bylaw, and right now it does not appear to be interested in enforcing (abusing) it the way it has been done in the past. I applaud Every Nation for making what have to have been very difficult changes over very difficult circumstances in recent months. HOWEVER, the current detente in Every Nation still depends a great deal on who is on this board, and how the board interprets and enforces the bylaw. Legally, the International Policy Council and International Ministry Team, as well as the local boards, directors, pastors, etc. have no more or less legal authority than before, other than what is delegated to them by the ENC Board of Directors. What if Steve Murrell leaves, is incapacitated, etc.? What if abusive leaders are restored to or take control of the Board? I'm not saying that this is anyone's wish or intent, just saying that theoretically it is possible to have a new or different Board go back to interpreting and enforcing the bylaw as before.
I know I'm a nobody, and Every Nation leaders have no obligation to me or anything I say. However, if this isn't already taking place, I challenge Every Nation to place real legal restrictions on the bylaw, limiting the now nearly unrestricted legal power of the Board of Directors over the churches which have the "required bylaw" in place, if they really want to make very substantive changes and move this organization away from what has tended to degenerate into a "shepherding cult" in some quarters toward the evangelical mainstream, as they claim to want to do. I challenge pastors and leaders in Every Nation, if you are planning on sticking it out with this organization, to prayerfully consider taking up this challenge for the future of the movement, not to mention the future of your local churches, ministries, and the congregations you serve. If the "required bylaw" doesn't change, or if there is resistance to placing restrictions on the bylaw (not just in the organization's policies, procedures and guidelines either but as codified in the bylaw itself), then imho nothing has really changed. Until this happens, there is still the great potential for someone or a group of people to abuse the inherent legal power of Every Nation Churches, Inc.'s Board of Directors and thus nullify the recent reforms within Every Nation.
blessings,
ulyankee
If Every Nation is truly serious about these changes, then imho it should consider placing legal restrictions on the "required bylaw."
As Ginger pointed out, Steve Murrell and the current ENC Board have the authority to enforce or not enforce the bylaw, and right now it does not appear to be interested in enforcing (abusing) it the way it has been done in the past. I applaud Every Nation for making what have to have been very difficult changes over very difficult circumstances in recent months. HOWEVER, the current detente in Every Nation still depends a great deal on who is on this board, and how the board interprets and enforces the bylaw. Legally, the International Policy Council and International Ministry Team, as well as the local boards, directors, pastors, etc. have no more or less legal authority than before, other than what is delegated to them by the ENC Board of Directors. What if Steve Murrell leaves, is incapacitated, etc.? What if abusive leaders are restored to or take control of the Board? I'm not saying that this is anyone's wish or intent, just saying that theoretically it is possible to have a new or different Board go back to interpreting and enforcing the bylaw as before.
I know I'm a nobody, and Every Nation leaders have no obligation to me or anything I say. However, if this isn't already taking place, I challenge Every Nation to place real legal restrictions on the bylaw, limiting the now nearly unrestricted legal power of the Board of Directors over the churches which have the "required bylaw" in place, if they really want to make very substantive changes and move this organization away from what has tended to degenerate into a "shepherding cult" in some quarters toward the evangelical mainstream, as they claim to want to do. I challenge pastors and leaders in Every Nation, if you are planning on sticking it out with this organization, to prayerfully consider taking up this challenge for the future of the movement, not to mention the future of your local churches, ministries, and the congregations you serve. If the "required bylaw" doesn't change, or if there is resistance to placing restrictions on the bylaw (not just in the organization's policies, procedures and guidelines either but as codified in the bylaw itself), then imho nothing has really changed. Until this happens, there is still the great potential for someone or a group of people to abuse the inherent legal power of Every Nation Churches, Inc.'s Board of Directors and thus nullify the recent reforms within Every Nation.
blessings,
ulyankee