Post by StationAdministration on Apr 8, 2006 16:51:35 GMT
There are multiple standpoints on just what Everynation's problem is:
*Some claim that Everynation is a "societal cult" that mirrors the abuses found in the Church of Christ Boston Sect. They believe that there are inherent issues regarding the discipleship of new converts, authoritarianism and leadership. There are doctrinal as well as social issues that require change or reform.
*Another viewpoint is that Everynation is just experiencing "growing pains" and that governmental issues require a different management strategy as well as time and patience. They point to the fact that leaders that have been found to have committed serious sins have been dismissed or disciplined and that the reorganization of Everynation's leadership structures is well on its way. Outside assistance has been sourced to make recommendations and examine not only the finances, but also communication channels etc. They claim that the leaders of EN are well aware of problems and are addressing them. Members should address their concerns to their leaders. Outside criticism is not acknowledged externally.
*The next theory is that Everynation has spiritual roots in the deviant doctrines promoted by the New Order of the Latter Rain movement. This group traces a spiritual continuity through leaders of the Latter Rain Revival to Bob Weiner and subsequently to the leaders of the Everynation church who were discipled and led by Weiner. This theory attempts to show that LR leaders studied occultism and hermetic texts for inspiration. All of Everynation is thus founded on wrong ground and people should exit immediately.
*Another belief is that the leadership have usurped the headship of Christ over the church. There is serious idolatry of leadership within the movement. This results not only serious dysfunction in the church, but also in relationships between members and the rest of the body of Christ. A spirit of elitism and arrogance has been fostered and only true repentance and reform can prevent EN from becoming a failure. Cover-ups of sin amongst the leadership have led not only to mistrust within the church, but has also encouraged further sin and perpetuated a culture of abuse and elitism. As a result, peope wrongly believe that questioning leaders is both ungodly and sinful.
*Other critics cite spiritual abuse, faulty eschatology, covered up sin, doctrinal problems, financial mismanagement, attacks from ex-members and heresy hunters as all adding to EN's woes. Thy believe that a combination of factors have led to EN being dysfunctional.
*Another set, that includes current leaders and church members. points out that there are many "good" churches in the movement that do not have a Maranatha history and have good leaders who influence the rest of EN. This group admits that there are problems in the movement, but believe that these can be ironed out with good leadership and internal reform.
Interestingly, most criticisms of EN point either to leadership or to theological practises involving leadership. People outside of the movement are also split as to whether EN can be reformed or not.
*Some claim that Everynation is a "societal cult" that mirrors the abuses found in the Church of Christ Boston Sect. They believe that there are inherent issues regarding the discipleship of new converts, authoritarianism and leadership. There are doctrinal as well as social issues that require change or reform.
*Another viewpoint is that Everynation is just experiencing "growing pains" and that governmental issues require a different management strategy as well as time and patience. They point to the fact that leaders that have been found to have committed serious sins have been dismissed or disciplined and that the reorganization of Everynation's leadership structures is well on its way. Outside assistance has been sourced to make recommendations and examine not only the finances, but also communication channels etc. They claim that the leaders of EN are well aware of problems and are addressing them. Members should address their concerns to their leaders. Outside criticism is not acknowledged externally.
*The next theory is that Everynation has spiritual roots in the deviant doctrines promoted by the New Order of the Latter Rain movement. This group traces a spiritual continuity through leaders of the Latter Rain Revival to Bob Weiner and subsequently to the leaders of the Everynation church who were discipled and led by Weiner. This theory attempts to show that LR leaders studied occultism and hermetic texts for inspiration. All of Everynation is thus founded on wrong ground and people should exit immediately.
*Another belief is that the leadership have usurped the headship of Christ over the church. There is serious idolatry of leadership within the movement. This results not only serious dysfunction in the church, but also in relationships between members and the rest of the body of Christ. A spirit of elitism and arrogance has been fostered and only true repentance and reform can prevent EN from becoming a failure. Cover-ups of sin amongst the leadership have led not only to mistrust within the church, but has also encouraged further sin and perpetuated a culture of abuse and elitism. As a result, peope wrongly believe that questioning leaders is both ungodly and sinful.
*Other critics cite spiritual abuse, faulty eschatology, covered up sin, doctrinal problems, financial mismanagement, attacks from ex-members and heresy hunters as all adding to EN's woes. Thy believe that a combination of factors have led to EN being dysfunctional.
*Another set, that includes current leaders and church members. points out that there are many "good" churches in the movement that do not have a Maranatha history and have good leaders who influence the rest of EN. This group admits that there are problems in the movement, but believe that these can be ironed out with good leadership and internal reform.
Interestingly, most criticisms of EN point either to leadership or to theological practises involving leadership. People outside of the movement are also split as to whether EN can be reformed or not.