FOLLOWING THE TRAIL RIGHT BACK TO
"LEADERSHIP NETWORK"
JEFFREY PINDER'S FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH OF WILMINGTON, DELAWARE
PROCEEDS TO WATER DOWN THE GOSPEL,
TO CHEAPEN GRACE, TO COZY UP TO THE WORLD
IN THE NAME OF "SERVANT/FRIENDSHIP EVANGELISM",
CLAIMING TO BE "OUTWARD LOOKING"
GALATIANS 1: 11-12
"But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel
which was preached by me is not according to man.
For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it,
but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
ISAIAH 5:21
"Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
and prudent in their own sight!"
MARKETING CAMPAIGN EXTRAORDINAIRE;
JUST THE START OF A WHOLE SUITE
OF CHURCH GROWTH GIMMICKS
TO FILL THE CHURCH WITH THE WORLD'S OWN
MARKETING CAMPAIGN EXTRAORDINAIRE;
JUST THE START OF A WHOLE SUITE
OF CHURCH GROWTH GIMMICKS
TO FILL THE CHURCH WITH THE WORLD'S OWN
In addition to proving the friendliness of Christians to the unregenerate world of Delaware by distributing bags of ice melting salt and light bulbs, another one of pastor Pinder's "missional/marketing" ideas is to sell a package to women (who make all the decisions for their wimpy husbands anyway) called "Cafe Chocolat", (French for Chocolate Coffee), self-described as a "metaphor of God's extravagant grace" allegedly demonstrated through the miracles of Jesus Christ.
Its goal is to grow the membership of a church by allegedly saved Christian church women inviting their unsaved relatives, friends and neighbors to this so-called "retreat", but not to hear the real gospel of sin, repentance, and salvation through the five solas. Instead, through a non-offensive, non-judgmental, sin avoiding, consensus building, diaprax creating, small group, watered down "soup" of sappy, sweet, sentimental niceties, theological errors, feelings based therapeutic/psychological quips, watered down with lady like, intimate, discreet, and heart felt "revelations", reminiscent of the Victorian era's tea and crumpets gossip parties, they all agree on something or other unrelated to the real gospel. The only perceived difference may be that today's "Christian" ladies here are theme dressed in milk or semi-sweet chocolate clothing for atmosphere.
This "retreat" overrides and supercedes any semblance of increasing and promulgating Bible knowledge or the gospel of sin and salvation itself. In truth, it is a retreat from the battle of contending for and defending the faith, besides being an opportunity lost for Christ and those lost in their sins.
Just to make it look authentically biblical though, a smattering of Bible is offered in the 8:30AM to 3:30PM time slot, concentrating on the miracles of Christ, as if to say His miracles are the primary and leading cause of salvation in lieu of Christ Himself and His Word. Hence, what we have here is a heretical false gospel of signs and wonders that alleges to be the cause of and evidence for salvations, no different from the unbiblical false gospel of John Wimber's Vineyard church, or a number of other NAR Dominionist/Word of Faith pentecostals and charismatics.
Indeed, this package costs $69 from the company which purposes to cater to the religious interests of gnostic "Millenials" (the 18-29 year old bright visionaries) who, even though they may or may not be "born again" in the traditional sense, see through the hypocrisies of former modes of evangelism that the older generation was too stupid to perceive, and/or too set in their ways to consider changing. They have better ideas.
You will see from the evidence that this is one more deceptive, below the radar device, implemented in stealth mode, that is "seeker friendly" as per Rick Warren's "Purpose Driven" and the methodologies of Bill Hybels/Andy Stanley/Louie Giglio, etc. Only this program goes a lot further to destroy, drone style, the very foundations of the church.
This is one of many steps in bringing in the unregenerate into ministry in the church to subvert it from within to suit Satan and the world. As shown below, the hope is that within 20 years everything will change to the ways and values prescribed by the visionaries.
Cafe Chocolat Women's Ministry Retreat Overview
Published on Apr 24, 2013
"During my teen years, I was influenced by a godly mother and the ministry of Harvey Nowland at The Willowdale Chapel in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania."
"After seminary, I served as as the pastor of spiritual formation and leadership development at Clear Creek Community Church."
SEE OUR POSTS ABOUT WILLOWDALE CHAPEL:
5 Forces That Will Reform the Church
The American church is entering a time of unprecedented upheaval. In 20 years, what we call the church will look very different from today.
Thinkers at this year’s national Future of the Church summit, sponsored by Group Publishing, envisioned a new–and quite hopeful–picture for the church of tomorrow. This group of church leaders, authors, media writers, academics and students grappled with a flurry of present trends to frame their futuristic perspectives.
They reviewed the American population’s declining participation in church activities. Less than 20 percent of the population attends a church service in a typical week. Four out of five churches say they’re stuck or in decline. Practically every American denomination is losing members year after year. Younger generations are fleeing the church in record numbers.
After hearing from experts, practitioners, the churched and the unchurched, the old and the young, the summit participants were asked to choose likely scenarios for several church crossroads directions. Here’s where they landed.
THE CHURCH IN 20 YEARS
An upward trend. Though things are likely to get worse before they get better, the church will grow again in America. It’s not likely to mimic the spiritual evaporation that Europe has seen. Rather, the trends may begin to look more like those found in China, where the church is flourishing organically despite the lack of a faith-friendly government.
Denominational dissipation. As the culture’s suspicion of institutions deepens, the cachet of a congregation’s affiliation to a denomination will continue to fade. The value–and cost–may become very difficult to justify. Denominations may be overshadowed by networks of like-minded congregations–not based on rules but on shared resources.
Values over personalities. Summit participants acknowledged that celebrity pastors–national and local–will continue to draw crowds on the strength of their personalities. But ultimately the churches of the future will be known more for their values than their human purveyors.
Outward focus. The majority of today’s churches direct almost all their attention, programs, personnel, facilities and budget toward the insiders, the members. But the thriving churches of tomorrow will balance their ministry with a deliberate focus toward those on the outside, many of whom will never become Sunday pew sitters.
Millennial reshape. After hearing data and personal accounts about the unique traits of the Millennial generation, summit participants concluded these young people (ages 18-29) are game-changers for the church. Unlike previous generations, Millennials will not succumb to the church’s longstanding traditions and ways of defining and doing church. They will not merely return to church-as-we-know-it once they start having children, as other generations have done. They will significantly reshape the church’s practices and attitudes according to their values.
What are some of these values? Gordon College president Michael Lindsay told participants that Millennials are uniquely driven to start new things. They’re drawn to authenticity, and they’re repulsed by anything that seems slick. “It’s about being vulnerable,” he said.
Gordon College student David Hicks said, “We don’t want adults who are trying to be edgy.” He told how he was turned off when his former church’s praise band used musical tactics to manipulate people into a false crescendo of worship. “I became cynical.” After leaving the church entirely, he now attends a more traditional church. “There are no ‘cool’ churches. I’m hungry for transcendence,” he said.
Barna Group vice president Roxy Wieman, herself a Millennial, also spoke about the hunger for transcendence–and community. But current church communities seem inauthentic, in part because Millennials have not had a hand in developing them.
Several speakers mentioned the Millennials’ innate desire to be involved, to participate. They’re not interested in being passive consumers or spectators at church. Leadership Journal managing editor Drew Dyck said Millennials “want to be heard from day one.”
Social entrepreneur Justin Mayo said Millennials want to reach out to and accept those the church often rejects. “You’re never going to reach someone you choose to isolate,” he said. “How do we create dialogue? Not by criticizing them at the front door. Do we even have the kind of relationship that allows us to say a hard thing to someone?”
David Hicks said, “We’re willing to go where they (people outside the church) are. We’re not asking them to come to our thing and clean themselves up first. We’re willing to enter their world and be ourselves.”
A glimpse into the future of the church.
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BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Thom Schultz is the president and founder of Group Publishing and Lifetree Café. He’s the author of many books including Why Nobody Wants to Go to Church Anymore and The 1 Thing, and he’s the director of the documentary film When God Left the Building. Thom is the founder of Group Cares, a non-profit organization that provides mission trips for thousands of volunteers each year. Thom’s blog, HolySoup.com, challenges the status quo.
Joani Schultz is Group’s Chief Creative Officer. She oversees the creation of Group’s resources, training, and services for children’s ministry, youth ministry, adult ministry, and church leadership. She’s the author of numerous books including Why Nobody Wants to Go to Church Anymore, and The 1 Thing. She leads the teams that create Group’s Bible curriculum, vacation Bible school programs, books, magazines, conferences, music, and trainings.
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THOM SCHULTZ'S HOLY SOUP WEBSITE:
Above article republished below in full unedited for informational, educational, and research purposes:
Forget Evangelism. Forget Discipleship.
Maybe it’s time to mothball two of the church’s favorite terms: evangelism and discipleship.
The current meaning of these terms has deteriorated into something far afield from the original intent.
Let’s start with evangelism. For most churches, evangelism boils down to one of two activities:
- Lecture a roomful of people about sin and God.
- Hope that stalwarts from your denomination move to town and join your church.
The past few months I’ve contemplated the effectiveness–or lack thereof–of these approaches. Then I traveled to the cornfields of Iowa. Here, a fledgling ministry called Cana exercises evangelism in a refreshing–and effective–way.
REAL EVANGELISM
Last year Barbara Huisman and a few of her friends talked about planting a church in their hometown of Fort Dodge, Iowa. They worked with their denomination to gain support, but they stipulated that they didn’t want to follow the typical church-planting model.
Instead, they dreamed of a “creative space where life and faith come together.” So they leased an old downtown storefront location across the street from a budget motel that rents rooms by the hour.
While most church plants establish themselves with a Sunday worship service, Cana started with a Tuesday night Lifetree Cafe, a weekly hour of conversation about life and faith. If people are interested in a regular church service, Barbara refers them to the many churches in the community.
While most church plants establish themselves with a Sunday worship service, Cana started with a Tuesday night Lifetree Cafe, a weekly hour of conversation about life and faith. If people are interested in a regular church service, Barbara refers them to the many churches in the community.
At Cana, the team demonstrates what Barbara calls “radical hospitality.” It’s a highly relational approach that community members experience the moment they step inside.
Jodie, a woman struggling with addictive behavior, wandered into Cana’s Lifetree Cafe one dark Tuesday night and was immediately embraced and invited to sit with Joyce, a Cana regular who enveloped Jodie with the simple love of Christ. Jodie said that night changed her life. The non-judgmental acceptance overwhelmed her. And “God went through me like a lightning bolt,” she said.
She experienced evangelism–true evangelism. Through relationship. With God’s people and the Holy Spirit.
And then Jodie experienced discipleship. But not in the usual way.
REAL DISCIPLESHIP
Usually, the church approach to discipleship means sitting through informational classes and sermons. But that’s not how Jodie was discipled at Cana. She spent time with followers of Christ who lived out Cana’s motto: “Where your passion meets the community’s need. Where miracles happen!”
Jodie’s miracles began that first Tuesday night last year. Her addiction ended that night. Week after week God transformed her. She found her new and real identity in Christ. Cana’s mentors surrounded her with God’s love and guidance.
Then Jodie stepped forward and told Barbara she wanted to start a ministry. She wanted to form a recovery house for women struggling with addictions. It seemed like a far-fetched dream. But Barbara and the people of Cana encouraged Jodie. They suggested she seek funding from local churches. So Jodie met with leaders at a local church–and walked out with a $50,000 commitment for the recovery house.
Cana formed a new 501(c)(3) organization, and the Gateway to Discovery women’s center is on its way. But that’s not all. Other Cana people wanted to pursue their ministry passion for the arts. So they leased the space next to the Lifetree location to accommodate PieceWorks, a new non-profit arts ministry.
Still other people at Cana found they shared a love for horses. So they established Stable Connections, another Cana non-profit that uses horses for mental health therapy.
In just the past year, this little ministry outpost called Cana has launched three new non-profit organizations, a prayer ministry, and a community Bible time, in addition to their Lifetree Cafe.
In just the past year, this little ministry outpost called Cana has launched three new non-profit organizations, a prayer ministry, and a community Bible time, in addition to their Lifetree Cafe.
It’s a picture of discipleship. Everyday people growing in their relationship with God, becoming active disciples of Jesus, carrying his love into the community.
I like the reclamation of evangelism and discipleship I found in Iowa. It’s not an academic exercise. It’s not mass-produced. It’s a personalized, relational approach. Much like Jesus modeled 2000 years ago.
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Thom Scultz's other money raising/money making websites include, with a chocolate theme again:
GROUP CARES:
Your Sunday school can save the lives of kids NOW with a simple K.I.S.S.
The Kindness Initiative for Sunday School to squash malaria campaign is here! Our goal for the campaign is to save the lives of nearly 500,000 children.
THE "CONVERSATION CAFE" KNOWN AS:
LIFETREE CAFE: http://lifetreecafe.com/what-is-lifetree/; AGAIN WITH A CHOCOLATE COFFEE THEME TO GIVE YOU COMFORT IN YOUR SINS, AND NOT HEAR "CONDEMNATION" FROM THE WORD OF GOD.
An hour of stories and conversation to feed your soul.
Lifetree Café is a comfortable place and time to gather weekly to explore life and faith. It looks and feels like the kind of place you'd typically meet a friend for food, drink and fun. Where the atmosphere encourages conversations, questions, and personal stories.
Join us for compelling stories about fascinating people. Stories from the news. Stories from our own lives. The story of what God is doing in the world around us. At Lifetree Café, we explore all those stories - and make sense of our faith and our lives.
Every week, Lifetree Café gathers friendly people to experience the intriguing stories of life around us. Stories about the big-and little stuff that shapes our lives. Family. Friends. Fears. Busyness. Balance. Money. Materialism. Health. Heaven. Peace. Purpose.
The Lifetree motto is…
You're welcome just as you are. Your thoughts are welcome. Your doubts are welcome. We're all in this together. God is here, ready to connect with you in a fresh way.
Lifetree Café is a safe place where great conversation is served up daily.
"On film and in person, you'll hear stories that will make you think, spice your conversation, help you make sense of the world, and inspire you. And in the fun, casual, safe environment of Lifetree Café, you may share your story, too. If you're looking for a place where you can explore life, meet new friends, and experience God...then Lifetree Cafe is your kind of place. But don't take our word for it. here's what others have shared about their Lifetree experience."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lifetree Café?
Simply put, it's a "conversation café"-a place and time for people to gather weekly to experience stories and talk about thought-provoking topics relating to life and faith.
How long does it last?
The Lifetree experience lasts an hour.
Why is it called a "Café"?
Lifetree looks and feels like a cozy café-small tables, comfortable seating, warm environment. Plus, the refreshments at Lifetree Café are free!
What happens there? The Lifetree hour typically includes real-life stories on film, presentation of interesting and relevant information, conversation with others, and helpful tips to take home.
Simply put, it's a "conversation café"-a place and time for people to gather weekly to experience stories and talk about thought-provoking topics relating to life and faith.
How long does it last?
The Lifetree experience lasts an hour.
Why is it called a "Café"?
Lifetree looks and feels like a cozy café-small tables, comfortable seating, warm environment. Plus, the refreshments at Lifetree Café are free!
What happens there? The Lifetree hour typically includes real-life stories on film, presentation of interesting and relevant information, conversation with others, and helpful tips to take home.
Is there an admission charge?
It's absolutely FREE! Nada! Zilch!
Who is it for?
Regardless of beliefs, Lifetree welcomes everyone-individuals, couples, singles, students, and families.
What's the purpose?
Lifetree brings people together to explore important and intriguing life issues, serve the community, and experience God through Jesus Christ.
It's absolutely FREE! Nada! Zilch!
Who is it for?
Regardless of beliefs, Lifetree welcomes everyone-individuals, couples, singles, students, and families.
What's the purpose?
Lifetree brings people together to explore important and intriguing life issues, serve the community, and experience God through Jesus Christ.
Is Lifetree a church?
No. Lifetree is a weekly event in a comfortable cafe-like environment. There's no membership, no preaching, no singing.
How free am I to share my opinion?
You are very welcome to share your opinion and stories with others. Lifetree is an open and inviting space where everyone's thoughts are welcome. And, at Lifetree Café, you're free to simply listen too. Everyone is treated with respect, even when opinions on a particular subject may differ.
No. Lifetree is a weekly event in a comfortable cafe-like environment. There's no membership, no preaching, no singing.
How free am I to share my opinion?
You are very welcome to share your opinion and stories with others. Lifetree is an open and inviting space where everyone's thoughts are welcome. And, at Lifetree Café, you're free to simply listen too. Everyone is treated with respect, even when opinions on a particular subject may differ.
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YOUTUBE VIDEOS AT LIFETREE CHANNEL:
A MIXTURE OF PSEUDO-THEOLOGY, HERESY, NEW AGE, HUMANISM, AFTER DEATH EXPERIENCES, REINCARNATION, PSYCHOHERESY, SECULAR TOPICS, OTHER RELIGIONS, ALIENS, DRUGS, PET COMMUNICATIONS, PET ASCENSION TO HEAVEN, PSYCHIC FORTUNETELLERS, ANGEL ENCOUNTERS, AND CHURCH DAMNING CONVERSATIONS.
SAMPLES:
Discusses the Afterlife—For Pets:
Lifetree Cafe with Thom and Joani;
What is Lifetree Cafe? DEFINITELY NOT A CHURCH!
Insignificant People
Will Mancini (see: http://www.willmancini.com/about);
EXCERPTS:"During my teen years, I was influenced by a godly mother and the ministry of Harvey Nowland at The Willowdale Chapel in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania."
"After seminary, I served as as the pastor of spiritual formation and leadership development at Clear Creek Community Church."
SEE OUR POSTS ABOUT WILLOWDALE CHAPEL:
"WILLOWDALE CHAPEL ADVISED BY TIM KELLER; SOCIAL GOSPEL BROUGHT TO CULTURE BY MERGING PURPOSE DRIVEN, DOMINIONISM & FASCIST COLLECTIVISM":
"WILLOWDALE CHAPEL PART 2: USING WEALTH TO POWER UNBIBLICAL "CULTURAL MANDATE" SUPERCEDING "GOSPEL MANDATE" POWERED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT":
Church Unique by Will Mancini;
- Change the way you think of yourself and the ministry opportunities ahead.
- Learn why you're best suited to meet certain crying needs in your community.
- Define and overcome the obstacles that are currently holding you back.
- Build strong team relationships as you discover and realize God's plan for you.
Church Unique Promo: Going Beyond Rick Warren's
Every church is a one-of-a-kind expression of God's creativity, with an essential and unique role in His divine plan. New levels of inspiration, participation, and influence are possible when you have a guiding vision inspired by your congregation's collective soul. The Church Unique Vision Kit is a journey of discovery that will help your leadership team define a vision, communicate it clearly, and create inspired strategies drawn from an authentic sense of purpose. Innovative exercises, lessons, and tools based on Will Mancini's celebrated methods create a joyful process for your leadership team to fully realize and implement God's unique plan for your congregation.
