I have just received the latest copy of the Portland Church Bulletin. The only article contains details of an upsetting nature. You can read the article on here.
In case the article disappears after MOAC 2005, it has been transcribed here:
Sadly, I feel compelled to report that Thomas McKean, evangelist of the Portland International Church of Christ, has called out a remnant of ’sold-out’ disciples in the former ICoC congregations. He acknowledges that this will cause short-term division, but appeals to 1 Corinthians 11:19
to say that these divisions are necessary. He has accused some churches of preaching “a different gospel” and believes that his churches will demonstrate God’s approval.
Considering the discussions on unity that were to take place at MOAC 2005, it looks like there is little to no chance for reconciliation. In light of that, I want to say something to certain leaders that I very rarely say:
I told you so.
I told everyone that would listen that this was too little, too late. I said in 2003 that something needs to be done. Remember me in Chicago? The first question asked to Gordon at the conference? I said, “What are we going to do about Kip?” It is on tape.
So now, I am part of a church that will be going through a very ugly and probably very public split. It probably will not be in my backyard for a year or two, but it is coming. And it makes me very sad.
I may not be around tomorrow, I need to go pray.
Comments
8 Responses to “A Calling of the Remnant”
I suspect we’re in the same boat - it’ll come around to Albuquerque, but not right away. This made me sad at first, too. Can you post an image of the newsletter?
OTOH, my wife and I support a local mainline CoC charity (a children’s home) and an elder’s wife and several other members here have expressed interest in trying to help meet some of their needs. I really could see some unity being built with some local congregations so that by the time this guy shows up here it may be a minor division with few going along with him. My wife actually once visited a mainline CoC there in Omaha. Perhaps this could be the very thing that drives our respective leaders to “forge” some unity locally before Kip shows up. It’s kind of like the rest of our lives - we *KNOW* God is working somehow to make all of this work out. He just doesn’t seem to want us to know how.
Mark
Now in deep appreciation of God’s grace, the Portland leadership is taking the initiative to help rebuild any congregation that asks our help thereby aiding in rebuilding a global movement of “sold-out” disciples that will reach this lost world. As…
I’m share your disappointment, brother. It is a day almost too sad for words. He is going to forge global unity by fomenting local strife in the churches! Sounds to me like a house divided against itself. It makes no sense. God, help us!
You have all the unity you need. We are all part of the catholic church. Small comfort perhaps, but important none the less.
I think the only way to deal with Thomas is to take a very critical look at his theology and phylosophy. He is a palagian and a pragmatist. Only by exposing these worldly views can your congregations survive. Sadly, I don’t think there are many (if at all) who have the ability to offer this critique within the ICOC fellowship. Not because they lack the will but rather, they lack the knowledge.
Pardon my inept spelling. That should be pelagian.
And to stimulate you to further study and investigation, I offer this short article…
I think bobber has a point. A man-centered gospel is not the gospel of Christ. On the surface it might seem that Kip is preaching salvation. But he binds the message of salvation to his own methods of spreading it. Being *called out*, it seems to me, just means being asked to *join in* with those who accept the ideas and emphases Kip spends most of his time writing about–it isn’t the simple gospel of salvation under the name of Christ and the righteousness that flows from IT. It is a whole host of practices alongside it that end up being the hinge that salvation swings on. It is frustrating, which is all the more reason to pray for the leaders of these churches, including Kip. My hope and prayer is that God blesses him–not with achieving his own agenda, but with a reverent and humble spirit, contrite and faithful before God’s throne.
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