The Partners in the Gospel series of articles has stirred up controversy in the subculture formerly known as the ICoC. In them, it seems pretty clear that Kip is trying to justify a split with the ICoC.
I mentioned an article posted by Salt Lake asking to not be on any list because of their concerns over being divisive. It appears that similar sentiments are voiced in Central America, especially in regards to the former ICoC churches in Honduras.
I say similar because Hector Cardona comments about being considered ‘divisive’. William Ellis, the missionary keeping the blog exhorts Hector to take the same view as the Salt Lake church.
On the icmea.org website, an official publication dated November 10, 2006 explains the situation with San Pedro Sula and the Honduran churches. Don’t worry if your Spanish is rusty, it is essentially the same letter written by LA in regards to the new LA church, including the history of Kip’s sabbatical and the two letters written to him last year. Only the names and locations are different. Mexican and Central American churches are warned to cut off all contact with Hector and Kip’s churches.
No surprise that the letter is basically the same as the HQ for Mexican and Central American mission work is where?
LA.
Another, more lengthy piece is more deliberate and detailed in addressing Kip’s claims. I actually met the author of this document, named Aurturo (cannot spell last name). He has planted churches throughout Mexico by creating small Bible schools. Pretty creative, eh?
I mention this because the battles against Kip are now being waged on more fronts:
Hawaii – Gordon and LA Elders.
Central and South America – LA
Europe and Russia – Sean Wooten sent by Boston
Midwest US – Steve Staten
SE Asia – Phil Lam and Scott Green (Kip went to Vietnam and other churches two years ago and was providing financial assistance to them. I do not know if that assistance is still being accepted.)
Throughout the US – Gordon, that I know of. He mentioned a trip to Reno and other places.
I would guess that all these battles is keeping Kip pretty busy. No new articles, no posted sermons, etc. This definitely isn’t the CoC response he got 20 – 30 years ago. These guys are a whole lot more coordinated in their fight.
if you read MT’s article on the non-subscription side of DT re his speaking in Roanoke you can also see the beginnings of the new ‘arms race’.
ttk
fyi – on the Portland side, our buddy Tim in Toronto just came back from a 10 day trip to the UK (the N Ireland/London Kip group paid for their tickets). He said they had 4 bible studies (ea lasting 4 hrs) over the 10 days to advise the group what they should do. Maybe he’ll be Kip’s new Doug for the British Commonwealth!!
Kip needs to go about his business without agitating other congregations. If people want his brand of ministry they know how to find him.
I especially like the point he made about Paul and Barnabas’ separation allowing them to spread the gospel more widely to new places. In contrast, Kip is going after the sheep in existing churches, ostensibly in the name of getting the gospel out in this generation. Quite a contrast to Paul: “It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.” Romans 15:20 NIV