It wants it’s Evangelization Proclamtion back.
For those that do not know, in 1994/95, we in the ICoC had a five year plan mandated by God to evangelize the world in one generation. This meant we had to have a church in every country that had a city of at least 100,000 folks. We were also supposed to have a church in all 50 states.
We came really close, but we didn’t make it despite the press at the 2000 Jubilee that we did. We had no church in Mississippi, South Dakota, or North Dakota by 2000. Many churches in Africa had 0 members. (Not kidding, it counted as a church if it had 0 members.) This push for tremendous growth was a key element in the accompanying collapse in 2003 – the 12 month period between May 1999 – May 2000 was probably the most intense, most demanding, least gracious, works-oriented time for many of the leaders. The reason was that we had to announce the completion of the EP for the 200 Jubilee.
The truth was not entirely necessary.
Now, the earthquake in LA is seen as divine approval of the same style five year plan. The goals are more modest, but the effect is bound to be the same.
Those that do not learn from history really do repeat it, sometimes verbatim.
It’s interesting to note that the original Evangelization Proclamation was announced a few weeks after the Northridge earthquake. It appears that this version is to get the new pillar churches firmly established. I’m sure if the “sold-outs” get things going, we’ll have another Evangelization Proclamation in less than five years.
“Those that do not learn from history really do repeat it, sometimes verbatim.”
there may be one or two among Kip’s group that have figured that out.
Oh my. Does anyone believe this isn’t about Kip’s ego anymore?
Maybe I’m sick, but when I read this line “by the time my fruitful labor on earth ends” in Kip’s article, my mind quickly went to the scene in The Wizard of Oz when Dorothy threw water on the witch.
As Kip (I mean the witch) lay melting, moaning about the cruelty of persecution (what a world! what a world!), would his minions (I mean sold-out disciples) do anything but shout for joy as the realization of freedom washed over them?
He sho’ do think a lot o’ his’self, don’ he?
At this point I’m focused on things I can do something about. I hope he does some good, and keeps the bad to a minimum. If not, then it is in God’s hands.
Excelent reminder Alan, thanks.
BTW – I wasn’t aware of the shenanigans that went into the ‘victory’ in 2000. Zero membership churches? And I had forgot that a church in every state was originally a part of it. That was conveniently left out during the celebration.
I was in DC for an regional (ACR) conference when Kip first announced that we had done it. At the time, it was exciting. Heck, even now it seemed pretty amazing. Knowing that it was in fact a lie, is pretty sad.
We could do something about it, but all things considered, we generally choose not to. I’ve chosen not to because of more immediate concerns at home.
All I can do at this point is remark at profound hubris. It’s also a reminder that, unchecked, we can all continue in our destructive cycles.