Let's say that you're a Christian. If someone told you that you should check your horoscope on this great new app, would you? What if you did, and it was accurate? Kinda uncanny, so maybe you check it again.
Most Christians reading this will take objection with the course of this story. Christians know that horoscopes are not godly; they are derived from the realm of astrology, which is pagan. But let me pose this question: what if checking my horoscope helps me? It gives me direction for the day, and I thank God for it? Why is my experience with the horoscope invalid? (If you are unsure about Christianity and horoscopes, you can read more about it here.)
God's truth should trump our experiences. Just because we find something to be helpful or interesting, does not mean it is good for us or right.
How do we know God's truth? We have to study and read the Bible. I admit there are topics in God's word that I have not explored deeply, and when I come across something that I have questions on, I research it. I consult people I know--people who have studied a lot--and seek their advice. I pray, and ask the Holy Spirit to lead me into truth (John 16:13-14). Studying is hard work, but don't be discouraged: we have a very real helper who walks with us. The flip side of that statement is: even though we have the Holy Spirit in us, we also must study, read, question.
When we heard something puzzling from the pulpit, we went back to our Bibles. We scratched our heads. We studied, talked, and prayed. Then we asked our pastor about it. He referred us to a book. We read the book. We became very alarmed.
It is at this point in our story that we have to draw a curtain. We sought counsel; we had private meetings. We are not recounting things said in private conversations.
Why are we publicly criticizing Joe Allbright's teachings (such as Liberating the Bruised) and Peace in the House ministry? We were very active in our church, inviting people, building relationships, promoting everything about it. I even referred some friends to Peace in the House before I realized what it was. We promoted publicly. And while we began to protest privately, we found that people were using these resources without knowing that anyone objected. There is nothing on the internet that raises a word of caution about Allbright. There is no public voice protesting that this is happening at the Church.at (specifically BattleCreek).
We loved our church. We occasionally disagreed with our pastor, but these always seemed like minor issues. In spring of 2012, this particular issue became too big for us to ignore.
I don't think we are questioning spiritual authority; we are examining a particular teaching. And we are certainly not reposting someone else's thoughts or a critique of a large ministry in which we had no part. We are telling our story, which we were always encouraged to do at BattleCreek: "They triumphed over him [the enemy] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony" (Revelation 12:11). We are not calling people to step away from theChurch.at--just examine this ministry.
If you or a loved one are considering subjecting yourself to deliverance ministry at BattleCreek, please know that we do not think this ministry has a biblical foundation (even though Joe Allbright quotes the Bible extensively). If you have been hurt or confused by this ministry, perhaps hearing our objections will be helpful to you.
We are not calling into question anyone's motives (1 Corinthians 4:5), but we are examining published teaching and asking others to do the same. 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 says, "Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all."
And for the big picture, we want to encourage the church to be alert. We have been warned in Scripture. Don't think it can't happen in your corner. I believe the enemy would love to sow a thousand small false ministries among God's people than ten really big ones.
There are many good things happening at theChurch.at. It is one of the best organized churches we have ever been a part of, intent on sharing the gospel with the lost. May the Lord continue to bless and grow His church for the glory of His name.
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