Faithwalkers 2010

Welcome to De-Commissioned, a place for former members of the Great Commission movement (aka GCM, GCC, GCAC, GCI, the Blitz) to discuss problems they've experienced in the association's practices and theology.

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[blonde]

Faithwalkers 2010

This year, there will be 3 locations:  Colorado, Nebraska, and North Carolina.  Churches and ministries in Great Commission Churches will be sponsoring at each site the same theme: "The Disciple".

Circle December 27-30 on your calendar!

[AgathaL'Orange]

Isn't that the theme every year?  LOL.  *alarm bells*  DISCIPLESHIP CULT!  SHEPHERDING GROUP!  STEP AWAY from the SHEPHERDING GROUP!

[blonde]

I always listen to the sermons post-conf.  It seems to me that the main speakers are always the big dogs like Mark or Brent.  Some Board of Director.  Mark, I heard, started it, Faithwalkers and it has exploded.  Very interesting in that matter.  Very sad on the other hand.

-Blonde

[Linda]

Isn't that the theme every year?  LOL.  *alarm bells*  DISCIPLESHIP CULT!  SHEPHERDING GROUP!  STEP AWAY from the SHEPHERDING GROUP!

I have noticed a subtle change. I think they are using the term "disciple" now rather than "leader".  

LT's have been changed to DC's with the emphasis moving from being a leader to being a disciple. The disciple aspect implies a "follower". Of course what they used to call a "leader" also really means a "follower" since leadership in GC means loyalty & commitment to the group. Being in the band of brothers is not a sign of leadership. It is a sign of "followership", so they might as well, in the interest of honesty, change the name to "disciple".

It seems to me the goal is to make everyone disciples of GC. But now we are back to 1 Corinthians and Paul has a lot to say about being a disciple of a person other than Jesus.

[just sharing]

Faithwalkers Midwest

Seminars

Being rooted and established in love  - Eph 3:17 - Kurt Jurgensmeier
Understanding, experiencing, and trusting Christ's love for us is essential to being a committed, enduring, and happy disciple of Jesus Christ. God made us to need and desire acceptance and significance, but He wants us to find and experience these needs through our relationship with Him.  Otherwise we will be seeking our identity in all the wrong places and living with a sense of emptiness.  Join us for a study of how we can begin "to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”  

Daily Walking Strong as a Faithwalker - Rory and Rick Whitney  
Together we want to discuss the "Top Ten" things we think you need to pay attention to, if you ever hope to last.  It’s one thing to burn for God for three days or three weeks.  It’s quite another thing to attempt to serve our Lord for the long haul.  We are still learning and we will share what He has taught us, and the specific disciplines we are working on in our own lives.  We will also talk about those things that trip us up.  We want to be very practical and share the things you can do every week and every day.  

Delight Yourself in the Lord - Ken Johnson
It is normal to want a good marriage and kids and peer relationships and career and ministry. Most of us run on a treadmill of good activities meant to bring us success in these areas. We are happy when things go well. We are sad when they don’t go well, and then we move into problem solving mode to get things to turn out right. Life can be filled with pressure to get things right, and devoid of joy and peace and contentment. But it doesn’t have to be this way. We can re-orient our thinking and live to delight ourselves in the Lord.

English Gospel Camps in Asia - Jim Wiebelhaus and Ching Yu Wang
“People are turning to the church for answers because there is nothing else to turn to.  Can you bring your team to my city?” said a Professor from a restricted access country who came to our English Gospel Camp.  God has opened a huge window of opportunity for Christians in the west to bring the gospel to millions upon millions of people in the east through English Gospel Camps.  Will we be shrewd and make the most of this God-given opportunity?  Two weeks can change the eternal outcome for hundreds of Asians and you will be changed too!

Evangelism Made Simple - Mark Stiglicz
Evangelism is a pretty scary word, right?  Most people avoid it like the plague!  But it doesn’t have to be that way. Effective evangelism can be simpler and less intimidating than you think.  In this seminar, you will hear our church’s strategy to get people involved in evangelism in their daily lives.  We’ll look at several steps to take to get you more comfortable with sharing your faith, and we’ll see a simple way to present the gospel message that anyone can use anywhere. It’s more simple than you think…really!”

The Faithwalking Wife and Mother - Mandy Brown and Neva Whitney
There is a Biblical call for wives and moms. Do you have what it takes – we think so.  But it is always good to learn from each other. That’s how we can help each other. We want to teach from our lives some of the lessons God has taught our hearts. We’ll also look at some of the specific areas that trip us up. We hope to be very practical. There will be time for questions.

Fear Factor: Escaping the Dangerous Trap of Fear - Ben Lennander
Proverbs 29:25 says "Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety." Often times fear can control us and it seems as if there is no way out.  We know the right thing to do but let fear prevent us from doing it. This seminar will give hope and principles for walking through the fears we face daily. Ben will share his story and what he has learned from years of dealing with, and escaping from, the trap of fear.  

Foundations - Gary Osborn
Probably no other book in the Bible is criticized and ridiculed as much as the book of Genesis. Can we believe and trust the early chapters of Genesis? Who wrote it? Why is it so significant? Does it really matter? Come and find out. You may be amazed at what this book has to say.  Genesis is the "Book of Beginnings" and "Origins". The foundations of much that you and I believe comes from this wonderful book.  

God of the Storm - Charlie Meyer
This will be done by myself, Rox and her father, Herman Luhring. This is the amazing story and testimony of a man who had his wife of 52 yrs literally ripped from his arms in a tornado in Parkersburg Iowa in 2008.  Come hear how he discovered that Jesus is enough in any and every circumstances. (Rox and I have told the story and it has been really encouraging to people and now my father in law has agreed to come and share this amazing testimony.)  

Good lovin’ - Doug and Nicki Patterson (for couples only)
Somewhere way beyond “Sex in the City” and “Desperate Housewives” lies the truth about sex. Join us for an open and honest look at what God says about this most intimate aspect of our marriage.
 
The Great Adventure:  Making the most of your singleness - Dan and Meg Rude, Tom and Mandy Brown
ad•ven•ture. n.  an activity that is perceived to involve risk, danger or exciting experiences.   How can we make the most of being single while wanting to be married?  In this seminar we will explore the adventure and satisfaction of pursuing Jesus Christ in the journey through singleness and dating.  (This is a further edition of the 'Swerver' seminar.)

Healthy Relationships – Becky Crane
As women, we are wired by God for relationships.  But the reality is that life would be a whole lot easier sometimes if other people weren’t involved!  Oh, the joys and frustrations and minefields of living with and loving others!  We will look at God’s purposes for our relationships, common myths about them and the truths that set us free, and specific questions to help evaluate our relationships so they can be healthy, helpful, and holy as God desires.

How to Grow as a Disciple of our Lord -Paul Johnson
We all want to grow in our relationship with God but sometimes exactly how to go about doing so can seem complicated and even hopeless. The truth is that you can and should be growing.  I’d like to talk to you about five basic steps that are easy understand but that you’ll spend the rest of your life mastering.

Jeremiah: Stand Against The Land - Dan Wolf
A look at "the weeping" prophet's record of faithfulness despite preaching to a deaf culture, persecution, limited ministry "success" and even personal struggles with doubt. Despite it all Jeremiah's life is marked by perseverance and (in God's eyes) victory. The intent of this study is to prepare us to stand against the land while boldly living out the Great Commission in our lives and ministries.

Leaders and Leaders to Be - Brian Hagerman
How can our ministry to others be what God desires? What are the secrets to being effective, remaining humble, and going the distance? You may have guessed -- God has already told us! Come hear what the Apostle Paul had to say to his young disciple Timothy about servant leadership and influencing others.  (both men and women)

“Looking" to Lead - Mike Olmstead  (for men only)
Jesus says the “eye is the lamp of the body” and if it (the eye) is good-- all is good, and if it is bad-- all is really bad!  We are assaulted everyday with lies that say other people are just hunks of meat meant for our consumption. Assess yourself and ask "Do I need to learn to 'look' like Jesus looked—with eternal, not carnal eyes?"  If you want to see the truth and desire to be a disciple making disciple, this seminar will help you, for I am convinced that where a man looks, he leads.  

Lost in Transition - Help for Those Considering Overseas Church-Planting – Paul Meiburger
There are many things to consider if you are praying about being involved in an overseas church plant.  Learn the importance of having right motivations, being under God-given authorities, developing a strong team, including the importance of having a strong family that is living on-mission.  Also learn about some of the challenges associated with cross-cultural ministry.  Hear about how you can prepare your family for such a move. While this is more focused on long-term church-planting moves, short-term mission trips will also be discussed.  

Make-Up Free Christianity -Robin Klapatch (for women only)
Ladies, do you desire real, lasting change in your life, in your walk with God?  If you're brave enough to step out from behind the "spiritual cosmetics" that we all use to hide our flaws and start living a genuine Christian life, this seminar will give you some encouragement and instruction on how to get started.  

More Than Enough - Joy Whitney (for women only)
Unless the LORD had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul (Psalm 94). When it gets really hard in this life, what will keep you from giving up? How do you honor God as a woman and fully give Him your heart? Come hear some of the lessons God has taught me and my special guest stars: Jamie Raddich, Jessica Whitney & Kristi Wicks.

Music and Worship - (A panel discussion) - Nathan Meyer, Matt Heerema, and Ray Damaso
In Christianity today, worship has become synonymous with music. While a church's worship does include music, it is not confined to music alone. The goal of this seminar is to discuss music's role in the worship of a church, address current misconceptions of what constitutes "worship", and offer practical ministry guidelines that can help the church of 100 or 1000. The panel consists of three leaders with over 40 years of combined experience in church worship music.

Overcoming Sexual Abuse - Jacki Berglund
Sexual abuse has left so many people hurt, confused, and bitter.  Come and hear how God can use for good, what Satan meant for evil as Jacki shares her story about years of being sexually abused and God's mercy. God is more than able to heal wounds of abuse. What God has done for me, He can do for you.

Seven Checkpoints for Biblical Childrearing - Bob Hibbing
Our kids are out of the house now, and following the Lord! We were far from perfect, but we did make some biblical choices that God seemed to bless. People will tell you that the Bible doesn't have much to say about parenting, but I think that's a sorrowful misrepresentation. Looking back, I find seven biblical things that formed our exercise with our children, and I'd like to share them with you. Your children are your number one disciples, and you only get one chance to raise them. My desire is that each of them would follow hard after the Lord with you and beyond you. So how are you doing in this endeavor? I'll give you seven things to evaluate/help you in this most important disciple-making arena.

Sharing Without Fear - Dean Klapatch  
 Nervous about sharing your faith? Don't know how to start a spiritual conversation or initiate a conversation about God?  Come hear some practical steps and some truth that will help you become more comfortable in offering the truth to people?

Solomon's 7 Secrets to Financial Freedom - Bob Bartlett  
Psalm 119:45 "I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts."
As a nation now drowning in debt - $5 trillion of new debt - in the last 2 years, there is a better way. God's timeless truths can unlock the door and set you on the path to financial freedom. Join us as we learn 7 principles to set your financial freedom in motion.
  
Spiritual Leadership According to Nehemiah - Brad Barrett and Paul Johnson
Want to be a better leader?  We can learn a lot from college management classes and corporate leadership seminars, but the best source of all is God’s Word.  One stellar example from the Word is Nehemiah who was not just a good leader, he was a spiritual leader. We’ll explore his life, and then give you a 9-week discussion series to look more deeply at his life.  

Stories from the Store - Tim Borseth
Have you ever wondered how you could increase the number of unbelievers you know?  How you could spend more time discipling your kids?  How you could interface with the "secular" world more?  Well, have you considered buying and owning a store? This seminar will share the story of how and why Tim Borseth, pastor of a new church plant in Decorah Iowa, along with his family purchased and operate a used video game store.  It will feature a ton of incredible stories of how God used this little business to reach out to several dozen teenagers, 20 somethings, and even a few adults.

Trials and the Christian Life - Chris Biang
How to joyfully cooperate with God during trials. We will be looking at James 1, as it describes how trials can help us become mature Christians.  We will discuss why we seem to be in repetitive trials and what we can do about it.

Uphill Discipleship - Jolene Laugerman, Shari Damaso, and Dawn Bovenmyer (women only)
When we read Jesus' instructions to "Go and make disciples," it sounds clear-cut.  But the road we travel includes hills and valleys; moments of excitement and fulfillment seem to fade as we trudge through challenges, heartache, and doubt. Many that we are discipling carry heavy loads of hurt, others cling too tightly to us, and some keep wandering off the path. We can get bogged down in our own sins and mistakes as well. Three well-traveled Faithwalkers will talk about common difficulties encountered on the road of discipling others, offer tools to get and keep you on track, and answer your questions.

What does the Bible have to say about…Beauty, Fashion, Lifestyle and Culture? - Mary Knox (for women only)
Who do you listen to, when it comes to what to wear, how to present yourself, how to act, how to move, how to speak, etc.  The Bible is actually a manual for women, on how to BE and LIVE on Planet Earth. The Bible is relevant and practical on these issues. Let’s look at what God says about beauty, and how to spend our time, how to act around men, who to dress for, etc.  My prayer for this session? “God, make us more godly. We want to live in a way that brings You glory.”  

What Major Do I Choose? - Karl Quickert
Many college students have struggled with the question "What major do I choose?" but the more important question to answer is "What career should I pursue?"  As a nation, we owe 3/4 of trillion dollars in student loans.  Since I was in college 8 years ago, tuition at my Alma mater has doubled and in some cases students are graduating college with school loans in the six figures. This seminar will encourage students to be wise and think critically in the pursuit of a career and to be wise in the use of student loans to meet their educational and career goals.

You Can Change The World! – Dave Lennander  
Does recycling, being “green”, getting an education or being involved politically really make a lasting impact on the world? Not in comparison to being used by God to see another person’s life transformed. God wants to use you now by not only becoming a disciple of Christ but by discipling other people. Find out methods that Jesus used to select, recruit, and train 12 men who went on to change the world. You can use these same methods to make a lasting impact in people's lives.

[just sharing]

Faithwalkers West

Seminars


A Sci-Fi Thriller ? The Ant vs The Slug  - Jay Yousling

Do you want to learn the secret of regularly jump out of bed in the morning excited to start your day? Do you desire to finish tasks and project strong? Do you wish you knew how to be self-motivated in more areas of your life? Do you want to improve your leadership? You will discover practical answers to all of these from a lifelong recovering sluggard.

Accountability: The Missing Link  - Dennis Clark

 The great heroes of the Bible came from such diverse backgrounds, and yet they all caught God’s attention.  What common trait (if any) did these men possess?  The answer may be painful:  “God knew He could trust these men when they were all alone.”

In this seminar you’ll be hearing from several men who have been involved in accountability groups for years as they talk about practical ways it’s helped them, why they stay involved, and what their weekly meeting looks like.   There will be Q & A at the end, as well as a handout of ‘suggested accountability questions’.  (for men only)

The Bait of Satan  - Perry Paulding

In Luke 17:1, Jesus said, “It is impossible that no offenses should come…”  As Paul Bilheimer has observed, “The continuous and widespread fragmentation of the Church has been the scandal of the ages.  It has been Satan’s master strategy.  The sin of disunity probably has caused more souls to be lost than all other sins combined.”  Based on the bestselling book by author John Bevere, this seminar challenges Christians to live free from the deadly trap of offenses.  How do you process offenses? How does God intentionally use them for your good?  How do you practically “forgive and forget”?  And how does faith deliver us from a “victim mentality”?  Don’t be fooled!  You will encounter offense, and it’s up to you how it will affect your relationship with God, as well as your future.

The Balancing Act of The Disciple - Jeff Wieman

 Whether you are a college student, a young professional, or a married couple you have to learn how to balance your time and your finances if you are going to be an effective disciple of Jesus Christ.  I would like to share with you a few simple thoughts that God has taught me through the years of being a college student, a young professional, a husband and father of 2, and a tent-making pastor.  By God’s grace, you just might learn a few things that will help you to be the most balanced disciple that you can be.   

Band of Brothers - Steve McInroy

I Corinthians 16:13: "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong." Like it or not, we are in a battle. Men need other men to lock arms with as we pursue the mission God has entrusted us with. In this seminar we will acknowledge the battle we are in, and give practical ways to help men begin and maintain discipleship relationships with other men.  (for men only)

Becoming Great in the Kingdom - Diane Yousling and Sarah Alber

Jesus said that this one thing will make us great in the Kingdom of God.  Do you want to know how to make a difference in your church, your roommates and your spouse or future spouse?  Come listen to two pastor's wives share what they have learned and lived out.  (for women only)

Bible Truths for Kids through Face Painting and Magic - Loren and Brenda Poppe

Loren and Brenda bring gospel truths to children in ways they may never forget.  By using card tricks and illusions that engage the young mind, Loren powerfully represents ideas such as sin, redemption, God's forgiveness and Jesus' resurrection.  Then Brenda lets children choose a face painting illustration that best captures the truth they want to remember most.  This is Bible truth in illustrations that make hard ideas understandable and memorable! (especially for kids)

 Dinos, Dragons, the Deluge, and Discipleship - Patrick Nurre

 What do dinosaurs have to do with following Jesus?  Let me help you make the connection.  Come learn some astonishing truths about these amazing beasts of the earth and how they impact your walk with Jesus.

The Disciple and the Bible (Session 1) - Don Schlichte

Want to be effective and productive as a disciple of Christ? Your utilization of God's promises will be a determining factor. We'll survey 2 Peter 1: 1-11 for insights on the importance of promises in the life of a committed disciple.

The Disciple and the Bible (Session 2) - Don Schlichte

Is your interpretation of the Bible accurate? How do you know? Hermeneutics is the science and art of biblical interpretation. This seminar is hermeneutics 101. We will examine the core principles of biblical interpretation which will help you handle Bible texts with confidence and greater assurance that you're "getting it right." I wish I had known this when I was in my 20's!

Disciple-making: We're all in this together - Paige Croswhite and Naomi Triggs   

Personal stories in developing a culture of disciple making. What they've learned from others, from the Word, and from living in action Jesus' call to make disciples of all nations. How does this look within friendships and across cultures? How is it the same no matter where you are, and how is it different? Finally, disciple making is seeking to follow Christ and examining our own hearts; Our devotion to one another in love, is an outflow of our devotion to Jesus.  (for women only) 

Do Our Jobs Get In The Way of Serving God? - Dave Triggs

We all want to make the most of our time and serve God, but work can sometimes seem to get in the way.  In fact, work can sometimes be viewed as a bad four-letter word.  Some jobs or tasks may seem like a complete waste of time, but in reality they may be the training ground for future essential job and/or even ministry assignments.  In this seminar we will look at God's instructions about work, our attitudes about work, our attitudes toward those who are in authority in the work place, and how God trains us for serving Him - with examples from over 35 years of work experiences.

Genetic Entropy – the essential truth that should end the debate about evolution - John Meyer

Using a video by Dr. John Sandford as the basis for discussion, this seminar explains the concept of genetic entropy and helps even “non-science” people understand a simple concept that shows us evolution never happened.

Hard-won Lessons on Practical Parent-Led Teen Ministry - Scott and Kathy Elder

How much should parents be involved in the church’s ministry for their teens?  Can parents who aren’t gifted with relating to teens have an effective role?  What if teens prefer not to have their parents involved?  These and other challenging questions have been part of the journey to effectiveness for teen ministry in Fort Collins.  Summitview started from a place of high expectations and ideals ten years ago, then progressed to a first “graduating” class that produced only disconnected or struggling teens, and has now come to a place where our teen ministry is developing and releasing a high percentage of committed disciples.  We have learned several lessons along the way and one of them is the key role played by parents.

 How to see the Genesis Flood on the Drive Home - John Meyer

A lecture on why the age of the earth is an important issue for Christians and some of the fascinating evidence for the flood of Noah, including geologic features that you will drive by on the way home.

  I know that’s how you feel, but “WDGS”? - Patrick Nurre

Our culture is spiraling toward experience-oriented religion; spiritual experiences that are validated by personal feelings. Today the trend is to minimize the actual words of Scripture and to embrace one’s own spiritual experience.  Why is it even important that we study and know what God says in His word?  And how can I build my study habits so that I can be like Ezra, the priest about whom it is recorded that he, “Set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, to practice it and to teach His statutes in Israel” (Ezra 7:10).  This seminar will give you specific ways to help you get the most out of your Bible study.

Let the Word of Christ Richly Dwell Within You  - Dave Knoshaug

A disciple of Christ needs to have God's word in his heart.  Do you want to learn practical ways to memorize Bible verses or sections of Scripture (and have fun doing it)?  Do you need more encouragement to hide God's word in your heart?  Come to this seminar and give the Holy Spirit greater opportunities in and through your life.

Motherhood: A Call to Disciple - Kathleen Nelson 

Moms, you have a significant impact on the world! Within the four walls of your home, you have the opportunity to live out the great commission by shaping the next generation of disciples. Come listen and be encouraged about the truths of this great calling. (for women only)

OUTREACH Evangelism Program – All You Need To Start  - Bill Young & Jim McFall

The OUTREACH Evangelism Program can help you and your church effectively share the Good News with everyone - family members, friends, and strangers. This seminar is designed to equip you with everything you will need to utilize this powerful tool individually or within your church. Pastors are especially encouraged to attend.


Parenting Fit for a King - Jay Yousling

A child?s Christmas present, $25. A child?s new bike, $100. Knowing how to raise a godly, Great Commission child, priceless! Being a parent may be the most challenging job in the world. Many have opted out, being AWOL for various reasons. Many of us, me included, did not have parenting modeled to us in a Biblical way growing up, to say the least. But, God?s grace is sufficient. Learn seven parenting principles from King Solomon, the wisest man on the planet at the time. They are timeless and priceless!

Real Life Boot Camp - Brad Alber

Are you flying through life by the seat of your pants?  It written in the Proverbs that "The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, But everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty."  Consider this a crash course in life.  What decisions can you make in college or as a young single that will build a wise foundation for the future?  We will discuss how careful planning now will prepare you for careers, ministry, and marriage down the road.

 Saint George Lectures on the Amazing Attributes of Dragons and Dinosaurs  - Stephen K. Meyer

Stephen Meyer, dressed as St George, recounts the legend of slaying the dragon and uses the story as a starting point to explain amazing facts about some of God's most amazing creations, the dinosaurs.  Targeted at children 4-12 (but open to anyone), this seminar will use visual aids and simple activities to teach some of the amazing things we know today about dinosaurs.  Designed to help young people understand that one of the most fascinating parts of the natural world (the dinosaurs!), point us toward God, not away. (especially for kids)

 So You Think You Can Church-Plant? - Rich Thatcher

Do you have what it takes to be a successful church planter? Do you desire to be a part of starting a new church to help fulfill the Great Commission? Do you think you are ready?  So did I!  Join me as I share lessons learned from our church plant to downtown Denver. I’ll also share some practical tips and tools to help prepare you now to be a future Great Commission church planter!  I invite you to check this seminar out, if you think you can handle it!

 Swerver Man II: The Super-Dating Sequel - Bill & Mary Young, Steele & Kim Croswhite, Josh & Krista Whitney

Unlike Tony Stark, Swerver Man II will help you honor God in your guy/girl relationships.  In this seminar we'll explore dating vs. "dating with a purpose" (DWAP-ing). Our premise is that dating as a lifestyle is a "Swerver" and can lead us where we don't want to go.  This super-dating sequel promises to be bigger and better than ever!

[nelliepooh]

I cannot believe how the topics of the discussions are all basically using the weakenesses and satement of error as tp for their bologna.  Its either that they are clueless, brainwashed or people that feel the need to ruin other peoples connection with the bible, god and what he wants for each of us indivigually with our life by regergitating the same messages that the error statement was written for. 

[G_Prince]

Good lovin’ - Doug and Nicki Patterson (for couples only)
Somewhere way beyond “Sex in the City” and “Desperate Housewives” lies the truth about sex. Join us for an open and honest look at what God says about this most intimate aspect of our marriage.


Lots of gems here, but this one sounds like a real hoot!

Targeting two shows were women are sexually empowered...hmm I wonder were this seminar is heading?

[Linda]

Two thoughts.

1. I know all ages are welcome, but isn't Faithwalkers aimed at "college aged" singles? So, um, why this topic?

2. When people publicly discuss details of their personal life (and I've heard some very inappropriate details in GC sex talks--do I really needs to know specifics of what turns someone on, or how often, etc.?), I can't help but wonder if there is something else going on, a different agenda, a breaking down of walls that are supposed to be there to create the illusion of familiarity and encourage people to share their details. Haven't we discussed before that "details" get remembered and shared up the leadership food chain. They can and will be used against you if necessary.

[AgathaL'Orange]

Hmmm.  I guess I would rather go to the West one.  I've heard all the Midwest topics before ad nauseum.  At least at the West one I could get my facepainted.  Last year was the worst faithwalkers ever with blatant insults aimed at members like... You are sheep.  I am a shepherd.  Sheep are stupid.  By the way, did you know shepherds don't really break sheep legs if they wander off?  That a myth used by the shepherding moving to exert more control over the stupid sheeple.

The message all about the sexy time (sorry to quote ol pervy Borat), is ridiculous sounding.Good grief.  Keep it private people.  If people need advice, I don't think introducing a giant group of people into the discussion is going to help.

Looks like less intensity perhaps this time and more ridiculosity.

[AgathaL'Orange]

Also, the Delight Yourself in the Lord teaching sounds like cruddy application.  Accepting bad things is not the answer.  Getting up everyday to fight and keep going while retaining your faith is the battle.  Telling someone who is in real trouble to merely Delight yourself in God is really insensitive.  Also people aren't trying to solve problems just because they make you feel sad, but because it's the right thing to do.  Such immaturity and ignorance spewed out yearly!  Dude!  People actually have REAL problems!  Life threatening ones that need years ofintervention!  It's this kind of moronic simplicity that should be a huge wakeup call to people.  You don't look for solutions to cancer or drug using kids cause it makes you sad.  You do it because it's the right, normal, and ONLY thing to do.  They need to see that other areas of life are just as crucial at times...   Sigh.  Double Sigh.  Triple sigh.  Hyperventilating.  

[EverAStudent]

The West conference sounds like old-time GC through-and-through. 

Agatha, for years I have studied and taught on Psalm 37 (delight yourself in the Lord).  However, it was not until one day while studying the Psalm in its entirety for a seminary class that I mapped out its chiastic poetic structure and the obvious intended meaning sank in. 

Psalm 37 begins and ends with this theme: Are you afraid of evil people all around you?  God has prepared salvation for you and not for them, so take comfort. 

Since the Psalm begins and ends with that theme, everything in the middle must in some way support that theme.  Delight in the Lord is a fragment of an entire series of interlocked commands for the Psalmist to be holy and dependent on God so that God can grant the Psalmist his heart's desire to stop fearing and envying wicked people and evil circumstances. 

Most interpreters incorrectly find this Psalm to be a magic genie promise to get whatever your heart wants by delighting in God.  However, it is a narrowly focused promise that righteous people who live under holy commands will be freed from the fear and envy they have of wicked people.

[AgathaL'Orange]

Thanks for that Ever, I get upset when people use religion or faith to KEEP people in bad circumstances, teaching them to accept it and just trust in God instead of getting real help.  Specifically with issues that could use therapy, support groups, even marital separation, or intervention for child abuse.  The idea that the Bible would direct people to harm has done a lot of damage in my life and people I know.  Sometimes you have to acknowledge that things are really broken and that it is okay to quit taking it and to get up and fight it.  Any sessions I had with a pastor at GC concerning issues that required medical treatment for my son was "Be thankful!" And "Delight yourself in God."  They should probably also read Job.  And if a pastor knows nothing, he should just say so and encourage you to get real help instead of sucking up all your time with little chores and calling it service to God.  The ignorance!  But that said, I also have to realize that my own youthful immaturity also contributed to me looking for simplistic easy answers.  I guess I wanted to just be able to Delight myself in God and feel better.  It doesn't work that way.

[LucyB]

And if a pastor knows nothing, he should just say so

I was sexually abused and found comfort from my faith, therefore I am an expert. Follow me, and I will show you the secret to forgiveness and freedom.

I was single until I was 21 years old. I am an expert. I remember what it was like to be really horny. Follow me and I will show you the secret to finding fulfillment in Christ.

I was so prideful I considered studying the Bible from a scholarly perspective, but God taught me to humble myself and follow my leaders.

Let's try to get the sheep signed up without telling them about the seminars in advance. These poor sheep need to be away from their families over the holidays so they can glean from the riches of our expertise.

Sorry to the people I offend; I'm just poking fun. 

Psalm 37 has been a great comfort to me. One of my favorites is v. 6--He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn--the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

[Linda]

These poor sheep need to be away from their families over the holidays so they can glean from the riches of our expertise.

As a parent, I think this bothers me the most about conferences like Faithwalkers. Students go off to college, often a few hundred miles from home. They are away from their families for many weeks and when they finally get to spend a few days at home, with their families over Christmas break, they are enticed by the movement to go off to a conference and bond with "the group" (and asked to commit to the movement for life). Parents are totally left out of the loop, or worse yet, made to look like the devil's pawns for being concerned if they question the group or it's practices. Families are divided and students are made to believe that the opinion of an "elder" ("raised up" by other elders in that long line of succession that can be traced to self-proclaimed apostle/elder Jim McCotter) should be held in higher esteem than that of the parent who raised the student. Students are led to believe that parents who question the group are part of the persecution they will experience if they try to commit "to God" (which by their definition is the same as committing to the movement). It sickens me.

In fairness, parents are invited. It would seem that most of the families that attend are "solidly committed" GC families. My recommendation to non-GC parents whose children are attending is that they pay the bucks and attend with their child so they will know just exactly what is being taught.

[Rebekah]

Oh my! I think the three that annoy me the most are

• "What Major Do I Choose?" with Karl Quickert (aka, "Drop out and work for the church for free!")
• "The Bait of Satan" with Perry Paulding about how to overcome "offenses" and stay unified (aka, "You're offended?! Get over it!")
• "The Great Adventure: Making the most of your singleness" with Dan and Meg Rude, Tom and Mandy Brown (it's taught by two married couples! sheesh!)

The parenting ones scare me, too.

On the other hand, I'd love to see Stephen Meyer act out the St. George story!

[ISU Alumna]

Daily Walking Strong as a Faithwalker - Rory and Rick Whitney  
Together we want to discuss the "Top Ten" things we think you need to pay attention to, if you ever hope to last.  It’s one thing to burn for God for three days or three weeks.  It’s quite another thing to attempt to serve our Lord for the long haul.

This is so depressing. Somebody like Rick, who has never grown beyond the heady days of a youthful delirium, tries to justify his being stuck in a cult by sharing mind-closing techniques with other members of the cult.

 

[Curious]

I wonder what current attenders think of the list of seminars? I know there are some attenders that are aware of the concerns that others have and somewhat agree with them but still choose to attend their GC churches. Do they have any concerns with this list? Especially as I know that some of these seminars are recycled and have been given in the past so some people know exactly what will be shared.

[MarthaH]

From the Faithwalkers site: "Faithwalkers is a special kind of conference. Faithwalkers is a conference sponsored by member churches and ministries in Great Commission Churches that rallies young people, couples, parents, and families to be devoted to Jesus Christ and the Great Commission. "

"Faithwalkers is a special kind of conference.".....Yeah, that's one way of saying it 

"Faithwalkers is a conference sponsored by member churches and ministries in Great Commission Churches that rallies young people (curious choice of wording; I would say indoctrinates instead of rallies),

"rallies young people, couples, parents, and families to be devoted to Jesus Christ,"....in that order (divorced people need not attend)/

"and the Great Commission.".....should read, "and their Great Commission", as in their Great Commission Church!

Beware young people! Don't go on any road trips following either as they will use this to feed off of the emotional high you experience to get you to commit! 

[blonde]

They don't teach biblical truth at these so-called confs.  They teach a very bias view of Scripture.  Here is a link about Mark Darling priding himself in getting D's in high school.  That idea of a less-educated man is something I could not bear.  I left ECC after this sermon.

Here is the link: http://tiny.cc/plo71

Would you want a pastor that prides himself in just getting by?