GCC’s Real Legacy: 50 Year of Stealing Disciples

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[Janet Easson Martin]

GCC’s Real Legacy:  50 Years of Stealing Disciples

Though the GCC [Great Commision Churches alias] leadership proudly thank and honor themselves, and McCotter, for what they describe as heroic spiritual feats, especially in their recent video “Jubilee: 50 Years of Making Disciples”; there is another side to their story — that of many of it’s former members.  For the first time in nearly 40 years, the real accounts of people involved in this group were no longer silenced, but able to be heard in large numbers on this GCM Warning Forum beginning in 2007 (to this day).  The vast majority of posts chronicle the grave abuses of false spiritual authority among its leaders used to build up its ranks from its inception to its current state.  

Unfortunately, the intimidation modeled and taught by the founder, his leaders and those under them also permeated to lower level leaders or “disciplers”. Those who focused on accessing and procuring new members to the group.  Other than sharing the truth of Gospel with new people; the coaxing and flattering to get them in a GCC church was often insincere.  It was used in smothering fashion to keep them coming, regardless of the new person’s timeline for commitment to the group.  There was more fanfare for those disciplers who herded multiple sheep in at once.  Once they were secured, gone was the close friendship once offered.  Had these leaders’ methods been according to the Holy Spirit’s integrity and respect for others, I would not fault their efforts.  But I simply cannot call their collection of potential members heroic.  

In GCC [formerly GCI, GCAC, & GCM] one was taught by example and from the pulpit to strongly persuade believers attending other churches that they were out of God’s will because theirs was the only church truly following the New Testament.  This, of course, was another of their false teachings.  It was definitely a deceptive way to take and keep people captive inside.  A whole lot of sheep were stolen out from under other pastors and churches that way.  Members were commended for the number of new people they brought and kept in the church.  If GCC were after truly glorifying God; really caring about the genuine well-being of their members, encouraging them in any genuine path of faith in Jesus, I would not be writing this post.  

For most, the voices of former members telling of their personal experience with the rampant spiritual abuse in this group helped them clarify they weren’t “crazy” in their suspicion of ungodly shepherding; or “rebelling against God” as they were told when they raised doubt in the leaders methods. Some realized for the first time reading here they actually had been SPIRITUALLY ABUSED.  For many, this realization that it was okay to reject many of GCC teachings and practices, allowed them to breathe a sigh of relief. For some it was the beginning of renewal of a real hunger for our truly compassionate Shepherd.

Since the Bible was supposedly used to support GCC’s harmful ways, it was quite confusing to figure out exactly what was happening that was off.  The common symptoms after the new disciple no longer needed pursuing and friending by disciplers were often depression, loneliness (especially in their silent opinions), disappointment with Christianity, and NEVER feeling good enough for God.  The life-altering abuse of spiritual authority, invasion of personal privacy (including friends and family), dissuasion from healthy pursuits such as hobbies or life goals through its deliberate false teaching STOLE the member’s authenticity as a person: their true thinking, feeling, and acting.  They became like lifeless robots.  They stayed because they were threatened through false teaching that leaving the group was at their own peril.  That’s why I’ve described GCC’s Legacy as “Stealing Disciples”.

So, some may wonder why keep pressing the matter of GCC’s spiritual abuse?  The numbers there are  significantly fewer, and it’s founder McCotter has been gone for quite a while.  Yes, but neither of those heal the thousands of members wounded psychologically or spiritually.  Never publically rebuked by the GCC leaders, McCotter has continued to take captive by false teaching and pretenses other naive victims. A plain and public confession of grave spiritual abuse is what God demands.  Those leaders who lied need to come clean so the truth can set others free who are falsely persuaded that they will never be good enough for a harsh god who demands too much, and gives too little grace.  It’s time to SINCERELY & PUBLICALLY APOLOGIZE.  It wouldn’t surprise me if God is sick over your boasting 50 years summation video.  It is time to close the door on the sad traditions of GCC, to close the doors of those churches that still practice false teaching.  To hold accountable those who still hold to its painful practices of “discipling”.

“You have men like fish in the sea... The wicked foe pulls all of them up with hooks,
like a dragnet he catches them in his net, he gathers them in his dragnet;
and so rejoices and is glad.  Therefore he sacrifices to his net and burns incense to his dragnet, for by his net he lives in luxury and enjoys choice food.

Is he to keep on emptying his net, destroying nations without mercy?”   (Habakkuk 1:14,15,16,17)


Intimidating their members NEVER to express a doubt about their teaching, much less the truth about a leaders abusive words, commands, or actions (even when more than one person witnessed it) is abusively Lording it Over and Covering Up Evil which Jesus actually loathes.  Being honest with or questioning leadership meant you were not a good disciple and possible worthy of a public ex-communication.  Being threatened with false teaching (from missing out on “God’s perfect will for you” to God severely cursing you including your own death) to NEVER leave the group. The Bible teaches that these kinds of false teachers are out to promote themselves and their personal agenda, feeding on, harming, and ravaging the sheep in order to make themselves “larger”.  It was not about making disciples of Jesus, it was about making disciples of GCC, sacrificing our very lives for their proud empire!

“See, he is puffed up; his desires are not upright—
...he is arrogant and never at rest. ... Because he is as greedy as the grave and like death is never satisfied, he gathers to himself all the nations and takes captive all the peoples.”    (Habakkuk 2:4,5)


If you think GCC leaders and churches in general are repentant of these grave sins, listen and look again.  Here is an excerpt from one of their former GCC Board Director’s current History page (from the Linworth GCC Church he pastors).  He recounts his description of historic beginnings, calling themselves heroes. Others on here have reported those same times and places as harrowing, to say the least.


“They were shaped by the idealism of the late 60’s but  recognized the ultimate revolution was one of love  initiated by the ultimate revolutionary, Jesus. These young heroes and heroines portrayed A.W. Tozer’s famous definition of a Christian: holy rebels set loose in the world. What were they up against? A massive state university unfriendly to evangelical Christianity; cultural upheavals sending shock waves throughout the country; a nation tearing off the veneer of Christian morality; a local Christian community that did not understand them...

They persevered through God’s call and the unfolding guidance of the Holy Spirit. In the 80’s credibility was built with the campus, relationships were built with other Christians, and insights from older Christians brought wisdom and balance to youthful zeal.

Our mission today is still the same: to help people without God to become fully alive, fully mature, and fully on-mission. We aim to help men and women fulfill their redemptive potential in the context of authentic friendships. ...”


To me, this narrative of GCC is laughable to say the least.  To some including myself it’s closer to a white-washed tomb who may have said the words of the gospel, but didn’t practice it.  In fact, they perverted it.  They changed the face of God to fit their proud purposes.  If we genuinely accepted Christ, he will never leave us.  GCC members may have led people to Christ because of the truth of God’s gospel of sin and redemption in his Word.  But, I feel they did not disciple them toward Jesus, but toward the leaders and commitment to the group.  If some are truly concerned about the impact of their false portrait of God on any believer, they need to set the record straight.  Too many of those believers may never open their bible or darken the door of a church again because GCC like greedy wolves SCATTERED them from drawing close to Jesus (though they will always have eternal life).  They may miss out on the abundant life of Faith.  By the way, I think many GCC leaders are not really enjoying abundant life, trusting God to care for them.  They likely traded that in for winning the praise of men.  


“I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy.  I promised you to one husband, to Christ”   (2 Cor. 11:2)

“Woe to Him who piles up stolen goods and makes himself wealthy by extortion!”    (Habakkuk 2:6)

[PietWowo]

There is a lot to talk about this and you have certainly spent a lot of time thinking about all of this.

One point though....

The very idea of a "disciple" (Talmid in Hebrew) is one who follows an example to become just like the example. In the Hebrew culture that would be a Rabbi, which relates to the Hebrew word Rabba, which means many... i.e. Many disciples.  ("Toda" means "Thanks". "Toda Rabba" Many Thanks!!!). So, the word "talmid is referring to someone, who with all of their heart and everything they have want to become just like their Rabbi. Generally teenagers. You still see that in Israel. A Rabbi with their Talmidim (plural of Talmid)   Paul or Saul at the time was a talmid of Gemaliel, grandson of Hillel, probably with Akiva the famous Jewish Rabbi. (Think about that next time, you visit a university and you see the Hillel student center). Now that I've impressed you enough with Hebrew words... Just kidding....

When Paul wrote to the Corinthians in I Cor. 11:1, he didn't use the word "disciple" or Talmid, because the Greek culture wouldn't understand that. That's a Hebrew concept from the Galilee area, specifically the northern part of the Lake of Galilee. So, he used a more Greek term, since Corinth was bordering on Achaia and Macedonia... He said: "immitate."   BTW, that's why the word "disciple" is hardly ever used outside of the Gospels and Acts.

So anyways,

Toda Rabba

[Huldah]

I watched the first 25 minutes of it. In that time, John Hopler, Herschel Martindale, Alexander Strauch, and Mike Keater all mention Jim McCotter in a positive light, and the latter three are quite vocal in their admiration of him. Keater refers to him as a "wonderful Bible teacher."

So this should settle once and for all the question of whether we should be talking about McCotter on this forum. If the GC leaders are still talking about him all these years later (and in glowing terms), then the rest of us can still talk about him, too.

[PietWowo]

I watched the first 25 minutes of it. In that time, John Hopler, Herschel Martindale, Alexander Strauch, and Mike Keater all mention Jim McCotter in a positive light, and the latter three are quite vocal in their admiration of him. Keater refers to him as a "wonderful Bible teacher."

So this should settle once and for all the question of whether we should be talking about McCotter on this forum. If the GC leaders are still talking about him all these years later (and in glowing terms), then the rest of us can still talk about him, too.

He started this movement. To not talk about Jim McCotter is like talking about the history of Microsoft without mentioning Bill Gates.... Or the USA without mentioning George Washington.... Now ask yourself this question.... Why wasn't Jim McCotter himself there? I can give a report about someone, I disagree with, without mentioning my disagreement....

Jim McCotter really encouraged those churches to sing Scripture Songs. Many of you have hundreds of verses memorized that way.
Jim McCotter really encouraged people sharing the Gospel. Thousands have come to know Christ as Savior.
Jim McCotter build and taught a lot of believers, including myself.
And I could go on and on....

That doesn't mean that I agree with everything Jim McCotter has done or said.... That video was a celebration of the last 50 years. So, they are going to mention the good things. It wasn't a thorough historical account.... Jim McCotter is an amazing Bible teacher.... Again, that doesn't mean that there aren't weaknesses. It just means that he is an amazing Bible teacher.

And you are absolutely right, you can talk about Jim McCotter on this forum, especially this thread....

BTW, did you know that on top of the Southern steps in Jerusalem, there are the Huldah gates and there is also a tomb there dedicated to Huldah.... If you didn't, you would enjoy checking that out. :-)

[Janet Easson Martin]

For the record, Jim (James D.) McCotter is NOT a good Bible teacher.  He is a DEPLORABLE Bible teacher.  He is what the Word of God refers to as a False Teacher.  The Bible calls his teachings demonically inspired.  It also refers to his teachings and actions as that of a WOLF.  Make no mistake, he is NOT a good Bible teacher.  

For Starters:

From the link:  http://forum.gcmwarning.com/jim-mccotter-gc-history/revisiting-mccotter-history-opening-a-blind-eye/

This GCx founders' callous, brutal, and cruel treatment of believers was evidence of his godlessness.  Those who intimidate, frighten, and castigate others are NOT DEVOTED TO or LOVING GOD, no matter what they say.  Only those who practice the second commandment are really following the first.  Paul did not teach or disciple this way and neither did Jesus.  Jesus never manipulates or condemns us to action.  Through voluntary faith he changes us, instead.  He truly is abounding in compassion and lovingkindness.

"Remind them of these things, charging them before God not to fight about words; this is in no way profitable and leads to the ruin of the hearers.  Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.  But avoid irreverent, empty speech, for this will produce an even greater measure of godlessness."
 
2 Timothy 2:14-16   HCSB


This is in glaring contrast to GCx founder, McCotter, who instead wanted us to know he was superior to us because he boasted of a relationship with God only few could share, and claimed that he had higher revelation about God's plans to reach the world than any other current christian leader or church group.  In fact, it seems he said or implied since the first century!  Although he talked about GCx leadership's (implying his) humility, dedication, and meekness, he not only showed no hesitation over the all the time, money, family, friends and careers he necessitated we surrender "to God", but he gave an utter condemnation on the unworthiness of the believer who would not.  It was only "right" and "obedient" that we suffer to accomplish the grand plans he dictated were God's will.  He actually acted as if he were the one to be feared.  

"I know that, after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and won’t spare the flock.  Some of your own people will distort the word in order to lure followers after them.  Stay alert! Remember that for three years I constantly and tearfully warned each one of you. I never stopped warning you!"
    
Acts 20:29-31


If you watch the Spiritual Gifts Video of Jim McCotter, http://gcxweb.org/Misc/ApostleshipVideo/Default.aspx (on this site), you can actually note these numerous empty arguments and prolonged discussion on "higher or better knowledge" of particular biblical words (which are not founded) and the distorted definitions he attempts to build upon.  It's so empty and void of Truth that he doesn't even list the other four out of five scriptures that supposedly back up his "argument".  In fact, he claims his audience of believers they are too proud and immature to receive them.  Even his personal group prayer is empty and irreverent and VERY manipulative.  I had no idea he didn't even stop and close his eyes, his eyes dart over the room as if he'll be caught, all the while he moves to his next agenda.    

"That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you... You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free."
  
Galatians 5:8,13


Immediately following the description of godly elders and deacons comes this crucial Warning:

“But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron...”

1 Timothy 4:1,2

[PietWowo]

So, am I understanding you correctly when I say that you believe that Jim McCotter is a narcissist?

[LostCreature2]

So, after watching the 2 hour video (Google search is awesome for finding stuff, right?
Here's the link for those who didn't have it: https://www.gccpastorsconference.org/50years),

I have some thoughts, as one who has grown up in the GCM from my youth.
Mixed feelings, really...

While I wish that they would've been more specific about the not so great things that happened,
(and I also found it revealing how much Jim McCotter was talked about near the beginning by the older crew,
in such a positive light)

it was also bittersweet to see some leaders I know personally (Tom Short, Tom Biang, and Paul Johnson) trying to change things.
It was also encouraging to see Kimble humbly admitting that (the pastors) have idolized ministry,
to be more self-aware about that instead of ignorant to it.

I am also glad Dave Bovenmeyer mentioned Project Care and the Weakness Paper,
as well as John Hopler mentioning "taking the log out of our eyes 30 years ago,"
(whether or not it was enough, is debatable, but I am glad that it was at least mentioned).

Also, did Dave Bovemeyer call out Jim McCotter for not reconciling with people?
If I heard that right, that's a step forward...

Again, maybe they should've been more specific (particularly not even mentioning Mark Darling),
but, I am surprised they even mentioned it at all and am encouraged to at least hear it.

[PietWowo]

So, after watching the 2 hour video (Google search is awesome for finding stuff, right?
Here's the link for those who didn't have it: https://www.gccpastorsconference.org/50years),

I have some thoughts, as one who has grown up in the GCM from my youth.
Mixed feelings, really...

While I wish that they would've been more specific about the not so great things that happened,
(and I also found it revealing how much Jim McCotter was talked about near the beginning by the older crew,
in such a positive light)

it was also bittersweet to see some leaders I know personally (Tom Short, Tom Biang, and Paul Johnson) trying to change things.
It was also encouraging to see Kimble humbly admitting that (the pastors) have idolized ministry,
to be more self-aware about that instead of ignorant to it.

I am also glad Dave Bovenmeyer mentioned Project Care and the Weakness Paper,
as well as John Hopler mentioning "taking the log out of our eyes 30 years ago,"
(whether or not it was enough, is debatable, but I am glad that it was at least mentioned).

Also, did Dave Bovemeyer call out Jim McCotter for not reconciling with people?
If I heard that right, that's a step forward...

Again, maybe they should've been more specific (particularly not even mentioning Mark Darling),
but, I am surprised they even mentioned it at all and am encouraged to at least hear it.

If you're going to celebrate GCx and their history, you got to bring up Jim McCotter, just like I would expect a USA history book to mention George Washington.... Now, I know Jim. He's done a lot of good things and seen thousands come to know Christ as Saviour. Those thousands will be very thankful for all eternity...

Don't throw the entire baby out with the bathwater.... That would seem to be very unbalanced.

Besides that, if we accuse GCx of being abusive, we would never want to be abusive ourselves towards GCx or any of their leaders.

[Vince Capobianco]

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