NightWatch Podcast EPISODE 47: BUNGLED CHANCES PART 7 – THE PLAN: 6 MIN.
19. Jan, 2023 
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Yes, the “Fort Lauderdale Five” plan was set in place. It was a plan with good intentions but designed and implemented in a very poor way. The goals of accountability, submission to authority, and genuine, Biblical discipleship were good goals. But the blueprint undergirding this plan was extremely flawed.
Is accountability a Biblical principle? I would say, YES. Is respect for and obedience to an appointed shepherd a Biblical principle? I would say YES to “respect,” but NO to automatic obedience to one holding a pastoral title. This requirement of “the plan” is, in my view, the plan’s weakest element. Yes, God indeed requires the true disciple to be obedient to HIM. But He does not expect us to automatically follow the instructions of a shepherd/pastor. We are expected to listen and be respectful, but we are also expected to determine if the instructions given are in alignment with His Holy Word.
Ultimately in my view, the failure of the “Cutting Edge” Christian Movement came in two forms. First came the ill-advised conveyance of way too much power to the unqualified and immature. Many titled with the word “shepherd” were grossly under-equipped for their role. Secondly, the structure of their “shepherding system” was just that—a SYSTEM! A Holy Spirit led, organic community we were not. An institution we were. And as the inevitable collapse of the “system” came into view, we all began to understand, that as well-meaning our endeavor may have been, the blueprint, the plan, and implementation was set on the course of failure.
CLICK HERE FOR EPISODE NO. 48:CHURCH CULTURE
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