 
BE SELECTIVE IN THE MATERIALS YOU RECOMMEND TO OTHERS
Dear Bro. John:
What kind of materials should I share with my elders to help them see the danger of the change movement? Mack
Dear Bro. Mack:
Concerning the materials you would place in your elders hands regarding the change movement, I would offer this word of advice. As you try to move them to a better understanding of what is happening and their need to take a stand, be very judicious in your choice of materials to place in their hands. Here is the problem. Because many of those who have spoken out against liberalism, and the change movement have done so in a virulent, hateful, shallow way, many brethren have been turned off by them. They assume that even with their possible faults, the change agents have such a nice sweet temperament that they at the least are no worse than the attack dogs from the right. In fact that has been one of the chief weapons used by the change agents to discredit all of us who oppose them. They, with a broad brush, attempt to depict all of the opposition as a band of cranky, ill-informed malcontents who oppose anything other than a 1940s model of the church. They have been very successful in so doing.
Case in Point. Some brethren have written books in an abrasive, bare knuckles style. Consequently their following has been mainly among a very small group of men who use the same style in their preaching and writing. Some of these men are financially independent. They "shoot from the lip" and don't care if people accept it or not. I hasten to say that their information is often correct and their conclusions valid, it is their manner or style that weakens them.
A wise preacher uses good judgment in what he says, when he says it and how he says it. Paul says, "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt..." (Col. 3:6). This is especially true in this battle where we are on the defensive and trying to salvage brethren who have already formed favorable impressions of the change agents (Jude 22-23). Always read a book before you recommend it to others. Try to imagine how it would resonate to others who are not as informed as you may be. Remember that one well-written book, that carefully analyzes and refutes an error is worth more than a dozen that merely shout and throw rocks at the enemy.
Take this advice for what it is worth to you. You know your elders and their state of mind. I want you to be victorious and save a good church for the Master. JHW |
