I have been around New Frontiers church life since 1994, although I left in 2012 when I stepped out of quasi-eldership, I have family and friend connections into the group. I have close associations with 5 new frontiers churches over that time.
The focus on the anointed leaders has always bubbled below the surface and a tendency for apostles to see what they want to see / side with who they want to is very strong. They wouldnt use the language of the lord anointed but the NAR thinking is just below the surface, with a strong clique around the paid leaders being the important ones, and called and equipped by God with a strong control around the lead elders and the incrowd hubs and apostles.
I know with certainty this has led to the covering up of abuse inside New Frontiers church - I believe the culture to be generally controlling and coersive although this is not the case in every church, there are also odd patterns in some churches in terms of leadership turn over. I know of one sexual predator who has prospered inside the group and apostlic leadership have continued to find ways to protect - probably because they see the gifting on his life.
Terry is a nice man, and a good teacher, I believe he has a good heart - but he portrays his priviledge with these comments, i have taken a long time to process my thoughts on this and have found your interview & though illuminating. The Honouring culture is killing the church testimony - you have to honour everyone or no-one but for goodness sake dont honour only some based on a falsehood that some are called or anointed more than others.
Thanks Don for your comment and your thoughts on the issues facing NF churches and the prioritising of leaders, particularly paid ones, over the health of the flock. I'm glad you found my interview helpful. I'm not here to attack the church but I do aim to point out where it's unhealthy.
We paid for a leadership conference in Brighton with Terry Virgo. At the end, he made everyone get up row by row, join and dance in a train to put money at the front. He said we all had to give money and be cheerful givers. However, we already pay regularly to the church as well as paid for the conference.
It says in the bible, do not give under compulsion. Terry's actions are not biblical because he forced everyone to give money, or else we would feel shamed.
There is heavy pressure on giving, or else God will not bless you. When I was there, I was encouraged to tithe by lifegroup leaders and members even if I could not afford it and would go into debt and not be able to pay my rent.
I have been around New Frontiers church life since 1994, although I left in 2012 when I stepped out of quasi-eldership, I have family and friend connections into the group. I have close associations with 5 new frontiers churches over that time.
The focus on the anointed leaders has always bubbled below the surface and a tendency for apostles to see what they want to see / side with who they want to is very strong. They wouldnt use the language of the lord anointed but the NAR thinking is just below the surface, with a strong clique around the paid leaders being the important ones, and called and equipped by God with a strong control around the lead elders and the incrowd hubs and apostles.
I know with certainty this has led to the covering up of abuse inside New Frontiers church - I believe the culture to be generally controlling and coersive although this is not the case in every church, there are also odd patterns in some churches in terms of leadership turn over. I know of one sexual predator who has prospered inside the group and apostlic leadership have continued to find ways to protect - probably because they see the gifting on his life.
Terry is a nice man, and a good teacher, I believe he has a good heart - but he portrays his priviledge with these comments, i have taken a long time to process my thoughts on this and have found your interview & though illuminating. The Honouring culture is killing the church testimony - you have to honour everyone or no-one but for goodness sake dont honour only some based on a falsehood that some are called or anointed more than others.
Thanks Don for your comment and your thoughts on the issues facing NF churches and the prioritising of leaders, particularly paid ones, over the health of the flock. I'm glad you found my interview helpful. I'm not here to attack the church but I do aim to point out where it's unhealthy.
We paid for a leadership conference in Brighton with Terry Virgo. At the end, he made everyone get up row by row, join and dance in a train to put money at the front. He said we all had to give money and be cheerful givers. However, we already pay regularly to the church as well as paid for the conference.
It says in the bible, do not give under compulsion. Terry's actions are not biblical because he forced everyone to give money, or else we would feel shamed.
There is heavy pressure on giving, or else God will not bless you. When I was there, I was encouraged to tithe by lifegroup leaders and members even if I could not afford it and would go into debt and not be able to pay my rent.
The church leaders are paid a lot of money.
I'm sorry to hear this was your experience. I hope you've been able to find freedom from this sort of theology and pressure.