From Pajamapages:
“We’ve seen over the last few days how Furtick and Noble continue to insist that people believe their visions and that no questions or criticisms of their actions in pursuit of those visions can be tolerated. There is a deep danger in the way that they present their pronouncements as infallible, and then boldly and quickly pronounce anathema on their critics.
Let’s look at some examples of each.
Infallibility. Furtick specificially told us that when he hears from God, no-one may question him. The only reason that questions would be off the table is if you were sure that what you heard from God, and what you speak in response to it, is infallible. The consequence, as Noble has said, is that the leader must not be doubted.
A leader should never allow doubters to dictate the direction of their ministry…when God speaks our obsession MUST be complete obedience!
Not only does Noble not want to hear from any doubters, he dare not even think about them.
When God puts a word inside of you – “what would others think about this?” is a question that completely dishonors Him!!! HE MATTERS!!!
To ensure the aura of infallibility, they also present their behaviors and words as irrefutable. If you agree with it, it must be true, but if you disagree with it, it must be even truer. See if you can follow the logic in this Noble argument:
Church planter–do what God called you to do…if people are speaking out against you…it probably means God has spoken into you and you are being obedient.
Don’t waste the time God has given you on those who don’t like you…ever! If what you are doing is of God then critics can’t stop it!
Read the rest here.
HT: PirateChristian
Can you say “Cult”?
Catherine, That’s exactly was I was thinking!
I went to NS for 2 1/2 years and I finally left. Perry has a harsh spirit – I was wounded several times by his anger. I thought – this is not the Spirit of Christ. He also used profanity from the pulpit and he is very crass in his presentation. I don’t think that is the Spirit of Christ either. The fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, joy, peace, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, goodness, faithfulness, GENTLENESS and SELF-CONTROL.
Amy,
Good call on leaving. I hope that you have found a church where the pastor preaches the Word, the Gospel is clearly given often, and has a wonderful fellowship of believers that is seeking to reach lost souls for Christ.
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I’ve attended Elevation for over three years. I have had numerous opportunities to speak with Pastor Furtick directly and have heard nearly all of his sermons in this time. The man of God I know is loving, kind, gracious and totally dedicated to Christ. He is not perfect, and knows it. The statement you quote above – “A leader should never allow doubters to dictate the direction of their ministry…when God speaks our obsession MUST be complete obedience!” – was not intended to convey that the pastor could not be questioned, but that once having heard from God, pastors should not let detractors sideline them. In my 66 years (45 as a Christian, a Christian educator, Pastor, etc.), I have sat under several of the so-called greatest. Some of them eventually fell because of pride, others held out faithful to the end. Steven Furtick is one of God’s choice young men of God.
just attended a conference of perry noble’s… and he said that IF men who love Jesus and love the church think what you are saying is a bad idea, even if you are the lead pastor, then you need to listen to them. he said that many times he has brought an idea to his staff, who loves Jesus and the church, and they have said, “bad idea,” and he listened to them. its pretty obvious this blog has an axe to grind and is taking things out of context, and does not represent in any way the character and thoughts of perry (and steven).
Oppose Me And You Oppose God. Here is where Noble & Furtick got this misguided doctrine.
“It follows that any individual who is in opposition to the Lord’s anointed prophet is also in opposition to the Lord, no matter how strongly he may feel he is directed and guided by the Lord.”
Stephen Covey’s “Divine Center” page 225.
Mormon doctrine is and has been inserted into sermons by Christian preachers who think that they need more than just Jesus.
I have been a attending Elevation Church for over 4 years and have never once heard Pastor Furtick make that statement or anything like it. It is so contrary to the man I know personally and serve that it borders on the ridiculous. You obviously have taken something out of context, whether accidentally or purposefully.
I met Steven Furtick at a church planters conference several years ago (when Elevation was just getting going), and I’ll have to say that initially, I saw a young, arrogant man. He was preaching to men twice his age and I really didn’t like his tone. BUT I have since then, seen his heart through his ministry to the Charlotte area. I truly believe it’s not just about the hype, it’s about the hope that he is sharing. The quotes above are sooooo taken out of context it is ridiculous. Oh, and Catherine and Hope, “cult?” Come on! Really?