Steven Furtick & Perry Noble: Oppose Me And You Oppose God
July 21, 2009 6 Comments
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.