C.J. Mahaney Apologizes To Pastors And Is Temporarily Stepping Down
July 6, 2011 in Sovereign Grace Ministries
Here is C.J.’s letter to the pastors of Sovereign Grace Ministries:
July 2, 2011
My friends,
I need to inform you about some recent developments that I believe are expressions of God’s mercy and intended to serve our future together as a family of churches.
Over the last few years some former pastors and leaders in Sovereign Grace have made charges against me and informed me about offenses they have with me as well as other leaders in Sovereign Grace. These charges are serious and they have been very grieving to read. These charges are not related to any immorality or financial impropriety, but this doesn’t minimize their serious nature, which include various expressions of pride, unentreatability, deceit, sinful judgment, and hypocrisy.
I believe God is kindly disciplining me through this. I believe I have by the grace of God perceived a degree of my sin, and I have been grieved by my sin and its effects on others. I have had the opportunity to confess my sin to some of those affected in various ways by my sin. And I am so very grateful for their forgiveness. But I want to perceive and confess any and all sin I have committed. Although my experience of conviction has already started—and this is an evidence of God’s mercy—I’m sure there is more for me to perceive and acknowledge. Even with the charges I disagree with it has been beneficial to examine my soul and ask for the observation of others. And I am resolved to take responsibility for my sin and every way my leadership has been deficient, and this would include making any appropriate confessions, public or private. Most importantly I want to please God during this season of examination and evaluation.
So here is what I am going to do. I’ve asked to take a leave of absence in order to give time to considering these charges, examine my heart, and receive the appropriate help from others. With the guidance of the SGM board, I would also hope to pursue reconciliation with former pastors of Sovereign Grace during this leave. I have stepped off the board and I will not be the President of Sovereign Grace Ministries during this period of examination and evaluation. In order for me to receive an objective evaluation in relation to these charges the board is securing the help of a ministry called Ambassadors of Reconciliation (www.hisaor.org). This ministry was chosen due to its professional credentials, and it has no history of relationship with SGM. A team from this organization will conduct a thorough investigation and evaluation and submit their objective findings and recommendations to the board at the conclusion of this process. After processing these findings, the board will determine the appropriate steps I should take going forward. This leave of absence will also help remove any impediment to the panel’s exploration that could potentially arise if I remained in my current position, and it will enable me to fully cooperate in the process.
Just so you’ll know, I have also contacted David Powlison and Mark Dever and asked them to review the charges and provide me with their counsel and correction. I have enlisted them to serve me personally during this time and to ensure this process of examining my heart and life is as thorough as possible. And for the past year I have been the recipient of Ken Sande’s correction, counsel and care. That, I am grateful to say, will continue. And as you would expect I will continue to meet with the appropriate men on the board of Sovereign Grace and benefit from their correction, counsel, and care as well. I am deeply moved as I reflect on how rich I am relationally and I am humbled by the time these men are willing to spend serving me and Sovereign Grace.
My friends, I would greatly appreciate your prayers as I continue to walk through this process. Please pray that God would give me the gift of sight where I have been blinded by would give me the gift of sight where I have been blinded by my sin and others have been adversely affected by my sin. Pray that I will be convicted and experience godly sorrow resulting in reconciliation where necessary and adjustments to my heart and leadership. Thank you for praying in this way for me.
One more thing. For the past 5 years or so I have become increasingly aware of certain deficiencies in my leadership that have contributed to deficiencies in Sovereign Grace Ministries’ structure and governance, the lack of a clear and consistent process of conflict resolution and pastoral evaluation, and the number of former Sovereign Grace pastors who are offended with me/SGM. I have met with some and by God’s grace there has been reconciliation with men like Larry Tomczak (I wish I had recognized and repented of my sin against him years ago). This brings great joy to my soul. In other cases, appeals for mediation have thus far been declined, but I’m hopeful this process will facilitate further reconciliation. But beyond this, there are still issues that need to be addressed and fixed in our family of churches. And I bear a primary responsibility because it has happened on my watch and under my leadership. I have resolved that I and the Sovereign Grace team can’t effectively lead us into the future without evaluating the past, addressing these deficiencies, improving our structure, and as much as possible pursuing reconciliation with former pastors. So during this leave of absence I will not only devote all the appropriate and necessary time to the independent panel and the charges but also to doing what I can to identify where I have failed to lead us effectively in relation to pastoral evaluation and conflict resolution.
My friends, though my soul can be easily overwhelmed as I contemplate my sin and its effects I am also resolved to examine my heart, address the past, and play my role in preparing Sovereign Grace for a future of planting and serving churches. And given the mercy of God portrayed in the gospel my heart is filled with hope that his good purpose for us will come to pass and cannot be frustrated. And I can’t thank God enough for you men and your support. Please pray for me.
With deep gratefulness,
CJ
© 2011, Kris. All rights reserved.
Carole at Refuge had the perfect post to describe this letter – I hope someone has confiscated his passport.
I love how he was quick to point out “it’s not immorality or financial”, yet they preach that all sin is sin and no sin is worse than any other. Yet, CJ found the need to point that out.
Looks like Captain is bailing from his sinking ship!
Holy cow! That is all….except, maybe this will cause a domino effect, because he’s not the only one.
Kerrin – let us know when CJ comes knocking at your door for “reconciliation”. I personally see that CJ has it all wrong – he should be working on RESTITUTION not reconciliation.
Wow, is this real? Are we supposed to be seeing this or is it some kind of leak?
I have to say, I’ve been expecting C.J. to be ousted eventually and wonder if this is the beginning of the end for him. Have fully expected DH to be making his move to take over, maybe this is it (or maybe I was wrong, guess time will tell).
But even with everything I have seen even if it’s only the tip of the iceberg, I hope this is a good thing for him and his family in the long run. But this ridiculous sin hunt thing is not beneficial. Enter reality, own up to all the hurtful things you did to people through arrogance, bad doctrine, selfish ambition and just plain lack of love and care etc… but just be normal and lose all the exhausting hyper-spiritual gymnastics.
Hmm seems like a good PR stunt. When he is willing to actually sit down with people other then pastors I will have hope for some small change.
All I can say, is WOW, WOW, WOW!!!!
I’m with Bethany.
He hasn’t acknowledged the lowly folk. I want to hear about “the least of these.”
CJ only cares about his peers.
Kerrin…sorry…you don’t matter. You’re not a pastor.
It’s just sick. Totally sick.
Sidney
(with trashcan close by :barf: )
You know, I’ve never made a secret out of the fact that I’m not a CJ fan.
But all things considered, he has to start somewhere, and considering the culture that he created and has immersed himself in all these years – surrounded by all his yes-men and the ever-present overriding belief in his own supremacy – where else would he start?
Also, there may be some other letter coming down the pike, a letter to ordinary members.
I also would appreciate it if all the SGM defenders who keep claiming that everything we discuss here is inaccurate and wrong would please apologize. Certainly, while CJ’s letter doesn’t go into much depth or detail, he is alluding to many of the issues that were FIRST raised here…to the fiery ire of many defenders, who accused me of gossip and slander and all sorts of other offenses.
Now that CJ has admitted publicly that there are problems and he’s sinned, I think many of you ought to apologize to me and all the other Survivors.
@Sidney and @Bethany couldn’t agree more! I must admit that at first glance, my old SGM brain totally fell for the lowly posturing and then realized that this, like Josh’s apology doesn’t get specific in what his sin or sins are nor does it address anyone other than the fellow shepherds. It sucks to be a sheep doesn’t it?
I know I shouldn’t be, but I am surprised that there is no mention of whether this is a paid sabbatical or for how long will he be off the hook, looking humble enough for those who may have started to notice the hypocrisy of the Kauflin divorce within SGM. Are sgm’er content to pay tithe dollars for this sabbatical or other mistakes?
Commenter “anon” put up the following in the previous post. I think it’s so good that I don’t want it to get lost in the shuffle of moving the conversation to the latest post:
“Anon,” I truly couldn’t agree with you more.
All this will mean to your average SGMer is that C.J. is even more wonderful and godly and humble and praiseworthy than they thought. And they may even lay all the blame on the blogs.
Wow.
Wow wow wow.
I’m anxious to see what becomes of this.
Can I urge us all to not be quick to judge and criticize this and hope that a hiatus from pastoring will lead to him discovering more that may not have been mentioned in this letter? He himself even said that he knows he doesn’t see it all yet. Let’s pray he does.
Kris & Guy!
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hope this is a genuine, FRUIT-bearing conviction. God is certainly capable and CJ will be in my prayers.
it’s a start…much more than we’ve seen. let’s pray that jesus does a complete work here! i’m praying one of my favorite verses… “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” phil 1:6
PS: Hope those “expressions of God’s mercy” head on over to FAIRFAX!!!!!!!!
Maybe there is hope for my children and my grandchildren to grow up free of fear and tyranny. Maybe the wounded and demolished could fellowship again and be reunited with the people they loved. Maybe I can now separate the actions of the church from those of God. Maybe they are no longer in bed together. Let’s call sin – sin and stop calling it from God so all of our souls can heal. Maybe God did not throw me in the trash.
Yes. I hope he addresses Everyman. The former CGL, members, wives, husbands, musicians, servants, teens…all of the people discarded for a facial expression or a question or preference or egads…a disagreement.
I feel hope.
Kris, re your #9, thanks for sticking with this blog over the years and for your discernment in raising these issues. This has been a place of healing for the walking wounded of SGM and you have done us all a great service. Let’s see how long it takes for the average SGM’er to get the word about CJ, and see what will be posted on the SGM webpage. Perhaps I am too jaded but methinks CJ will make it public only if it serves to make him look better/more humble. I am so thankful for these blogs which the Lord has used to shine light on my unhealthy, upside down world that is CLC.
These are the words Steve Shank used at the Denver Shanking. This is exactly how every sgm “stepping down” goes. The same ole same ole. I guess this is why this is so unsettling to me…because I’ve heard it before.
At least, with the Denver Shanking, it was the PEOPLE who were acknowledged. It wasn’t other pastors.
I suppose Shank deserves credit for that. Thank you, Mr Shank, for validating the people you disenfranchised.
CJ…please validate the sheep. THEN I will view it as a “start.”
Sidney
Apologies for the length.
Give some of the messages I’ve listened to just in the past few months, I’m cautious.
I posted this over at Refuge on June 28:
Mickey Connolly has been at Kingsway the past couple of weeks. He apparently has been meeting with pastors there individually and separately.
I’ve been listening to his latest message entitled “Pastoral Care” given this past Sunday.
Point 4: Responsibility and job description of those under the local “pastor”: Obey, submit, honor, financial support and faithful membership. He even trotted out Hebrews 13:17.
It’s the same ol’ stuff.
In case, you’re in doubt, this is Gene’s entry on the Pastor’s Blog:
“On Sunday, Mickey taught on Pastoral Care. His premise was that, as the Head of His Church, one way that Jesus leads His people is through delegated authority. (1 Thes. 5:12, 1 Tim. 5:17)
One example of God leading his people this way is found in Psalm 78:70-72. God called David from shepherding sheep to shepherd His people with skillful hands and upright heart. Likewise, God calls pastors to exercise skillful hands in leading, feeding, protecting and caring for His people; and an upright heart in leading as servants, leading with grace, and leading with affection.
Scripture also speaks clearly to those who follow – to obey and submit, to honor, to support financially and to be faithful members.
Here are a few questions for application:
1. What is the difference between obedience and submission? Since submission isn’t blind obedience, what does personal responsibility look like in following?
2. What are some ways God calls me in Scripture to honor those who care for and lead me?
3. What should I do if I have a question about those who lead? What responsibility do I have? How can I honor God in my attitude and response?”
Maybe Mickey wasn’t getting the memos?
And from a post I made on Refuge on May 24:
I would like to spend more time developing my thoughts here, but I think this needs to get out.
Unassimilated made a great point gain about the difference between the SGM gospel and the true Gospel.
In April, C.J. was at Kingsway and gave a message entitled When Someone Doubts based upon Jude 22. Jeff Purswell accompanied C.J. on this trip and was in the audience.
I have listened to this message and have transcribed the introduction here:
“Please do not listen, if you are tempted to listen, please do not listen suspiciously. Do not wonder, ‘what is he trying to say’. Because I don’t try to say anything. I just say things.
And so you don’t have to wonder if I’m speaking in code. I am not.
And this message was not somehow uniquely prepared for you. Now, I hope it serves you but actually the origin of this message would date back to the distant past and the topic I’m about to address I have given much thought to over the years and this particular message has already been given in four different churches. So, please receive this message as I intent this message which is simply to serve you from God’s word today and I pray it does.”
CJ then directs the congregation to Jude and continues.
“So, please open your bibles to what one scholar identifies as probably the most neglected book in the N.T. and according to this scholar that distinction belongs to the letter of Jude. So please turn in your bibles to the letter of Jude.
And if the letter of Jude is the most neglected book in the N.T., than it should come as no surprise that the passage we will be considering from the most neglected book is among the most commonly overlooked and neglected passages in the N.T. and the point of the passage and the topic we will be considering today are therefore rarely addressed.
So here is what this morning is about from an obscure N.T. letter and a verse that many of us are not familiar with, we going to consider a topic that is rarely addressed.
The title of this message this morning is simply, ‘When someone doubts’. ‘when someone doubts’ and I have the privilege this morning of reading a single verse: Jude verse 22, ‘And have mercy on those who doubt’. Let’s pray.”
In performing a web church it would appear that the four churches are:
Riverdale, MD (Feb 2011)
Ashburn, VA (March 2011)
Gaithersburg, MD (March 2011)
Glen Mills, PA (March 2011)
Kingsway in Midlothian, VA is the 5th and C.J. preached this message in Kingsville, MD in May 2011. I suppose you could call this the Jude Tour.
Interestingly enough, a search on the Ashburn church’s web site shows that C.J. has spoken at Ashburn at least 14 times since June 2006 and 4 of those have been on Jude.
Given the excellent teaching of SGM through the common practices of expository preaching as well as the education provided by the Pastor’s College, and with the addition of Jeff Purswell in attendance, we can be assured that a message using Jude 22 as a text will be kept within the context of the entire epistle of Jude.
A search will also reveal a pdf outline available on the Covenant Life website.
Pay particular attention to these points from the outline:
1. In verse 22, Jude writes, “And have mercy on those who doubt.” It is reasonable to ask, who is doubting? And why are they doubting? The answer to these questions is found in the context of the letter, which reflects the three purposes for which it was written:
a. Verse 3 states Jude’s first purpose: to contend for the gospel, “for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” False teachers and false teaching was eroding the purity of the truth of the gospel.
b. Verses 20-21 state the second purpose: to contend for their hearts, “…build yourself up…pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God…”
c. Verses 22-23 lists the third purpose: to contend for others who had been adversely affected and influenced by the false teachers: those who had doubts about the gospel; those who became full participants in the false teaching and those who had been seduced to pursue fleshly desires.
False teachers, false teaching, influences of false teaching, etc.
The examples given in Jude are of the corporate apostasies of Israel, angels, and Sodom and Gomorrah as well as the individual apostasies of Cain, Balaam and Korah.
So C.J. admonishes us on how we are to respond in the midst of the influences that could lead us away through false teachings. However, he does not provide for us specific examples of where these influences might be coming from.
Although they are not mentioned specifically, we should be able to describe them in the context of Jude:
Verse 16: These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.
Grumblers and malcontents. I’ll let you define who those are. After being in SGM for 20 years, I think I know how SGM defines grumblers and malcontents as well as their version of the “true gospel”.
The Jude Tour. Look for it at a franchise near you.
Further research finds he gave a more extended message on Jude at the last Pastor’s Conference. Besides the churches listed above there have been others. He’s gotten a lot of mileage out of Jude.
Are we to believe all is soon to be well at SGM, Inc. when they still preach this crap?
I, for one, am not going back anytime soon. At least not until there is real congregational accountability and their definition of “elders” means what it’s supposed to mean.
Kris- thank you. I don’t think this would have happened w/o this blog. The cumulative stories, drop by drop, ascend together and finally a cloudburst happens.
I do not believe these former pastors will reconcile unless CJ admits and apologizes for a whole lot of stuff. They must be angry and disgusted. I will pray for all the men involved. They’ll be presenting the sex abuse cover ups, the hypocrisy, the authority abuses. They don’t need the paycheck and they won’t settle for lies.
I hope this is the end for CJ. I am dubious that real heart change can happen quickly, he has been a source of so much wrong for so long.
Thank you Lord!! Thank you for hearing our prayers and starting the process of tearing down the evils of SGM.
After a long walk with my wife, I’ve given it some thought and can only hope that this is genuine. I suspect this is a smoke screen, but if it is genuine I feel other SGM leaders will follow suite, because CJ does not hold a monopoly on abuse and arrogance. Other SGM leaders (though not all, I should add) possess those qualities in equal or greater amount. Whether genuine or fake it is most definitely driven and caused by the outcry on this and other blogs. Having a “third party” evaluator is a cowtow to the blogging community, whether he, and SGM, acknowledges the blogs or not. So, time will tell.
Though it seems a lot of people are calling for apologies to the “sheep” it will take more than that. They need to both apologize properly and change their polity. SGM needs a proper accountability for the pastors. The Good Ole Boy network they have now doesn’t work. If they did that I might consider coming back, might. :mic
If you’re looking for someone who has witnessed the enormity of the hurt and damage caused by the PDI/SGM cultic system over the years, I would definitely qualify. My story is long and some here already know it so I won’t go there right now. I just want to say that I have to agree with Katie and Kris. It may not be the step we all want but it is at least a step. And I do feel that a big reason why this is even happening is because of this blog and so many who dared to step up, speak out, and say it like it is right here. (I thank God I found this when I did back in 2007, just when I thought I was going crazy…only to find out that I wasn’t alone in my painful experiences with PDI so many years ago.) Anon, great job summarizing what being in an SGM church is like. I have not been in one in over 15 years so reading your comment made me cringe and it made me realize again why I had enough sense to leave (actually, I was technically kicked out). But going back to what I was saying…as I read C.J.’s letter, being a follower of Christ and as a promoter of the gospel myself, I cannot help but pray there is at least some sincerity in his words. If his repentance is genuine, then there is hope…just as there was hope for every one of us who once walked away from the real purposes of God in our lives only to be wooed back during a painful time of re-awakening. Let me be clear. My hope does not rest in the man. My hope rests in the power of the Lord to convict us of our sins and the power of the gospel to forgive us of our sins…all of our sins no matter how grave. Perhaps this is a time of re-awakening for a man who sadly lost his way but is now truly being disciplined and is being broken in order to be rebuilt later on and be re-used in the correct way. Isn’t that what we really want? Did this not happen to Saul who was intent on killing the rebel “Christians” thinking he was doing God a favor as a “Jew of the Jews” only to be knocked off his high horse and be told by Jesus Himself, “Dude! Stop!” (or something like that). I would like to believe that God loves us all so much that He would knock a man like C.J. off his high horse and say, “Dude! Stop!” and I would like to believe that there is enough of the “real thing” in C.J. that he can still be turned around. And that this would actually cause a domino effect of true repentance and transformation among the other leaders at SGM who are still lost. C.J. was my first pastor when I became a Christian at 20 years old and I worked with him quite closely when I worked at the PDI offices as one of Larry’s secretaries in the 1980’s. I idolized them so much back then, to me they just exuded godliness. When my eyes started to be opened to the reality of their true nature, I was devastated and heartbroken. Yet I know I saw sincerity in their walk with Christ in their words, in their prayers, and in their actions even when very few of us were watching. Granted that was many, many years ago and judging from what people who have more recent stories to tell, things went from bad to worse after I left. And I definitely do not wish to minimize the pain of all those who are still healing from the fresh wounds inflicted upon them by SGM. Still…call me naive…but is it possible for us to believe that these men can actually return to their First Love? I mean…wouldn’t that be a cool thing?
For this to be a real change, CJ is going to have to do a dramatic 180. Stepping down for a period of time, is not a change. Will he still be speaking and invited to conferences? Will they still be pushing his books? The accountability of his “peers” has already proven nothing. Why haven’t Piper, Mohler, Dever, ect stood up at all? Where is the Holy Spirit in his letter?
I agree with Blue Sky, I am too jaded to believe that this is real. For me to believe, I would need CJ to have a drastic change like the apostle Paul. If there is one thing that I learned from spending about 10 years in a SGM church (spent 20 total in a church that had shepherding tendencies), it is that you cannot trust these men and everything they said must be taken with a grain of salt. They have hardened their hearts to the Holy Spirit and have lost the the ability to listen . Instead, they have replaced that with the fear of man and the desire for adulation.
Only CJ is taking a leave?
I believe this is a good step, but there are a few more bad eggs at the top.
CJ did not get where he is all by himself, and there are others that quacked
along with him. I will echo the hope of his passport has been surrendered.
If he takes his own sin as half as seriously as he does others “shortcomings” then there may be hope.
It may be good for him to see the SGM ship sail a bit without him, could be a truly humbling experience.
And yet I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop…………
Wow. This is truly good news for all, and I truly hope real healing begins as well as a new era of truth. Now, I know C.J. isn’t a college grad (by his admission); actually, he barely made it out of HS. So let me get this straight: he’s been on the receiving end of charges from former SGM Pastors and leaders for the past few years “about offenses they have with me as well as other leaders in Sovereign Grace.” And for the past year he has “been the recipient of Ken Sande’s correction, counsel and care”. AND also by his admission, “For the past 5 years or so I have become increasingly aware of certain deficiencies in my leadership that have contributed to deficiencies in Sovereign Grace Ministries’ structure and governance”. A few years, 1 year, 5 years. As the saying goes, I’m not a rocket scientist, but …… No matter. I’m just grateful for his letter of apology and grateful for this new phase of the “constant change” that’s here to stay.
Unteachable,
You wife will not join you.
Sid
Hi, Chris! (Got your message from hubby)
I was wondering, how long will it take for the average SGMer to learn of/read this CJ letter to Pastors? Living in the shadow of the “Mother Ship”, I am still getting hit with SGMer’s asking me, “Did you hear Josh’s apology message?” I need to prepare myself for the next assault of, “Did you hear how humble CJ was, recognizing he’s sinned, and stepped down for a season?”
Quick, where’s my trash can?
:barf:
Fly who flew
Sidney,
(not to hijack this thread, but) I’m not too sure about that. I have a very godly and submissive wife. She has to be… because I found her in the SGM Mecca.
Un-
Like I said already, CJ’s stepping down is at least a start. There’s that old cliché (or maybe it’s a Chinese proverb?) that says, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” I’m thinking that this is a first step.
But you know, julie’s comment #4 got me thinking. If I were going to be so bold as to “speak into CJ’s life,” I’d have to echo julie.
I’d suggest to CJ that during this time of sabbatical, he would do well to not over-spiritualize all this. In the same way that he didn’t always use spiritual means to create SGM’s authoritarian methods and pyramid-like governance structure, but instead relied on corporate guru books like From Good To Great, I think CJ would be wise to quit talking about sin and making it sound like SGM’s issues require him to do a bunch of naval-gazing sin-sniffing.
Instead of all the spiritual-sounding talk of his own personal wrongs and weaknesses, I hope that CJ simply looks objectively at the SGM structure and makes some changes. These changes don’t have to flow out of big dramatic confessions of sin. Rather, like the business gurus whose strategies SGM used in the past, CJ and the other SGM leaders could take a pragmatic approach. What are the organization’s biggest problems? What would be the most obvious practical solution?
In my opinion, the most glaring of SGM’s issues involves the pyramid leadership structure. The higher up the food chain one goes, the narrower the sphere of meaningful accountability. This is wrong. It also doesn’t work. It leads to a culture of “yes men” who are inherently hampered in their ability to speak truth to those above them out of fear of losing their paychecks.
What to do about that?
Well, what SGM doesn’t need is a bunch of hot air about CJ’s sin. Instead, the guys with the power need to consult with their lawyers and help all the churches in their
denominationfamily of churches to create new Articles of Incorporation that would make pastors and everyone else up the food chain formally and legally accountable to a congregationally-elected board of elders. The corporate entity of SGM (which CJ leads) could then be made accountable to a board of directors that would be elected from elders representing each local congregation.There doesn’t need to be any big sweeping theological statement condemning the “sinfulness” of the old structure. Just a simple factual acknowledgement of the issues with the old structure would suffice.
And that would be a start. That would tackle one of the most glaring problems of SGM churches right now.
Maybe CJ will learn and grow. Maybe he won’t. We have yet to see. I don’t despise the day of small beginnings. I do despise the idea that he is surrounding himself by the very men he has been surrounded by for years. Get away, CJ. Far away. Get around other Christians who have never heard of you and don’t care “who” you are. Get around Christians who live like normal people. Dear CJ, this is the best thing you can do for yourself. All of the other men, (the big dogs included) have horses in this race. Get among regular Christians who don’t. Live out there, where ever you go, for a period of years. Moses found 40 years to be helpful to rid himself of much of Egypt. Your soul will thank you, Brother. Besides, what do you have to lose. The Holy Spirit can keep you anywhere. But keeping your idol of local church will only keep you where you’ve been all along.
I agree with you Kris. It would have to be a serious “Let go and let God” not only at the corporate level but in each franchise. (I’ve come to the conclusion that my local franchise LIKED the way they were.)
And it would be nice to see the Holy Ghost again after CJ apparently served an eviction notice on Him years ago.
Stunned:
Maybe he should take a trip to Scotland. I think we have it on good recommendation that it has some advantages.
Roadwork (re your #33) –
Perhaps we could ask Kerrin if CJ could bunk on his couch.
I agree with stunned. He needs to go to people who know nothing about him. I do think it was the blogs that did it.
As I was writing my #30, Guy asked me what I was doing, and I told him I was hypothetically “speaking into CJ’s life” by offering a suggestion or two for how he could handle his time of reflection.
Guy had a couple of suggestions, too.
His first is that since CJ will be spending more time at home and probably watching more TV, he needs to remember to hire someone to manage the television remote control for him.
Guy’s second suggestion was a bit off-color, involving CJ’s signing himself up for hip replacement surgery and doing a bit of role reversal where he’d “serve” Carolyn no matter what. But I told Guy that in order for that piece of penance to be truly reciprocal, CJ would need to iron or do dishes or spend the afternoon looking at antiques or something. :D
(Sorry for the humor…back to your regularly scheduled programming…)
I’m sorry, Kris and Guy, but we all know that boys are ONLY taught to make their bed and make Ramen noodles.
I suppose there will be a lot of Ramen at the Mahaney house….
Sid who is still absolutely stunned and whose having some serious “gut” issues right now….I don’t know if it’s the Holy Spirit or my “gut” or what…but man-oh-man…this stinks of something really yucky to me….I hate to say it. I left my “believe the best of your leaders” behind me on June 1, 2006.
Roadwork, I was thinking the same thing!
As a sidenote, I wanted to comment on something you said earlier but the thread was closed. You shared a part of your story with us. It was really upsetting to read some of what you’ve been through. You know, you never did anything to deserve the abuse you endured. You probably know that but for some reason, I just felt like reiterating that to you. You didn’t deserve it. Not then and not now.
I’m sorry that my post a few weeks back triggered such horrible memories and sent you to a dark place. Dark places are not good. Thanks for being kind and “letting me off the hook” but I want you to know that I am sad to know you even have had a dark place. I wish life were all sunny for you and everyone else God has ever created. I will never understand the inequities of this world. Why do I get to see the sun everyday while there are slaves held indoors for years on end, never allowed to even once see the light of day? I don’t know. None of it is fair. Ah, I so look forward to heaven where those tears will be dried by the very hand of Jesus.
Sorry…2008. :)
I need a glass of wine…
WHAT?????
8O 8O 8O
:spin
I’m wondering when CLC and SGM will let their congregations know… because until that happens, no one is going to believe it.
Kris – where did you get this?
ANON — you NAILED it!! NAILED IT. Well put. Bravo. :clap
Holy Guacamole — so many thoughts tumbling through my head. Upon reading the letter, I hope one of the things this poor man will learn to do is write clearly without using loaded language, pat phrases, and excessive use of passive voice.
The first sentence — “… need to inform you about some recent developments that I believe are expressions of God’s mercy and intended to serve our future together as a family of churches”. If you’ve been in SGM, you understand perfectly. If not, you might need a translation, such as “I sinned against you and against heaven, fouled up royally and barring a miracle from a merciful God, we don’t have much of a future together…”
And the part that says, “I have enlisted them to serve me personally … to ensure this process of examining my heart and life is as thorough as possible….will continue to meet with the appropriate men …and benefit from their correction, counsel, and care as well. I am deeply moved as I reflect on how rich I am relationally… these men are willing to spend… serving me and Sovereign Grace…”
These self-focused phrases are all about PEOPLE SERVING CJ and about how HE will benefit from it….this was written by the guy who wrote a BOOK ON HUMILITY???
I believe their choice of a helping organization was directly influenced by previous blog posts that cried foul at the conflict of interest with using SGM-funded Peacemakers. Good move.
Mention of “improving our structure.” YES. FINALLY — can’t wait to see how this plays out — I hope it means what I think it should mean!
Whew. Yes, it is a start — a much needed start — I’m all for it, and I am praying for the Holy Spirit to show up in a BIG way with fresh wind and fire to bring about the changes, the apologies, the repentence, the restitution, the reconciliation that those who participate here have been praying for.
It’s gonna take a while to work through the checklist of former pastors — and then, the list of normal run-of-the-mill people will take reams. Maybe there should be a sign-up sheet on their website, so CJ can “perceive and confess any and all sin.”
Again, whew. Man-oh-man. Go, GOD!
Let me just say I do think the blogs is what did this. I think there may be some people in sgm churches that have no idea about the blogs. I remember talking to a friend who has been in my sgm church since it began and she had no idea. Now this friend is not one to lie or just pretend it didnt exist. She was actually shocked. I believe if everyone knew then CJ would not be doing this. I think with the talk about picketing and people saying about going to 20/20 made him think, “I need to cover my a**”. Also, CJ needs to let people know what the sins are? People need to know. However, I still think this will still be another how CJ is so humble. Excuse me, I need to go vomit now. :barf:
Also, who will take his place?
Also, I have a question for you all. Has anyone ever asked a sgm pastor about the blogs? What did they say?
Stunned, I think so too.
Yes, Pia, it would….I still think they need to return to Him alone, and the dysfunctional system needs to be dismantled.
And all the people need to come to Him and Him alone, leaving their broken idols behind.
I really wish I could feel good about this. :|
I’m praying it’s more than just the apology of a narcissist.
It still sounds soooo…….SGM!
Interesting…Ambassadors of Reconciliation councilors are certified through Peacemakers and their consulting and reconciliation service are provided according to the Rules of Procedure found in the Guidelines for Christian Conciliation published by Peacemaker Ministries. And the vice-president of Peacemakers is on the Board of Directors.
The vice-president of Peacemakers, David D. Schlachter, is on the Board of Directors for Ambassadors of Reconciliation.
Ambassadors of Reconciliation is an independent, non-profit corporation. Our approach is based upon the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. We provide our services through two offices:
CrossLife Ministries
Our licensed professionals provide Gospel-centered counseling to individuals and small groups. Counseling areas include marriage and family, grief support, addictions, and long-term behavioral patterns, and more. (Psalm 103:1-5; John 10:10; Romans 8:1-17; Colossians 3:1-17)
****Who can assist you in addressing leadership conflict issues? Our *Certified Christian Conciliators™ provide Christ-centered consulting to help Christian leaders address leadership issues and group conflicts in a biblically faithful manner. Proactive and reactive consulting issues include organizational, role definition, termination, sexual and criminal misconduct, theological differences, and others. (Matthew 5:9; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Colossians 3:12-17; James 3:18)
*Certified through Peacemaker Ministries
Reconciliation Ministries
Our Certified Christian Conciliators™ provide consulting, conflict coaching, mediation, arbitration, and group reconciliation services. We serve individuals with personal, business or legal disputes, in addition to churches, schools and other organizations in conflict. (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 6:1-8; Philippians 4:2-9; Galatians 6:1)
*******Who can help you to resolve disputes? Reconciliation Ministries connects you to qualified reconcilers who are experienced in helping individuals and groups reconcile relationships and negotiate agreements. (Matthew 5:23-24; 18:15-20; Romans 12:9-21; 1 Corinthians 6:1-8; Galatians 6:1) Our consulting and reconciliation services are provided according to the Rules of Procedure found in Guidelines for Christian Conciliation published by Peacemaker Ministries®.
This is a preemptive strike, well planned and brilliantly executed. All the important ingredients are present. He has recruited some ‘respected in the right circles’ big names to vouch for his repentance. He has kept it in a tight managable circle of “pastors” that he has ‘sinned’ against. He has his former nemesis in for a reconciliation appearance. And the ‘piece de resistance’ is the letter, now public, so he can manage the message.
CJ has simply outwitted the bloggers and rendered blogging about him or SGM moot for the future. This is about his legacy and the future of the “CJ Brand” aka SGM. Now the bloggers, who question anything, will only be sinners hounding a humble man.
From a purely secular perspective this move will only enhance the CJ Brand and I predict many speaking engagements and more books.
What do we know? We know he is not really stepping down. He is taking a sabbatical of sorts. I mean, what person is going to say his repentance is not real? Mark Dever? I think not.
We also must assume he will be taking his normal salary during this time so no hardship there. And if anyone actually thinks CJ will not be informed or involved in SGM decision making during this time, please stand on your head.
Yes, I am cynical. I used to plan this stuff. Keeping it in a tight circle means no details will have to be shared with the peasants. I suspect confidentiality of such things will be a part of this process.
My guess is that CJ is getting some very good counsel from some of the best out there on this one.
But don’t forget the last 30 years. This guy knows how to rehab.
The first thing I think of when I read all this proverbial “writing on the wall” is: what about King David? Shouldn’t he have been deposed? I know some of you have been hurt but you haven’t resisted sin to the point of shedding blood yet have you? what is this bleeting of sheep? What about Uriah’s family members? What about David’s murder? What about his marriage to Bathsheba? What about David’s dysfunctional family? Tamar’s rape? Absalom’s rebellion? Finally, need we look any further than the Book of Acts for how church government should operate. Apostolic authority is God’s pattern, not man’s. I’m sure Peter and James offended many a Gentile in their legalistic misapplication of the Gospel. Paul had to withstand them to the face! But it was Paul! I say everyone of you beware, lest you fall into the plight of Miriam! (Numbers 12) Good day!
Ellie,
I haven’t had time to google them. I was hoping to find that Ambassadors of Reconciliation had nothing to do with Peacemakers. The vice-president thing is the most concerning.
Does CJ not realize how that looks?