A NEW ORDER

has come into the Church

by Kirk & Cathy Weedmanrevision 1.4
A new order of things
has come into the ministry.
There is a desire to pattern after other churches,
and simplicity and humility are almost unknown.
The young ministers seek to be original,
and to introduce new ideas
and new plans for labor. 2SM 18
The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the supposition that a great reformation was to take place among Seventh-day
Adventists... Were this reformation to take place, what would result? The principles of truth that God in Ilis wisdom has given to the
remnant church, would be discarded. Our religion would be changed. The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for the
last fifty years would be accounted as error. A new organization would be established. Books of a new order would be written The
Sabbath of course, would be lightly regarded, as also the God who created it. Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the new
movement. 1SM 2(}4
The Lord is indignant at men who... carry out plans which the Holy Spirit has condemned. I am more surprised than I can express
at your failure to discern that God has not set up these men. The new order of things ought to alarm you, for it had not the sanction of
heaven. 1888 1525
EGW sees in vision -- Celebration in the church
The things you have described as taking place in Indiana, the Lord has shown me would take place just before the close of
probation. Every uncouth thing will be demonstrated. There will be shouting, with drums, music, and dancing And this is called the
moving of the Holy Spirit. ...tlie Lord showed me that erroneous theories and methods would be brought into our camp meetings, and
that the history of the past would be repeated. I felt greatly distressed. 2SM 36,37 I have been shown that deceptions like those we
were called to meet in the early experiences of the message would be repeated, and that we shall have to meet them again in the closing
days of the work. 2SM 29
RevivaLs based on eniotion & excitement
New and strange things will continually arise to lead Gods people into false excitement, religious revivals, and curious
developments. ...fanaticism will take the place of well-regulated, well-disciplined, heaven-ordained efforts to carry forward the work to
its completion.... People should not be educated to think that religion of an emotional order, bordering on fanaticism, is the only pure
religion. 2SM 17-21
Theatrical (drama) performances
I am instructed that we shall meet with all kinds of experiences and that men will try to bring strange performances into the work of
God. We have met such things in many places. In my very first labors the message was given that all theatrical performances in
connection with the preaching of present truth were to be discouraged and forbidden.... The light given me was, Give this no sanction.
These performances, which savored of the theatrical, were to have no place in the proclamation of the solemn messages entrusted to us.
Ev 137
Strange fire (celebration) will come into the work of God
In every institution in our ranks there are dangers threatening us. In every place where large interests are centered, Satan will work
with all his deceiving power upon every mind that he can use to hinder the work that God designs shall be accomplished. Thus it has
been in the past, and thus it will continue to be.... Deception will come to human minds, paralyzing spiritual discernment, and the deceiver
will succeed in mingling the common fire with the sacred, until sacred things are brought down to a level with common, earthly
imaginations, and conducted after the manner of worldly maxims, meeting the worlds standard, but having not the superscription of
heaven. RH 5-30-99
2 Waymarks
Repeating the history of Israel -- imitating the
world
Satans snares are laid for us as verily as they were laid
for the children of Israel just prior to their entrance into the
land of Canaan. We are repeating the history of that people.
ST 160 The marks of distinction between Christs professed
people and the world, have almost disappeared. They follow
after the abominations of the nations around them, as did
ancient israel. 4bSG 66 Like ancient Israel the church has
dishonored her God by departing from the light, neglecting
her duties, and abusing her high and exalted privilege of being
peculiar and holy in character.... They have joined with the
selfish and world-loving. 2T 441
Conforming to the worlds customs in order
to evangelize
Many urge that by uniting with worldlings and
conforming to their customs they might exert a stronger
influence over the ungodly. But all who pursue this course
thereby separate from the Source of their strength. Becoming
the friends of the world, they are the enemies of God. pp 607
In their efforts to reach the
2
people, the Lords messengers are not to follow the ways
of the world. Ev 508 I am instructed to say... there is to be
no compromise in order to meet the worlds standards. Gods
commandment-keeping people are not to unite with the world
to carry various lines of work according to worldly plans and
worldly wisdom. MM 61 Gods workmen must not follow
after the worlds practices and customs in the least. B Echo
5-21-94 It is made manifest when church-members follow the
maxims of the world, that spiritual discernment is gone. RH
8.23-92
What was the origin of the great apostasy? How did the
church first depart from the simplicity of the gospel? By
conforming to the practices of paganism, to facilitate the
acceptance of Christianity by the heathen. GC1 1 384 In
forming an alliance with a heathen nation, and sealing the
compact by marriage with an idolatrous princess, Solomon
rashly disregarded the wise provisions that God had made for
maintaining the purity of His people. The hope that this
Egyptian wife might be converted was but a feeble excuse for
the sin. In violation of a direct command to remain separate
from other nations, the king united his strength with the arm
of flesh. AH 64
SDA Church Uniting With the
World
The following is a summary of research we have
compiled into a notebook of articles from the Adventist
Review (AR), the internet, and other sources. The notebook is
provided upon request.
Willow Creek Association
WCA - is an interdenominational organization. Its
purpose is to train & assist churches in changing to a new
style of worship - celebration. They provide; leadership
conferences, ministry workshops, books, music, drama
sketches, videos, training tapes, evangelism and spiritual gifts
training courses.
Many SDA churches (mostly celebration churches) and
some conferences are members of this organization, and
attend their conferences regularly. (Several Review articles
mention about going to WCA.)
In the WCA newsletter two SDA pastors write about
sending teams of up to 20 at a time to WCA conferences. One
church sent close to 90 people to WCA.
Below is a list of some terms (key words) used in WCA
material. If you watch carefully, you will also see these tenns
used in SDA material.
Culturally relevant: Being like the world, culture.
Generation X: The younger generation. The new style of
church is to please
the taste of the Gen Xers, rock music, drama etc. Net 98
is for the Gen Xers.
Unchurched: Those who dont like church, or nonnally
dont go to church.
Seekers: Those who are not believers but may be
seeking a church.
Likeminded: Being like, thinking the same as another
church. All the churches who join WCA profess to be
likeminded with WCCC.
3
Planting (celebration) churches
The Adventist Review (AR) article, J an. 6, 1994, shows that in
94 our leaders were studying worldly statistics (Barna) to
determine and learn (from the world) the best methods for
evangelism. Planting celebration churches has evolved from
studying worldly statistics.
McClure says We need to change.
To accomplish this immense task [presenting the gospel],
changes will have to take place. We need to change. So we
have come here to change the way this division thinks about
church planting. We have come here to change the way this
division prioritizes church planting. We have come here to
change the way this division prepares people to do church
planting. AR Dec. 1996 Alfred C. McClure s passion for
soul winning through church planting was evident from the
first moments of his keynote address. He pointed out the need
to change.... He left no doubt that we are going to have to
change our thinking. AR 12-19-96
This is the new method of evangelism
Church planting needs to be recognized as true evangelistic
work for God. New. Different. Bold. Unusual. Unsettling
perhaps. But definitely true evangelistic work. AR Dec. 1996
3
Church planting is becoming a major evangelistic thrust of
the Adventist Church in North America. AR Dec. 19, 1996.
NADEI internet website says: But now the church has
heard Gods call to pick up the church planting shovel. Once
again it takes it rightful place among the tools of evangelism.
What is planting churches?
It is starting (planting) a new church with a new method. A
culturally relevant Church - Celebration! There are whole
hosts of people out there who could be reached by a different
style of ministry... Adventists need to new kinds of
churches.., planting churches that are truly both Adventist
and culturally relevant will be addressed as this initiative
develops. AR Sept. 19, 1996 McClure says, However, while
our theology is uncompromisingly biblical, our methodology
needs to be predominantly cultural. AR Dec. 1996
What is a culturally relevant Church?
Part of our task as Adventists is to translate--to convert
eternal principles of the Adventist message into the peoples
immediate context. That means leading into our message
through their culture, through their interest. ...a contemporary
worship... contoured to the needs and cxoectations of
unchurched people AR 3~
97
What is the New Wine & New Wineskins?
Their interpretation of the new wine is the new method
(celebration) that is to be poured into new bottles - the newly
planted churches. NADEI internet website Some say we are
witnessing His Spirit create new Wineskins in the
4
form of new churches. ...we must be a praying church in the
business of teaming with the Master in creating new
Wineskins---planting new churches.
How important is the plan to plant churches?
McClure used the meetings to sound a call to move the church
toward a major church-planting strategy.... The commnittee
voted a resolution that calls for every union and conference
executive committee in North America to make the organizing of
new churches a high priority. AR Dec. 19, 1996 McClure says,
Today we drive a corner stake. Today we pour a footing.
loday we nail the theses to the church door in Berringburg.
Today this division launches the most aggressive and
intentional church-planting initiative in its history. AR Dec.
1996 ...we are mandated by J esus Christ Himself to present
this gospel of the kingdom to this continent in the most
alluring manner we know how. There is no greater issue for the
Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America. ibid.
Russell Burrill says church planting will be a front-burner
issue in North America for years to come. AR Sept. 19, 1996
Cel ebrati on
4.5 million dollars was spent on the New Life Celebration
church. This says a
lot about the leaderships priorities and where our money is
going.
Net 98 will be culturally relevant for the Gen Xers --
Celebration style.
Oasis Christian Center
A culturally relevant-planted church. (in McClures article on
Planting
Churches) A video of this church may be obtained.
SI)A Saturday night (Sunday keeping) church! (In the winter
when the sun goes down at 4:30 or 5:00 and they have church
at 6:00 or 7:00, what day are they worshiping on? In the winter
this is a SDA Sunday-keeping church!!!)
Church worship is celebration, with a live band, drama, comic
strips, magic shows, and some dancing. Church bulletin
contains Classified Ads. Member of WCA. The Gleaner (NW
SDA paper) says this is an SDA church, but their church
bulletin says they are interdenominational.
Quotes from their material say they are the Lighter side of
church, providing entertainment with a punch, humorous
drama, a fun place to bring your family. Their emphasis is
to create a church for people who dont like church. (the
unchurched).
Hamilton Community Church
A culturally relevant-planted church, a church for the
unchurched. (in McClures article on Planting Churches)
Member of WCA. -- Their 7-step strategy comes from Willow
Creek. Sabbath School includes classes in weight control
and money management.
The church bulletin, April 5, 1997, says Go fly a kite at the
church house on Saturday, April 19th, immediately following
the worship service..., materials to make a kite will be provided.
Christ Advent Fellowship
A culturally relevant-planted church, a church for the
unchurched.
A new style of Adventism - gospel focused They believe that
works have nothing to do with our salvation. And that the life
of discipleship is lived working from victory, not toward
victory.
Member of WCA -- They say they are likeminded with
Willowcreek Community Church (a non-SDA celebration
church), Damascus Road Community Church (a SDA
celebration church), Oasis Christian Center (a SDA celebration
church), and Saddleback Community Church (a non-SDA
celebration church).
Grace Place is an Interdenominational church sponsored by
CAF. There basic beliefs are united with other Protestant
churches.
Worship style -- Expect a band playing lively, contemporary,
praise and worship music. Refreshments are served in the
lobby before and after services. Contemporary music with a full
band is a part of every service.
Sabbath is observed very lightly. We see ourselves as a
4 Waymarks
More WAYMARKS WAYMARKS WAYMARKS WAYMARKS WAYMARKS - from
HCR 77, BOX 38A - BEERSHEBA SPRINGS, TN 37305 USA HCR 77, BOX 38A - BEERSHEBA SPRINGS, TN 37305 USA HCR 77, BOX 38A - BEERSHEBA SPRINGS, TN 37305 USA HCR 77, BOX 38A - BEERSHEBA SPRINGS, TN 37305 USA HCR 77, BOX 38A - BEERSHEBA SPRINGS, TN 37305 USA
PILGRIMS REST PILGRIMS REST PILGRIMS REST PILGRIMS REST PILGRIMS REST
Continued on the next tract
Saturday Alternative.... If you have to work or have other
commitments on Sunday, maybe you would benefit from
starting the weekend Saturday morning at Grace Place. We are
not in existence to compete with other area churches... God
may and should be worshiped on every day of the week,
therefore we do not intend for the day of worship to be a point of
controversy or division with other Christians.
They believe the Bible is the only source of authority, and that
the gift of prophecy given Ellen White is different from the OT
prophets. And we should weigh carefully what she says
discarding what is erroneous or misleading..
Damascus Road Community Church
/ Coftee house
Evangelical SDA church -- Member of WCA
Likeminded with Christ Advent Fellowship (SDA celebra-
tion church), Saddleback Church (non-SDA celebration
church), and Willow Creek Association (non-SDA, celebration)
COFFEE HOUSE is a Saturday evening night-club, located in
the fellowship hail of Damascus Road Community Church. It is
a place where Christian artists who are out there on faith... can
come and be heard, and be supported by the community. Great
entertainment, great food, great fellowship, lots of fun and very
very cheap. ...Coffeehouse is $2! Plus you can get homemade
desserts and endless coffee.... We also support an Open Mic -
where whosoever will may come and have the stage to entertain
- singing, drama spoken word, comedy, etc.
6
A letter from the pastor states Our church is well known for
loudly and boldly proclaiming the Gospel On J une 15, 1997
the Full Gospel Boogie Band performed.
SS leaders trained by WCA. Youth Sabbath School class
contains 30 minutes of high-energy competition games, food,
loud music, informal social time. Childrens S.S. class has a
monthly birthday party with birthday cake in class.
SDA Celebration Churches &
Members of WCA
The following is a list of churches and conferences that are
either members of
WCA (past or present) or have a contemporary style of
worship or Both.
Alaska Conference of SDA AK New Hope SDA
Church MD
Arizona Family Centre AZ New Life Comm. SDA
Church MD
Camelback SDA Church AZ Silver Spring SDA Church
MD
Catalina Hills Fellowship AZ Sligo SDA Church
MI)
Gentry SDA Church AR Brunswick SI)A Church
ME
Azure Hills SDA Chmch CA Freeport SI)A Church
ME
Celebration Center CA Wakefield SDA Church
ME
La Mesa Adventist Church CA Minnetonka
SDA Church MN
Milpita.s Adventist CenterCA Southfield SDA Church
MI
Mountain View SDA Church CA Fletcher SDA
Church NC
Paradise SDA Church CA Foster Memorial SDA
Church NC
Pacific Union Collage Church CA College View
SDA Church NE
Continued from the preceding tract in this series
Placervjlle SDA Church CA Center for Creative
MinistryNE
The Place (Thousand Oaks SDA) CA Sunny-
vale SDA ChurchNV
Tracy SDA Church CA Buffalo Suburban Church
NY
Denver First SDA Church CO Church of the Advent
Hope NY
Durango SDA Church CO Greater NY Conference of
SDA ..NY
Christ Advent Fellowship CO Christ FellowshipOH
Forest Lake SDA Church FL Kettering SDA Church
OH
Mandarin SDA Church FL Beaverton SDA Church
OR
New Community SDA Church FL Corvallis SDA
Church OR
Florida Hospital SDA Church FL New Life
Celebration OR
Alanta North Church of SDA GA Pioneer Christian
Fellowship OR
Peachtree SDA Church GA Sunnyside SDA Church
OR
Stone Mountain SDA Church GA Sunset Christian
Fellowship OR
Glen Ellyn SDA Church IL Hanover SDA Church
PA
I-Iinsdale SDA Church II. South Hills Bible
Fellowship PA
New Life SDA Church IL West Chester SDA
Church PA
Hutchinson SDA Church KS York SDA Church
PA
New Life Community Church KS Dakota
Conference of SDA SD
North Shore Adv. Fellowship MA Madison
Campus SDA Church TN
Damascus Grace Fellowship MD South Greene
SDA Church TN
Damascus Road Comm. Church .MD Burleson SDA
Church TX
7
Fondren SW Worship Center TX
Wasatch Hills UT
Alexandria SDA Church VA
Courthouse Road SDA Church ....VA
Community Praise Center VA
Kelso-Longview SDA Church ....WA
Medow Glade SDA Church WA
New Life Christian Fellowship ...WA
North Hill Christian Fellowship .WA
Oasis Christian Center WA
Tacoma Central SDA Church WA
Calgary Mountain View Canada
Creekside Comm. Church .... Canada
Door of Hope SDA Church... Canada
New Church Plant Canada
New Life SDA Church Canada
North Oshawa Church Canada
Saint Albert SDA Church Canada
Saint Catharmnes Church Canada
SDA Church in Canada Canada
Sun Valley Fellowship Canada
The Open Door Canada
The Present Order of Things Must Change, or the wrath of
God will fall upon his instrumentalities that are not working in
Christs lines. SpTAO9 5
What has God called us to do?
Now therefore go to, speak to the men of J udah, and to the
inhabitants of J erusalem, saying, Thus saith the Lrd; Behold I
frame evil against you, and devise a device against you: return
ye now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and
your doings good. J eremiah 18:11 Stand in the court of the
Lords house, and speak unto all the cities of J udah, which come
to worship in the Lords house, all the words that 1 command
thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word. If so be they will
hearken, and turn every man from his evil way... J eremiah 26:2
Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord
GOl): Repent, and turn [yourselves] from your idols; and turn
away your faces from all your abominations. Ezekiel 14:6
Show my people their sins
Cry Aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew
my people their transgressions, and the house of J acob their
sins. Isaiah 58:1 Son of man, cause J erusalem to know her
abominations... Ezekiel 16:2
Why? -- because we must acknowledge our sins &
repent
...the Lord said... Go and proclaim these words toward the
north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the Lord;
and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am
merciful, saith the Lord, and I will not keep anger for ever. Only
acknowledge thine iniuuity, that thou hast transgressed against
the Lord thy God, and... have not obeyed my voice, saith the
Lord. Jer. 3:11-13
Underlining has been supplied. Copying is permitted.
More copies may be obtained by request. Kirk & Cathy
Weedinan
10049 S. Township Rd. Canby, OR. 97013 503
266-7211
weedk@jps.net Copyright1998
UPDATE: Christ Advent and Damascus Road
Church have both left the SDA conference since the
original printing. Sadly others are fast filling their
places.