The letter by Rayford Brackin in the Sept. 11 edition of The Alabama Baptist seems to indicate either that Brackin has never read Rick Warren’s book, “The Purpose Driven Church,” or he completely misunderstood it. The ideas Rick Warren sets forth are not “gimmicks” but methods and approaches to evangelism and discipling that have been proved in the crucible of experience. If you read the book with open heart and mind, you will find that the overwhelming concern of Rick Warren and the congregation he leads is for winning the lost and growing equipped believers.
I am absolutely amazed that Brackin refers to “altars, moaners benches, decisions” as being manmade “gimmicks.” We need to reactivate the altars in our churches so that people who come to Christ can kneel before the Lord and acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior. We need to restore moaners (“mourners”) benches so that believers can grieve over and repent of their sins in the worship services of our churches. And as for decisions, what does Brackin think evangelism is about? People who come to faith in Jesus Christ make the greatest “decision” of their lives. We don’t merely “fall into the Christian faith.” Sinners make a definite and clear decision to receive Christ and yield to His Lordship over their lives.
Rick Warren makes clear that the message never changes, but methods are to be adapted to the situation. That approach is as biblical as the ministry of Jesus Himself. Read the Gospels and note Jesus’ varying approach to individuals and His never-changing salvation message.
Rick’s approach to outreach and discipleship are as biblical as Jesus and the New Testament.
Rudy Tidwell
Valley, Ala
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