April 18, 2008

I’ve been made aware that some new readers have come into contact with this ministry through the posting of some First Love articles on the Andrew Strom website—creating an impression of my personal involvement and/or harmony with Andrew Strom. I must advise all readers that, despite apparent similarities between my ministry and that of Andrew Strom, fundamental differences in doctrine and spirit have come to light since 2004 that prohibit any further fellowship between us.

Doctrine

Andrew Strom advances a reactionary gospel that on scriptural scrutiny is as false, if not more so, than the one he condemns in the mainline church. Andrew teaches we are born again by acts of repentance (specifically water baptism), and that we maintain our new birth by obeying the letter of New Testament discipleship commands and patterns of practice (failing which sends us to hell). Andrew’s concept of “revival” is based on this “gospel”—one that confuses the seed of new birth by grace-apart-from-works with the fruit of Spirit-directed obedience. Andrew’s “gospel” teaching is much akin to that of United Pentecostalism, a confirmed cult.

Spirit

Though we share a purpose in ministering to “outcasts” of the mainstream church, our spirits differ greatly. Andrew’s spirit is formed around what it is against (the disobedient church), not the One Whom we adore (our Obedient Lord)—and maintains its life by stoking the discontent of the prophetically wounded and rejected.  Championing conformity to the image of John the Baptist more than to the whole of who Christ is, Andrew promotes a religious (“radical”) spirit of zealotry for zealotry’s sake, apart from first love. He is not intent on building us up into the complete obedient and passionate nature of our Lord as found woven throughout the entire body of Christ—something which is a chief aim of First Love Ministry.

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Why must I tell you this? It is not to waste time stoking a similar spirit against Andrew (who has been approached about all this before without result). It is to prevent you from entering into relationship with my ministry under a misconception of what you will find here. If you desire to share a journey to recover positive purpose in Christ, find healing for your bruises, develop maturity through an even-tempered spirit, grow in sound apostolically-supportable revelation, embrace error-exposing truth without losing sight of First Love, and overcome personal incompleteness to embrace the full nature of Christ, then this fellowship is for you.

But if you are seeking fellowship based in reinforcing grudges against “the church,” a spirit of zealotry that “radicalizes” the gospel into an exclusionary cult-like message, and a "fire-breathing" condemnatory fellowship defined by its opposition to the mainstream body and the world, you have come to the wrong place.

To help you evaluate whether this ministry is a match for your needs, I strongly encourage you to first read my series Lessons From the Wilderness. Let the Lord examine and confirm your heart as you decide on approaching this ministry.