— Critical issues concerning the Church —

Field Report often deals with difficult and/or controversial subjects that some might not want to hear about, agree with ... or even be aware of.  This publication is but one of a growing chorus of watchmen clarions (Isa 62:6,7).

Ahabian Alliances -2

"Jehoshaphat king of Judah made an alliance with Ahaziah king of Israel, who was guilty of wickedness. He agreed with him to construct a fleet of trading ships." — 2Chron 20:35,36a

Response to an Ahabian Alliances reader

Thank you dear one, for your letter.

Over the years, we’ve appreciated your faithful encouragement and support of this ministry and have a high regard and special affection for you as an earnest elder in Christ.  We join you in praising God for the grace He mercifully extends us all, particularly, the many ways in which He helps each carry on, day by day.  Thanks also for detailing your concerns about the article, “Ahabian Alliances”.  They bespeak a seeking and sober saint ... even as they reveal your conceptions of the Church and its functioning.  We pray this letter will answer your questions and by our publishing it, satisfy those of other readers.

Ahabian Alliances (AA) focuses on the prevalent church practice of using dubious means that link it to the ungodly, and thereby put the flock at risk.  It then cites but one of many resulting ills: compromised assemblies because of using the sanctuary for evangelism or church-growth, rather than following the outline of Acts 2:42: "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."

Concerning judging: we endeavor not to judge but rather discern, exhort, encourage and challenge.  In that regard, please forgive any semblance of our infringing on the Lords’ sacred jurisdiction.  The Holy Spirit convicts of sin, the Word (Jesus) judges and God, after ample warning, metes out punishment accordingly.  The latter being His righteous response to that which opposes His will (sin) for the preservation of creation.  Insofar as our article is concerned, it is to preserve the integrity of a local assembly of believers; that precious expression of the spiritual and universal Church of Jesus Christ.  Since only God’s Word is entirely trustworthy, it is the final arbiter of Truth — of which I am but one of many, called, equipped and sent to teach.  Though, as ministers (servants) we are all vessels through whom the Spirit can speak to the Body of Christ.

You tell of being invited by a “Pastor” to a “church” he was starting in 1953, noting that you and your spouse attended services and Bible studies, but “never heard about making a decision for Christ”. As a result, at the end of eight years, neither of you, nor that “Pastor” were born-again.  Scary!  That testimony bears poignant evidence to the dire straits of many congregations.  It also helps make our case.  If, as implied, none of you were born-again, that was not a Church of the Bible!  By that same infallible standard, neither was its founder, a “Pastor”.  It was no-doubt chartered and licensed, but one of countless religious gatherings of earnest seekers dotting the world’s landscape.  A biblical Church is for the care, feeding and equipping of born-agains; Christians.  Further, a true Church can only be founded and led by one who is called, equipped and sent by God.  Obviously, His most basic prerequisite is to be born-again; to be “in Christ”.  This isn’t a matter of splitting hairs or semantics, but bedrock, biblical Church basics.  Life or death!  I know whereof I speak because in 1973 as a spiritually hungry pagan, I became a “church” President, their Associate “Pastor” — then helped design and erect its building  ... five miles from where you live.

You noted that the next “Pastor” also lacked that vital credential, raising serious questions about their equipping agency and prompting the question: would God send a sinner to care for His own?  Absurd!  That he later became a Christian and with the help of an Evangelist led you all to salvation, testifies to God’s faithfulness — not to His plan for the Church.  Consider the implications:  for eight vulnerable years, you, your spouse and the others (“Pastor” included) were marked for hell.  Your eternal destiny was no different than for Mormons, Muslims, Buddhists, etc.  You bet; we should tout, no, SHOUT praises for God’s merciful protection, especially during those “uninsured” years.  It’s doubtful you would now recommend anyone follow that example.  The Bible doesn’t.  Only God knows how much more fruit might have been harvested, had you all been Christians and discipled by a true Pastor/Shepherd by which to mature.

Your subsequent experience reveals how a Church is supposed to impact a community, bear fruit and grow.  You recount how after you all got saved, a choral group was formed that went to neighboring churches proclaiming the message of salvation.  That’s it!  You ALL were doing the work of evangelists (2Tim 4:5).  You went out to engage the lost, even as Jesus sent His disciples (Mk 6:7-12).  That your efforts targeted groups which should already have been born-again lends further evidence to the inordinate co-mingling of saints and sinners IN the “sanctuary”; not that it’s ever 100% sanctified.  The Holy Spirit owns the prerogative to draw a sinner in at any time — including through members who prayerfully invite earnest seekers.  But it must be by the Spirit, not a man-inspired program de jour.  Your citing of troubled souls drawn to visit churches after 9/11 and were thereby saved, is an excellent example.  That’s hugely different than leadership wholesale inviting sinners to join Christian meetings, as contended in “Ahabian Alliances”.  That assertion was also preceded by this same Holy Spirit caveat.

Because of the condition of the typical local church, “revivals” for their mixed multitudes are far more common than community-directed evangelistic meetings.  Biblically, evangelists focus on the lost rather than preaching in churches — which should be like trying to sell insurance at the company’s office.  Though commonplace, that does not mean “revivals” are God’s plan for the Church.  Think about it: if a Shepherd was sensitively focused only on his flock, most who regularly attend would already be “revived” in Christ.  A facet of his charge.

With a heart for souls and having also been a legitimate Pastor, I understand the appeal of methods to lead many lost directly to a Shepherd’s pulpit.  It seems a whole lot quicker way of evangelizing, and besides, he might do a better job of presenting the Gospel than the “laity” (a misnomer).  However, being charged with the oversight of a Spirit-provided flock, a Shepherd’s prime responsibility is not to save the community, but to preserve and bring his own to maturity.  Evangelism falls primarily to those so ordained and workers whom Shepherds have (supposedly) prepared.  If he habitually and disadvantageously goes over the flock’s head, even with the best of intentions, he invites big problems and God’s punishment.  Such conduct is disobedient and therefore sinful.  Shepherds are not (primarily) called to bear sheep, but to equip those who have been Spirit-led to their care.  They are the ones who birth most of the lambs.  Only at great risk dare Shepherds circumvent their mandate with evangelistic schemes (strange fire/ships of Tarshish" — Lev 10:1; 2Chr 20:36).  Properly discipled saints do the work of the ministry (Eph 4:12) and their training is the responsibility of Shepherds.  Please reflect on the ministry gifts and offices in Eph 4:11-13 and 1Cor 12:27-29.

We pray these Scriptures and notes answer your question: “If the unbeliever is not invited into the church to hear the Word of God, how can he be saved?”

We’re grateful you felt strongly enough about the article to take one of its lines to your Pastor — absolutely the responsible thing to do. I’ll enclose another copy and one of this letter so you can offer both to him, with our sincere regards and invitation to dialogue.  You said He commented on our statement: “The Church assembly is reserved for His own” with: “I would be sure those on the Church Board were believers, but would want the doors to be open to transients ... ”  Not to parse words or pursue pedantry, but with the greatest respect for all Pastors and a passion for the Church — please permit these cardinal suggestions:

(1) Every single staff person and church worker should not only be “believers” — but born-again, regenerated, blood-bought, Christians.  There’s no room for doubt or error in such matters!  God LOVES the Church for which He gave His only begotten Son.  It’s inconceivable He would risk its care with a few who simply “believe”.  The Spirit reminds: "You believe that there is one God.  Good!  Even the demons believe that ... and shudder" — Jas 2:19.  How would you feel about your children or grandchild being burped in the nursery or taught in Sunday School by a “pagan”?  That is what God calls the unsaved who serve the god of this world: Satan (Mt 18:17 NIV).  How about deacons caring for widows; would you want a pagan as a go-between?  Then there are elders with even weightier responsibilities.  Huh?  How can any person represent the Kingdom to another if they are not born-again?  Painfully, pagans are spiritual enemies of the Church (Mt 12:30).  Not trivial matters!

(2) A “No Admittance” sanctuary sign for seekers? No way!  Selection of entrants is in the Spirit’s jurisdiction.  Although most Shepherds would be quick to a-men that view, actions can betray words as testified by the common congregational reminder: “Be sure to invite a neighbor to attend next week’s service”.  Yes, we  do love the lost, but in masse, Christians cannot worship with them.

(3) Re: the message on your Church’s marquis: “Walk in for a free spiritual check-up”.  Hopefully, that means: “You don’t need an appointment to visit our Pastor.”  Catchy/cutesy slogans are readily available and as that one is phrased, drop a single word and it can be found in front of auto repair shops and many businesses.  However, persons notwithstanding and  certainly not to demean your dear Pastor, this is about standards and “means”.  Using the world’s tacky methods suggests a disregard for the Spirit’s ministry in Church growing; a compromise of biblical ways, and unbelief.  Although this and other points in “Ahabian Alliances” might seem trivial, we believe compromise is one of the Church’s greatest enemies.

Dearest one, I hope this has expanded your prayer roster and list of things-to-do.  If I’ve come across forcefully, please forgive the holy indignation and hear my tearful heart.  These matters grieve the spirit and rob my sleep.  There’s nothing more vital on this planet than the Church and (doing) the will of God.  Lastly, I urge you to consider the distinctions between “judging” and “discerning”.  Scripture exhorts us to be wise and good Bereans (Mt 10:16; Acts 17:11).  I also encourage you to search the Bible regarding our assertions and contentions.  May the God of all grace, protect, care for and comfort you.  We do love you dearly.

ABOUT US:  Founded in 1993, Hallelujah Living Ministries is a donation-based, non-denominational Christian outreach to uplift, inform and challenge followers of Jesus Christ.  For more information or a copy of our always-free print newsletter, please include a  postal mail address along with your comments and prayer requests. Thank you for visiting  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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