It’s been said that the rise of every empire in human history was preceded by some great technological leap forward. I’d suggest the same truth applies to ideological empires. For all his brilliance, and his even greater courage, Martin Luther would be long forgotten, and the Reformation with him, were it not for Mr. Guttenberg’s contraption.
The study Bible and the Bible college were instrumental in the spread of dispensationalism, and radio and television birthed an explosion of prosperity preachers. What, though, hath Al Gore wrought? The internet has taken what the historian Nathan Hatch called the democratization of American Christianity and given it steroids. The gatekeepers are all at home licking their wounds while everyone and their brother has a blog, a podcast, a FB page from which they wage ideological war.
A little over two and a half years ago I had all those things. I had then, a few months prior, given up my ordination and ceased to serve as an elder in the church. Then came my very public arrest for drunk driving, with my two youngest sons in the car. With that sin and crime I lost my job, my podcast, my website, my audience. What I gained, however, was a deeper appreciation for the grace of God, of my need for that grace, and my lack of a need to defend my reputation. What’s the use?
After a year or so I dipped my toes back into twitter, began working on a book and after another half year, with the blessing of my local church, began to host a Bible study. Just weeks ago the book I was working on was released and with that came opportunities to promote it on multiple podcasts and broadcasts. As expected, when peeking out of my foxhole I felt my share of bullets flying by. “How dare he?” “He’s trying to set himself up again.” And in a stunning display of a lack of self-awareness, even had some anonymous attack bloggers chasten me for not being accountable.
And now, my website. I’ll be writing blog pieces. I’ll be posting Bible studies. I’ll be accepting speaking invitations. God willing, I’ll get my podcast back up and running. What doesn’t this mean? It doesn’t mean I’m unrepentant over my sins. It doesn’t mean I’m unaccountable. It doesn’t even mean I’m trying to “get back in ministry.” I am trying to proclaim the gospel. I am trying to praise His name. I’m trying to tell my story. I am trying to encourage the saints- all things every believer not only can, but should do. Ordination may be in my future. I hope it is. I don’t know, but then, I don’t need to, because I don’t decide.
I’m not a shepherd. I’m just a sheep. My time for silence has ended. If you see yourself as an enemy, let me ask you to love me. If you see me as a friend, and see my “enemies” disparaging me online, love them and follow that ancient wisdom of Elsa and “Let it go.” As I tweeted recently, Nehemiah didn’t get the wall built worrying about Sanballat. And if Jesus sees you as His friend, then let us together heed our Master’s voice, and follow Him.