Monday, July 11, 2011

Joshua Harris - Pastor of Pastors

I was really impressed listening to Josh Harris speak to Covenant Life Church yesterday addressing the whole situation regarding C J. On the one hand, you could tell his voice was trembling and close to breaking - it must be agonizing seeing a hero/father figure go through this. But on the other hand, he spoke with confidence and assurance and I was really touched by his pastor's heart. This didn't seem to me to be a P.R exercise (unless I'm easily duped) - he really cares for the people of Gaithersburg and loves them!

Proof that C J has done an excellent job raising up a spiritual son who is not afraid of honesty. Many Mahaney-ites are shouting about C J's humility and using words like; "Gossip" and "slander" against anyone who may read Brent's documents. But this quote from Josh Harris really gripped me for it's bravery;

"In a crisis like this, pastors can be tempted to two errors. 1. To say it's not as bad as it seems. 2. To say it's not your leaders fault. But I can't say that because it wouldn't be true. It IS as bad as it is and it IS the fault of your leaders ... it is our faulty structures that have brought this trouble ... our denomination is being publicly spanked, we are being humiliated and being brought low".

Surely he of all people could have been tempted to go on a PR campaign to downplay this and cover it up and reassure the people. But he has taken the brave and honest option - one that may disturb and upset but will ultimately result in changed lives for the glory of God.

Not all ex-SGM'ers agree with my thoughts - some are suggesting he is making a move for power (!) and others are suggesting it is a PR stunt - desperate. No one can actually tell his motives apart from the Lord and himself - but I felt it was absolutely heart felt and genuine.

3 comments:

WhatGoesAround said...

Congrats on getting linked from Christianity Today. Good post.

Anonymous said...

Yes indeed, nice balanced post;

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2011/julyweb-only/sexmoneypride.html?start=2#related

Dan Bowen said...

Thanks whatgoesaround and anonymous - I didn't realise they'd linked! Just shows you never know who's visiting.

Thanks for the encouragement!