What was that about?

I said in a previous post that I was puzzled by the session with Brent Borthwick of Fresh Fire Ministries. I'd seen the one-hour God TV presentation of the Florida Healing Outpouring. I thought it all a bit strange. Recognising however, that this was probably not the whole story, I decided to go and listen to Brent Borthwick.

At the start of the session, Mark Stibbe repeated what he'd told us the night before. He had made a personal visit to Lakeland to see for himself what was going on. There he witnessed a very straightforward presentation of the Gospel by Todd Bentley. Many people answered the call to respond to the offer of salvation. After this appeal was concluded, ministry began. Stibbe reports many people clearly healed, as well as testimonies of healings from other nights. Among them were people who had subsequently visited their doctor to receive a clean bill of health.

Alongside this, Todd Bentley was carrying out evangelism training and sending people out on the streets to preach the gospel and offer prayer or healing. This in turn resulted in many people being saved and healed. Stibbe said that despite Bentley's strange appearance and flamboyant style, he consistently pointed people to Jesus for salvation and healing. Having heard from others that Thursday afternoons session had been really good, including a time of ministry to church pastors, we waited with anticipation for Brent Borthwick to speak.

Brent is another larger than life character, and a longtime friend and colleague to Todd Bentley. He assured us of Bentley's credentials, and his passion for the kingdom. But he kept bursting into laughter and interrupting himself with comments like, "hey, there's a well here!" (just below his position, in the front of the audience). There was a lot of talk about how fantastic it was that all these people were getting healed and experiencing the joy of the Spirit, and we must get organised to bring it to Scotland. But to me there seemed little of God, hardly any mention of the Bible (except for the odd verse shouted out). And the promise of prayer for healing didn't materialise since he just went on and on and on about how fantastic it all was, and we should all get it. I felt like sayin, "if you shut up and pray, maybe we will."

Sadly, this display would do little to dispel the apprehensions of the more conservative or fundamental groups who have condemned the apparant excesses of Bentley's ministry. I would avoid such accusations, because he would have been at home in the early Salvation Army. But if this is a genuine move of God, Brent Borthwick was a very poor ambassador for the outpouring and for the Kingdom.

So what was it like for you?

I'm sorry for the silence of recent days. Friday was absorbed with packing up tents ready for a speedy departure after the evening session. Saturday we unpacked and (sort of) prepared for Sunday, which was taken up with meetings and food. Monday we attacked our rather disorganised study. So, here we are on Tuesday evening, reflecting on the past week.

Camping
Well, it wasn't as bad as we feared. Partly this was due to the wonderful weather we had most days, partly due to Sylvia's supervision of us novices. I would do it again, but only if the tent was big enough to stand up in! Elizabeth? Don't hold your breath.

CLAN Gathering
The run-up to CLAN Gathering had been very busy, and the camping dominated our thinking, so I suppose I hadn't given much thought to the event itself. I'm not sure what I expected, but I was pleasantly surprised. Whether it's New Wine policy generally, or a Scottish emphasis on The Word, the Bible messages took most time.

Being able to join in singing with over 3,000 enthusiastic worshippers was a real treat. We have a fairly small congregation (around 40 on a Sunday morning). Whilst we love many of the old hymns and Salvation Army songs, it was good to sing some modern songs and learn some new ones. We were pleasantly surprised by the number of the "grey" generation present, alongside the younger people with families. There is clearly a desire to experience vibrant worship and God's power among our senior brothers and sisters.

Of the worship leaders Brian Doerksen was our favourite. We weave songs throughout our own meeting to form a progression or story related to the theme. At CLAN Gathering, all the songs come at the start of the meeting. But Brian's ability to write and perform in a variety of styles means we've already been on a journey before the teaching begins. We bought his CD Live in Europe, which provides a good selection of his music.

Teaching
I approached this area with mixed feelings. The idea that God works in powerful ways is part of our Salvation Army heritage - though perhaps not talked about enough in recent years. But I'm also conscious that some groups within the wider church emphasise the manifestations of the Spirit above salvation and holiness. It was great to hear the speakers place the power of God in the context of a real saving relationship with him, and submission to his leading. Mike Breen emphasised that only those in a covenant relationship with God can expect to experience the power of his Spirit. Don Williams and Mark Stibbe both in different ways reminded us Jesus power came from his total submission to God. All of this is familiar territory to a convinced Salvationist, who believes that we are lost without the grace of God.

Some people expressed disappointment that the speakers this year were "not as good as last year." This is a reflection of the cult of personality that peremates these events. Don Williams, Mark Stibbe and Mike Breen are proven pastors and church leaders; Alan and Elaine Storkey are sound theologians with practical experience in their respective fields and immense grace in their interactions with people; Frog and Amy Orr-Ewing in their relatively short ministry have experienced more than many church leaders will in a lifetime. The other speakers at seminars came to share their very real experiences of God's hand in ministry. Names like RT Kendal and John Paul Jackson may attract the crowds, but they only represent a tiny percentage of the excellent work carried out for the Kingdom by nameless believers the world over who will get their reward in eternity. It is good to hear from leading figures in the church. But may the CLAN team continue to invite speakers for their practical experience and Godly teaching without too much regard for their public profile.

[Rant over! you can relax now]

Ministry
In it's early days, The Salvation Army was a disreputable organisation, with fainting fits, levitation, "excessive" emotions on both sides of the scale and generally rowdy prayer meetings following the appeal (altar call). In some respects, Todd Bentley's performance (I can't think of another word for it) as seen on God TV shouldn't surprise me. I did wonder where on the scale the CLAN approach to ministry might come. I was surprised and delighted to find that it was very gentle. Whilst in the Denmark Hill training college of The Salvation Army, a group of us regularly visited a charismatic church in South London. On one occasion, I remember laying on the floor as the only alternative to being pushed over. It was very relaxing, but I didn't experience any great spiritual awakening. In their enthusiasm to "impart a blessing", some ministry teams can be rather overpowering.

From observation and personal experience, I know the team at CLAN Gathering took time to talk to those who came forward, prayed quietly and offered words or pictures they believed God revealed to them. In each meeting we were reminded to test everything that was spoken, both publicly and privately. This respect for people and for God was good to see.

Amongst all this, two things puzzled me. One was the session on Friday afternoon with Brent Borthwick, of Fresh Fire Ministries. I'll write about that separately.

On the final night, Kenny Borthwick announced we would have a Tunnel of Fire. The ministry team formed a number of corridors -- two lines facing each other -- and we all trooped through as they laid hands on us and blessed us. Some folk said that it would be like nothing we'd ever experienced. They were right! Elizabeth doesn't see in the dark, so our progress was slow and uncertain as I led her by the hand. Passing through the lines, it seemed that some of the ministry team pushed or pulled us about. The babble of voices was confusing, and far from being blessed we felt mauled. Looking at the others who had been through, a few seemed joyful, but most looked no different to when they went in. It's not an experience I'd want to repeat in a hurry.

Summary
Overall, how do I rate CLAN Gathering? The Salvation Army has always been loth to criticise other churches, since we believe all Christians, in whatever groups they gather, are part of the Body of Christ. Hence I am able to participate in a wide variety of formal and informal church activities with relative ease. So I offer no theological comment on the CLAN Gathering beyond noting that the teaching seems to be firmly based on Scripture, which happily accords with our first Salvation Army Doctrine. Most other elements of the Gathering are either based on history and interpretation or arrived at for practical reasons.

The event well organised and accessible to most Christians. Some would need to be willing to venture from their comfort zones. The only reservation may be in terms of the (sung) worship, which was mostly quite loud and only included a couple of old hymns. A slight change here would ease the entrance for some who might otherwise label the event as overly emotional.

As a leader I've studied more than most who were present at the event. However, I have come away with a number of matters to ponder, not least the magnitude of the love of God in stooping to make a covenant with sinful man. The other issue that repeatedly tapped me on the shoulder was the necessity of sumission - not something I do easily. God has some work to do.

Would I go again? Definitely.

Would I recommend it to others? Certainly. I have no problem in talking it up even to my mostly retired congregation. Whether they would be willing to risk it, and to see beyond the unfamiliar to the passion for God that drives the CLAN team, I don't really know. I only pray that some of that passion rubs off on me, and is caught by them.

So to Kenny and Rick and the rest of the team -- thanks for a great event. And to God: what will we do next, Dad?

Clan 2oo8

St Andrews, always a favourite place to visit, has been even better this week. Is that because of the gorgeous weather? -well it definitely helps. Is it because of the good company?-life this week would have been less comfortable without it, and it has been great spending time in fellowship with my friends.

The thing that has made this week special is seeing (and hearing) how God is working both in Scotland and around the world. Being reminded that God has plans for each one of us, and that through his son that, if we let him into our lives, he will use us in these plans.

Now I did know this before I came to clan, but I think I had forgotten. I had got a bit worn down by day-to-day life. I go back to Hawick today with a real thirst to know more of Jesus and to let him into every aspect of my life, and to be part of his plans. It has been great to spend time with other (approximately 3000) Christians who love Jesus and who also want be part of his plans.

Fiona Jackson

Wellies are a sign of God's grace

I'm sat on a bench in the walled garden, on a warm and cloudy day. It promises to be the third scorcher in a row. We only had a few brief showers since we arrived but there are still loads of people, mostly teenage girls, wearing wellies. And you never seen such a variety: as well as bold single colours we've tulips and roses, hearts and butterflies, spots and stripes, plus a selection of abstract patterns. At first I thought it was just some weird fashion statement. But I've since decided that it's an example of God's grace. And there are plenty of other examples this week.

And as for fashion sense... You really have never seen anything liked it. Trendy teenagers, middle-aged predictable men. Slogan T-shirts and branded outdoor gear abound. And then there are the "youth-worker trousers" (you'll have to ask the actress Sarah Grace about them)

Our speakers are a mixed bag, too. Mike Breen is tall and handsome, immaculately dressed and speaks with a proper English accent. He strides across the stage waving his hands as he reveals the humour and pathos of Biblical events. Then he descends almost to a whisper as he arrives at his main point. He plays his audience as a conductor leads an orchestra.

In contrast, Don Williams wanders round in T-shirt, jeans and shabby anorak. He speaks quietly and almost hesitatingly from the Bible as an old Grandfather dispensing wisdom. Elaine Storkey sits on a stool and chats to the audience as if to her family. Her husband Alan addresses his students with quiet authority born out of his years of study and experience of his filed, yet fields questions and challenges with great respect. And Amy Orr-Ewing, who looks to young and beautiful to have any great message, speaks from a deep love of God and some powerful experiences of his work among the toughest situations.

If I was interested in churchmanship, I could find reasons to reject very one of them. But God has obviously worked in and through these people as they have surrendered to him, and he is speaking through them this week.

Praise God we don't all need to be the same to enter his covenant or be part of establishing his kingdom.

Steven Turner

Seeing God's creation

From a lovely lunch alfresco, it was good to be able to step out of the heat of the day (yes, I do mean heat for those of you who find it hard to believe it is ever hot in Scotland) in to the cool barn where Alan Storkey waited to expand the theme. His paintings and word pictures took us on a journey of seeing the glory in God's creation everywhere. Through the colours of the changing seasons, to the rich variety of textures in nature. Inspiring!

Alan asked for comments on how we see glory in art. Various people commented. Some offering poems, or word pictures they themselves had been inspired to write whilst in that seminar. One woman expressed her great desire to be able to paint since seeing the splendour of God's artistry one evening since coming to Clan - a rainbow and sunset in one.

Another lady spoke about her experience in being released in drawing and painting. She had always wanted to do so but it was not until attending a clan type event where she heard a missionary say the richest land in the country was the cemetery which held a host of unrealised potential. With Gods help she did something about it and was being encouraged by peoples positive response to her art.

Elizabeth Turner

What they didn't tell me at camping school!

Our good friends Andy & Sylvia tried to prepare us well for our adventure under canvas (or in our case, a very nice shade of blue nylon). We came with a variety of footwear from wellies to sandals, lots of thin layers to adjust to the rapidly changing climate, double pyjamas for the cold nights, plus GSOH. Their advice has proved very helpful, but they missed out some very important information.

1. When the blurb says "4-man tent" it really means four midgets who are really friendly and careful of personal hygeine. The tent just about accommodates a married couple, though the space available for the husband varies considerably according to the tasks the wife is trying to perform.

2. Husbands must be prepared to compensate wives for the inconvenience of being away from home. For example: in the absence of proper fixing points, husband must become a bracket for the mirror and HOLD IT STILL.

3. Airbeds are for sleeping on. Any other activity is hazardous. Sitting with your feet raised is a minor irritation compared to the number of times you fall on your face from a kneeling position whilst retrieving something from your case.

I could go on. But perhaps the most important thing to remember is: no matter what clothes you choose to wear in the morning, the British weather will make you change at least three times every day.

Steven Turner

PS: in case you're reaching for the keyboard to offer marriage guidance, I should tell you that Elizabeth and I love each other. We have agreed not to laugh at each other, but we are permitted to enjoy each other!

(Edited slightly to correct errors of spelling and grammar)

Surfed out!

Barbecues are lighting up all around as I sit peacefully on a warm sunny evening. We've been to the beach where I played in the surf until I got several mouthfuls of salty water. Not very pleasant.

Don Williams spoke Sunday and Monday morning in the plenary sessions. Echoing Paul's warning to the Philippians, against those who would deny their freedom in Christ, he identied three enemies of Grace: Legalism, Perfectionism and Sensualism

Legalism says we are accepted only if we obey a set of rules - in the Philippians' case they were being told they must conform to the Jewish Law. Perfectionism misunderstands the call to holiness as a condition of acceptance by God, rather than an expectation of what we can be after receiving God's grace. Sensualism assumes that because we are saved by grace, we can do what we like. (I hope I've not misrepresented Williams by condensing his message so much.)

On Saturday evening Williams took the story of the prodigal son as an example of God's radical grace. Much of what he said was familiar from the many expositions I've heard and given on this passage. Perhaps the biggest challenge came when he pointed out that both sons saw the Father as an accountant, keeping score and expecting same form of payment. In contrast the Father went out to BOTH sons to invite them to the party, but only the wayward son accepted. This would have been particularly striking as the Pharisees were complaining that Jesus ate with sinners.

Following on from Lost Sheep and Lost Coin, the Jews should have realised that they were all invited to the party. Sadly many Christians still refuse to join, complaining instead that the sinners don't deserve such attention

Steven Turner

Biblical DNA - Mike Breen

Saturday evening session began with a half-hour of singing worship songs. Most I didn't recognise, but one advantage of singing everything two or three times is you soon catch on. Took a while for me to connect - it's a couple of years since we were at this kind of event. Had the frequent internal discussion about emotional songs in worship. Decided (as I often have before) that it's only a problem if there's no relationship with Jesus behind it. After all, many Salvation Army songs speak of our passion against our sin and in search of God. Am now free to engage in the worship or quietly pray whilst others sing.

Short prayer introduced Mike Breen, main speaker for the week. The organised church took the Bible away from the people and gave it to the priests. The Reformation restored it through translations into everyday language. Breen argues that the Enlightenment, with it's emphasis on rational thought, took the Bible away into the hands of scholars and theologians, who debate the authenticity and meaning of small portions of the text taken out of context.

Breen sees his mission as bringing the Bible back to ordinary people by highlighting the big themes and showing how they appear repeatedly throughout Old and New Testaments. I'm not entirely convinced of his argument. I can't deny that most Christians I've met don't really understand the big picture. But that's probably a practical outcome of reduced Bible study and increased materialism, rather than any conspiracy by scholars.

Breen identified two main themes - his double helix of DNA - in Relationship and Responsibility. He defined them as Being one with God and Doing Good on behalf of God. (by that he meant in the sense of "let us spur one another on to love and good deeds". He wasn't arguing for salvation by works).
He then renamed his themes as Covenant and Kingdom - emphasising that God is a part of both. He then identified the Synoptic Gospels (Matt, Mark and Luke) as focusing on Kingdom and John as demonstrating Covenant.

I can't argue with the themes he identified. Whether they are the sum total of Biblical theology I'm not sure; they are good handles for mission, like The Salvation Army's old strapline "with Heart to God and Hand to Man". Anyway, in main sessions later in the week, Breen will track these themes though Scripture to demonstrate the integrity of God's word. I must admit I'm looking forward to these messages.

Steven Turner

Day 2 update.

So tired after poor night's sleep, I spent yesterday afternoon dozing. Went to bed prepared for a cold night, but woke up to blazing sunshine and a clear sky. It's a beautiful day today. Our choice of seminar is over-subscribed, so we've time for a little browsing and to catch up on the blog

Steven Turner

What a night!

Rather cool by the time we went to bed. Trying to arrange two people in a small space on an airbed is quite entertaining! Eventually you get the hang of manoeuvring in your own body space. Surprising how cold it feels once you stop moving about. Two layers of clothes, sleeping bag and three blankets and still struggled to get warm and snug.

The campsite is next to the main road out of St Andrews. Traffic 24/7. Add to that the banging of portaloo doors into the early hours and it was hard to get to sleep. Dropped off around midnight and woke first time at five. Up at seven. No problems with washing but massive queue for showers. Try again this afternoon.

Weather bright but with some cloud. The sun is very warm but the wind is cold. Have to keep adding and shedding layers.

Having breakfast soon. May be able to consider spiritual matters after cereals.

Steven Turner

Safe arrival

We left Hawick on time at 11am and after two brief stops we rolled onto the CLAN Gathering site shortly after 2pm. It took just over two hours to erect four tents: Andy and Sylvia's trailer tent, our small igloo and two tents for other members of the party.

The instructions for our tent claim it sleeps four, but our double airbed occupies two-thirds of the sleeping space. There is a small ante chamber but there's no way to stand up inside. Don't know how people live for a week in one of these.

The sun shone for most of the afternoon and we were able to sit outside for our pasta followed by melon, prepared by Sylvia's fair hand. (Andy's got a slipped disc and had to stay at home. We're praying for you, Andy.) As we went into the big top for the first session, the sun was shining into the back of the marquee. As we sit inside the trailer tent sipping tea, it's still light but getting rather cool. Don't know how we'll get on over night - I'll tell you tomorrow.

Good night all!

Steven Turner

We're going on an adventure

That opening line from The Adventure Cruise holiday club theme song seems very appropriate today. Last summer, some friends who had been to CLAN Gathering - a week of worship and Christian teaching held in St Andrews - invited us to join them this summer. Unfortunately my habit of procrastinating meant we missed the cheap university accommodation. Our budget won't stretch to a whole week of B&B, so we are spending the week under canvas. Andy and Sylvia are very kindly taking us under their wing. We expect the fellowship and teaching will make up for the accommodation.

The weather in Scotland has been very unsettled in recent weeks. One day 25 deg, the next 15. Wind and rain have been recurring features. If you read Adrian Plass' Sacred Diary, we may be experiencing Let God Spring into Royal Acts of Harvest Growth!

I'm aiming for an entry at least every evening to keep you up to date. So check in regularly for the next instalment

Steven Turner

Thought for the Month - July 2008

Life in the Blood

I gave blood for the first time on Monday. it's a simple and painless process for the donor, yet a matter of life and death for the recipient. A passenger in a road traffic collision, a victim of knife crime or a woman undergoing major surgery may all rely on me and my fellow donors for survival.

The recognition of "life in the blood" goes back to ancient times. This is the reason God gave to the Jews for making sure the blood was drained out of an animal before it was cooked (Lev 17:11-12).

But the concept goes further than this. Charles Price tells how on a visit to a Hindu Temple in India he witnessed a strange ritual. A man brought a goat to the priest, who placed the animal's neck in a U-shaped wooden block. Taking an axe, the priest chopped off the animal's head. Then the worshipper placed his own neck on the block, and rose covered in blood. Price' guide explained that by this action the man confessed his sins which were taken away by the goat.

The writer to the Hebrews explains that God requires a sacrifice because "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins" (Hebrews 9:22). Starting with the Passover in Egypt, the Children of Israel offered daily sacrifices in repentance for their sins. And each year the High Priest laid his hands on the head of the a goat, transferring the people's sins to the animal, which was then sent into the wilderness to die (Leviticus 16:21). this is the origin of the term Scapegoat.

But Christians have no need of animal sacrifices, for Jesus became both our High Priest (Hebrews 4-8) and our Passover lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). His blood shed on the cross paid the penalty for our sin once and for all. And his resurrection and ascension demonstrated his power over death and Hell. So whilst some religions still seek salvation through "the blood of bulls and goats," those who seek forgiveness from sin, new life on earth and a home in Heaven need only turn to Jesus. Because there's still Life in the Blood.

Nautical Adventures at The Salvation Army

Nearly forty children recently embarked on a week of nautical adventure at The Salvation Army’s holiday club.

Each morning a crew of willing volunteers, led by corps officer Captain Steven Turner, took the children through two hours of games, songs, teaching and craft activities on The Adventure Cruise. Alongside challenges such as “Grandma’s Gunky Gunge” and “Superbrain,” the children followed the adventures of Sid and Basher, attempting to foil a bunch of robbers on a cruise ship.
Each day the Blue Cape drama group (crew members in disguise) presented Bible stories of people who encountered Jesus – including Zaccheus and a Rich Young Man. The mini-songs based on Bible verses really caught the children’s imagination.

“We wanted to give the children something to enjoy during the holidays,” explained Captain Steven Turner. “But we also want them to learn that following Jesus is the best adventure of all.” Captain Turner’s wife and fellow corps officer Captain Elizabeth Turner led a dedicated team of craft workers. Among the items the children took away with them were sailors hats, decorated clipboards, and a desert island made of foam rubber and pipe-cleaners on a sweetie tin.

Family members were invited to a special after-club session on Friday, where they experienced some of the music and drama of the week before sharing in lunch with the “crew” and “passengers”. And on Sunday, regular worshippers were permitted aboard to catch a glimpse of the adventure through songs and Bible stories from the holiday club.

Crew members declared themselves exhausted but exhilarated by the weeks adventure, and are already talking about next year!