Okay... this is rich.
Watch the video below, and then consider this...
Fellowship Church, Ed's church in Grapevine TX is trying to raise funds to start video venues in both Dallas and Fort Worth.
I'm assuming that either they've researched those areas and determined there are NO evangelical churches in the area OR have committed to building these campuses/video venues completely from new believers uncommitted at any local church.
Right?
Anyone want to take bets on which of those options is reality?
No?
Huh...
Bob,
Did you see his blog post about this on Out of the Ur?
http://blog.christianitytoday.com/outofur/archives/2008/06/ed_young_jr_tak.html
Posted by: David Phillips | June 13, 2008 at 03:20 PM
Bob you don't understand, it's only wrong when others do it. Not him.
Posted by: Aaron Stewart | June 13, 2008 at 03:27 PM
Bob. I tend to agree with most of your reaction to this video in both posts. Also, lvoed your articel, "Escape From Consumer Church" on Evergreen's site.
My blog was started to write about my deconstruction over the very same issue. I have written many posts over the last year saying the same thing. I left paid ministry (at a mega church in the Portland suburb....sounds like "Heaverton") about 9 years ago and.....well that's WAY TOO LONG of a story to get into here.
Wish I was still back in Portland. ALways had a dream of theology pubs, except I thought of calling it doubleB (Brew & Bible). Anyway, I can't seem to get back to the NW....why oh why did I ever leave P-Town?
Posted by: Mike | June 13, 2008 at 05:53 PM
Wow, wish typepad had a spell check...
Posted by: Mike | June 13, 2008 at 05:55 PM
But, Bob, don't you see how "off the chain" this stuff is?
;)
Posted by: Brent McKinney | June 14, 2008 at 07:03 AM
Actually Bob, these campuses started three years ago. And, they are made up of long-time FC members and new people who weren't willing to drive 45 min to go to the Grapevine campus.
Funny thing: Ed had a vision to invest God's money on video venues 30 miles away to reach people that were already driving to the "main" campus and new people, rather than spend an exorbitant (read: much more) amount of money to double the size of its current worship center. By the way, FC was already running five weekend services at the Grapevine/main campus.
There are lots of great churches in America and DFW included. But not every style of church reaches all styles of people. Or does yours?
The five campuses of Fellowship Church may not be your preferred style of local church ministry, but I believe it be a great stewarding of resources and an opportunity to be the light to new cities who wouldn't otherwise hear the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.
I hope this piece of truth dulls the sharpness of your attacks on Mr. Young and Fellowship Church.
Posted by: Chris | June 15, 2008 at 04:45 PM
Nope- Of course not. The fact that's Ed's vision extends all the way to places like Miami and putting video venues there kind of dulls the sharpness of your attack. Unless you know some folks that were dirving in from South Florida???
you guys crack me up, though!
It's really interesting to me that those defending Ed insist on doing two things-
1. Act as though those criticizing these statements and this thinking are attempting to invalidate his entire ministry
2. Play the "God" card.
If Ed has a valid point that "Church Pirates" can't play the God card, let me caution those defending this short-sighted thinking of his from doing the same. The fact that people are getting saved through Fellowship Church is in no way a vindication of each and every hair-brained thing Ed, God-bless-'im, might say.
Posted by: Bob Hyatt | June 15, 2008 at 09:49 PM
Yes, Ed's real concerned. Fellowship Church in Frisco Tx lost it's pastor; though a church planting coalition I belonged to had invested over 200,000 dollars assisting Fship/Frisco in getting off the ground, Ed and co. had no qualms about sending a group over to offer to take them under the Ed Young Fellowship Church umbrella. So, we invested, but Ed Young Jr. was there ready to pirate. This was around 2004-2005 I believe, and yes I was there. Ed, you are such a hypocrite. As are you naive supporters.
Posted by: DavidBeirne | June 18, 2008 at 06:59 AM
I'm terribly saddened by this commentary. I believe Craig Groeschel's "Make Us One" sermon speaks directly to what is going on in this commentary, from all sides.
If you haven't yet seen it, I implore you all to watch it and to follow this teaching.
Instead of tearing each other down, let us unite and be true examples of Jesus Christ.
http://www.lifechurch.tv/message-archive/one-prayer/2
Posted by: Jennifer Warheit | June 19, 2008 at 10:01 AM
I'm terribly saddened by this commentary. I believe Craig Groeschel's "Make Us One" sermon speaks directly to what is going on in this commentary, from all sides.
If you haven't yet seen it, I implore you all to watch it and to follow this teaching.
Instead of tearing each other down, let us unite and be true examples of Jesus Christ.
http://www.lifechurch.tv/message-archive/one-prayer/2
Posted by: Jennifer Warheit | June 19, 2008 at 10:02 AM