"What do you guys think of Jennifer Rothschild?"
That was the opening question of a post in a chat room recently.
The web offers interesting opportunities to communicate with
each other and sometimes we don't even realize we are doing it! The dear lady
who asked the question about me didn't realize she was asking the question
"to" me.
Someone close to me let me know my name showed up so I went
to the chat room to take a look at what was written! When I read the remainder
of her publication, I felt compelled to address the writer's concerns.
Her
inquiry and comments gave me an opportunity to deliberate on what I do in
ministry and why I do it, and so below I pasted her concerns and my response.
In doing so, I seek to give you opportunity to deliberate upon what you do in
ministry and why you do it also.
As you read, PLEASE, don't get tripped up by her assumptions
(for most of them are unfounded) but instead, use them to deliberate upon what
you are convicted to avoid.
The posting in the
chat room said:
"The women's ministry at our church is going to use one
of her DVD series and book study for the women this fall. I haven't read any of
her material, personally, but I did some research about her and her
associations. She appears regularly on TBN , 700 club (and secular shows too.)
Has anyone heard any of her teachings? Would you be concerned about her? She
apparently is ecumenical, because her itinerary includes Catholic churches and
colleges. I am convicted myself, to avoid her....what are your thoughts?"
I would have loved to
have been able to address my sister directly, but when trying to post my
response, the site wouldn't permit it. If I were allowed into the chat room and
into her heart, this is what I would have told my sister in Christ:
"I'm so glad I got a chance to read about your
concerns. Like you, I am so protective of the integrity of God's Word and I
hold the warning in James to teachers with the highest regard. It is crucial
that we take seriously the study and teaching of God's Word. I would like to
clarify the reason why I go speak to people who may have no faith convictions
or may potentially embrace different doctrine than I. An opportunity to go and
minister Truth to people who may be seeking or who are possibly mislead by
faulty doctrine is an opportunity I believe Jesus would seize. He established
relationships with and spoke Truth to sinners and social outcasts-those who the
religious were 'convicted to avoid.'
"The Apostle Paul spoke truth to the Greek
intellectuals and ordinary Gentiles-those who upstanding Jews of that day were
'convicted to avoid.' From the example of Jesus and Paul it appears it is
possible to speak truth without compromise even in environments where truth has
been compromised.
"My attempt to
reach all with the Truth of Scripture is not an attempt to be ecumenical. It is
my effort to follow Christ's example as I understand it.
"I am convicted to avoid a mindset that keeps the
liberating truth of Jesus imprisoned in the sanctified circles of those who've
already been set free.
"I am convicted to avoid reserving the living water
exclusively for those whose cups are already filled.
"I am convicted to avoid compromise and pride, so I ask
you to channel your concern to the Throne, petitioning God that I will never go
anywhere He doesn't lead and never say anything He doesn't sanction.
"Thank you for caring so much about sound Biblical
teaching. I need it. We all need it, and I appreciate that you helped me to
clarify what I am convicted to avoid. Bless you, my sister."
So, women in ministry, what are you "convicted to
avoid?"
Unless you know what it is, you will inevitably embrace it.
"But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by
heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your 'yes'' be yes and your
'no' be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation." James 5:12 ESV
I loved your response to her and how you thanked her for her diligence in "caring so much about sound Biblical teaching."
God has been convicting me to avoid Pharisaical criticism. I am determined to stop the generational tendency in my family of speck-magnification in others' lives.
Posted by: Linda | March 03, 2008 at 07:55 AM
Such an excellent response Jennifer. It makes me love your heart even more. The woman's concern expressed in the chat room is a valid one and I am glad it opened the door for you to clarify. I believe your response was one Jesus Himself would have given. Thank you for speaking the truth in love.
Ephesians 4:15 "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ."
Posted by: Nancy Douglas | March 09, 2008 at 09:09 AM