The Emerging Church and The One Project? is a series of PowerPoint presentations asking the question if there is in fact a connection between the two. The purpose of the presentations are not to lambast those who want to lift Jesus up, but rather to allow leaders of the One Project to tell us in their own words (and the words of those promoting the project) what their goals and aspirations really are, and how these goals have been enacted in their past experiences.
Presentation 1 of 10 is a summary of the Emerging Church as defined on Wikipedia. This is a summary of the 17 page article found there which is taken from many leading proponents of the Emerging Church here in America.
Presentations 2 through 4 deal with Leonard Sweet, a leader in the Emerging Church movement and a professor at George Fox University, and many of the nearly 50 books he has authored which express his various viewpoints.
Presentations 5 through 9 deal with the five main leaders of The One Project, four of which graduated with or started DMin degrees from George Fox University under the mentorship of Leonard Sweet. In each presentation an objective look is taken at material in print telling of each leaders work and ministry up to 2012. The question will naturally follow; is this the direction we should be leading our young people in the Adventist Church?
Presentation 10 deals with the One Project gathering in Seattle, February of 2012, looking at the claims of the Project “Jesus. All” and comparing this to what really took place at the gathering. Yes, there was some good points made, and we need to lift Jesus up, but…. We also take a look at a little of the evidence suggesting The One Project is a response to GYC.
For a fully interactive edition of all 10 presentations with video clips, contact: theemergingoneproject@gmail.com
3.
“‟It‟ is the One project. The story of its inception is reminiscent of a
modern day parable. Seven men shared a common bond: A deep love for
Jesus. Their lives were already committed to Christ, but there was
something in each of them that desired to be re-centered both in their
own spiritual lives and within the Church they love. The question was:
how?”
“Each of them are leaders in the Seventh-day Adventist Church: Alex
Bryan, senior pastor at the Walla Walla University Church; Japhet De
Oliveira, director of the Center for Youth Evangelism and chaplain for
missions at Andrews University; Dany Hernandez, pastor for collegiate
and young adult ministries at Forest Lake Adventist Church; Eddie
Hypolite, associate youth director for the South England Conference, UK;
Sam Leonor, pastor for LaSierra University; Tim Gillespie, pastor for
young adult ministries at Loma Linda University Church of Seventh-day
Adventists; and Terry Swenson, campus chaplain for Loma Linda
University. …” (cont.)
3
4.
“For 9 months, they planned. Then came a day in July 2010 when
five of them gathered at a Holiday Inn in Denver, joined
periodically by the other two through the wonders of modern
technology. For two days, they prayed. They fasted. They shared
in communion. They reflected upon a simple statement: Jesus.
All.” (http://www.andrews.edu/news/2011/03/one_project.html)
“In July 2010, five simple Jesus followers (Alex Bryan, Japhet De
Oliveira, Sam Leonor, Tim Gillespie and Terry Swenson) got
together in room 602 at the Holiday Inn in Denver. We came
together for fellowship and prayer. We had planned this gathering
for over a year and eventually found the time when all our
calendars lined up. After two days of prayer, fasting, communion
and reflection we looked across the room at each other and
acknowledged again that Jesus was number one. …”
4
5.
“It sounds incredibly simple, but it was our „ah-ha‟ moment. We spoke in
truth and freedom that Jesus should be number one in everything we do.
We remembered the energy that started the Seventh-day Adventist
Church was a deep desire to see Jesus return. Our movement was led by
youth and adults, and like the 12 disciples, burned with a passion to
know Jesus and make Him known.” (Japhet De Oliveira, “The One Project: Our Purpose and
Mission,” http://the1project.org/ assets/documents/the-one-project.pdf)
“As their conversations unfolded, their mission began to take shape. After
returning home to their respective ministries, they began to talk about the
One project and invite others to join them. … „We dreamed of starting
something to stimulate the preaching, worship and adoration of Jesus
within and throughout the Seventh-day Adventist Church. … The One
project is a partner of the Center for Youth Evangelism, a training and
resource center for claiming, training and reclaiming youth and young
adults for Jesus Christ. It is located on the campus of Andrews University
in Berrien Springs, Mich., as part of the Seventh-day Adventist
Theological Seminary.” (http://the1project.org/assets/documents/article-campus-connection.pdf)
5
6.
“The annual gathering of The One Project has its roots in Japhet
De Oliveira‟s 2009 cancer diagnosis, which he says was a wake-up
call. With the threat of a worsening sickness looming over him, De
Oliveira met with a support group for two days in a Denver hotel
in 2010. He and four fellow pastors revealed and examined issues
in their lives. Now, his cancer in remission, De Oliveira has seen
that small group grow into an annual gathering of hundreds of
Seventh-day Adventists seeking to reconnect with Jesus in their
personal and corporate worship. …”
“De Oliveira admits he had „sort of lost [his] way,‟ focusing on
success as a pastor and not caring enough for his family or health.
„I would only read the Bible to prepare sermons,‟ he said…. ‟It
was a real honest conversation,‟ De Oliveira said. „Some crying
and a lot of praying. We said, “let‟s do this at least once a year.”‟”
(Ansel Oliver, “The One Project makes Jesus center of theology,” Adventist News Network, Feb. 17, 2012;
http://news.adventist.org/en/archive /articles/2012/02/17/the-one-project-makes-jesus-center-of-theology)
6
7.
“Look, it happened one day in Denver, that we got together, broke
and hurting people—people that a lot of people looked at and said;
Oh their great, their fine, life is good. But we are hurting and burnt
out, and dreaming dreams that we don‟t want to think about
anymore, because you just want to put them in a box and hide them
cause it hurts to treasure them anymore. And we came together as
friends and we really just wanted to escape for a while. And we came
there, and we all wanted something but it was, we weren‟t ready to
step in a circle, we weren‟t ready to open up. …”
“And I was so broken and hungry, that I said guys, we‟ve got to open
up. We were talking here, oh it was great theology, church plans, I
mean we had oh yea, and I just said I‟m going to take a chance guys.
And everybody just went, uuuhhhh. And then it happened. And we
said, It happened. And we walked away and said can it get bigger?
Can the circle expand? Could it be that we could tear down the walls?
I don‟t want to fight the battle anymore! I‟m through! I am tired of
seeing members and beautiful people, leaders like you, who crash and
burn and die. I‟m tired of seeing honey but it turns to ashes in my
mouth. It‟s about Jesus. If people want to march over here, „well,
we‟re the church,‟ okay fine, but I‟m going to follow Jesus.” (Terry Swenson,
“Jesus in our Experience,” talk given Feb. 8, 2011, Atlanta One Project; http://the1project.org/media/listen.html)
7
9.
“Director of CYE [Center for Youth Evangelism located at
Andrews University], Chaplain for Missions and Interim
Dir. for MA [Master‟s degree] Youth Ministry. … Pastor De
Oliveira is an energetic and innovative leader with a passion
for young people. Japhet earned his BA in theology and an
MA in Religion with a certificate in church growth from
Andrews University on the Newbold College campus.”
“What I'd be if not a pastor: Dr. Indiana Jones
Obsessed with: Apple Mac computers
Defining moment: Watching Raiders of the Lost Ark and
thinking, „That could be me!‟—but as a missionary, rather
than an archeologist. Not keen on all the snakes though.
First job: McDonald's. That was where I developed my
lifelong passion for fitness and healthy eating.
(https://www.andrews.edu/cm/change/missions/about/staff/japhet.html )
9
11.
“Japhet De Oliveira comes from England where he has
served as Youth Director for the South England
Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, 2003-2006. He
is an energetic and innovative leader with a passion for
young people. During his time as youth director and as
a youth pastor for the Stanborough Park Church in
Watford, England, De Oliveira began multiple youth
ministry initiatives. Just a sampling of his work
includes projects such as London Live, a new 20/30something church led by young adults in the city of
London; HUB, a monthly journal for youth ministry
leaders across England; and the new Diploma in Youth
Leadership program at Newbold College in Binfield,
England.” (http://www.andrews.edu/sem/reled/faculty_and_
staff/japhet_de_oliveira.html)
11
13.
“Going somewhere new for the first time can be a little
daunting. We‟re a friendly bunch though, so you‟ll feel
comfortable right away. Here is what you can expect.
Casual, relaxed atmosphere
Weekend worship experience that starts 4:30 pm every Saturday
Thought-provoking, relevant presentations based on the Bible
Teaching from Pastor Paul King-Brown that will be available on
www.londonliveatnottinghill.com
Live worship music
Wonderful free food after every worship experience
Friendly and genuine people who hang out chat throughout the
week having coffee or pizza
Question are more than welcome
Available steps to help you get to know Jesus
Constant opportunities to get involved and help others
(http://www.mylondonlive.com)
13
18.
“Biography: Jim Belcher (M.A., Fuller; Ph.D., Georgetown) is
founding church planter and lead pastor of Redeemer
Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, California. He is the
cofounder of the Restoring Community Conference: Integrating
Social Interaction, Sacred Space and Beauty in the 21st Century, an
annual conference for city officials, planners, builders and
architects. Jim previously led the Twenty-Something Fellowship
and cofounded The Warehouse Service at Lake Avenue Church in
Pasadena. He has served as adjunct professor at Azusa Pacific
University and was cofounder of the Renaissance Project
Skateboard Company.”
“Book Description: Feeling caught between the traditional church
and the emerging church? Discover a third way: deep church. …
Unfortunately church in our postmodern era has been marked by
a certain shallowness. Emerging authors, fed up with
contemporary pragmatism, have offered alternative visions for
twenty-first-century Christianity. Traditionalist churches have
reacted negatively, at times defensively.”
18
19.
Cont. “Jim Belcher knows what it's like to be part of both of these
worlds. In the 1990s he was among the pioneers of what was then
called Gen X ministry, hanging out with creative innovators like
Rob Bell, Mark Oestreicher and Mark Driscoll. But he also has
maintained ties to traditionalist circles, planting a church in the
Presbyterian Church of America. In Deep Church, Belcher brings
the best insights of all sides to forge a third way between
emerging and traditional.
“In a fair and evenhanded way, Belcher explores the proposals of
such emerging church leaders as Tony Jones, Brian McLaren and
Doug Pagitt. He offers measured appreciation and affirmation as
well as balanced critique. Moving beyond reaction, Belcher
provides constructive models from his own church planting
experience and paints a picture of what this alternate, deep church
looks like--a missional church committed to both tradition and
culture, valuing innovation in worship, arts and community but
also creeds and confessions. If you've felt stuck between two
extremes, you can find a home here. Plumb the depths of
Christianity in a way that neither rejects our postmodern context
nor capitulates to it.” (http://www.amazon.com/Deep-Church-Beyond-Emerging-Traditional)
19
20.
Reviews: “I found this book as a nice start to the discussion
but still flawed. It does well at unpacking and clarifying
what the emergent church is. The emergent church is not
boxed in by a simple definition. [The book however] does
simply box in the traditional church.” (Daniel Kulp)
“Some will say that the emerging church proponents lose in
this book. I'd argue that the real loser's are Anabaptists who
get several cheap shots taken throughout the book.” (Jason
A. Evans)
“...if you're earnestly going through the type of struggle that
would prompt you to soak up this book, it's time to stop
floundering about and simply come home to the Catholic
Church.” (Dwight)
20
21.
“Hegelian Dialectics are most used by the emergent church
and this [book] is no different. The whole ideal of mixing
two opposing viewpoints is the worst compromise. … If you
see the titles of every review--quite a few mention „Deep‟.
This again is the same exact ideology that sees synthesis
between two opposing viewpoints with which I will end
with a [scripture] passage.”
“2 Co 6:14-17 „Be ye not unequally yoked together with
unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with
unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with
darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or
what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what
agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the
temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in
them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they
shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them,
and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the
unclean thing; and I will receive you.‟” (http://www.amazon.com/DeepChurch-Beyond-Emerging-Traditional/product-reviews)
21
23.
“Michael Frost (1961 - ) is an internationally recognized
missiologist and one of the leading voices in the missional church
movement. His books are required reading in colleges and
seminaries around the world and he is much sought after as an
international conference speaker. … He is the author or editor of
ten popular Christian books, … These books explore a
missiological framework for the church in the postmodern era.”
(http://www.amazon.com/Michael-Frost/e/B001JOYQ2E/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_2)
“Alan Hirsch is the founding director of Forge Mission Training
Network. Currently he co-leads Future Travelers, an innovative
learning program helping megachurches become missional
movements. Known for his innovative approach to mission, Alan
is considered to be a thought-leader and key mission strategist for
churches across the Western world. … He is also adjunct professor
at Fuller Seminary, George Fox Seminary, among others, and he
lectures frequently throughout Australia, Europe, and the United
States.” (http://www.amazon.com/Alan-Hirsch/e/B001JPANCK/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1)
23
25.
Book description: “ReJesus is intended as a call to Re-Jesus
the church by placing Jesus back at the center. The authors
claim the book intends to move toward an „absolute
recovery of the centrality of the person of Jesus in defining
who we are as well as what we do‟ (p.8) and call upon their
readers to „recalibrate the church around the person of Jesus
rather than around marketing ploys developed for a shallow
consumeristic age‟ (p.189).”
Book Review: “The authors assert the formula that
Christology determines missiology which in turn
determines ecclesiology, yet the discerning reader is left
wanting more in each of the three categories - especially
Christology. The authors do better at challenging and even
deconstructing traditional views of Jesus (i.e. through art)
than of reconstructing Jesus as the so-called Wild Messiah.
(http://www.amazon.com/ReJesus-Wild-Messiah-Missional-Church/productreviews)
25
26.
Book Review: “Amongst pan-evangelicals nowadays,
there‟s a lot of talk . . . talk . . . talk . . . going on about
„Jesus‟. . . . But my concern is that Jesus talk may not be
all it‟s cracked up to be, and that because it appears to
deemphasize Jesus to be, as Peter confessed Him, „the
Christ the Son of the living God‟ (Matthew 16:16), it
will lead to nowhere in the end. In fact, the authors
seem to infer that understanding Jesus to be the Lord
Jesus Christ is a metaphysical imposition by the church
upon the primitive but authentic Jesus. This is what
emergents believe has accumulated around Jesus, what
they call the Jesus myth. … In their view, the church
must be „rejesused,‟ or to use a computer metaphor, be
„rebooted,‟ so that a new kind of Christianity can
emerge.” http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=4386 )
26
29.
“Gabe Lyons is … founder of Q (http://qideas.org), a learning
community that seeks to promote the common good. He is also coauthor of Unchristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks About
Christianity and Why It Matters, a bestselling book based on
original research that revealed the pervasiveness of pop culture's
negative perceptions of Christians. As a respected voice for a new
generation of Christians, he has been interviewed by CNN, The
New York Times, Newsweek, Fox News, USA Today, and
countless other media outlets. (http://www.amazon.com/GabeLyons/e/B00316XMY6/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1)
Book Description: “Turn on a cable news show or pick up any
news magazine, and you get the impression that Christian
America is on its last leg. The once dominant faith is now facing
rapidly declining church attendance, waning political influence,
and an abysmal public perception. More than 76% of Americans
self-identify as Christians, but many today are ashamed to carry
the label.” (cont.)
29
30.
“While many Christians are bemoaning their faith‟s decline,
Gabe Lyons is optimistic that Christianity‟s best days are yet
to come. In the wake of the stunning research from his
bestselling book, unChristian, which revealed the growing
disenchantment among young generations for Christians,
Lyons has witnessed the beginnings of a new iteration of the
faith. … Lyons exposes a whole movement of Christians—
Evangelicals, Mainline, Protestants, Orthodox, Pentecostals,
and others—who desire to be a force for restoration even as
they proclaim the Christian Gospel. They want the label
Christian to mean something good, intelligent, authentic, and
beautiful.” (http://www.amazon.com/Next-Christians-About-ChristianAmerica/dp/0385529848/ref=sr_1_1?s= books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349481206&sr=11&keywords=the+next+christians+the+good +new+about+the+end+of+christian+america#_)
Book Review: “In The Next Christians, Gabe sets forth quite
clearly what he and the next Christians truly believe. … Just
who is this new generation of Christians? What do they
believe? What does Gabe Lyons believe, for that matter?” (cont.)
30
31.
“Biblical Interpretation...
the literal, historical, grammatical hermeneutic is outdated (135)
the next Christians „immerse themselves in Scripture in a way that differs
from the practice of recent generations‟ (135)
criticizes Christians who take literally Jesus‟ command to „preach the
Gospel to all nations‟ (37)”
“Biblical Application…
the Bible isn‟t an ethics manual (135)
the next Christians „don‟t encumber themselves with specific, and often
legalistic do‟s and don‟ts‟ (136)”
“Biblical Prophecy…
end-times prophecy is irrelevant for the next Christians (197)”
“Doctrine…
doctrine is „out-dated and stuffy‟ (26)
being doctrinally sound is less important than living out one‟s
commitment in the way of Jesus (180-81)
re-interprets doctrine that doesn‟t connect with post-moderns (52)…”
(cont.)
31
32.
“Sin…
God‟s goodness emanates from non-Christians (100)
non-Christians are inherently good (196)
calling people sinners is judgmental (52)”
“Evangelism…
preaching the Gospel is unloving (37)
evangelism is not the most important interaction Christians should have
with the world (37, 39, 47, 53, 97)
preaching the Gospel makes people into commodities to be gained (196)
Jesus‟ command to „go and preach‟ isn‟t a compelling enough mission (51)
the traditional view of the Gospel has stained Christianity and is a false
representation of the true Gospel (166, 181)
creating a culture of beauty is preferred to preaching the Gospel (99, 108)
the Gospel is about restoring community to its original place in culture
(150).” (cont.)
32
33.
“The Atonement…
the atonement of Christ is neither the end nor the goal of the
Christian‟s faith (53)”
“Non-Christian Faiths…
enthusiastic about inter-religious dialogue (67, 81)”
“Spiritual Disciplines…
silence and solitude are as likely to transform into Christlikeness as
are prayer and Bible study (134)”
“Recommended Reading…
Richard Foster, Phyllis Tickle, Dallas Willard, Brennan Manning, Scot
McKnight (53, 133).” (http://notemerging.wordpress.com/2011/01/15/the-nextchristians/)
33
34.
“This book was a real Hate-Love relationship for me. . . . Lyons
affirmed that there is a growing disdain for Christianity and the
church. What I failed to grasp at the initial stages, however, was that
Lyons was building a foundation to introduce a counter culture
similar to the original intent of Christianity (but from which
Christianity has moved throughout the years.) . . . . While I have
always stated that we need to allow the sacred to invade and influence
the secular, what is seen here is a „blurring of the lines‟ in which one
can hardly tell the difference (if there is, in fact, such).”
(http://www.christianbook.com/christians-good-news-about-christian-america/gabe-lyons/9780385529846
/pd/529840 )
“In summary, I feel this book is one more tome depicting either the
rejection of biblical Christianity or the complete misunderstanding of
biblical Christianity. My conclusion is that this book has little value to
true believers other than to further identify a generation that has been
„lost‟ by inaccurate presentation of the gospel. … As a result this book
is one more argument from the emergent and or emerging „church.‟ I
think to say that this movement is equal to the great reformation is
extremely inaccurate.” (http://www.amazon.com/The-Next-Christians-ChristianAmerica/product-reviews/)
34
36. Erwin Raphael McManus serves as Lead
Pastor of Mosaic, a uniquely innovative
and international congregation in Los
Angeles, California. A national and
international strategist and speaker on
culture, change, creativity and
leadership, Erwin also serves as
Distinguished Lecturer and Futurist for
Bethel Theological Seminary.
36
38.
Book Description: “The alarm sounds. Your feet hit the floor
and carry you into another day. But what does that day hold
for you? Will you be punching your card at work, catching up
on TV at home, and crashing into bed before you rinse and
repeat the next day? Or will you dare to dig deep and discover
the incredible potential lying dormant within us all?”
Editorial Review: “Emergent church pastor McManus (Soul
Cravings) encourages readers to dream wide awake—in other
words, to live their dreams. … There's nothing new here, and
McManus relies on clichés, though he writes simply and with
energy. Some readers, though, may be more comfortable with
McManus's pop psychology approach to the scriptures, where
Daniel becomes the poster child for adaptability, Jesus
represents a focused life and Isaiah's prophetic, Arise, shine;
for your light has come becomes a call to [live] up to your
potential.” (http://www.amazon.com/Wide-Awake-Future-WaitingWithin/dp/078521495X/ref=sr_1_ 6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349628744&sr=1-6)
38
39.
“The main problem with Wide Awake is that it bounces back and
forth between pastoral counseling and motivational lingo that
borders on Gnosticism (your power is within, etc.). The problem
McManus‟ readers are dealing with is not sin and depravity. In fact,
McManus thinks the church talks too much about sin and guilt
(143). The main problem is unfulfillment and sadness (22, 28).
Salvation and satisfaction are found in your living out your story
(160). . . .”
“The „dreams‟ that McManus wants to awaken within us are not
grounded in anything other than our own minds. The dreams we
have are of „a life, a world, a future so beautiful that it takes your
breath away‟ (116). Yes. Our vision of the coming Kingdom should
inform our dreams for today, but McManus never links our dreams
to the Kingdom of God. Readers will pour whatever meaning they
want into his vague category of „dreams‟ and „a beautiful future.‟”
“My advice to pastors and church leaders? Skip Wide Awake. If
you're looking for motivational thoughts to push you ahead in the
direction you already want to go, then Wide Awake will do the trick.
If you're looking for challenging biblical teaching that will ground
your dreams in Kingdom reality, you'll have to look elsewhere.”
(http://www.discerningreader.com/book-reviews/wide-awake)
39
42.
“The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the supposition that a
great reformation was to take place among Seventh-day
Adventists, and that this reformation would consist in giving up
the doctrines which stand as the pillars of our faith, and engaging
in a process of reorganization. Were this reformation to take place
what would result? The principles of truth that God in His
wisdom has given to the remnant church would be discarded. Our
religion would be changed. The fundamental principles that have
sustained the work for the last fifty years would be accounted as
error. A new organization would be established. Books of a new
order would be written. A system of intellectual philosophy
would be introduced.
The founders of this system would go into the cities, and do a
wonderful work. The Sabbath, of course would be lightly
regarded, as also the God who created it. Nothing would be
allowed to stand in the way of the new movement. The leaders
would teach that virtue is better than vice, but God being removed
they would place their dependence on human power, which,
without God, is worthless. Their foundation would be built on the
sand, and storm and tempest would sweep away the structure. “
(Battle Creek Letters, pp. 79-81)
42
Notes de l'éditeur
My study into the emerging church started when a pastor back East asked if I knew anything about “The One Project”. When I began to study into the history of the Project and those who started the movement, I was lead to enquire about the Emerging Church and its teachings and history. I found that it deals with much more than just “spiritual formation” and “centering prayer.”
Before we look at the key leaders of The One Project we must take a general look at the Projects history and beginnings. This information that we share here is not based on hearsay, but on official documents representing the project and/or its leaders. At the same time we must be clear that we not judging the motives or sincere intent of those who sense a need for change in our church, a remedy for the Laodicean condition, but only question if the agenda of the Projects leaders as seen in their history is what our church needs.
History according to Andrews News (http://www.andrews.edu/news/2011/03/one_project.html)It is stated that the desire was for personal renewal and renewal in the church. Seven key leaders took part, all of which have a history in the Seventh-day Adventist church of working for and with young adults.
Andrews University News cont. 2nd quote is from Japhet De Oliveira’s statement of Mission from the Project website.There seems to have been planning before the get together in Denver in 2010. We will take a closer look at the founders below.
The five founders that gathered in Denver, and the two that joined via phone, all work with Adventist youth and young people. Thus their desire was to start a movement with the youth. We will return to this thought a little latter.
Adventist News Network. De Oliveira suggests this Denver gathering was partly for support group for personal health issues. Some serious soul searching took place as well. But there seems to be even more reasons as to why they met (see next slide).
There appears to be even more to the story however. From Terry Swenson’s talk in Atlanta, on Feb. 8, 2011 during the first large Project Gathering, we can asertain that there were other past issues, battles and dreams that drove these men together to refocus their lives and their ministry. Although obviously very sincere we might wonder what battles they were tired of fighting.Before continuing with The One Project we will look at each of the five main leaders who gathered in Denver.
Japhet De Oliveira at the One Project gathering in Seattle, WA. (http://the1project.org)
Director of Center for Youth Evangelism since 2006.De Oliveira seems to have some fetish with Indiana Jones and “Raiders of the Lost Ark” movies. He also seems to make light of his poor diet which may have led to some of his health problems mentioned in the context of the Denver planning meetings for the Project.
For those who wish to know what De Oliveira has done in the past the Diploma in Youth Leadership program at Newbold College might be a place to start. Also taking a look at his church plant and HUB magazine might be insightful.
It is admirable to seek to reach the very secular world of London, but how far should we go in our “initiatives” to do so? The desire to get young people involved is excellent but are we giving them mixed messages through some of our programing?
It is admirable to seek to reach the very secular world of London, but how far should we go in our “initiatives” to do so? The desire to get young people involved is excellent but are we giving them mixed messages through some of our programing?
Japhet started HUB, a monthly journal for youth ministry leaders across England (maybe only quarterly now). This is now headed up by Eddie Hypolite who is also one of the planners for the One Project. Similar philosophy of ministry goes into the hub as into the One Project. (see: http://issuu.com/secyouth/docs/hub-new?mode=embed)
Under the heading of “About” (the One Project) we find a link to “Why” (the One Project). Here we find a link to an article written by Japhet De Oliveira titled “Philosophy of the One Project.” Thus we might conclude that this is a summary statement orposition “about” and “why” the One Project, as well as the “philosophy” behind it. De Oliveira’s article draws from several sources, many of which are written by those who are involved in the Emerging Church movement. One could assume that these sources apparently portray thoughts and themes that De Oliveira and the other One Project originators envision as aligning with those of The One Project. Whether or not these are some of the books that De Oliveira states “by reading, people will learn and change and transform their lives,” we cannot say. But one assumes that these books might represent some of the “non-Adventist voices” which Alex Bryan alludesto (see Alex Bryan section below), and over which controversy has swirled. http://www.the1project.org/resources/documents/seattle-booklet.pdfhttp://the1project.org/why.htmlhttp://the1project.org/assets/documents/the-one-project.pdf
Deep Church is the 1st book referenced be De Oliveira in his “Philosophy of the One Project.” Remember that all these books are written for Western Christianity (US). A country that is considered a Christian nation but takes in a wide spectrum of beliefs in a very secular/humanistic society. Doesn’t the Bible have something to say about our country at this time and the direction that it will head? Doesn’t the Spirit of Prophecy offer us greater insight as to the problems of “Protestant” America. Doesn’t the Bible and SOP offer us insight into the condition of SDA church (Laodicean) and also offers the true remedy?
This is the official biography and book description of Deep Church. Pragmatism= rationality, matter-of-factness, hardheadedness, realism.
Adventism also dabbled in the Gen X ideas as well during the 1990s. What were the results? Some of Belcher’s ideas sound balanced and good, but what have others said about this approach? Belcher suggests that through this continued dialogue we can reach agreement between emerging Church extremes and Traditional church problem.
There are many long reviews that suggest that Belcher sides more with Emerging church ideas and doesn't really identify the real problems with the traditional “Christian” church in America. In the end it seems that the book is still pushing toward a redirection of the “church” more in line with an Ecumenical one world religion. The last quote leads to the next slide with the concept of Hegelian Dialectics. It seems that there has been an incredible number of books written in the last few years all bemoaning the condition of the “church” in protestant America. One might wonder if this “unrest” is being used to bring about a “change” planned for by Catholicism to begin with?
Notice how “dialogue” and “Conversation” fit into this idea of “Hegelian dialectic”. The Christian church is being told over and over that they have a problem. The Emerging Church claimed to be the solution which brought about conflict. Now books pointing to a third way. The point being that seeking a compromise between traditional church and emerging church, may in fact be actually another way of putting aside the created conflict to take a few more steps in an already intended direction. The Bible makes it clear that there is no mixture of truth and error. Its black and white. Yes, we are to seek how we might reach people in the world, but we are not to become in anyway like the world. The Hegelian dialecticis the framework for guiding our thoughts and actions into conflicts that lead us to a predetermined solution. http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/05/dialectic.htmDialectic (also dialectics and the dialectical method) is a method of argument for resolving disagreement that has been central to Indian and European philosophy since antiquity. The word dialectic originated in ancient Greece, and was made popular by Plato in the Socratic dialogues. The dialectical method is dialogue between two or more people holding different points of view about a subject, who wish to establish the truth of the matter by dialogue, with reasoned arguments.[1] Dialectics is different from debate, wherein the debaters are committed to their points of view, and mean to win the debate, either by persuading the opponent, proving their argument correct, or proving the opponent's argument incorrect – thus, either a judge or a jury must decide who wins the debate. Dialectics is also different from rhetoric, wherein the speaker uses logos, pathos, or ethos to persuade listeners to take their side of the argument. …Hegelian dialectic, usually presented in a threefold manner, was stated by Heinrich Moritz Chalybäusas comprising three dialectical stages of development: a thesis, giving rise to its reaction, an antithesis, which contradicts or negates the thesis, and the tension between the two being resolved by means of a synthesis. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dialectic) Basically, Hegel believed that history unfolds as a thesis is countered by an antithesis. Through persuasive argument, a synthesis is created which becomes a new thesis, countered by – you guessed it – an antithesis. This process continues until an “absolute idea” is created for which an antithesis cannot be formulated. Thus, society continues to progress toward’s Hegel’s ideal state. …According to the late Dr. Antony C. Sutton, Hegelian dialectic has also been used as a tactic to create war and revolution – “managed conflict” – throughout the world.7 Dr. Sutton suggested that this Marxist philosophy was at work in 1917′s Bolshevik Revolution, the rise of Hitler in pre-WWII Germany, and WWII. (http://www.believeallthings.com/1481/hegelian-dialectic/)
ReJesus: A Wild Messiah for a Missional Church. Another book quoted by De Oliveira in his “Philosophy of the One Project”, and shown in the photo gallery of the Atlanta gathering mentioned below, is written by Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch.
Both authors are part of the Emerging Church movement.
Both authors are part of the Emerging Church movement (CBD bookstore). Alan Hirsch has co-written a book with Leonard Sweet.
The term “centrality of the person of Jesus” is acatch phrase picked up by One Project, as well as “recalibrate” (see Eddie Hypolite clip in presentation 10). Christology=theological study of the nature and person of Jesus ChristMissiology=theological study of religious missions.Ecclesiology=theology as applied to the nature and structure of the Christian Church.The concept that our ideas of Christ lead to our ideas of mission which leads to the ideas of the structure of our church is correct, but if our Christology is wanting what does that say about our mission and church ideas?Mat 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. What if we throw out that text about Jesus. What is our Christology? How has that effected our missiology? And in turn our ecclesiology.
“As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will personate Christ.” (GC 88ed. 624)But not only is this book being used as one of the references for the “Philosophy of the One Project,” these books are being handed out at One Project gatherings. (next slide)
With this in mind what books where given out or sold at the Atlanta One Project gathering in Feb. 2011?Which leads us to the next book: Next Christians. (http://the1project.smugmug.com/Gatherings/Gatherings/22376237_dK9fpF#!i=1789197460&k=hjHT2KW)
Another book quoted by De Oliveira, and shown in the photo gallery of the Atlanta gathering mentioned above, is written by Gabe Lyons, The Next Christians: The Good News About the End of Christian America (2010). Again, this is one of scores of books that is decrying the terrible condition of the church in America. One wonders if this is not partly a ploy, for “change” can never come unless you convince people that there is a terrible problem which requires that change. The question is, has the correct problem been identified, and therefore the correct remedy?
Another book quoted by De Oliveira, and shown in the photo gallery of the Atlanta gathering mentioned above, is written by Gabe Lyons, The Next Christians: The Good News About the End of Christian America (2010). Continually being reminded that lots of people are ashamed to be called Christian because it is looked down upon by a secular/humanistic society.
Why is the Christian church waning? Why are people ashamed of the church? What is it that they are ashamed of? What movement is this the beginning of? And what gospel are they proclaiming that is now accepted by those who not so long ago looked at Christianity with disgust?Have you read the Great Controversy about the early Christian church and understood what it meant then to be a Christian? The Book Review was written on the blog “Not Emerging.” This is 1 of 4 slides.
This Book Review was written on the blog “Not Emerging.” This is 2 of 4 slides. The reviewer goes on to show categorically how the content of the book undermines biblical Christianity. How many of these concepts are creeping into our Adventist churches and are part of the One Project philosophy?
This Book Review was written on the blog “Not Emerging.” This is 3 of 4 slides. The reviewer goes on to show categorically how the content of the book undermines biblical Christianity. How many of these concepts are creeping into our Adventist churches and are part of the One Project philosophy?
This Book Review was written on the blog “Not Emerging.” This is 4 of 4 slides. The reviewer goes on to show categorically how the content of the book undermines biblical Christianity. How many of these concepts are creeping into our Adventist churches and are part of the One Project philosophy? Recommended Reading is a who’s who of Emerging Church authors. Another Review:“First of all, if you're heavily involved in your church, church activities, have your kids on the church basketball team and ESPECIALLY if you homeschool, you are a "Separatist Christian". Gabe informs us that these Christians want nothing to do with nonbelievers and hide inside their self made world that only involves fellow Christians. The are always offended and angry at nonbelievers and show it by voting against gay marriage and abortion. They give Christianity a bad image and are responsible for people not becoming saved. …Of course Christians should be serving their community, but why? For what purpose? So people can become acquainted with Christ and receive salvation? Not exactly [according to the book]. The "next Christians" have finally figured out: ‘The longings they have felt to do good in the world -even if it wasn't explicitly connected to getting people saved have been validated.’ (p. 104)But, hey, so what? Getting saved is only part of the gospel-another thing the old fogey Christians have gotten wrong. Getting people's souls secured in the after life is all well and good but we need to focus on the here and now. We need to RESTORE THE EARTH. According to Lyons, this is the ultimate objective of the ‘next Christians.’” (Sharon Henning, http://www.amazon.com/The-Next-Christians-Christian-America/product-reviews/0385529848/ref=cm_cr_dp_qt_hist_one?ie=UTF8&filterBy=addOneStar&showViewpoints=0)
Finally summary of this book taken from two other Reviews. If these reviews are correct why then was this used as one of the references for the “philosophy” of the One Project? Why were these books given out at the One Project gatherings? Ellen White talked about a movement that would claim a to be a great reformation coming into the church just before the close of probation. Are we seeing these prediction fulfilled?
The last book we will look at that De Oliveira references in his “Philosophy of the One Project” is Wide Awake: The Future is Waiting Within You, Published 2008. Interestingly enough there was another book published in 2003 about Buddhist practices called “Wide Awake.” We are not suggesting a direct connection between the two books but wondering if the philosophy is not similar? “One of the recent trends in Buddhist publishing has been a subtle generation shift: we are now seeing second-generation Buddhists' memoirs as well as introductory books for teenagers and young adults. Into this latter category falls Diana Winston's Wide Awake: A Buddhist Guide for Teens, a well-written and basic primer for Gen-Ys who are asking Big Questions. Introducing concepts such as meditation, enlightenment, metta (lovingkindness), karma, the four noble truths and the eight worldly conditions, Winston writes accessibly but doesn't try overly hard to sound cool or relevant. Teens will appreciate the way she gives the dharma to them straight, while many adults will also benefit from this lucid manual.”
The last book we will look at that De Oliveira references in his “Philosophy of the One Project” is Wide Awake: The Future is Waiting Within You, Published 2008. This slide shows an official biographical statement of Erwin McManus, the author of this book.
Other Books written by Erwin McManus:The Barbarian Way: Unleash the Untamed faith within. (2005)Uprising: A Revolution of the Soul. (2006)An Unstoppable force: Daring to become the Church God had in Mind. (2013 reprint) forward by Rick Warren.Unleashed: Release the Untamed Faith Within. (2011)The Church in Emerging Culture: Five Perspectives (2003) With Leonard Sweet.(http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&field-author=Erwin%20McManus&ie=UTF8&search-alias=books&sort=relevancerank)
The last book we will look at that De Oliveira references in his “Philosophy of the One Project” is Wide Awake: The Future is Waiting Within You, Published 2008. The Wording is questionable about the “potential lying within us.” It is only by God’s power that we have any potential to “change” into His potential.Erwin McManus is clearly seen as part of the Emerging Church movement.
Summary: All these books listed above and more are quoted as authorities in De Oliveira’s “Philosophy of the One Project.” Is this the kind of foundation that a Project should be built upon?
Summary: All these books mentioned above and more are quoted as authorities in De Oliveira’s “Philosophy of the One Project.” Is this the kind of foundation that a Project should be built upon? Whether or not these reviewers we have sited give a correct representation of the books mentioned (though the reviewers all shared similar concerns), wouldn’t it seem worthwhile to ask a few questions? Should we assume that because these books are being quoted as authorities by Project leaders that they represent to some degree the concepts and goals for The One Project? If so, we might ask if this is the correct view of Jesus presented in the Bible that we as Adventists are supposed to be sharing with the world? Or are these books supporting a theology that is seeking to get away from “too much talk about sin and guilt,” and wanting a “Jesus talk” that is really a “de-emphasis of Jesus” and a “blurring of the lines,” as the reviews have stated above? If these books that Pastor De Oliveira cites, which are also being promoted at The One Project gatherings, are in fact representing the ecumenical, Evangelical Christianity movement of the day, why are the leaders of The One Project quoting from them for support to show Adventism what ourmission is to the world, and what our church should look like? Shouldn’t we be asking these kinds of questions? What does the Bible and Testimony of the Spirithave to say about this?These slides taken from: http://the1project.org/why.html & http://the1project.org/assets/documents/the-one-project.pdf
Japhet De Oliveira is one of several who started the One Project. Their claim is that its all about Jesus. Jesus. All. But has Japhet De Oliveira’s past experience demonstrated that this is the case? Is the One Project really about making Jesus supreme, or about making an avenue through which the leader’s agenda can be brought into the church, primarily marketed to our young people through our Universities?
Is the One Project really the reformation that we need in our church (we do need one)? Based on the backgrounds of the Project leaders what will be the result of the influence of this Project on our young people through our Universities? We will now take a look at Alex Bryan in presentation 6.