Brent T. first posted this piece on the original website. He said, "This piece is about The Local Church of Witness Lee. Everyone in the Assembly considers them to be a heretical cult. Indeed, all of Evangelical Christianity agrees with them about this. What I find so interesting is how the culture of the Assembly and The Local Church are so similar. Please read the following and note how cult-like many of the Assembly's practices are, especially in the area of recruiting, or 'outreach', as they call it."
The Local Church movement is eager to draw a new supply of converts into
its fold. The movement employs a number of activities that are designed
to draw attention to its own gospel message. The following activities
have attracted many converts and the great bewilderment of others.
Gospel Marches As early as the seventies, the Local Church movement in
the United States would conduct gospel marches, much like those carried
out by "The Little Flock" movement in China and Taiwan many years
before. A gospel march consists of members of one or more Local Churches
gathered together for the purpose of marching in public areas, such as
beaches, parks, public streets, and shopping centers, for evangelistic
purposes. This activity, usually carried out by the more-enthusiastic
members of the movement, would involve the shouting of short phrases
such as "O Lord Jesus," "Jesus is Lord," "Praise the Lord," etc.; the
singing of Local Church hymns, often accompanied by cymbals, drums,
guitars, and tambourines; and the wearing of gospel robes that have
Bible verses or slogans printed on them. Local Church gospel tracts and
other leaflets are handed out to the public during this time. The
following account, taken from an issue of the early Local Church
publication, The Stream magazine, illustrates the enthusiasm members
exerted during the early years of their movement as they proclaimed
their faith. On Saturday evening, Aug 20, there was a Gospel march and
Gospel preaching meeting at the New Park in downtown Taipei. What a
mighty and triumphant testimony this was for the Gospel in the whole
city! There were 17 different marching groups, totaling 2,000 marchers
altogether. One of the groups was composed only of American Caucasians,
about 100 strong. Each of the 17 groups were dressed in gospel robes and
were led by a drum corps to keep the marchers in step and attract
people's attention. In every direction from all over the city, these 17
regiments, marching by different routes, converged on the New Park. At
the head of each group, a large banner was carried by four brothers
declaring, "God so Loved the World", or another similar short gospel
message. Six brothers and sisters handed out tracts on either side of
each group as they marched along, while two brothers shouted slogans to
the onlookers like "Christ is Life," "The World is empty," and "You need
Jesus." When they shouted the slogan, the army said "Amen." As they went
down the thoroughfares of the crowded city they sang, "You Need Jesus,"
in Chinese, or sometimes they simply marched to the beat of the drums,
carrying the lanterns with gospel messages.... Every beat of the drums
was like an arrow in the heart of Satan. Every shout was a victory cry.
Such a sight - long lines of flowing white, marked with Words of Life in
flaming red. Everywhere, all over the city, you could see them coming
and hear the roar of "Amen." "Like a mighty Army moves the Church of
God!" It was a real shame to the enemy and a glory to God.
1 Another early publication of the Local Church, News of the Churches,
records other similar events carried out by members of the group. On
September 26, we (The Church in Houston) had our first Gospel march. As
we marched in downtown Houston, we felt that we really touched something
of the Lord's blessing and glory. The Lord had released strong prayer on
the Wednesday before, and all we did was pick up the spoils. Many called
on the Lord as we marched. We were full of rejoicing. In the Gospel
meeting the next morning a few new ones called on the Lord and were
buried.
2 On December 19 the church (The Church in Chicago) took a gospel ride
on the elevated train....In preparing for the ride, we preached the
gospel by first caring for the Lord - pouring the precious ointment upon
His head (Mk. 14) - and then caring for the people - spreading His sweet
savor (2 Cor. 2). We decided to enjoy the Lord before the people by
singing and praising, and let the preaching come out of the enjoyment.
We were in 4 groups, each group in a separate car....The more we sang
and praised, the more released we became! After 2 round trips, we all
combined for a longer ride, stopping midway at a crowded station. We
came off the train singing, and formed a circle. For about one-half hour
we sang, praised, shouted and testified. Several brothers gave a word to
more than 200 people. Many were touched, and some called upon the Lord.
Our return trip was a real victory ride! We sensed a deep satisfaction
in our spirit. We had anointed our dear Lord and He had led us in
triumph, spreading His fragrance abroad.
3 On a recent Saturday afternoon, all the saints from fourth hall in
East L.A. (The Church in Los Angeles) as well as a large number of young
people from the other halls had a gospel stroll down the main street of
Pasadena. Using guitars and singing in place of drums and trumpets, we
casually strolled down the sidewalk, singing, shouting slogans, speaking
to those we passed, and preaching the gospel. Looking like a large,
happy family, we demonstrated how much we enjoy Jesus. The stroll came
to a climax with an informal meeting beside a well-known religious
seminary. Students watched from windows and front porches of the
dormitories. Some who were contacted later came to our meetings and at
least 2 new ones are now meeting with the church.
4 Recently, one Saturday the young people (The Church in Atlanta) went
to the airport and, with singing and enjoyment, met a young brother
returning from Viet Nam. Our spirits were so uplifted as we gathered in
the terminal and sang praises to the Lord. This was the beginning of a
wonderful night of loving Jesus. Leaving the airport, we made a "Jesus
Run," driving as a caravan down the main street of Atlanta and through
an area popular to this young generation. By shouting and calling from
our car windows, we declared "We love Jesus" to all the people along the
street. People were amazed as car after car passed them, full of noisy
Jesus lovers! It was so releasing to look people in the eye and say, "I
love Jesus!" We regrouped at a drive-in restaurant, supposedly the
largest in the world, to let them see the real food and drink. From
there we went into the northern part of the city to another busy area.
We found a very long line of people waiting to go to a movie. We lined
up, and with singing and sharing, slowly moved along beside them, face
to face on the sidewalk. There was deep inward satisfaction at releasing
the name of Jesus in so many places in the city. Our love for Jesus is
no secret any more.5
Our (The Church in Detroit) first gospel march and love feast were above
all we could ask or think! Seventy saints from Chicago, Akron,
Mansfield, and Toronto joined us in declaring that Jesus is Lord in
Detroit, and "We're crazy about Jesus." During the march, we
demonstrated our love for the Lord Jesus, and preached the gospel of the
kingdom, declaring Christ the Victor and telling the enemy that the
church is here to evict him from the city.
6 Campus Outreach The high school and college campuses are the primary
focal points of the Local Church's evangelistic strategy, from which
future generations of members will come. The Local Church sponsors and
financially supports outreach efforts carried out by high school and
college students placed on campuses. The Local Church successfully
evangelizes college campuses in the United States, including the
University of Texas at Austin, Northwestern University in Evanston,
Illinois, through their outreach ministries, under names such as
"Christians at...University," "Christians on Campus," "College
Christians," or simply, "Christians." Local Church forerunners will
survey campuses, obtain permission from the administration to set up
shop, become familiar with the campus, select gathering places,
coordinate with other Local Church members, and find a house or other
building that can serve as a base of operations. Local Church members
will set up tables, hang posters, and make public announcements during
class registration with the hope of attracting many would-be converts.
Love-bombing techniques are employed to gain committal to the group and
its messianic cause. The offer of a warm meal, a loving environment, and
much-desired attention are offered in great abundance, provided that the
prospective converts show some serious interest in joining the group.
Frequent picnics, dinners, weekend outings, and student conferences,
which are usually free or at low cost, are arranged to attract young
college students, many of whom are away from home for the first time.
The Local Church, as other groups, lures many by reaching out to these
young men and women at the time they are most vulnerable, offering them
what turns out to be quick solutions to many of life's problems. In his
publication, Preaching the Gospel on the College Campuses, Lee states:
In America many freshmen attend college away from home....Many of them
are lonely and homesick. If we invite them into our living rooms for a
snack or perhaps a dinner, they will feel at home and this will open
them to the Lord and the truth. Furthermore, many young people do not
have a goal and they are tired of their old manner of life. This
situation is sovereign of the Lord....They are wondering what to do and
where to go.... Therefore, we must take this opportunity to fill up the
gap in their hearts with Christ. The best way to do this is by opening
up our homes....If the saints in every locality are well coordinated,
the new ones will be inspired with what they see. They will see the real
social life, communal life, and family life. Our service in coordination
will touch, soften, and warm up their heart to receive the living,
piercing word (Heb. 4:12). Once a freshman is brought into your living
room, most of the work is already done....Suppose a locality has fifteen
homes. Every home could serve at least ten to fifteen students. With
just fifteen homes about two hundred students could be served. The
freshmen, who have left their homes, may feel especially lonely and
homesick on the weekends. Before the weekend, our young people should
contact them and make appointments with them.
7 To reach young people on campus Local Church members are encouraged to
locate, and in some cases, even relocate, near high school and college
campuses, so that their homes may be used for outreach purposes. States
Lee: The way to open up the homes is in the Body in a coordinated way.
Do not try to do it by yourself. I hope every local church will have a
good coordination. Pray, fellowship, and see if there are any homes near
the campus in your locality that are available. Try to get a home close
to the campus. Even if you have to pay more rent for a house close to
the campus, it is worthwhile. This matter requires much fellowship.
8 In some cases church fellowships will purchase homes solely for
providing a communal-style home environment for Local Church college
students and prospective converts that are invited to live with them.
States Ann Rodgers: For a nonorganized work, LC groups display markedly
similar practices from coast to coast. One distinctive mark is the LC
house (or houses) on campus. Members of the LC are strongly encouraged
to live with one another. Older families open their homes to student
members. In addition, many groups purchase a house on campus in which LC
students may live.
9 This activity is confirmed by further accounts published in the
publication, News of the Churches, during the seventies. We (The Church
in Los Angeles) also praise the Lord for the move among the highschool
students. Out of a real burden and exercise, a large house has opened up
directly across the street from Belmont High School. A number of
brothers are anticipating moving in and opening the house for the
winning of high school students to Christ and the church. There are
already 18 from the church as students in this school.
10 On April 15, with help from San Francisco and Santa Cruz, the church
here (The Church in San Jose, California) moved into the large
fraternity house near the San Jose State College campus with praise and
thank offerings to our faithful Lord! Praise and singing rang from the
basement to the third floor, as room after room was cleaned and painted
amid the joyful noise. By 5 p.m. the new meeting hall emerged immaculate
and shining. It is the most glorious and wonderful "reaping-in-station"
the Lord could have given us! We thank and praise the Lord for His
blessing! Many new ones have already come in to enjoy the Lord with us.
We are expecting a real increase from the State Campus.
11 This strategy, as taught by Witness Lee, is employed by most or all
of the Local Churches, including The Church in Chicago. This has been a
very encouraging year at Northwestern (1988). Beginning with the first
two days of the new student week of the fall quarter, students began to
be touched by the Lord. With the help of the U.I.C. students,
full-timers, and other saints, the brothers at Northwestern went out to
visit the new students. During this time they shared "The Mystery of
Human Life" and prayed with some. Their main burden, however, was to
sign students up for a new program sponsored by "Christians on Campus"
entitled "Evanston Christian Families Adopt-A- Student." The saints in
Evanston invited students to their homes for a meal, to read the Bible,
sing songs, pray, and fellowship. The goal of the program is to save,
baptize and eventually bring these students into the enjoyment of Christ
and the church.
12 This strategy worked well in the case of the daughter of Carol Lowry,
who, as a college student, had been wooed into the Local Church through
similar contact and expenditure of attention on the part of Local Church
members. Lisa Lowry was getting over a broken relationship and her
sister's death at the time she was introduced to the Local Church. "I
was unhappy," says Lisa. "I wasn't living how I was supposed to be. In
the course of that, I searched for new friends and a different place to
live." Lisa answered an ad in the Arlington (Texas) newspaper which
described a family looking for a Christian boarder to live in their
home. "Over a period of time I visited their meeting," says Lisa. "I
just felt so at home; it refreshed me and encouraged me. I just decided
I wanted to meet there. That was October 1985." She thought her family
would be happy she found her happiness. "That's standard operating
procedure," says Carol Lowry, who has since formed an informal
support-group of ex-members and parents of members. "They took her into
their home, made her part of the family, and walked her right into the
door of the Local Church."
13 Controversy on College Campuses
Campus outreach activities conducted by the Local Church, however, have
not always gone without a hitch. Controversy has followed the Local
Church onto college campuses around the U.S. In 1978 the Long Beach
Independent Press-Telegram reported that members of "The Christians"
harassed a wheelchair-bound student in the campus cafeteria of Long
Beach City College. A campus religious group at Long Beach City College
has been placed on "informal probation" because members harassed at
least one student who refused to join, a campus official said. Members
of the group - "The Christians" - confronted a wheelchair-bound student,
Charles Jennings, in the campus cafeteria last month and, according to
witnesses, cursed him and physically prevented him from attending class
until he talked to them.... Jennings said the cafeteria confrontation
April 24 followed his decision not to join the church, which he made
after attending several meetings. Jennings said the meetings consisted
of worship and testimonies by members condemning "anyone and everyone
not in the church," a philosophy he found difficult to accept. "They
believe any opposition to the church is (the work of) the devil,"
Jennings said. "They warn you ahead of time that if you tell your
parents about the church they won't understand." Three witnesses to the
cafeteria incident said Christians' Vice President Doug Polson directed
a pointed and threatening obscenity at Jennings when the young man
refused to join the church. Polson refused to comment on the incident or
the subsequent probation of the group. The campus sponsor, culinary arts
instructor Jim Higashi, said that he knew nothing about the probation;
that he had never attended a meeting of The Christians and that they
seemed like a "nice bunch of boys and girls." Higashi's brother, Howard,
is one of three church elders in Long Beach, where there are nearly 300
Local Church members - including the student members of The
Christians.... At LBCC, as on campuses across Southern California, The
Christians recruit new members through fellowship meetings and by
placing ads in campus newspapers. Recruits are invited to dinner at a
member’s home, where a church meeting is also being held. Jennings and
others at LBCC say that from that point on, prospective members are
constantly pressed to attend more meetings and to move into corporate
homes.
14 The above-mentioned incident sparked an investigation by the campus
administration and the campus newspaper, Viking. Then-associate editor
Judee Kelly published a series of articles concerning Local Church
activity on the campus. Other students came forward to offer accounts of
their experiences with the Local Church. They came forward because they
believed that Local Church students on campus were young misguided
people who were encouraged by elders and Witness Lee to use unfair
recruitment tactics.
15 Controversy on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin
suggests that some individual Local Church fellowships may deliberately
conceal their relationship with their campus outreach ministries.
Generally, most college administrations require that campus religious
organizations are to be operated by students. A 1990 article in the
Austin campus newspaper labeled the Local Church a cult and linked it
with the Christians on Campus organization on its campus. Former members
of a national religious group represented on campus are charging the
organization with deceptively recruiting and retaining members at the
University.... Kenneth Diller, professor of mechanical engineering and
faculty adviser for Christians on Campus, said the group is not part of
the "local church." "We are an autonomous Christian group on campus and
we are Christians," said Diller, who said he is a "local church" member.
"Some of the members meet with the [local] church in Austin. A lot of
campus Christian groups tend to operate in one way or another in
conjunction with a church." But Dudley Evans, a local engineer and
"local church" ex-member, said Christians on Campus is "an arm of the
`local church.' As far as the elders run it, they have the final say-so,
but most of the day-to-day decisions are made by other brothers in the
church," he said.
16 Controversy on campus continued. The following year a lengthy article
was published in the campus magazine, Utmost. Excerpts from that article
alleged similar deceptive conduct on the part of The Church in Austin.
Christians on Campus has been a UT student organization since Evans
(Gary Evans), an elder at the Church in Austin, founded it in 1974,
which suggests the church and the campus groups are intimately related.
Yet leaders of both maintain the campus group is autonomous - not a
recruiting arm for the Church... Ard (Cary Ard, Local Church member and
Christians on Campus officer) says, "To be in accordance with the
University rules, our meetings have to be open to everyone, and we're
happy to do this." Ex-members do not disagree. They concede the student
organization would gladly welcome any Christian - in order to draw the
student into the Local Church. "The whole purpose of [Christians on
Campus] being there is to recruit college kids [into the Church]," says
Linda, who was a "full-timer" on the UT campus for four years. They
won't admit it to a reporter, but it's always been that way, I know."
Jeff agrees. "I could detect the Bible study was just outreach for
another ministry. They made it seem they were just a campus group, but
it had a parent group. Christians on Campus is an extension of the Local
Church," he says. Jan Bennett, who left the Local Church after almost 17
years, says, "Christians on Campus" is the recruiting arm of the Local
Church. You will not meet a single member of Christians on Campus who is
not a member of the Local Church."... The UT Campus Activities Office
lists 58 religious organizations, many of which, says Ard, have "an
inner-relationship" with one particular Church. "We're not some special,
set- apart kind of group in that type of way," he says. The difference,
say ex-members, is that Christians on Campus is deceptive. "When I was
first in [the campus group] they didn't invite me to Sunday night
meetings, only when it seemed like I was for them," recalls Jeff.
"People who join the Local Church aren't going to get the full story.
They're going to gradually bring you into the ministry of the Local
Church and Witness Lee. They'll sound impressive. They'll paint you a
picture of how you think the church should be." Linda, who worked with
the UT Christians on Campus as well as on two other campuses, says, "We
told them we were a group of students meeting on campus. Don Looper and
Gary Evans would tell us `Don't tell somebody right away that we're
involved with Witness Lee,' because when I was involved there was a
couple of books that had come out that caused flack about the Local
Church that was very much affecting their outreach."
17 What should be of more concern to Christians is Local Church
evangelistic activity directed toward Christian schools. One major
campus, the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, had been the object of
considerable Local Church activity in past years. The Church in Chicago
had sought to establish a student chapter on the campus for many years.
Although their attempts have been rebuffed, a number of students had
been drawn away and firmly rooted into the Local Church as the result of
vigorous evangelistic activity. During the early seventies, Local Church
members in Chicago and from other localities had marched in, around, and
through the Moody campus. States Ann Rodgers: The LC appears primarily
on secular campuses, usually by the name "Christians on Campus" or
"Christians at...University." They have also tried to start groups at
Christian schools, such as Moody Bible Institute. According to Moody's
(then) dean of students, the Rev. Bob Shackelford, they came on campus
shouting "Babylon is falling" and "Moody is crumbling." Shackelford
said, "At one point we wondered whether they meant physically destroying
the place because they would stand in the courtyard and shout `Moody's
going to burn!'"
18 The publication, News of the Churches, records evangelistic activity
directed at a number of Christian schools. The Local Church had
specifically targeted the Moody Bible Institute and several other
Chicago-area Christian schools. The Lord has given us contact with at
least 12 students from Moody Bible Institute, some of whom are already
captured for the church life.
19 One local Bible school here is now regretting the day that the flow
of God's recovery ever came to Chicago. The head dean of this school
informed one of the brothers by letter that several students who touched
the local church have terminated their schooling. Therefore, opposition
to the church has grown more intense. The school administration now
forbids brothers and sisters to come on campus even by invitation from
students. On at least two occasions, school security personnel have
personally escorted visitors from the church off of the premises. In
spite of this, we feel led to go on contacting students who appear to be
seeking the Lord and are interested in the local church. Several of the
"red books" (Christ vs. Religion) are in circulation on campus. These
should be of service to those who seek the door into the pasture. To
date, seven students from this Bible Institute have come into the church
life-one very recently. We have prayed for 60 to come out. So the exodus
is just beginning. Our Jesus was for us the door into the fold-then He
brought us out through Himself. These dear Christian students have been
"kept" long enough. Now they must be led out into fertile pasture before
the thief comes.
20 The young people have gone out to Jesus rallies, Old Town, and other
places where people gather. We are burdened for the increase from places
such as Moody, Trinity, Emmaus, U. of I. Circle Campus, Mayfair Junior
College, neighborhood high schools, and neighborhood street gangs. Lord,
bless and multiply us.
21 The Bible Institute here has yielded about 10 but there are 1000
Christian young people there every semester! We are troubling the Lord
to give many more of these a spirit of wisdom and revelation. At a
recent meeting held there in honor of their founder, we passed out a
letter entitled, "A Word From The Founder." Brother D. L. Moody was
burdened also for the sadly divided state of today's Christians. We have
found the way of practical unity!
22 Evangelistic efforts conducted by members of The Church in Chicago
during the early seventies prompted these comments by then Chairman of
the Department of Theology, Moody Bible Institute, in the student
newspaper. There are certain forces that would like to see you leave
Moody before you have completed your purpose in coming. One of these is
"The Church in Chicago." Every student who has continued relations with
"The Church" has turned against the purpose and program Moody stands
for. Soon some friendly contact from the group may invite you "to
fellowship with the brothers and sisters" and to have dinner with them.
They will seek to influence you subtly away from your commitment to
study the Word at Moody, for they stand officially opposed to Bible
Institutes and seminaries ....They deny the necessity of an intelligent,
meaningful study of the Bible and substituted a mystical "inner light"
that interacts with God when they "pray read" the Bible's words back to
God....In unethical fashion and against repeated friendly and firm
requests not to enter our private campus, they have invaded, invited,
and insulted God's people at Moody. They have made students at Moody
their target and your scalp a desired trophy. Don't feed their egos. If
God led you here, don't be led astray by those who oppose our existence
and purpose, calling us "ecclesiastical Babylon."
23 Door-to-Door Evangelism Another method incorporated by the Local
Church, adopted in recent years, by which they come into contact with
the the public is the practice of "door-knocking." Local Church members
will canvas neighborhoods, including college campuses, in groups of two
or three, much in the same manner that Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses
do, to present their own gospel message. The Local Church uses their own
gospel booklet, The Mystery of Human Life, to carry out their
evangelistic work. This activity is carried out with the clear
expectation of baptizing new converts in their own household bathtubs,
all within a matter of a few minutes! One Local Church hymn from the
1986 winter training in Irving Texas expresses the Local Church's desire
to propagate their faith. 1. In the Lord's new move we're going out to
knock on every door And the mystery of human life make known, Lead men
into God's salvation, baptize them into the Lord, And begin with them a
meeting in their home. I'm so happy knocking on the doors, seeing people
call upon the Lord; there is no finer pleasure than to go from door to
door And to baptize men into the Triune God! 2. Once the meetings in the
homes are started in the Lord's new way, there's the need for us to stay
and shepherd them; If we love our dear Lord Jesus, the Chief Shepherd of
the sheep, We will feed and shepherd every little lamb. 3. It may never
be so easy, but for that we just don't care, We will go until the earth
has been subdued; We must multiply, be fruitful, spreading branches
everywhere, Till the vine tree has been spread to all the earth!
24 A Christian Bookstore Chicago Bible & Books, a Christian bookstore in
Chicago, provides us with yet another example of how this movement
distributes their literature. The bookstore, which also serves as a
Sunday school classroom, is located several doors down the street from
their Chicago meeting hall. This store serves as the distribution point
for the movement's literature to the membership of The Church in
Chicago, to other mid-west Local Church fellowships, and to the general
public. The store will freely advertise itself without the mention of
its affiliation with Witness Lee and the Local Church movement, as
depicted in their advertisement in the Christian yellow pages phone
directory.
25 Local Church publications, nearly all of which are by Witness Lee
himself, are prominently displayed in the store along with acceptable
Christian publications. Only publications agreeable with Local Church
teachings are carried in the store. Local Church members in Chicago
voluntarily staff the bookstore and encourage their unsuspecting
customers to purchase Local Church publications. It is not uncommon to
overhear bookstore staff recommend their favorite translation of the
Bible - their own! Great "spiritual classics," including Watchman Nee
and Witness Lee books, are also recommended. Prospective members will be
informed of Christian fellowship that is available down the street and
in the neighborhood. The names, addresses, and phone numbers of
customers are taken at the time of sale and are added to a mailing list,
which is later used to send evangelistic literature. The bookstore
manager comments: The burden of the bookstore has been to make available
to the public Bibles and the best of Christian literature, specifically
Living Stream Ministry materials....Most customers enjoy spending time
looking at the books and even fellowshipping with those serving. From
such fellowship home meetings have been established. Some have come to
church meetings and one brother was baptized. From the side of serving,
the bookstore is an enjoyable and gratifying place to work, working with
the saints and meeting other seeking Christians....the opportunity to
share the gospel is always there.
26 According to one convert to the Local Church, that is just what
happened! This is what took place when he visited Chicago Bibles &
Books. You only go to a bookstore to buy books, right? At least, that's
what I used to think. I recently found out it is also a good place to go
if you need to be baptized, even if you didn't know you needed to be. I
had been to Chicago Bibles and Books a few times, picking up study
Bibles and other helps during the first week or two after I had been
saved. One day, someone there recommended the Recovery Version (the
Local Church's New Testament) to me. For the first time the Bible became
alive to me. After reading it for a day or two, I wanted to get as many
of Brother Lee's books as I could find. So I went back to Chicago Bibles
and books to see what books by brother Lee were available. When I got
there Charlie...and John...helped me pick out some of his books. We got
to talking and they asked if I had been baptized. I told them, "Yes,
when I was a baby." Then they proceeded to show me that what I had
thought was a baptism was nothing of the kind....Well, the next thing I
knew I was in a bathtub at the meeting hall being baptized.
27 Although the practice of encouraging of their customers to purchase
particular publications is not improper, the biblically unsound
theological framework this practice exists in and the deliberate
concealment of their association with Witness Lee and the Local Church
movement does raise some serious ethical concerns! Evangelizing Eastern
Europe The 1991 Local Church publication, The World Situation and the
Direction of the Lord's Move, outline's Witness Lee's burden for
evangelizing Eastern Europe. The evangelistic strategy is usually the
same. States Lee et al: Recently, a group of brothers traveled to
Eastern Europe and Russia, and they have testified of the openness and
immense hunger of the people there for the divine truth. They visited
one city in eastern Germany where they found a meeting of a group of
about six hundred Russians who had migrated there. These Russians spoke
to the brothers about six books that are being published in Russian. Two
are by Brother Nee - The Normal Christian Life and The Spiritual Man.
Four by me - The Experience of Life, The Knowledge of Life, The Economy
of God, and God's New Testament Economy. They told the brothers that
they could distribute one million copies of each of the six books in a
quick way if they were available. This shows the hunger of the people
there for the truth. At this point I would like to ask one of the
brothers who traveled to Eastern Europe to give a testimony of what he
saw there.... Our goal was in going was especially to see the situation
in the universities. We spent three days on three campuses. These
campuses were in Leipzig and Berlin. We found that, especially in the
eastern area of Berlin that has been basically untouched by Western
influence, the young people were preserved and were very open to
anything that we said. Some of them had never seen an American. During
these three days, we spent our time going to the college cafeterias to
meet the students. The students would sit with us, and we would speak
the truth of the gospel to them....The first group of students to whom I
talked happened to be English majors. Although we could communicate by
using The Mystery of Human Life (a gospel booklet) in German, they
followed more closely by using the English, which they had learned, in
school. I began to show them how man was made in three parts. For the
first time their eyes were beholding the diagram of the three circles
illustrating the tripartite man, and they saw how they were created with
a human spirit to contain God. I shared with them the diagram of the
processed Triune God entering into the tripartite man, and they were
completely focused on this. At one point, one girl said, "You have to
tell us more about the Bible." This describes the kind of atmosphere
that was with many of the ones to whom we spoke. A number in Leipzig
prayed with us right there in the cafeteria. We plan to continuing the
contact with them....One of the students we spoke to was carrying a
simple gospel tract which he had obtained, but nobody had ever led him
to the Lord. A seed had been planted in him, but it had never been
reaped. The brothers asked him to pray with them. He was open, and he
prayed with them to receive the Lord....In Berlin the brothers contacted
a Russian - speaking woman who was baptized. She was our first fruit
from eastern Berlin. She prayed with the brothers to receive the Lord,
and then she invited them to her home that night for dinner. They
baptized her that evening. This was real confirmation of the openness
there. The above testimony is a confirmation of the open door in Europe
for the Lord's move. We have also received word that many of the people
in Eastern Europe and Russia will only accept the writings of Watchman
Nee and Witness Lee. They said that if w sent them millions of copies of
our writings, they would distribute them. There is a famine of truth in
that part of the world. Some of the people there have even begged the
brothers to send people to teach them the Bible.
28 I hope that many will go to Europe to teach the Bible. Some of the
seeking ones in Europe have asked the brothers to send people to them to
teach them the Bible. This is our burden.... The young people who are
burdened to study in the universities there can talk to their classmates
one by one about the truths concerning God's economy, God's dispensing,
Christ, and the church. We will save and gain people in this way. Some
may also go to Europe to take a job or do a business. One brother said
that many of the houses in eastern Germany are very old and need
remodeling. He said that one of the best businesses for the brothers
from the United States would be to go there to remodel these homes. As
the brothers are working there, they can contact people to gain them for
the Lord's recovery. The best way to prepare ourselves for going to
Europe is by studying all the writings we have published to open up the
holy Word. We need to learn the divine truths and then spread them to
the whole earth.
29 Today there is the need of the spreading of the understood divine
truths for the Lord's recovery and restoration....If we have a burden to
go to Europe, we must spend day and night to study the truths we have
published. Then we will know what the Lord's recovery is, and we will
have a real burden to go to Europe to teach people. The Lord charges us
in Matthew 28:19 to go and disciple the nations. The Lord's word here
shows us that we should be burdened to go and teach al the nations.
There is the need of the spreading of the translated, interpreted, and
understood truths for the Lord's recovery and restoration. The Lord does
everything by speaking. If there is no speaking of the Lord, there is no
work of the Lord. There cannot be a recovery in Europe if there is not
the speaking of the divine truths. Most of the millions of people in
Europe are void of the knowledge of these divine truths.
30 I expected that we would initially have forty saints who would be
willing to be trained in the fall for emigrating to Europe, but thus far
more than one hundred seventy have signed up for going to Europe. We
hope that the saints who are burdened and will be trained in the fall
will be able to leave for Europe by January 1992. By that time some of
the books in different languages will be prepared.
31 We are burdened to emigrate to the leading cities that have colleges
and universities for us to work on. We are doing research so that we can
find all the leading universities in Europe for our emigration there.
32 Some can emigrate there to study in a school and serve the Lord. I
would recommend that some go there to be "professional students." In
other words, those who go to school should plan on remaining in school
for the Lord's work on the campuses. The longer they stay in school, the
better it is. This is because they can spend their time contacting the
students for the Lord's interest. I hope that many young people among us
would go to the universities in Europe to be professional students
teaching the divine truths. It is glorious and worthwhile to be such a
student, contacting other students daily with the Lord's truths.
33 We are burdened to go to Europe in a team of at least four saints,
including a couple between the ages of thirty to fifty, in whose home
the meetings will begin. Every team of saints going to Europe should
have a couple, and this couple may have some children. This family will
be the center of the team. We will try to help them get a home close to
a college or a university. Hopefully, this home will be big enough for
keeping two or three guests. It could serve as a place for some
emigrating saints to stay until they can become properly situated. The
newly-contacted people can be brought to this home for fellowship. This
will be our way.
34 While not all of the above-mentioned practices are necessarily
improper, the beliefs and practices of the group passed off as Christian
does raise some serious concerns. The zeal of the movement, the practice
of sheep stealing which the Local Church has been accused of in the past
(35), the dividing of churches for the purpose of drawing away members
(36), and their silence regarding Christians on Campus affiliation with
the Local Church movement, should be warning enough that they are
determined to secure converts at any cost and by whatever means
necessary. Only God knows the extent of harm caused by this cancer to
the body of Christ. Mature Christians firmly rooted in the faith should
take up the challenge to reap the harvests on American high school and
college campuses and on the foreign mission field. If we fail to do so,
heretical groups like the Local Church definitely will! This early hymn
of the Local Church, sung to the tune, The Marine Corps Hymn, typifies
the devotion and enthusiasm of the group as it spreads the church life.
From the beachhead in Los Angeles
To the New York City bay,
We will fight the church's battle
In a new and living way.
We will spread the local church life
Throughout the U.S.A.,
Capturing each strategic city
As we move along our way. This is the Lord's recovery,
This is His move today;
Brothers, we must move together37 Endnotes: 1. "The Church in Taipei," The Stream magazine (LSM: Nov. 1968) 30. 2. "The Church in Houston," News of the Churches (LSM: Vol. 1, No. 2, Nov. 1970) 1, parenthetical note added. This early publication of the Local Church contained articles and news submitted by individual local churches from around the world, highlighting various church-related programs and activities. 3. "The Church in Chicago," News of the Churches (LSM: Vol. 2, No. 2, Feb. 1971) 2, parenthetical note added. 4. "The Church in Los Angeles," The News of the Churches (LSM: Vol. 2, No. 10, Oct. 1971) 5-6, parenthetical note added. 5. "The Church in Atlanta," News of the Churches (LSM: Vol. 3, No. 6, June 1972) 5-6, parenthetical note added. 6. "The Church in Detroit," News of the Churches (LSM: Vol. 3, No. 6, June 1972) 6, parenthetical note added. 7. Witness Lee, Preaching the Gospel on the College Campuses (LSM: 1989) 26, 27-28. 8. Ibid, 27. 9. Ann Rodgers, "Lord, We Just Want to Eat You!," His magazine (IVP: Feb. 1979) 8. This article concerns campus evangelistic activity of The Church in Chicago at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. 10. "The Church in Los Angeles," News of the Churches (LSM: Vol. 1, No. 1, Oct. 1970) 5, parenthetical note added. 11. "The Church in San Jose," News of the Churches (LSM: Vol: 3, No. 6, June 1972) 2, parenthetical note added. 12. Member of The Church in Chicago, Each One Part (Chicago: 1988) 13, parenthetical note and italics added. This is a Church in Chicago publication highlighting the activities of this particular fellowship. 13. Rachel Alterman, "The Lord Works in Mysterious Ways," Utmost magazine (Texas: Spring 1991) 19, parenthetical note added. This is the quarterly magazine of the University of Texas at Austin. This article concerns the campus evangelistic activities of The Church in Austin. 14. LBCC Religious Group Placed on Probation," Independent Press-Telegram (Long Beach, CA: May 23, 1978) B1. 15. Judee Kelly, "Students Relate `Christian' Experiences," Viking (Long Beach, CA: May 18, 1978) 8. This is the campus newspaper of Long Beach City College. Kelly, then-associate editor ran a series of articles concerning campus activity and influence of Witness Lee and the Local Church. See also, Judee Kelly, "Cabinet Restricts Religious Advertising," Campus Club Tied to Nationwide Cult," "Indoctrination For Desert," "Investigation Spurs Action: Religious Club Restrictions?," "Local Family Prospers After Renouncing Cult," "Losing Our Rights By the Rules," and "Psychologist Says Lee Attracts the Insecure," 16. Leslie Wemberley, "Former Members Charge UT Group is part of Cult," Daily Texan (Austin TX: May 1, 1990) 1-2. This is the campus newspaper of the University of Texas at Austin. See also, "Education on Cult Groups Advised," page 6 of same issue, "Local Church Neglects Morality," June 5th, page 4, and "Between the Lines: Giving another Side to the Story," May 7, page 4. 17. Rachel Alterman, 16-17. 18. Ann Rodgers, 7. 19. "The Church in Chicago," News of the Churches (LSM: Vol. 3, No. 12, Dec. 1972) 6. 20. "The Church in Chicago," News of the Churches (LSM: Vol. 2, No. 1, Jan. 1971) 3. 21. "The Church in Chicago," News of the Churches (LSM: Vol. 3, No. 6, June 1972) 7. 22. "The Church in Chicago," News of the Churches (LSM: Vol. 4, No. 4, Apr. 1973) 5-6. 23. C. Fred Dickason, Students: Beware the Church," Moody Student (Sep. 15, 1973) 2. This publication is the campus student newspaper of the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. 24. Local Church, Hymn #7, 1986 Winter Training pamphlet (LSM: 1986) n.p. 25. Don Schlesak, ed. Christian Business Telephone Directory/Chicago Metro (Palatine, IL: 1991) 6. 26. Manager of Chicago Bibles and Books, Each One Part (Chicago: 1988) 2. This is a private publication of "The Church in Chicago." The bookstore is privately owned and voluntarily operated by The Church in Chicago. 27. Ibid, 2, parenthetical note added. 28. Witness Lee, The World Situation and the Direction of the Lord's Move (LSM: 1991) 14-16. 29. Ibid, 27-28. 30. Ibid, 31. 31. Ibid, 48 32. Ibid, 48 33. Ibid, 47 34. Ibid, 48-49.30. Ibid, parenthetical note added. 35. Neil Duddy and the Spiritual Counterfeits Project, The God-Men (IVP: 1981), 110-113. 36. Jack Sparks, The Mind Benders (Thomas Neslon: 1977), 224-225. 37. Hymn #236," Supplemental Hymn Book, tune: The Marine Corps Hymn. Jim Moran Light of Truth Ministries.
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