lily rose - Yep, it's true that Ted was the founder of New Life Church. I did jump out of the frying pan and into the fire. :) Between him and the shooting, many around the world are familiar with it. He's back in town with a congregation of over 1000. He was president of the NEA and had weekly calls with the US President. It was not uncommon to have news reporters from all the major networks filming our worship services. There were times he spoke to tens of thousands of pastors from all over the world. Influence is not all it's cut out to be - even if it's with the Pope. :) It definitely is a two-edged sword. Very few people outside the church know anything about Ted except for his affair with the male prostitute. I've talked with both Ted and Mike - the man he had the affair with. Ted is extremely gifted at building systems - which the kingdom is not. The salvation for New Life Church was the over 1000 small groups where genuine relationships had been established and people were able to weather the storm. If it had been just about Ted, the church would not have survived. Our current senior pastor of the past 8 years, shuns the press and is more focused on taking care of the poor in our city. He sends out the best and brightest to start other churches, many of which number in the 1000's, instead of show casing them to make himself look good, like Ted did. Fortunately, most of us don't get our dirty laundry aired in front of the whole world. The real tragedy to me was Ted's family - who I know personally. They did nothing wrong yet suffered right along with him. BTW, they have continued to support him through many tears, even though the story of God's grace may not get near the press a scandal does.
Another thought about bruised reeds: When the human body experiences pain, its an indication that something is wrong - its a warning sign. I think the same is true emotionally and spiritually for us. The fact that there is so much suffering in TLWF should be a red flag that something is not right. We can make corrections and eliminate that pain, which most of us did by leaving. When I get a rock in my shoe, I've been unable to meditate it away so far - I have to get rid of the rock. But that's just me. The best place I've found is the Great Healer - not human institutions - especially when you find yourself at the end of your rope and your own ability. However, it's not just God-in-the-sky. Healthy human relationships are certainly a main ingredient to a happy life.
Another thought about bruised reeds: When the human body experiences pain, its an indication that something is wrong - its a warning sign. I think the same is true emotionally and spiritually for us. The fact that there is so much suffering in TLWF should be a red flag that something is not right. We can make corrections and eliminate that pain, which most of us did by leaving. When I get a rock in my shoe, I've been unable to meditate it away so far - I have to get rid of the rock. But that's just me. The best place I've found is the Great Healer - not human institutions - especially when you find yourself at the end of your rope and your own ability. However, it's not just God-in-the-sky. Healthy human relationships are certainly a main ingredient to a happy life.