Folks, the ministry is all about INTEGRITY!
Right now, my wife and I are dealing with a lady who has been experiencing unwelcome sexual advances by a preacher who used to be a friend of mine in the ministry. He is married, still pastoring his church, has been confronted about his behavior, yet refuses to resign his church and seek the counseling he and his wife so desperately need.
If you want to know why we suffer from credibility problems, this is the very reason!
I call on this pastor to wake up, see the error of his ways, resign his ministry and get the healing that only Christ can provide. The pulpit is NOT the place to rehabilitate a man or a ministry. He needs to be accountable to a godly pastor and godly men who will hold him to a high biblical standard.
It truly is all about integrity...
I must be in a mood or something tonight
I just want to say something for the record...
1. I consider myself to be a fundamentalist, I'm just not stupid about it.
2. I am an independent Baptist, I'm just not arrogant about it.
3. I am a Bible-believing, Bible-preaching preacher, I'm just not KJV-only about it. I still love and use the KJV, but I'm not silly enough to think that's the only way God preserved His Word.
4. I believe every major doctrine of the Bible, I just don't create doctrines out of thin air. What God says is sufficient for me. I don't need to add my theology to His.
If you can live with those 4 things, then we can fellowship together. If you can't, well, I'm sure glad I only have to answer to God in the end and not you.
1. I consider myself to be a fundamentalist, I'm just not stupid about it.
2. I am an independent Baptist, I'm just not arrogant about it.
3. I am a Bible-believing, Bible-preaching preacher, I'm just not KJV-only about it. I still love and use the KJV, but I'm not silly enough to think that's the only way God preserved His Word.
4. I believe every major doctrine of the Bible, I just don't create doctrines out of thin air. What God says is sufficient for me. I don't need to add my theology to His.
If you can live with those 4 things, then we can fellowship together. If you can't, well, I'm sure glad I only have to answer to God in the end and not you.
Simply the best...
While I'm at it, we're gonna do a commercial here for the best Southern Gospel quartet on the road today -- Gold City!!!
L to R - Steve Ladd (tenor), Jonathon Wilburn (lead), Daniel Riley (baritone), Aaron McCune (bass), Josh Simpson (piano, just off screen)
I absolutely love these guys in the Lord. They are humble, they are motivated Christians, and they stand by the stuff. Yes, there are a lot of good groups out there, but you'll not find anybody the caliber of these men.
We see them any chance we get when they're in the area, and I command you to do the same!!! This picture was taken in Ashland, Ohio back in July. They couldn't believe we drove 6 hours one way just to see them!
Oh, if you haven't yet, check out their website at www.goldcityqt.com, and get their new album, "Revival". They are redefining their sound and will continue to set the standard for groups to follow in terms of excellence! They also have a MySpace presence as well!
We're praying for you guys!
L to R - Steve Ladd (tenor), Jonathon Wilburn (lead), Daniel Riley (baritone), Aaron McCune (bass), Josh Simpson (piano, just off screen)
I absolutely love these guys in the Lord. They are humble, they are motivated Christians, and they stand by the stuff. Yes, there are a lot of good groups out there, but you'll not find anybody the caliber of these men.
We see them any chance we get when they're in the area, and I command you to do the same!!! This picture was taken in Ashland, Ohio back in July. They couldn't believe we drove 6 hours one way just to see them!
Oh, if you haven't yet, check out their website at www.goldcityqt.com, and get their new album, "Revival". They are redefining their sound and will continue to set the standard for groups to follow in terms of excellence! They also have a MySpace presence as well!
We're praying for you guys!
My better half
And how could I ever leave my wife out? I'd better not!!! This is Paula, and we just celebrated our 19th year of marital bliss together.
We've been through a lot in our marriage. Numerous health battles (the both of us), ministry battles, typical husband/wife/marriage battles that every couple faces -- but we still haven't killed each other yet and we're now at the point where we're considered old fogeys by the younger crowd that thinks you just call the divorce lawyer when your spouse looks at you crosseyed. :D
My other pride and joy
This is my other child, Whitney. She's growing up too fast, just turned 15 and is ready to conquer the world. Super kid, honors student, a mind that soaks everything up. Not to mention, a very beautiful girl!
Pray for her. She is having major kidney surgery next week, and she'd sure appreciate your prayers!
When I stack these two kids up against all the others I see today, there is simply no comparison. I've got the two best kids on the planet, bar none!
A different part of my ministry
My boy. Matthew Thomas, a highly Biblical name wouldn't ya say? Today is his birthday, he's 7 years old.
Happy Birthday, dude! Dad loves you more than you'll ever know!!!
Matt is my #1 helper, my pal, my wrestling buddy, my motorcycle mechanic-in-training, and God's miracle to our family. We almost lost him twice in his first few months of life and we're so blessed that God saw fit to let him recover and grow.
Don't be fooled, here's all you need
“If I can give a word to any young preacher, it would be learn to live with integrity and learn to preach. I mean it is so simple. Just live with integrity, learn to preach. Preach what you live and learn how to preach.”
--Dr. Adrian Rogers
--Dr. Adrian Rogers
It just can't be said any better
"There is no substitute for preaching the Word of God. Biblical preaching is communicated through a two-fold medium — you and the Holy Spirit. When I stand in the pulpit, when you stand in the pulpit, the Holy Spirit should be walking up and down the aisles saying, 'That is a man of God. Listen to him. Listen to what he is saying.'
--Dr. Adrian Rogers
It's about the middle road (and common sense)
"Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.
It is amazing to me how we humans (gotta include myself here) think we can outwit, outsmart and outthink God's designs. I'm quite certain that God's instructions to Joshua for success are still more than applicable today for us in our modern day ministries.
As much as I disliked Bill Clinton when he was president, I keep going back to his first campaign against George Bush. In that campaign, he ran on the slogan "It's the economy, stupid." It's just the same thing here. "It's the MIDDLE ROAD, stupid!"
The middle road is what fundamentalists have left. They have managed to run themselves totally off the road, they have gone so far to the right. Lest anyone be confused, let's put things into perspective...
Left = theological liberalism
Right = theological radicalism
Middle = theological correctness
The middle road is where historical fundamentalism established itself, yet today's fundamentalism resembles Muslim extremism in American garb. The only thing is that American fundamentalists haven't literally killed anyone yet, but they are sure wounding the soldiers in mass proportions.
I've experienced a lot of hurt the last few years. When I took my first church, it was very small and had weathered its share of rascal pastors. One took off with the church finances, another took off with one of the church women, another just ran the whole church off and joined up with the wacky subculture that thinks churches need to be unregistered and unaffiliated (read, Indianapolis here).
Most first-time pastors run into situations that require them to lean on their pastors for advice and timely counsel. All I ever got from my pastor was a doofus sounding "I don't know what to tell you". I was basically left out to dry and had to seek counsel from other preachers who were not my pastors, but were my friends in ministry. I thank God for those men that took their time to help me, even though they were under no obligation to do so.
The more I think about it, the more I see what used to be solid pastors and solid churches becoming lethargic, sickly and ineffective at carrying out the work of the ministry. It's sad. It's tragic. If churches aren't lethargic, then they are militant. That's not good either.
It's all about the middle road. Think we can get back on the right part of the road?
Joshua 1:7 (NKJV)
It is amazing to me how we humans (gotta include myself here) think we can outwit, outsmart and outthink God's designs. I'm quite certain that God's instructions to Joshua for success are still more than applicable today for us in our modern day ministries.
As much as I disliked Bill Clinton when he was president, I keep going back to his first campaign against George Bush. In that campaign, he ran on the slogan "It's the economy, stupid." It's just the same thing here. "It's the MIDDLE ROAD, stupid!"
The middle road is what fundamentalists have left. They have managed to run themselves totally off the road, they have gone so far to the right. Lest anyone be confused, let's put things into perspective...
Left = theological liberalism
Right = theological radicalism
Middle = theological correctness
The middle road is where historical fundamentalism established itself, yet today's fundamentalism resembles Muslim extremism in American garb. The only thing is that American fundamentalists haven't literally killed anyone yet, but they are sure wounding the soldiers in mass proportions.
I've experienced a lot of hurt the last few years. When I took my first church, it was very small and had weathered its share of rascal pastors. One took off with the church finances, another took off with one of the church women, another just ran the whole church off and joined up with the wacky subculture that thinks churches need to be unregistered and unaffiliated (read, Indianapolis here).
Most first-time pastors run into situations that require them to lean on their pastors for advice and timely counsel. All I ever got from my pastor was a doofus sounding "I don't know what to tell you". I was basically left out to dry and had to seek counsel from other preachers who were not my pastors, but were my friends in ministry. I thank God for those men that took their time to help me, even though they were under no obligation to do so.
The more I think about it, the more I see what used to be solid pastors and solid churches becoming lethargic, sickly and ineffective at carrying out the work of the ministry. It's sad. It's tragic. If churches aren't lethargic, then they are militant. That's not good either.
It's all about the middle road. Think we can get back on the right part of the road?
Scofield Study Bible III - NKJV
This is the exact Bible I purchased today. I love it!!! I have used a Scofield for years, and this just keeps me in familiar territory with a Bible I am already used to. Love the basketweave effect, just wish they made it in Genuine Leather. I am not a Bonded Leather fan -- at all.
So THIS is what liberty feels like...
Today I took a step I'd been wanting to take for a few years now, but could never bring myself to it. For those who have been under the brainwashing of radical fundamentalism and have come out of it, you'll know what I'm talking about.
I went and bought a new Bible.
Yeah, I know. You're thinking, "what's the big deal with this dude going and buying a new Bible? Is he THAT neurotic?" Rest easy, my dear friends. I'm not neurotic, nor am I paranoid, or any other diagnosis. My wife says I'm crazy, but hey -- after 19 years of marriage, that's to be expected!
No, it was a big step for me because it marked the end of one entrenched "doctrine", that of KJV-onlyism. I am no longer a KJV-only preacher! You see, that is one of those doctrines of man that somehow wound up getting incorporated into IFB doctrine over the years. It is strongly (or weakly, should I say) built upon the verses found in Psalm 12:6-7 that says...
The words of the LORD are pure words, Like silver tried in a furnace of earth, Purified seven times.
You shall keep them, O LORD, You shall preserve them from this generation forever.
Folks, all these verses say is that God's words are pure, and that God has promised us to preserve them. That's all, nothing else. He didn't say He would preserve them in the KJV only. I don't read that in my KJV Bibles (of which I have 30+ of), not one of them. I don't read that in my NKJV Bible that is laying open in front of me right now, and I don't read that in any translation or paraphrase that is currently on the market today.
You know what that tells me? It tells me that God didn't promise what man thinks He promised! Go to your local Christian bookstore. Walk down the KJV aisle. Guess what? That is God's preserved Word. Walk down the NKJV aisle. Guess what? That is God's preserved Word too. Walk down the NASB aisle. Guess what? You got it! Preserved! Walk down the NIV aisle. Yeah, even it is preserved!
This whole thing stems from one thing -- ignorance. I'll confess. I still like the KJV. I really do. However, what has been lost in this whole quagmire of fundamentalism is the fact that all of these versions are simply translations of men. I'll raise the ire (and blood pressure) of my brethren (and you still ARE my brethren despite how you act), and go one further -- I could take a Roman Catholic bible and lead a person to Christ. Now, I'm not giving you a ringing endorsement of Catholicism here, but I am giving you a taste of your own ignorance here.
It is time to wake up, quit majoring on the minors, and start doing the work of the Lord while there is still yet time.
Oh. Before I forget, I purchased a Scofield Study Bible III in the NKJV. Yeah boys, I am liberated from yet one more hobby-horse of fundamentalism!!!
I went and bought a new Bible.
Yeah, I know. You're thinking, "what's the big deal with this dude going and buying a new Bible? Is he THAT neurotic?" Rest easy, my dear friends. I'm not neurotic, nor am I paranoid, or any other diagnosis. My wife says I'm crazy, but hey -- after 19 years of marriage, that's to be expected!
No, it was a big step for me because it marked the end of one entrenched "doctrine", that of KJV-onlyism. I am no longer a KJV-only preacher! You see, that is one of those doctrines of man that somehow wound up getting incorporated into IFB doctrine over the years. It is strongly (or weakly, should I say) built upon the verses found in Psalm 12:6-7 that says...
The words of the LORD are pure words, Like silver tried in a furnace of earth, Purified seven times.
You shall keep them, O LORD, You shall preserve them from this generation forever.
Psalms 12:6-7 (NKJV)
Folks, all these verses say is that God's words are pure, and that God has promised us to preserve them. That's all, nothing else. He didn't say He would preserve them in the KJV only. I don't read that in my KJV Bibles (of which I have 30+ of), not one of them. I don't read that in my NKJV Bible that is laying open in front of me right now, and I don't read that in any translation or paraphrase that is currently on the market today.
You know what that tells me? It tells me that God didn't promise what man thinks He promised! Go to your local Christian bookstore. Walk down the KJV aisle. Guess what? That is God's preserved Word. Walk down the NKJV aisle. Guess what? That is God's preserved Word too. Walk down the NASB aisle. Guess what? You got it! Preserved! Walk down the NIV aisle. Yeah, even it is preserved!
This whole thing stems from one thing -- ignorance. I'll confess. I still like the KJV. I really do. However, what has been lost in this whole quagmire of fundamentalism is the fact that all of these versions are simply translations of men. I'll raise the ire (and blood pressure) of my brethren (and you still ARE my brethren despite how you act), and go one further -- I could take a Roman Catholic bible and lead a person to Christ. Now, I'm not giving you a ringing endorsement of Catholicism here, but I am giving you a taste of your own ignorance here.
It is time to wake up, quit majoring on the minors, and start doing the work of the Lord while there is still yet time.
Oh. Before I forget, I purchased a Scofield Study Bible III in the NKJV. Yeah boys, I am liberated from yet one more hobby-horse of fundamentalism!!!
An Opening Statement
My name is Tom Fellows. I am a Baptist preacher. I am also a Recovering Fundamentalist. You might ask, "What in the world is a Recovering Fundamentalist?" Well, I am so glad you asked that question!
For the entire 32 years I have been saved, I've been an Independent Baptist. Yes, an Independent, Fundamental, King James Bible toting, sin hating, devil despising, cut-your-hair-like-the-preacher-says, Baptist.
Since 1996, I have been a licensed and ordained preacher as well. However, since 2000 I have been in a state of self-imposed exile after resigning my last pastorate. What is exile? Well, I have simple answer for you.
Exile is defined as a self-imposed absence from one's own country. Yes, I did this to myself.
It seems as though I finally learned that I didn't have to submit myself to the demands of other men. I finally truly grasped the concept of the Priesthood of the Believer, in that although I always knew I could approach God with my problems and petitions without having to go through an earthly mediator, I never did grasp that I could also take my questions to God and arrive at an answer that was of God, and from God that would allow me to direct my personal Christian walk, as well as my ministry.
So, I took the last 6 years and did what I would not recommend anybody else to do. I did not join another congregation. Yes, I attended other churches, but I steadfastly refused to allow my name, nor that of my wife and children to be placed on the rolls of another church until such time as I had wrestled with the Scriptures, and had thoroughly heard from God as to right and wrong, major vs. minor issues, essential vs. non-essential doctrine, etc. I had to do it independent of any other influence, be it other pastors or Christian men in general. It had to be from God to me, and no other way.
I say I wouldn't recommend it, because I genuinely believe that every Christian needs the fellowship and encouragement of a local church family. Not only do I genuinely believe it, but the Bible plainly teaches it. It is our fortress from the attacks of Satan in a world that is spiraling out of control. It is, at best, risky behavior to disassociate that fellowship, but it was the only way I would be able to be influence-free in rediscovering who God is, who I am as both a Christian and a preacher, and in redefining what my future pulpit ministry would be all about.
In the posts that follow, you'll get to know me better. I'll share with you where I've been spiritually and where I'm going by the grace and leadership of Almighty God. I've been attacked by those whom I truly thought were my friends in both ministry and in life. I've been shunned for even raising questions about "the way things are", and I've been through dark days of depression. But through it all, Jesus Christ has been right there with me. He has sustained me and let me know that this whole thing is bigger than any man or denomination. It's all about the Cross and what Jesus did at Calvary.
Stay tuned, there is more to come....
For the entire 32 years I have been saved, I've been an Independent Baptist. Yes, an Independent, Fundamental, King James Bible toting, sin hating, devil despising, cut-your-hair-like-the-preacher-says, Baptist.
Since 1996, I have been a licensed and ordained preacher as well. However, since 2000 I have been in a state of self-imposed exile after resigning my last pastorate. What is exile? Well, I have simple answer for you.
Exile is defined as a self-imposed absence from one's own country. Yes, I did this to myself.
It seems as though I finally learned that I didn't have to submit myself to the demands of other men. I finally truly grasped the concept of the Priesthood of the Believer, in that although I always knew I could approach God with my problems and petitions without having to go through an earthly mediator, I never did grasp that I could also take my questions to God and arrive at an answer that was of God, and from God that would allow me to direct my personal Christian walk, as well as my ministry.
So, I took the last 6 years and did what I would not recommend anybody else to do. I did not join another congregation. Yes, I attended other churches, but I steadfastly refused to allow my name, nor that of my wife and children to be placed on the rolls of another church until such time as I had wrestled with the Scriptures, and had thoroughly heard from God as to right and wrong, major vs. minor issues, essential vs. non-essential doctrine, etc. I had to do it independent of any other influence, be it other pastors or Christian men in general. It had to be from God to me, and no other way.
I say I wouldn't recommend it, because I genuinely believe that every Christian needs the fellowship and encouragement of a local church family. Not only do I genuinely believe it, but the Bible plainly teaches it. It is our fortress from the attacks of Satan in a world that is spiraling out of control. It is, at best, risky behavior to disassociate that fellowship, but it was the only way I would be able to be influence-free in rediscovering who God is, who I am as both a Christian and a preacher, and in redefining what my future pulpit ministry would be all about.
In the posts that follow, you'll get to know me better. I'll share with you where I've been spiritually and where I'm going by the grace and leadership of Almighty God. I've been attacked by those whom I truly thought were my friends in both ministry and in life. I've been shunned for even raising questions about "the way things are", and I've been through dark days of depression. But through it all, Jesus Christ has been right there with me. He has sustained me and let me know that this whole thing is bigger than any man or denomination. It's all about the Cross and what Jesus did at Calvary.
Stay tuned, there is more to come....
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