Watchout For WOLVES: Keys To Discerning Authentic Ministries & Evaluating Doctrinal Trends

the signs of life is change. Change happens for at least five reasons in the life of any church.

1. Change happens because of natural growth and the maturing process. 2. Change happens because of a progressive walk with the Lord. 3. Change happens because of improvements (from glory to glory). 4. Change happens because the church must adapt to a changing world. 5. Change happens because God is always pushing the church forward. In this chapter we are looking at “current” trends. We know that there have been many past trends from which we can learn a great deal. But what do we mean when we say “current trends?” The word “current” is a relative term that means “recent, prevailing or present.” For the purpose of our study, we will be focusing on trends of the last 50 years. We will discuss some earlier trends to learn from history and see how some of the current trends might be nothing more than a recycling of previous cycles or trends. However, our immediate focus will be on the more present trends and forces that are shaping the church today. We will be looking at trends as they pertain to the church world. We will not be looking at secular trends, although these are often intertwined. We will not be looking at trends in a particular local church, but we will focus on those movements that have touched the entire church world.

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