The Honor Academy recently posted this video recapping a recent chapel service preached by Emmie Harper, long time staffer at Teen Mania who now serves as Director of Operations for Global Expeditions (the missions department of Teen Mania).
With regards to foreign missions, Emmie says:
00:54 – We’re not sending enough people. If you ask God, “Lord are you calling me to foreign missions?” And you feel like the answer is “no,” ask again.
(Pause for look of incredulous disbelief that anyone would not be called to missions.)
Ask again.
If you are called to stay, which is rare – you’re probably not, but if you are – you need to give until it hurts.
Instead of spouting off my opinion about this clip, I want to hear from you. (Please try to be as honest and yet as non-inflammatory as possible.)
1) Are her statements correct? Are most believers called to foreign missions? Why or why not?
2) How has this teaching and attitude effected you?
Go.
57 comments:
It sounds like something she would say.
She has been there a very long time. She was a Aug just before I was a Jan.
February 14, 2011 7:03 AM
Phil said…
A strong call to active missional service is an area that I definitely maintain. I see very little way around it; the mature Christian life is one that is consciously committed to pursuing service and propagation of the gospel. I think that finding your niche in the church can be a struggle, but the body has a place for everyone.
Now that I’ve said that, I think it’s vital to mention that the ministry we are called to is one of gifting and effectiveness. That means that the emphasis TM puts on teens/young people flipping the world upside down is likely misguided. Before every teen maniac is able to run out into the world and start a massive movement of young people, they need to learn to love and care for people in their actual life. It is not the grandiose sporadic efforts that will make the big changes in e world. More likely, it is the continued, persistent work of speaking the truth of the gospel in love through service and understanding.
February 14, 2011 7:18 AM
heartsfire said…
I’ve heard her make this speech a few times it still doesn’t sit well with me. It likely never will. My attitude toward her is one that really sees someone who did several years doing TM missions then went to HA and never left. I have the same attitude to all those that never left because to me they just seem to have never really grown up. Kinda like a strange neverland where everyone stays 18-24 even when they are in their thirties and forties chronologically. The contrast is even greater in them than in Academia which has a bit of the same mindset.
I do believe she should really read the bible again as it says some of us are suppose to be goers some of us prayers some of us leaders and that everyone has different parts they are to play. If we were all hands and feet who would support and bring those hands and feet together? There just wouldn’t be a body of Christ!
February 14, 2011 7:22 AM
Eric said…
Dear Emmie,
Ask God, “Lord, is it any of my business what You are calling someone else to do?” If the answer is yes, ask again.
Kind regards,
Eric
February 14, 2011 7:42 AM
Anonymous said…
Emmie was the first intern to ever confront me! I had been on campus not five minutes when she told me to change my t shirt because it was too tight. Ah, Memories.
I believe every christian has a clear calling to furthering the gospel all over the world. We are each unquely gifted and equipped and should go about this in a way that is most effective. Tilling and fertilizing the soil, carefully sowing the seeds, but most importantly, with a love that our flesh can not simulate no matter how many retreats we’ve been to or books we’ve read. A group of teenagers with a fistfull of gospel tracts is not equipped to truly show what Christ’s love is in a meaningful longterm way.
Our mission field is whereever we are. Go, therefore, of the great comission translates ‘as you are going.’
All of this condesension of everyone being called to active forein missions is interesting coming from someone who has lived in rural east Texas for ten years.
February 14, 2011 8:03 AM
Josh Ex-Intern 00-01 said…
Wow…I knew the name, Emmie Harper, sounded familiar. I didn’t have much interaction with her when I was on campus, but here are my thoughts. In some ways she’s correct, we are ALL called to missions (Mark 16:15). I say that, but I also believe we are not all called for overseas missions. From the video it sounds like she thinks all are called to be overseas, but then where would Christians be in the workplace? We wouldn’t be here, we’d be dealing with everyone else, and neglecting our own country. Not all missions need to be preaching the gospel till you’re blue in the face either. There’s the saying, Actions speak louder then words. Why talk to someone about God’s love for them when you can show them by the simple things you do? Didn’t Jesus say that whatever you do to the least of mankind, you do to Him?
February 14, 2011 8:35 AM
Thinks A Lot said…
I remember Emmie.
“He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 15:16
To me “all the world” here means anywhere that I am. I mean, TM must agree that the USA is part of the world. Where I live is part of this world. I can go unto my supermarket right here and love people. In fact, I’ve had better times in my local community (just living God’s Love)than, beating my body over seas (even though I loved going overseas on missions).
We can’t rush the “Great Commission” anyway. God knows when He has that time appointed. God is everywhere. He can use a “donkey’s a**.” It’s not on our shoulders to get people saved at every second of every day.
I’ve realized through the years that people are more respondant to a Christian who really walks in love rather than the hyped up version preaching the Word everywhere.
For years I was a “super christian” who woke up in the morning preparing myself for a divine appointment. The pressure from being like that is ridiculous. The constant striving to get ready for the mission field left me broke and failure to engage into other important areas that I do believe God was guiding me toward. Instead, I “pressed into” what I had been taught and once again ignored what the Holy Spirit was actually saying to follow “the Call” that I really didn’t hear.
February 14, 2011 8:36 AM
Thinks A Lot said…
Josh Ex-Intern
We must have been posting at the same time. I hadn’t read yours until after. I didn’t mean to use the same verse.
February 14, 2011 8:39 AM
layne said…
Eric, you always crack me up ^_^
I have to agree. None of her business.
She’s young and has lived in the ol’ TM bubble for so long, I just don’t trust that she’s lived a real enough life to be speaking like this or in any sort of place of authority. Further, I think it’s a perfect display of how TM tries and tries to speak for God.
February 14, 2011 8:55 AM
julie said…
The great commission definitely tells us the Gospel needs to go into all the world, but much of the world already has a Gospel influence of some kind–there are few totally unreached peoples left. The US has entered a post-Christian era where less and less people are familiar with the teachings of the Bible and the reason Christ came. I think more of us need to concentrate on reaching our countrymen whose language and culture we know than abandoning those lost in our own country for the lost of the world. I see the same thing in many European places that once had a strong Gospel presence. When the church becomes too focused on overseas missions, we let the fire go out at home. I believe we are all called to minister first to Jerusalem, Irian Maya and then the world–which to me means my city, my region, the world. If our own cities are lost, it’s not time to move farther out in our work. Being called to the lost in the US is just as valid as being called to the lost overseas. It’s no longer the days of William Carey where massive amounts of the world’s people have no access to a Christian countryman or a Bible in their language.
February 14, 2011 9:01 AM
Committed Christian said…
The Great Commission applies to all believers but I believe that the working out of that commandment in each individual Christian’s life is going to be different. God has given Christians different gifts and abilities. God sends some overseas to the unreached. He has some stay here and be witnesses where they are planted (to co-workers, family, local orphans, etc). There are Christians who give to missions and periodically go on short term trips. Some stay here and work 8 to 5 everyday and do good work for the glory of God and given the opportunity share Christ with their co-workers. And the list can go on. Even as someone who was called to be a missionary, that type of teaching that attempt to pressure Christians into service does not help the Christian in the long run. The reason? We are all called to do different things, not just go to a foreign mission field. That type of teaching will lead to bitterness for many, since they cannot seem to “get there”. I was called to be a missionary myself, and I spent many years striving to get to the mission field, but I’m not there yet. I was told that I needed to do ‘this and that’ to prepare: you need a mentor, you need to learn to teach, you need to…you need to…I was bitter and angry about it for years that I could not get my act together and pull it off. But God opened my eyes to see that He has a different way of going about it. What a joy it is to serve Him on His terms and in His timing. Sooner or later I trust that God will use me as He planned to but they way He is doing so is unexpected. That same could be said of the teaching that teaches that all Christians are called to go on the foreign mission field. A well meaning Christian may spend years trying to pull that off when God may have a different plan for that Christian. They may get all guilty, bitter, angry, etc. Who knows? God may have given them the ability to be a doctor but they must stay here in order to care for their disabled child who cannot live on the mission field. So they may instead give to missions and primarily be a witness for Christ here. One must remember that Christians have various callings and that doctor is called to play a part in the Great Commission but they are also called to be a good parent.
February 14, 2011 10:03 AM
layne said…
P.S. – What interns really need to be taught? How to tip their waiters. Cause lemme tell you, they do not tip. The Tyler, TX service industry hates TM interns.
Let’s start there. Once they’ve figured out how to be decent human beings, maybe then they can start, I dunno, talking to people.
February 14, 2011 10:22 AM
CultureCritic said…
I am not a TM supporter by any means but i do believe in foreign missions. Rather then sound smart I would encourage anybody to read Radical by David Platt. I think it will impact your thinking on the matter.
We are called to missions and I think us as American Christians tend to take the easy way out by saying we will support those that go and “till the soil at home” which ends up being code for chasing the American dream and at the most sending up a random prayer for safety if we know someone out in the mission field. I don’t think it has to be full time but I do think we all need to be going to fulfill the Great Commission.
As far as how many groups of people still need to be reached, here are some stats from Joshua Project Online. 41.4% of people in the world are still considered Unreached. That equates to 2,798,692,000 people still have not heard the Gospel. That to me is too much. 88% of Asia alone is still unreached. We still have alot of work to do.
February 14, 2011 10:46 AM
mouse said…
so pressuring teens into going to the mission field and telling them that God/Hasz/Luce whatever is leading them there is the answer? It seems to me that doing spiritual things in your own/mans power yields the wrong result.
mouse
February 14, 2011 11:11 AM
Jayme Wass said…
I know Emmie well, she was my boss when I worked for GE as an encouragement rep for Canada, and she made my life, for lack of better terms, hell. It was constantly crammed down our throats that we all had to be missionaries, and personally I didn’t feel called to overseas missions…and it tore me up when I was there because I never felt like I measured up to what was expected of me.
February 14, 2011 1:08 PM
EstherD said…
In some ways I agree with her. I do believe that all Christians are called to help further the Gospel, whether that be abroad or at home, and whether it be by going or by supporting those who go. I’m a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS, aka Mormon) and part of our tithes actually help support the missionaries.
However, I think something that is important to remember is that there are many people at home who don’t know of the redeeming love of Jesus Christ, and those of us who are not called to serve overseas (which I suspect would be a lot more than she thinks) should be doing our best every day to live in such a way that we demonstrate that love and make people want to know more about God. I most certainly think that this counts as mission work, it’s just domestic instead of foreign, and in a lot of ways I think people here in the USA who don’t believe can be more heavily disinclined away from God.
Another however, I don’t think that GE is the answer, I don’t think RL and DH and any of the other staff are qualified to tell anyone where and/or how they have to serve. That is something that should be between God and that person. And trying to guilt people into it isn’t the right way to go about it.
February 14, 2011 1:27 PM
Charlie Brown said…
“It’s none of your business”, “It’s between me and God”
Those statements don’t sound wrong to anyone else here?
What’s the purpose of teachers and prophets and apostles if we adopt the attitude reflected in those statements?
How can you praise all of the parts of the body, and with the same breath say that other people don’t have any room to speak into your life?
The purpose of a prophet is to bring guidance to people that aren’t hearing it from God.
God created us for community. We speak into the lives of one another. Yes Emmie is off base with her reasoning, but it’s not any worse than yours.
To espouse the idea that your direct communication with God is the only valid means of hearing, or that the body of Christ is absent from what Christ wants for/from you is foolishness.
February 14, 2011 1:56 PM
Anon said…
@EstherD, well said. I’m Mormon as well. Good to know I have some company here. : )
February 14, 2011 3:18 PM
Recovering Alumni said…
Charlie Brown – A good point but I’d personally phraise it just a bit differently. I do think the body of Christ speaks into our lives. But, in terms of finding direction and God’s will for specific decisions in our lives – I believe the majority of the time it is through someone that knows us, our strengths, weaknesses, desires and personality – not someone from a stage.
I think people are reacting to the arrogance of this video b/c Emmie doesn’t know all the people she is talking to well enough to tell them that they are probably called to the mission field. The content of her words is enough to get this reaction, but her attitude seems especially over the top. But, I do agree that a reaction to the other side of the pendulum is not healthy, either.
February 14, 2011 3:36 PM
CarrieSaum said…
Wow. Just…wow.
I went off after the HA and did mission work. For almost 10 years. I was extremely “successful”, and it earned me praise, recognition, and and major ego boosts. I’ve said it before and I will say it again: I did this to fulfill a calling that was not mine, but one that was basically told to me over and over and over again from the time I was 15. i wounded more people living out that paradigm than I helped. I can also say I was working out of a place of guilt, ego, shame, people-pleasing, and fear. Not a single part of me was focused on imparting Love, though. And without Love, it means nothing (according to the lesser quoted, though very important, 1st Cor. 13). So you can save the world, do amazing things for God, but if Love is not your driving force then it amounts to nothing.
February 14, 2011 3:36 PM
layne said…
“What’s the purpose of teachers and prophets and apostles if we adopt the attitude reflected in those statements?”
I think we are specifically talking about the teachings of this young lady (Emmie).
February 14, 2011 3:39 PM
Recovering Alumni said…
I also like Carrie’s point. How many of us changed our mission statements and 5 year plans to something about the mission field? I know I did. I felt that was the only valid avenue for such an on fire, world-changing Christian like myself. Finally, after realizing I was studying the wrong thing in school and that I wasn’t actually called to missions, I went back to my ORIGINAL chosen major, which I had chosen in highschool.
Its funny b/c Dave Hasz says you’ll never have to waste time switching majors if you go to the HA. And yet, its b/c of the HA that I wasted time switching majors BECAUSE I was pressured by teachings like this.
February 14, 2011 3:40 PM
Eric said…
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.” –Jesus (Matthew 23:15)
Aaaand ouch.
February 14, 2011 3:44 PM
Thinks A Lot said…
@Charlie Brown
We are not talking about teachers and prophets and apostles. We are talking about a teaching that is false. I know it is false because I have spent years trying to follow this teaching and found myself a far distance away from where God wanted me, desperately trying to make my way out of the debris.
Just speaking for myself here, but I have listened to these “apostles, teachers, prophets” with much humility and respect for most of my life. I have learned that not everyone who comes by these titles are worth my attention.
February 14, 2011 6:20 PM
Thinks A Lot said…
Also, I have learned that if God is calling me to do something He puts it on my heart before anyone ever mentions it to me.
Then, He may use someone to edify that Word or bring clarity. He is such a gentleman that way. Always allowing me to be in the “know” when it comes to my own life.
What I experienced from TM’s teaching is a bunch of their convictions placed on a very humble and pleasing youth who may or may not know which direction God is actually pointing them. Ultimately, we have to know what God is saying in a roung about way or we will just followin any teaching/word/vision…
Just saying…
February 14, 2011 6:30 PM
Thinks A Lot said…
So sorry to post so much
But when I said, God allows me to be in the know when it comes to my own life.
I didn’t mean I know everything that is going to happen in my life but I do know the peace (not a feeling/a knowing) that I get when I am going the right direction. When I was at TM I would follow the authority even when that “peace” was pulling me the other way. Especially on this topic, Missions.
February 14, 2011 6:45 PM
Hecametolifttheshame said…
It’s awesome that the video isn’t available to watch now 😉 RA, did HA say you couldn’t post this video any longer? If they have nothing to hide, why not let you post the video so we can decide for ourselves?
February 14, 2011 8:09 PM
Recovering Alumni said…
Ok, I just linked to their version of it. Now what will they do?
February 14, 2011 8:11 PM
catsaved said…
I’m confused, is Emmie at Tm or is she overseas on the “mission field?” It looks like if she’s here in the US then she’s spending some money on herself and not giving quite all she could be to missions… and did she throw a “some people hide behind ministries” in there?! Did she?
February 14, 2011 8:34 PM
Recent Alumni said…
In Dave Hasz’s favorite message, “The Plan”, that he gives at each Fasting LTE, he says that he finds that all people are called to be involved in the process of world evangilism. which i agree with (mark 16:15)
Some will be goers, some will be senders, some will be enablers, some will be mobilizers, etc. there are a few other roles that he lists but i cant remember.
but with this video emmie is basically saying that we all need to be goers. it kind of contradicts what dave preaches at the fasting ltes
February 15, 2011 1:16 AM
Anonymous said…
Yeah, thats the exact same blah blah he’s been spewing since I was there over 12 years ago and I agree they don’t seem to be in agreement. You know, college professors teaching the same class year after year after year after year change their lectures over time. Not this guy!
February 15, 2011 1:57 AM
Anonymous said…
@RA
I totally changed my mission ststement to include foreign missions. I was told by my advisor to “think bigger.”
My calling in life is focused on the protection of children. So, maybe I’m not saving orphans all over the world. But we are in the process of adopting just one. I’m able to help single mothers in my community by making myself available to watch, feed, or clothe their children when they aren’t able to. I’m able to share genuine judgement free love with them because I was raised by a single mom.
So, yes, I live in the american suburbs and not some exotic third world country, that doesn’t make my calling any less valid.
February 15, 2011 7:39 AM
gracemakesfree said…
Aw, Emmie … she’s a sweetheart, but I can tell she’s a bit overzealous and she’s been in that TM bubble for a long time. I would probably be the same way if I was her. Keith Green (who I love) was much more aggressive in his message that people should go on the mission field. Sometimes people just get caught up in their calling and start projecting it onto others.
Also, I think that the people at TMM (especially those who have been there for several years) are out of touch and are VERY committed to the ministry. If they were committed to seeing God work in the lives of young people, their teachings would be different.
I’d like to see Dave, Heath, Ron, etc., just move away from TMM and be put in the “real world” for at least 5 years …
February 15, 2011 8:16 AM
Anonymous said…
or 50
February 15, 2011 11:12 AM
Susanna said…
I think she has part of her message right. Those who are, in fact, Christians are called to *serve*. Of course, service can happen in a variety of ways; global missions, helping to clean up after events at church, or serving in the community (with religious AND non-religious groups).
I do not believe that everyone is called to global missions. There are plenty of areas within the US that need people in churches or schools or businesses. And I agree with the idea that young adults and teens should spend some time “doing for others”, but not necessarily by sending them to another country. In fact, I think it means more when a youth group does something local, because they’re contributing to a community — not just raising money for their trip to El Salvador.
February 15, 2011 11:30 AM
Curious George said…
@ gracemakesfree
“Sometimes people just get caught up in their calling and start projecting it onto others.” Thanks, thats a wonderful thought. I think people also project onto others what they’re afraid to do themselves at times. Its almost as if they project something so that others can feel some guilt. I digress…
During my time at TM I had little desire to go overseas to work as a long term missionary. I felt so much condemnation and shame, especially at the fasting retreat. In my head the voices kept saying its fear that is keeping you from going. You don’t trust God enough to provide financially and to heal your back so you can be away from doctors indefinitely. I always felt uncomfortable though, asking for finances from family and friends. In my attempt to help some people around the world, I think I was being a burden on those closest to me. The people I actually have an impact on. Times are tough for everyone. There is this idea that God will provide everything. It usually comes by way of those closest to us though. I’m not saying thats not how he provides, but I think people compromise their relationships in order to do “God’s will.” The attitude that comes across sometimes is, “This is what God wants for me, and you need to get on board to fulfill his will.” A few weeks ago my cousin and his wife sent out a support letter for a 10 day mission trip at a total of $7,000. They’re living hand to mouth and really want to start a family. I’d much rather send them money towards future baby supplies instead of give them money to go to a country in the middle of a massive war. Am I jaded or is there some legitimacy to this?
February 15, 2011 12:07 PM
Krista said…
“Sometimes people just get caught up in their calling and start projecting it onto others.”
Gracemakesfree – Wow, I couldn’t have said it better myself! I think this succinctly sums up a lot of what the HA is all about. I’m going to have to think on this awhile.
February 15, 2011 12:12 PM
Recovering Alumni said…
Recent Alumni – VERY TRUE! This is a great example of the mixed messages that interns get. On Monday its do it this way! On Tuesday, its NO, do it this other way! No wonder interns and alumni are so confused!
Curious George – I don’t know enough about the situation except to say that God never wants us to give out of obligation. If its not something that you can give to happily, then just don’t do it. Give where it makes you happy to give.
February 15, 2011 1:25 PM
Mike said…
I’m sure Teen Mania, and by extension Ms. Harper would be exhorting Teens to minister to the people around them in their schools and workplaces at the top of their lungs, if they could figure out a way to get said teens to shell out $5000 a head to do so. If you *do* feel truly called to ministry abroad, you’re better off doing it with Teenpact, Teen Challenge, YWAM, or even better, your local church, where you won’t have to deal with arrogant, spiritually abusive leaders, presumptuous teenagers who claim knowledge of God’s workings more than anyone else, or deluded holy rollers who do things like pray over walls because they sense demons in them (this actually happened on my trip). I don’t doubt Ms. Harper’s sincerity, she after all has based her entire life around TM, it’s just a shame the ministry she belongs to has long since abandoned integrity or care for those who ascribe to their teachings in favor of the bottom line.
February 15, 2011 1:33 PM
God said…
Dear Emmie,
When will you go already?
Love,
God
February 15, 2011 3:08 PM
Anonymous said…
Mike-
You might want to reconsider your recommendations of Teen Challenge and YWAM. Both ministries have been alleged of similar abuses as those of Teen Mania.
February 15, 2011 4:43 PM
Shannon Kish said…
Sorry, the video was flagged on my channel as a copyright violation.
February 15, 2011 6:34 PM
LizBR said…
One of the problems with this teaching is that is incredibly ethnocentric. It implies that the Bible is written for Americans and Americans only. What about Christians in the rest of the world? Are they also supposed to move abroad, or are they allowed to stay in their own countries?
February 15, 2011 6:58 PM
Ambre said…
I felt SHAME for years while growing up in church because I didn’t feel like the Lord was calling me to go overseas. I’d ask, and…. crickets. My time at TM just compounded the feeling.
But now I know whole-heartedly that it’s ridiculous for me since that’s not what the Lord has called me to do. I think that the people who are really called to the mission field don’t need a kick in the butt to get there anyway.
February 15, 2011 7:07 PM
Recovering Alumni said…
Ambre – what a great point! If you are called to missions, it will be in your heart – you won’t need to have your arm twisted.
February 15, 2011 7:08 PM
Anonymous said…
I think that everyone being called to foreign missions is a very inaccurate statement. If you are called, you will know. That is not something that God is just going to give you to find for yourself. Do I think that it is important for everyone to have at least one type of foreign missions experience? yes. Even if it is not foreign but something like going to areas in your country where there is a need is something that is very important for people to experience. It will truly put you out of your comfort zone, bring you closer to God, and really help you develop or even discover your gifts. At the end of the day though, it is pointless and even useless to do foreign missions if your heart is not in it and you were pressured into it. You will not be effective and it can just be more dangerous to your faith.
February 15, 2011 10:48 PM
Anonymous said…
Sorry. to add to what I said.
I think that we are all called to missions. But that means just being missionaries in our every day lives to those around us. reaching out to those in our lives and in our community. Not necessarily jumping up to hop on a plane every chance you get. I also think that it is important to have people here as a strong base of prayer as well as financial support. If every Christian here went on foreign missions there would be none left here to share their faith with those around them in their own communities.
February 15, 2011 10:50 PM
Nunquam Honorablus said…
I’m sure this has been said a thousand times, in more eloquent ways than this, but just a thought:
Is it possible that grandiose “Go everywhere and save the world oh my god” mentalities like this, breed that Narcissistic Christianity? The kind that loves the idea of helping people, but can’t relate to those that are right next to us?
I don’t know if that makes sense, but that’s a big issue I’ve had with evangelism at large, even while I was at the HA.
But yeah dudes I totally remember the pressure to be “called overseas”. Lol such a mind game.
February 15, 2011 11:30 PM
Anonymous said…
it seems that the cultists have taken down the current copy of their propaganda video. Where is the next copy? Since this blog is a sin to read I wonder who is working on pulling down all the stupid videos when they get linked?
February 15, 2011 11:49 PM
Ambre said…
“Am I jaded or is there some legitimacy to this?”
Curious George – To me, it sounds like you’re being realistic. Which is usually a perfectly healthy thing to be 🙂 It sounds like you want the best for your cousin and his wife, too.
“Is it possible that grandiose “Go everywhere and save the world oh my god” mentalities like this, breed that Narcissistic Christianity?”
Nunquam Honorablus – Spot on, me thinks!
February 16, 2011 12:33 AM
Eric said…
Erected by her sorrowing brothers
In memory of Martha Clay:
Here lies one who lived for others,
Now she has peace, and so have they.
–C. S. Lewis
February 16, 2011 9:07 AM
New Anon said…
It is a sad demonstration that shows the mentality of, “There is no greater calling than to be a missionairy!” and that everything else is less in God’s eyes. If you are not a missionairy you are nothing to GOD.
I just remember what Jesus said when they asked Him what the greatest commandment was. It was nothing that the pharasies expected to hear.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind and love your neighbor as yourself.” Now there’s the ticket. What are we called to do? LOVE. From that comes all the “callings” that God asks us to do. Out of Love for God and our neighbor we clothe the homeless, care for the widowed, take in the sick and broken. NOT for ANY OTHER REASON.
It all comes down to LOVE! Don’t ask God…”Do you want me to go on missions?” Ask God, how do you want me to LOve today?
That’s all I got….
February 16, 2011 1:41 PM
J. said…
I really don’t recommend the book “Radical”. It’s true… taking scripture out of context and applying a one-size fits all standard of faith to everyone IS truly radical… but it’s not the sort of radical that I think Christ would have us embrace. This is the issue at the core of Emmie’s mini-sermon… and at the core of Teen Mania’s belief system as a whole.
My husband and I feel called to support our local ministry that serves unwed mothers/pregnant teens. It’s our passion. I will have to ask God to check again because there must be some sort of mistake. If you don’t hear from me… it’s because I’ve relocated to Zimbabwe on a spiritual whim 🙂
February 16, 2011 8:34 PM
Shiloh said…
# at Anon 9:42- I actually think Emmie is very pretty.
On to the content:
“God’s call on all of our lives no matter where we’re plugged in currently is to make sure that we have a radical response to His salvation in our lives that includes service to Him and service to others.”
Really? Other than I disagree with this completely, I’m not a bit surprised to see the first thing coming from this promotional is using the God will be proud of you/mad at you based on your commitment to Him.
“God’s really brought me through a process this year just revealing more of His love to me – But at the same time showing me what that revelation of love ought to create.”
“But at the same time.” oh I cringe. “God’s showing His love to me.” “But-” “I need to do.” (Legalism.)
I’m sorry that Emmie’s been hearing random voices in her head (or worse, Dave and Ron) that she thinks is God.
This really hurts because I do remember this feeling. God’s love is enough and then you’re told it’s just secondary. I’m hearing God, seeing Him work in my life, loving Him with all my heart, except I missed the part where I need to do something. That’s the wisdom only H.A. leadership can tell you.
“God is looking for people to.” – The Honor Academy really needs to stop speaking for God cause they are doing a very bad job of it.
“We’re not sending enough people.” Really? I though America was like the second highest nation for sending missionaries.
“If you think God say’s no. Ask again.” – CREEPY. That whole part of the video is creepy! Ick. I guess Emmie really know’s exsactly what God is saying and you do not hear God unless you agree with her. WHO DOES SHE THINK SHE IS?!?!?!?!? For real – Message to Emmie – Get out of T.M. fast. you just told everyone, you know what God is saying and they need to listen to you and if they don’t listen to you they are probably in sin because you are 95% right. Maybe if an intern was really stern with you you’d believe them. – I don’t have any sympathy for you. Stop what you’re doing it’s wrong.
It’s rare to be called to stay? Gosh that was such a dumb comment. Where is Emmie right now? I can’t believe how frustrating this is. I can’t figure out if Emmie is brainwashed or if she knows what she’s doing. But 100% of this video is unbiblical and manipulative. it’s definitely a video to get kids to go on a G.E. missions trip and she doesn’t care about the long term lives of these kids, just the moment.
And then as a VERY LAST resort. And only if you can’t possibly go over seas- Then, if you really can’t figure out any other way, go to walmart.
Yikes.
Thanks for this video R.A. I love this content. It helps me process.
February 17, 2011 11:43 AM
Recovering Alumni said…
Great analysis, Shiloh! I’m glad you talked about the “God loves me, but I have to do something.” You are right, that IS legalism.
February 17, 2011 11:46 AM
former staff member said…
seems odd that Emmie was one of those very rare people that wasn’t called to go that she’s speaking of.
Its amazing though how many people would LOVE to go and serve as leadership with GE as Team Leaders or even Project Directors but they are not allowed because they are not friends with Emmie Harper or Beth Andersen (the 2 masterminds behind GE operations). It never ceases to amaze me how far you can go at TM if you just befriend the people in charge, guess its not so much about the calling eh?
February 19, 2011 5:37 PM
CJ said…
I guess I got something different from the video. I heard that we are all called to foreign missions, and she later said that you can give, pray, or go. That is being a part of missions. You may not give every time, but you can pray. You may not pray every time, but you can give. You may even go at some point if the Lord calls you to do it. But, you don’t have to.
I remember “acquiring the fire” of God in my life over 16 years ago at an ATF event in Michigan. It was an awesome experience. During the event they did challenge people to step up and go on foreign missions. But, I also remember them saying that you can be a “world-changer” right in your own home, school, workplace, church, city, state, nation, etc.
I am not saying the TM does everything right, says everything right, or gets everything right. I was not a part of the ministry. But, I am sure they do not get everything wrong either. Every church and ministry has it’s problems. It is a shame that people have been hurt. I got many of the same feelings during my time with YWAM. Although, I cannot say that all YWAM campuses and leaders are the same.
It is easy to pick and choose bits and pieces of what someone says or does and then attack them for it. Especially when we have been hurt by them. And TM did it’s fair share with me many years ago also. I applied for HA. I was not accepted because of my past. I had a criminal record. But, I was accepted into a summer camp program working with youth. That confused me. It even hurt a lot for awhile. I thought as a Christian that my past was forgiven. But TM, the church, and may other ministries held my record against me. They still do in many cases, and it has been 17 years.
YWAM accepted me, but I did feel much of the same frustrations and even abuse by the leaders as many of you have. God has healed me. I am currently in missions now on my own. YWAM helped me get to the nation I am serving in. I would not recommend the actual leaders that were over me. Many of my teammates feel the same way. But, I would still consider working with YWAM again under new leadership and after having to check them out more.
By the way..I do agree that we should have a radical response to His salvation. But, that could vary from person to person.
February 20, 2011 10:48 AM
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