Rocky path-finding

THE ROCKY PATHFINDING REPORT

We should welcome the fact that individuals within a large church family (Arise Church) have had the opportunity to share their concerns and hurts. As a church they should take these very seriously and be grieved by them. They should commit to enabling that process of listening to be part of their regular church life.

As a church they should totally commit to improving the systems and policies which may have led to these grievances. They should also continue to proactively engage with the NZ Police where necessary.

As the report states, while the church has positively impacted thousands of families (and continues to do that), there have also been some who, for various reasons, have felt let down or alienated or mistreated.

But at the same time, the church must stand strongly and continue to stand strongly as a biblically based church where God’s Word is the foundation, the basis of their teaching and their guide for living. Not all will accept that, and every church understands and accepts that. People reject the Gospel. Even Jesus warned us that this would happen.

To accept the report as valid, accurate and credible, you have to accept the following recommendations / comments / criticisms:

Pathfinding admits “We were not tasked with putting allegations to those who were named” This is a shocking admission from the outset. Proverbs 18:17
Current staff were contacted directly to air their grievances. Reports have come back saying that the ‘negative’ has been emphasised, and much of the positive ignored. Leading questions have been asked. If these claims are accurate, that should greatly disturb everyone.
Pathfinding alerted Arise Church to a range of matters that, “if established”, would constitute serious misconduct. Have these been referred to the Police? Have staff been sacked?
“We believe that these are all real people who had a genuine association with Arise Church.” What proof? Can you guarantee that activists have not hijacked the process?
Of the 545 submissions, how many of the complaints and feelings of hurt have come from 188 ex members (people who have left the church for whatever reason, or who have rejected the faith – as happens in any church). We don’t know the answer. But the answer would give important context.
The report says that “some of the [sexual grooming, underage relationships, sexual harassment, assault or rape} occurred outside of Arise.” What proportion? Were the police involved?
Incidents of nudity, “if established” would amount to indecent exposure. Why isn’t this being investigated?
Older people and single people felt marginalised – but isn’t it a youth oriented church? With many single young people?
The LGBTQI+ community felt marginalised because of “what they believe was said to be their ‘sin’.” According to Scripture, is it sin? Were those watching porn, committing adultery, having pre-marital sex, using foul language, having a love for money, using drugs, also feeling marginalised?
To accept the report, you have to accept Recommendations 13-16 – including a specific ‘leader’ for LGBT, and thereby ignoring – and even affirming – sexual sin within the church life.
To accept the report, you have to also affirm that people wanting freedom from unwanted sexuality or gender identity issues should not be referred for counselling, as this amounts to ‘conversion therapy’. (Rec 15)
To accept the report, you have to agree that leaders should not be stood down if they are living a sinful lifestyle, or as the report says “behaviour considered by the church to be sinful.” Is it only Arise that acknowledge sin?
To accept the report, you have to agree that leaders should not have VIP seating, shouldn’t share “political views” even though they may relate to important moral & social issues affecting church members, shouldn’t honour leaders, shouldn’t set modesty standards for what is worn on stage, etc
To accept the report, you have to agree that churches shouldn’t “focus on conversion” or building the church attendance

As already stated, the church must stand strongly and continue to stand strongly as a biblically based church where God’s Word is the foundation, the basis of their teaching and their guide for living.

While humans are imperfect and this report could apply to many churches and institutions and workplaces, it is vital to discern how much of this is an attack on the culture of Arise (which can be changed and improved), and how much is an attack on biblical authority (which will never change).

The report fails to do this.

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