As children of the Lord we are free to choose the meetings we attend - but we are responsible to use discernment whilst we are there. I have not heard any of these particular people in ministry so please do not take this as a criticism of their personal ministry, but I am aware of what occurs within these movements (we have them over here) and at the risk of personal standing I would remind you of the following:
The Association of Vineyard Churches, also known as the Vineyard Movement, is a neocharismatic (non-traditional and doctrinally non-aligned), evangelical (actively spreading its message with zeal), Christian denomination with over 1,500 affiliated churches worldwide. It has always courted great controversy with its methods and been known for deliberately ignoring the scriptures as a guidance for the spiritual encounter. It has been associated with the "Signs and Wonders" movement (emphasis on miracles even if they contradict the Word), the Toronto blessing (experience based 'blessing' with associated manifestations of laughing, barking, jumping, running, etc), the Kansas City Prophets (still 'honoured' despite being publicly disgraced for blatant false prophecy, and gross sin of some leading members). The movement has been accused of heresy over the years for its lack of biblical conformity and the openness to any and every spiritual experience. This has died down since the death of John Wimber who was the founder and leader of the movement. Whilst the controversy it provoked has lowered this can be for several reasons:
1). They have corrected their unbiblical errors - unlikely as they are affilliated loosely with Morning Star, NAR, and movements like Todd Bentley, etc.
2). They have become more subtle and less blatant in their methods. The 'shock value' of their methods is now less emphasised and only revealed when you are hooked on their theology.
3). We are generally as a church more 'conditioned' to accept these non-biblical, experience based ideas of Christian encounter as a 'normal' thing within the churches.
The teachers listed have been with the movement since its beginning and will be part of, and practise the 'stuff' that has caused so much controversy, and is responsible for bringing the church of the USA to judgement. As I say you are free to go if you choose but I would only attend if I felt led by the Lord for a purpose as the subtlety of their teaching is very, very refined.
"If it walks like a duck and it quacks like a duck - it is a duck" is becoming a useless test for the ongoing deception in the churches. We need to test the 'genetics' of the duck to see if it has been tampered with and to be sure it is safe. The bible states that deception will be so good that even the elect are in danger. It also states that false leaders become teachers of 'light' to appear genuine - testing teachings is vital today! Look beyond their words for they use the same words as true Christians but they actually mean something different, and you can be fooled if you take things at face value. Look for what they
mean - not what they
say!
“The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat.” Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works;
for they say, and do not do.” (the surface message is NOT the intent).
“But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.
If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!" (watch WHAT you absorb - it can harm you; and if you believe it is truth even though the bible contradicts - who will correct you?).
Isa 2:6 For you, O Lord, have given up your people, the family of Jacob,
because they are full of the evil ways of the east, and
make use of secret arts like the Philistines, and are friends with the children of strange countries (BBE)
The very real but evil experiences of Eastern mysticism and kundalini activation have invaded the churches disguised in Christian clothing and this is NOT the work of the Holy Spirit - be careful! Andrew Strom was a part of all this with the Kansas Prophets and Vineyard and now here are his current views having left the movement.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBpw2oQrvMM
