Acts 29 Church Planting Network Exposed

[@Agben35]

Went to Matt Chandler’s The Village Church from 2005 to 2019. And we lived through the change/shift left. While I think Matt’s heart is in the right place, what I heard was just not biblical and veered political. Out of the 10 families in our Homegroup, 9 left the church over the last 4 years. Matt often made a point to say “if you don’t agree, this might not be the place for you” …. And he was right. We left.

[@conceptualclarity]

How did people in the church react when in 2018 he made this video for Vice News in which he cozies up to the liberal reporter, talks about Obama as a great man and throws American Christians under the bus?

[@darrellpowell4331]

So glad this is coming out and brothers are stepping up and saying, "Hey wait this isn't right." Thanks Chase and Jon

[@bradorchard5828]

My church, Frontline Church in Oklahoma, just announced that we are leaving Acts 29

[@conceptualclarity]

Congratulations and God bless!

[@davidgodoy826]

In 2018 my old church wanted to be more diverse and got a black pastor name Edward Robinson who brought his woke, social justice agenda. Doug Logan brought him from a Acts 29 church in Philly to Riverside church in South Florida and talk about a little leaven the church became woke really quick. I stud up against all the social justice and woke garbage and I was the bad guy😂 Thank God I left in 2021

[@johntobey1558]

That woke garbage was being spread in the suburbs as well. DOUG Logan preached at our church 5 times, he is a very angry man.

[@davidgodoy826]

@@johntobey1558 Riverside Church was solid everyone loved each as Christ loved us their was no race talk or diversity stuff we had unity in Christ we were forgiven by his blood and than Doug Logan brought Edward Robinson to our church we we’re divided by race and social justice issues the church was divided it was very sad.

[@DepDawg]

That’s happening in my church right now, but not through Acts 29. It’s through Tim Keller’s City to City. Social justice, bringing down systems of oppression, equity, vegan food, land justice. I’m in the leadership in key ministries and I’ve submitted my statement in opposition to these things. I’m trying to finish out my elected terms but don’t think I can tolerate past December. I want to start the new year clean from the stress and division and wrong teaching. I’m so grieved.

[@davidgodoy826]

@@DepDawg sorry to hear that but by God’s grace and mercy he revealed your church true colors, look for churches who have not 🙇‍♂️ bow to the social justice religion. Trust me there are churches ⛪️ that have not given in. Pray and ask God to lead you

[@DepDawg]

@@davidgodoy826 yes brother, thank you.

[@Hopeapotheke]

I Left my church in 2022 because it had become apparent to me that it was becoming extremely seeker sensitive and started having DEI undertones. That was a year AFTER I gave the pastor Voddie Baucham’s book Fault Lines. I was not raised Baptist but found a country Baptist church and that’s where I am now.

[@laurenswift9368]

His story sounds so similar to our own. Not necessarily with Acts 29 but just the slow journey of realizing what was/is happening. For years, we would be scratching our heads, wondering if there was something wrong with us through various teachings, books, etc. 2020 was our family’s turning point of fully waking up to what was going on at a SBC church where we had been for over a decade and all the big Eva woke influence that we had. We stumbled upon a video by you, Jon, in that year, explaining how woke theology is anti-gospel and we were so glad to know we weren’t crazy. We left our church and have still been occasionally turning from bad theology we have regarding different things that creeped in starting in college. Praise the Lord for your channel!

[@banemaler]

We planted with Acts 29 in 2014. We partnered with an Acts 29 church in our planting community. After about 2-3 years it became clear that there was something different that we were preaching and what that other church was. They went from not engaging things like politics to our frustration, to hosting events to talk about social justice issues. My wife had women who supported abortion in her small group. Things like this ended friendships we had within this partnership. I couldn't understand how members of this church could believe these things and hold to them so firmly that they would end personal friendships. I can see clearly now that they continued with this Acts 29 path as we were going a different direction. MLK50 was a major shake up for us and we quietly stepped away from the network.

[@Catechuman23]

Everything woke goes to crap.

[@davidprice9792]

My wife and I live in Nicaragua and it is so sad to see what is happening in the churches and Biblical institutions. I have Friends here who want to go to Seminary in the states but is worried about all of these woke schools. And not sure which is best. My wife and I word with a church we started in 2009. We are still young but we are trying to stick strictly to Biblical standards. There is alot of women preachers here and men who have been married 2 or 3 times. So we had a little push back on that but I think we got past those issues.

[@mequint2000]

If your friends can bear with it, I would encourage them to do it. A Masters program is intended to produce people who can look at various ideas, judge it, and create new works that can support or oppose the ideas. The institutions and intelligencia need push back, and they won't get it if people won't stand up to them

[@whiteshadow6601]

Most seminaries are woke but there are some that are trustworthy. I’m currently an online seminary student at Phoenix Seminary (they are non denominational reformed) and they are not woke. TEDS is still good from what I can see. Midwestern Baptist even though it’s SBC is still more conservative than all the other SBC schools. I’d be curious what Jon Harris thinks of the short list of seminaries that aren’t woke and remaining faithful to the Word.

[@conceptualclarity]

Be very careful. Even before the adjective woke entered the vocabulary, evangelical seminary culture in the US was very corrupt and the bad ones greatly outnumbered the good ones.

[@brettmagnuson8318]

Check out grace Bible theological seminary

[@wesley_lewis]

Grace Bible Theological Seminary. I have attended as a student, and it is wonderful.

[@charlesm9190]

2 Timothy 4:3. KJ21. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but having itching ears, they shall heap to themselves teachers in accordance with their own lusts.

[@ToOpen6seven]

Spot on!

[@Yesica1993]

"Betrayal" is the perfect word for all of this. My (I guess now former) church closed for a year, then banned unmasked for 1 week short of another year, went woke, and I wouldn't be surprised if they began platforming women as preachers. Every time I click on a video, there's more and more women leading more and more of the service. Bizarre. I've lost all my friends there. I've lost children that I used to babysit on a regular basis. They don't even know me anymore. I was essentially alone for 2 years. I went through the final stages and now death of my mother, alone. Now I am expected to act like none of this ever happened?! What else is that, but betrayal?

[@connihudson1578]

Masters University is sound. 😇

[@KarinAllison]

I am so sorry. That is a lonely road. May God bring you in contact with true fellow believers!

[@leehughart3160]

Go find another local church.

[@leadinged]

That is sad. We had to leave our former church for similar reasons. Kept in contact with others who left. Suggest you pursue looking for another church that believes the bible. It will take time. Do the internet search and create a short list. Unfortunately it will probably be short. Connect with other believers. Praying for you.

[@saraz9017]

You aren’t alone in your experience. 💜

[@Kenneth-nVA]

Bottom line is when you deviate from biblical precepts, you’re bound to be exposed

[@martinhodgson1996]

I recently made the mistake of attending an Acts29 church. Can't say I was ever a member, it never felt right. They don't outright get the gospel wrong. It's what they think they can read in it. Acts should of died with Driscoll. A lot of the churches are small independent churches that would be better off realising they don't need it.

[@Panazoniac]

"Acts 29 should have died with Driscoll" 💯

[@schgar5184]

When Driscoll took over this concept and began to threaten organizations that already used Acts 29 for certain projects, it became clear that Driscoll's Acts 29 was going to end up in a bad place. It just took longer than I thought.

[@Panazoniac]

Driscoll left in 2012. Not defending him because I don't know the details of any of this, but I do know he's very anti-woke from the pulpit. While I could find other reasons to criticize him, I think it unfair to condemn him in regards to the Acts 29 deterioration. One could make an argument they lost their way after he left. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Again, I know absolutely nothing about what went on there but pointing to Mark Driscoll doesn't make a lot of sense. It sounds to me like the whole thing should have disbanded when he left.

[@wlknonsonshine]

​@@Panazoniac I agree...he was already gone. Have you heard of the podcast The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill? I found it interesting.

[@Panazoniac]

@Wlknonsonshine no but it sounds very interesting. I will check it out. Thanks!

[@danielmihet5513]

​@@Panazoniac I find Mark D very fiery against the woke agenda. What disappoints me is why is he still friends and associates with Steven Furtick?...

[@chaddonal4331]

@@wlknonsonshine Right… The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill has opposite concerns: that of abusive leadership.

[@mpoole]

I had a inside joke with my former church’s executive pastor about A29. We both looked at the business model and realized it was the largest Christian Pyramid Scheme aimed at new churches. It’s pretty strange that many “mega-pastors” and their organizations eventually dissolve into this “loyalty to the brand” attitude as mentioned here. We aren’t built to claim glory. We’re built to give it to God. Praying the Lord would guide all the past/present A29 affiliates away from this hurtful and deceptive environment and back towards true Godly fellowship.

[@megishikawa518]

How can I not be so ticked after listening to this? Thankful for Pastor Matt and Pastor Chase and commitment to God’s Word. Today I found out about Bruce Ashford too. The whole thing makes me ill.

[@nykka3]

It is sad. Praying for those in Acts29 churches to wake up, repent and return to Scripture and Christ.

[@AdolfSchicklegruber]

What about Bruce Ashford did you hear?

[@thepolingclan]

"You will know them by their fruits," Matthew 7:16

[@bigskoob02]

We gotta do better with our Discernment guys!!....The writing was on the wall years ago!

[@lindajohnson4204]

We have got to do better to discern! It is everyone's own responsibility to test things against the Bible.

[@IvanAlvarezCPACMA]

Chase Davis, it makes PERFECT sense why they asked you to leave WITHOUT evidence. The lesson is to avoid Big Eva. Keep your eyes on Christ and just remain faithful. Numbers on the seats is not a measure of success or faithfulness. All of our works will be evaluated in heaven and any crowns we earn we will return to Christ Jesus, the True object of our worship and who is Truly interceding for us before the Father.

[@ToOpen6seven]

WOW, this was beautifully stated!!

[@TexasMom1776]

I thank God he got me out of the Village Church 5 yrs ago. It’s more of a nightmare than I thought.

[@accole024]

I used to attend an Acts 29 church in the KC area (shouldn’t be hard to figure out which one) where our “Directional Leader” was big in leadership circles for Acts 29. He is no longer with the church because he treated people like trash and eventually was forced to leave after an investigation. Leadership was very avoiding of hard questions throughout that process. I’m thankful to have ended up at a solid church after all of that, but it’s disappointing because there were so many great people there.

[@johntobey1558]

Acts 29 network is a completely dysfunctional alternative to A Seminary education. Avoid it.

[@DoctrinesofRad]

That sounds like Redeemer. We were at The Avenue when they were merging with Redeemer. After Covid hit, the church went woke and we left.

[@jamescook5617]

This video is very helpful for Acts 29 churches which are awake. Hopefully they see clearly to leave. Maybe they should start Acts 29B where the B is for "based" or "Biblical" It would be helpful to do a video on who the CBN is running against Bart Barber this year at SBC 23. In particular, this might help pastors who have been tricked by the Saddleback excommunication to understand that CBN is neither ready, willing, or able to reform the SBC. Sorry, but here we are in March and I have yet to hear who is opposing Bart this year. Yet, we're supposed to wait it out and see what happens in N.O.... with Bart controlling the stage we'll have a new stack of excuses for all the unaccomplished reforms. At the end of it all, the same players who have centralized control and denied calls for transparency will still sit in their positions of power. How is the CBN going to cause change in the SBC when as far as I can cipher they don't even have a game plan for how specifically they're going to take back the trustee boards ? I'd love to be able to avoid attending an SBC church, sadly 1/6 churches in the USA is SBC. Many of these are locally good churches. We need arguments to give our pastors courage to leave. So many of them are bound up in their traditions and they can't even see it for what it is (ironic, Baptist institutional tradition when you think about it...). It's a full time job to properly unravel the lies, duplicity and grift. Moreover, it's not going away or getting easier even if the CBN somehow gets lucky and wins despite their lack of an attack plan (prove me wrong, please).

[@michaelclark2458]

As bad as this is at least they now have a commitment to wokeness. I just left a denomination who had a commitment to "not offending anybody" and in the process constantly offending the patriarchal, conservative, orthodox Christians. They liked the idea of "having space for differences on non-salvation issues". It sounds like Acts 29 was leaning woke for a long time and drug along good churches for a long time softening them up for their woke ideologies.

[@RT-gv6us]

I have been a bit surprised at some of the experienced well known pastors which I considered to be theologically conservative that have gone woke. This shows just how seductive the woke movement is. One one hand I am so scared at the liberal direction so many churches appear to be taking, but one the other hand I know that God is in control and this could just be a purging to separate wheat and tares.

[@chaddonal4331]

"Gone woke" must be the most hurled epithet in 2023. What specifically do YOU mean by the term?

[@ToOpen6seven]

@@chaddonal4331 Exactly, like there isn't other false teachings. Also you better check your racism as well. I am totally against the woke agenda, but these closeted racist wouldn't have to deal with this IF TRUE racism wasn't a problem or issue, in the socalled church of God, no less.

[@gwenstone3903]

Going woke, not preaching and living by God's Word, turning to the me,me,me side Turning yourself into the answer instead of Jesus in other words WRONG and paving the road to Hell!😢

[@sandypidgeon4343]

Acts 29 has the same issues as does the NAMB at SBC - preach what we want, give us money, and don't question us abut going "woke".

[@Yesica1993]

I'm just starting this. But all he had to say was "Eric Mason." After watching him call people "Angloid" at the MLK50 conference, I want NOTHING to do with that disgusting, racist man. Is he still even in the pulpit as a pastor? How?!

[@marymack1]

I saw a clip recently of Paul Washer likening the prosperity gospel preachers to being God's judgement. So, those who sit under them are not victims but rather complicit. Perhaps the same goes with the woke leadership.

[@Yesica1993]

@@marymack1 I can see that, in principle. But it's really hard when it's people you know and love - people that you knew and were biblically sound, and (seemingly) all of a sudden, start saying things that leave you stunned.

[@KM-zn3lx]

​@@Yesica1993 I know I had to leave a church at age 57. Still don't have a church I feel totally comfortable in. But the Church I attended since birth I wasn't totally comfortable in and became less so.

[@megofiachra3247]

@yesica The wolves of 2Peter 2

[@saraz9017]

@@Yesica1993 I was deceived by some of the woke stuff 😣 I’m so grateful God opened my eyes.

[@donaldandrews4524]

Interesting info here. Years ago, when I was first introduced to Acts 29 I knew something wasn't right and didn't trust them. So many with "good theology" seem to have bad practices and corruption throughout. Makes you wonder how good their theology actually is.

[@tkleo2006]

I was going to put myself through a church planting assessment with them. They put me with one of their local poster boys who planted a church from scratch in the local area. He was so extroverted that he made for a good church planter but was also reckless in his methods behinds the scenes. He called me a title seeker and said all people of my race were title seekers. But this is what most church planting franchises are looking for: metrics driven results who care more about numbers, their own kingdom then Gods. I quit pastoral ministry 2 years later.

[@chaddonal4331]

I am sorry to hear what you endured, especially the implicit racism. May the Lord bring deep healing.

[@tkleo2006]

@@chaddonal4331 They said you move on from big events after 5 years or so. 2023 is year five so I’m hoping this is the year The Lord completes total forgiveness in my heart. This pastor had issues with his earthly father as well. Time to let go.

[@CS-bn4un]

Thank you for this video, Jon!

[@megishikawa518]

Friend’s CO church became ACTS 29. Three years ago they preached “diversity” constantly as if it is a Biblical goal. Recently the church celebrated their 5th anniversary. In their pics it is all “lily white.” They must have been feeling the pressure to repeat the ACTS 29 mantra but God has not seen fit to do it that way in their body.

[@Richardcontramundum]

14:00 much of this I deeply resonate with as a pastor in the SBC and having gone to the last 2 annual meetings "Everything is great, we're on the up swing etc"

[@kimsteel366]

You're right about similar things happening across the different denominations and streams of Christianity. I'm non reformed, grew up AG, and it's the same kind of stuff. It's sad when leadership abandons its denominational roots, and worse, when they abandon the word of God. It's like they've become politicians and pharisees: plenty of *religion*, but the wrong Jesus.... 😔😔

[@conceptualclarity]

I assume that you mean the Assemblies of God. I used to be in it and have thought about going back. I have heard about problems there. I understand that George Wood really took the denomination in a DEI direction. Do you know if there are any conservatives within the Assemblies of God who are podcasting or blogging against the bad trends?

[@kimsteel366]

Yeah, I mean Assemblies of God. No idea about bloggers or podcasters that are from that denomination. I'm a housekeeper, and 1 of my clients is married to a Pastor and they've been what's called "home missionaries" for about 50 years. They've been treated pretty shamefully by the Springfield bureaucracy. Another AG Pastor friend of mine got kicked out the pastorate for taking part with the covid protests 3 years ago. I'm sure there are more stories out there.. Power corrupts, indeed, even among the saints... 😞😞

[@theeternalsbeliever1779]

Denominations should abandon their traditional roots because it shouldn't be taking precedence over scriptural authority in the first place. That's not a bad thing.

[@conceptualclarity]

@@theeternalsbeliever1779 problem is they're not replacing their traditional roots with greater adherence to scriptural authority. They are replacing their traditional roots with greater conformity to the progressive zeitgeist.

[@lindajohnson4204]

But it's also ruinous when they lead their congregations to believe that there's no difference in the political right wing and the gospel, as if those are two names for the same thing. Guys, there is no salvation in the Republican party OR in the Democratic party. There is no more salvation in religious right than there is in "woke". But when politics are at stake, even discernment ministries keep their mouths shut about the terrible false prophet origin of the political propaganda, the very same false prophets the discernment people usually talk about every day. This is very evil; we should resist and oppose all lies. The consequences of giving in to the lies, all work against the gospel.

[@user-dc5rg9mn1p]

Wow, what a tragedy. Well, judgement does start with the church so the sifting has obviously begun.

[@Tiffany-mu6br]

Apparently I'm the only one scratching my head at what is an "Acts 29 Church" or "Church Network" never heard of it

[@psalm1197]

I’ve never heard of it either

[@sharoncrawford7192]

Emergent leaders and organizations. People need to inform themselves on The Emergent church movement, and run from that movement. It's totally a false movement!

[@mequint2000]

After hearing this, it sounds like Acts 29's governance is no different then Mars Hill's was. The authority and branding is eerily similar. As Chase said, it was all baked into the cake.

[@casey1167]

Mars Hill was a disaster from day one.

[@becomingjane786]

Pastor Chase, thank you for your clarity and courage. The church that I attend is a member of the IFCA, the Independent Fundamental Churches of America, for accountability, guidance, and encouragement. You might consider them as an alternative.

[@mamainchristjesusofthechri9886]

Is there a church finder we can use ?

[@berean77]

Went to an IFCA church many years ago in southern Indiana, and I was greatly blessed there. However the IFCA is avowedly dispensational in its constitutional beliefs. Don't know where The Well church is theologically, but when I hear Pastor Chase refer to the "doctrines of grace", makes me doubt that would be the best fit for them.

[@chaddonal4331]

Before long you will likely discover various concerns among IFCA leaders. I would not at all recommend them as an alternative.

[@mamainchristjesusofthechri9886]

@@chaddonal4331 there’s not really anything else left except house churches

[@chaddonal4331]

@@mamainchristjesusofthechri9886 I don't know where in the country you live, but don't believe all the bad press. The Lord Jesus is alive and well and there remains a vibrant remnant of Christ-following, Bible-affirming, healthy churches.

[@kimmyj1512]

Why waste your time asking questions and dealing with confusion, being ignored etc? Lying hypocrites will never tell you who they are and what they're doing. It's not your people, just leave!

[@bchrspctr]

It’s sad how common this story is nowadays

[@jeremylaw8417]

As a former pastor who has been hurt by others, this guest is showing huge restraint and grace to a29... Keep going brother and look to king Jesus!

[@ToOpen6seven]

Jesus Christ is not just a 'king' He is THE King of kings and the Lord of lords.

[@TheJMan31]

This just further confirms that the local church should be just that, a LOCAL church. Glad to hear he’s starting a local organization focused on his immediate area

[@sanityscove8917]

Driscoll seemed to be (based on what I heard) heavy handed in leadership, but he was certainly never woke.

[@lindajohnson4204]

But he's radical in the other direction. And in ungodly methods.

[@greggpurviance7252]

Changed with Chandler.

[@wfcperrine]

Wow. Absolute power ALWAYS corrupts.

[@michaelwolfe8888]

Absolutely false. Acton's oft-repeated dictum fails to recognize that the Lord Jesus Christ, who has absolute power (as only God does) is absolutely pure and utterly without corruption. Power does not corrupt. It's power in the hands of evildoers that is the problem. Power in the hands of the godly who do good is a good thing.

[@Yesica1993]

@@michaelwolfe8888 Oh, for goodness' sake. Obviously, Jesus is the exception to everything, since He was perfect. But we are not. Even good, godly people can be corrupted by unchecked power!

[@wfcperrine]

@@michaelwolfe8888 I was referring to big Eva. Don't be obtuse.

[@michaelwolfe8888]

@@wfcperrine I'm not being obtuse. Nor was I trying to be unkind. I'm simply pointing out that Acton was wrong, and he shouldn't be repeated. Power does not corrupt. Corrupt people might do more corrupt things when they have more power, but piwer irself does not corrupt. I was not trying to offend you. I was merely pointing out the error of Acton's dictum, and the problem of repeating it at all. Grace and peace to you.

[@michaelwolfe8888]

@@Yesica1993 Power itself does not corrupt. It's an error to think so, and Acton was wrong. Corrupt people may do more harm with more power, but they were corrupt to begin with. An attempt at precision should not warrant such exasperation in response. The popularity of Acton's dictum doesn't make it right or elevate it above critical reconsideration. Christians should be open to rethinking what are perhaps uncritically assessed repetitions of expression. Grace and peace to you.

[@conceptualclarity]

It is outrageous Acts 29 would suck all this great amount of money out of a local church and then dismiss them without explanation or justification.

[@ceciliaramos2280]

What’s outrageous is that this church leaders didn’t have discernment and gave Acts 29 $100,000.

[@sarahsalom5452]

Acts 29 should give back every penny.

[@richbaker6212]

I feel even more grateful after listening to this. God has prepared works for us beforehand that we might walk in them. We don’t need all this to love Jesus. Find people and do what Jesus says! You don’t need mama permission!

[@november151956]

The default is for things to get worse. When has any woke group ever repented? Let Acts 29 implode on itself, then start over with a new organization true to Jesus.

[@deborahparrish2201]

G3 Ministry. Very solid.

[@LifeandLifeMoreAbundantly]

Great info thank you !

[@cat-bg3rv]

Just discovering this video as I am a newer subscriber. I am interested. Wow! How do you know if the church you attend supports Acts 29 is what I am exploring.

[@jonathanwortman1451]

Transgender rights? From a church? How hateful, to not minister to such sin and brokenness, and just lend a hand of acceptance? Don't condemn what God doesn't condemn, but also don't approve of what God doesn't approve of!

[@alexkelley385]

?

[@nicolegilzene7995]

Why would you force yourself into a place that you no longer fit the spirit of God is no longer with Acts 29 the things that they're preaching the ungodliness I don't believe the spirit of God is there I wouldn't be mad about being kicked out you guys should have left a long time ago on your own when you have to ask so many questions it is time to leave you no longer trust that body that leadership it is time to leave

[@conceptualclarity]

Question: Glad that there was a lot of pushback against a woman being allowed to preach in an Acts 29 church in North Carolina, but hasn't Matt Chandler himself allowed Jen Wilkin to preach in the Sunday morning service in the Village Church?

[@JamesRiddle_Christ_is_King]

I had two doctoral seminars with Tony Merida at Southeastern. This is interesting. He may still be adjunct faculty at Southeastern, but I know a while back he went full-time with his church Imago Dei. I believe he is on the board at Gospel Coalition as well.

[@jimmybrowning4888]

I'll admit to being naive with church matters, Driscoll , Chandler, ERIC MASON you do business with this group and you wonder why things are not quite right? All you guys are way more educated than I am, you are way smarter than I, so why would you have anything to do with these people. I'm confused as to what you were giving them all this money for. From what you are saying they are taking in millions and for what? Oh and I'll assume that wasn't your money but the money taken from the congregation that you're giving away to these millionaires so you could go to exotic places for a confrence every year. They lie about you they have already robbed your congregation, corruption, money, and power it seems like that is all these so called church organizations are about, like billy crone says no wonder you can't witness and tell people about Jesus why would anyone want to be apart of this.

[@cat-bg3rv]

I appreciate Pastor Billy Crone.

[@marshallalbritton9521]

Great interview.

[@gregb6469]

Since the very name of the network is extra-Biblical, it is not surprising that the network itself eventiually became extra-Biblical.

[@gwenstone3903]

As a Colorado native, thank you and God bless you

[@Yesica1993]

Speaking just as an average "sheep", the churchgoer: What is still desperately needed, especially after the last few years of woke and Covid insanity, is a church directory of biblical, non woke, non Covid measures, non female pastors (you get the idea) churches. I did try the Church Finders(?) that Jon mentioned a few times, but it was limited to suburbs that I can't get to because I don't drive. This is Chicago, not some small town.

[@DepDawg]

Same problem here in NYC. I don’t have a car and the recommended churches require a few subways and then a bus transfer. That means a very early commute on a Sunday morning - not safe at all!

[@leadinged]

It’s a mystery to me what happens in these peoples brains. Matt Chandler would be a good case study.

[@rob-79]

What I find mind blowing is that it took wokeness to get people to leave when this lack of authenticity and transparency has been around for a long time. I left an A29 church some years ago after being inside for 12 years and frankly was the best decision of my life. Honestly, I still am working through a lot of what I experienced. And grieve over the lost time spent in an unhealthy community. But am so glad to be in a better church that does have a much better culture. That’s the bigger issue with A29 and sadly many other groups. Autocratic leaders and boards that are more concerned with protecting the Brand than caring for the people God has entrusted to them. And it will not go well for them in the time of Judgement if they do not practice the same repentance they preach.

[@gwenstone3903]

Jesus said if you love me feed my sheep, not slaughter them and turn them over to the wolves!

[@doctrinalwatchdogactive6454]

Back when people were listening to Driscoll and Chandler DW was listening to MacArthur. Hard to believe MacArthur did join events with some of these woke clowns. I guess that's before they knew what the word woke meant

[@aaseviltwintheboomerslayer9860]

The organized minority will always defeat the disorganized majority.

[@bengesell]

Shoot. Just be focused on "The People Republic of Boulder". (32:05 time stamp) That alone has enough opportunity for discipleship for 14 generations. Good job. Thanks for exposing this. Enlightening and grateful to not be a part of Acts 29.

[@amybartels8249]

This same kind of thing happened to my Acts 29 Church in Carson City NV. Harvey Turner Lead Pastor fired My Pastor Fred Kingman and then slandered him on Social media. It was in 2018. They answered no questions and made no attempt to repent.

[@jackuber7358]

It sounds a lot like The Acts 29 Network is more a fifth column than a parachurch or even a Christian network. Or, maybe it is a secret chapter of Scientology.

[@chaddonal4331]

Scientology? Perhaps your critique has gone off the rails a bit.

[@brysonamyx483]

Former A29 pastor here who was very involved with high level leadership in the network (VP’s and other directors). I haven’t quite finished the video, but I can assure you it is worse than many think. The network is more about stuffing pockets of leadership than planting churches. I have personally witnessed money from the network fund meals for a handful of leaders upwards of many thousands of dollars, and pay for VP’s to travel to other country’s to have lunch for the day and fly back. It is far worse than people realize

[@masterdaveedwards]

Really, that disturbing. Started going to an Acts 29 church in British Columbia. Teaching and preaching elders. Main guy seems solid. Love what’s going on in Moscow with Doug Wilson. So my concern is…Network is a problem not necessarily the Lead Disciple maker? I have been a follower of a Christ for forty plus years and have had a wide range of church experiences and denominations. Christian Missionary Alliance Church has been my main source until recently. A soft man in the Pulpit put an end of my time th ere. Then Covid hit. I was a flat screener for a few years. I’m glad to be having some fellowship, but just questioning some stuff. The Covenant membership comes across cultish. Any thoughts? Would appreciate it.

[@davidgodoy826]

All you need is God’s word and the Holy Spirit to lead you into all truth

[@JW23551]

...Don't forget the Communion of the Saints.

[@richardmorrisonsr.6895]

In these days before the harpazo of the church, the Word of God is very clear regarding vast amounts of churches becoming more as the church at Laodicea. The great commission has been replaced with these churches, replacing winning the lost for Christ with the false Gospel of the false church.

[@ToOpen6seven]

This has to take place, because many of these types of churches will morph right into the anti-Christ system. Stick with the Bible, kjv -- that is the problem and the root the deception that Jesus Christ warned us about.

[@CJinsoo]

great interview, appreciate the transparency and sincerity. quite illuminating and revealing. however, I have only gotten through 12 minutes. guess I need to work on my attention span and focus.

[@anonymousmouse505]

Thank you for doing everything you do ❤

[@susanbender6029]

Why the name of "Acts 29"? To me, it is a red flag. The book number "29" is outside the Bible, therefore, bad news (do not add or take away my Word) before it starts. Start up a plant family of churches independent of this organization, including all staff/leaders and start fresh.

[@chaddonal4331]

I believe it was intended to promote the ongoing, living church. The book of Acts trails off at the end of chapter 28, without a proper conclusion. Many have noted over the years that it seems the Holy Spirit intended this unfinished story to continue with the Church of God. The "Acts 29" concept is clever, but not at all unique.

[@cat-bg3rv]

Without a "proper" conclusion?? This is God's inerrant Word.

[@chaddonal4331]

@@cat-bg3rv Relax. I'm not questioning inerrancy. Did you not read the very next sentence after your reaction? Clearly, this was the Holy Spirit's intention to stop the telling of the story prior to the martyrdoms of Paul and Peter, and to "stop" the story of Paul in house arrest, prior to finishing his story. The Gospel story carries on, and that seems to have been intentional by Luke. And by God.

[@ToOpen6seven]

@@chaddonal4331 Not clever at all, straight up demonic. I didn't even know about Acts ending at chapter 28. Now we see why it is so much false stuff going on. Who are not smarter than Jesus Christ or better than God who know everything. If God ended Act at the 28th chapter, so should we! Isaiah 55:6-8 kjv 6. Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 1 John 2:18-20 kjv 18. Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. 19. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. 20. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.

[@KM-zn3lx]

The church I attended one day, is complementation. But it had no real children/youth ministry in which a woman could participate. The women I saw were cooking food and cleaning. That's fine, but they should have good opportunities for women other than nursery, etc. Complementary doesn't mean patriarchal. Also there small groups were heavily pushed and my concern was how trained would the leaders be, plus they would allow alcohol to be served in those homes during the small groups. And I think they delve heavily into confessing sins publicly which I found potentially dangerous to a person's walk with God. They don't know psychology or the real person enough to have deep conversations and should do consouneling in private if a person needs it not in a group situation. I thought about trying them again but the only way to do mission outreach there is in those small groups which I think are close to mandatory and my husband works a swing shift and I want to be available to him if he's off that day.

[@saraz9017]

Things are getting so odd these days. It’s important to be studying the Bible and Bible prophecy. 💜

[@chaddonal4331]

This bears repeating: "Complementary doesn't mean patriarchal." It is intended to be the biblical balance between cultural models of patriarchy and egalitarianism.

[@ricksanborn6667]

Acts 29 appears to be going the way of T4G and 9Marx should follow along.

[@elainelight9286]

My concern with Chase Davis is that he didn’t leave five years ago. From what he said it was decidedly woke by then. I’d have greater respect for him if he had left on his own rather than waiting to be kicked out. That said, I do think what he’s saying is worth hearing.

[@johntobey1558]

Watching Doug Logan in Camden, NJ it was woke close to 20 years ago.

[@sueh2970]

I was wondering about that too. I mean Mark Driscoll, Eric Mason etc being part of Acts 29 and Chase stating that he may not be paying attention or them not responding to his questions... Fortunately God does use our mistakes to turn us around and to be a better witness to others. I think of Rick Warren trying to redefine pastors to women pastors and eventually they kicked his former church out. But Saddleback is now doubling down with Stacy Wood saying she's staying as a teaching pastor because it's her gift. Hopefully SB people will now scatter to find a Biblical church

[@elainelight9286]

@@sueh2970 Eric Mason is SO obvious. No one should be unable to hear his message, if while wearing earplugs.

[@markster136]

I have been to 2 churches in central Fl. That I think have ties to the acts 29 network but you cant find them on the church finder. My question is are there churches in the network that cant be found in there church finder? I had a close friend for years that is pastor that has been invited to a confrence by Mark Dever. My understanding is he heavy involved maybe I am wrong.

[@rickotaillefer]

If it were not for Acts 29 forcing the well out, the well would still be joined to Acts 29. That says a lot about the whether they would be good to join up with in a new association of churches.

[@joshuaharber2]

You mention SBC, E Free, and PCA in the first minute of you're video. I have not watched all those videos, but your intro to this one seems to suggest you put all three of those, plus Acts 29, in the category of no longer faithful. Is that what you intended? Is that a fair summary of your perspective in the other vids? If not, maybe re-do the intro on this one.

[@philyoung4135]

Sadly, the "oligarchy" you have described has become cultural within individual church doors in a trickle-down sort of fashion. Local leaders are behaving in an eerily similar way in relating to their flock, as they have seen this modeled, tolerated, and even revered within the network, apparently. Accountability gets weaponized and only works in one direction. A self-appointed elder board accountable to none; a flock afraid to speak up, rendered powerless.

[@truthseeker5698]

What is the Theology of Acts 29? We believe that through the work of the Holy Spirit, God will draw the elect to faith in his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, graciously and effectually overcoming their stubborn resistance to the gospel so that they will most assuredly and willingly believe. Is this accurate ?

[@KM-zn3lx]

I attended one service of this church they called Sacred City. I kind of liked the less strict liturgy, but didn't like the Acts29 premiss which seems like adding to the scriptures. But I also didn't like their Creed which talks about bolstering and spreading the word to "the city." Idk something about it put me off. The pastor talked to me but don't know if I'd have a place there as a woman.

[@Yesica1993]

I don't know if it's only Acts 29, but among many bigger, city churches there is definitely an obsession with The City. I never thought much about it one way or the other. I am in Chicago. It's normal that your main efforts are sharing the gospel where you are. I can't even point to any specific thing said or done. But at some point it became clear that there's an attitude of superiority. Cities are big. They attract younger, professional people. They are the centers of a lot of influence in business, the arts, and everything else. All of this is true. But that somehow doesn't make city churches better than those in smaller areas. People need Jesus Christ everywhere. I can't stand this attitude. I'd much rather be in a small country church that is biblical, love and serves Christ, and loves one another than in some giant city megachurch where I barely know people (because city people also tend to be transitory, moving for college and then work), and that is now woke and platforming women "pastors." I hate that stuck up attitude. My heart goes out to pastors working so hard in smaller places and then being treated like this. God sees you. God knows your faithfulness. He will one day reward you.

[@Adam-yf3ss]

Years ago I went to a Denver A29 church (the pastor Hunter is now on the A29 board). Focus was on pseudo-intellectual Tim Keller style to appeal to hip city audience. Never heard the gospel there. Non-pc topics (sin) were kept out of the main sermons and forced to rare off-time special “discussion” nights. Maybe it’s better now. No idea.

[@kcstewart671]

Mr. Harris -- I have a very interesting story about the name "Acts 29" that you might be interested in hearing. (Bottom line: The name may have been "borrowed" from my work without attribution.) Let me know, if you would like to hear it. Shalom, -- KC

[@coleymoke6709]

Religion without power talking about religion without power.

[@renothompson9855]

Good info !

[@user-ro1hw5tr7u]

Is the SEND Network affiliated with Acts at sll?

[@marktracy1988]

It blows me away how easily deceived anyone can be from Billy Graham to Matt Chandler to Ravi Z and the new rep for Satan ANDY STANLEY

[@ToOpen6seven]

WOW you can preach a 24 hour sermon based on the list of deceivers you just listed. So scary, because the Jesuit implants were false from the beginning and just bided their time before they struck. There are always signs though, before they go full-heresy!

[@PSUIVERSON]

Sounds identical to what happened to our Sovereign Grace Ministries church. Glad that season is over.

[@PSUIVERSON]

@C P SGM lost something like 50% of their member churches. My particular church went from heavy "reformed" doctrine to seeker sensitive/woke in the 2013 range after we left SGM. A lot of layers on that and I wouldn't lay it all at the feet of SGM (wokeness) but rather - similar to Acts 29 - the failure of that family of churches to maintain its biblical polity and integrity led to the dismantling of a wonderful body of believers in my local church and embracing the world.

[@PSUIVERSON]

@C P Very sad. We press on. PRO REGE!

[@flyhog8574]

I’m confused. Chase said that he wasn’t publicly discussing this or discussing this with anyone other than the leadership, but he was trying to get the others to collaborate and press the issues? Not that I disagree with his concerns but that seems to be a case of double speak. Maybe be misspoke on his timeline but if in fact he had been trying to get them to go with him to confront then that’s technically the charge of sowing discord regardless of the need for it.

[@NappyRootzz]

Please pray for the Acts29 network. We need more gospel preaching churches to speak truth and it looks like a lot of people in leadership need to repent and reevaluate their stance on certain issue. I seriously believe that at first Matt Chandler meant well. He got caught up in wokeism like a lot of people during Tamir Rice, George Floyd, etc. I believe he later realized that he was misled but was too deep in it and too proud to admit it.

[@demetrisemper227]

I am a member of an Acts 29 church, they arent all like this, Remember the church will always be at war with the world and be subject to severe issues and corruption, its all over the new testament and in Revelation.

[@dfpolitowski2]

Assemblies of God has a good doctrinal paper and "positions" paper thoroughly written and relevant to modern ideas, winds of doctrines blowing through the land and the church. All churches should make available and encourage reading doctrinal and positions of their pastor/church so they know what to expect in there sermons or whether to leave/join/attend the church. Its not complicated and very important to know this stuff. However, many churches seem to hide this information or are seemingly afraid of having their attendees know where they stand. Moreover, many websites dumb down doctrinal/belief statements on their website. This is one way to quickly determine if a church is worth attending or not. . .Are they dumbing/hiding doctrinal positions? If not, they are straight shooters and you should consider making that church your home. If they dumb it down/hid it, you will get the same thing from the pulpit and it will ultimately reflect in the peoples lives who attend that church.

[@Richardcontramundum]

7:38 books written by communist and CRT guys, wow that's crazy I could imagine then although 2016 is far different than 2020 or 2023 it's amazing how fast things move these days

[@DepDawg]

Last year I went to a training required by my church that was given by Tim Keller’s City to City network. We were taught that we have a “shalom calling” from 1Pet 2:11-17 and are to do social justice through community organizing. Speak truth to power and tear down systems of oppression. Write to politicians, protest, collaborate with secular organizations, don’t do it with the agenda of conversion (yes they called the church’s mission an agenda). Doing justice is like preaching the Gospel, blah blah blah. A bunch of progressive talking points flavored with a sprinkle of verses taken out of context or completely mangled. They even taught that Esther, Joseph, and Nehemiah were community organizers! I left the church. I haven’t found a new one. I have been attending 3, rotating which I go to, but consistently doing the Friday night Bible study in one of them, plus feeding the poor on the outreaches of two of them. I’m still so wary.

[@MrPruijssen]

See how Marc Driscoll now speaks about against about 'woke' in his Elijah-sermons.

[@ChastaElaine]

So who was this female pastor? I want to make sure her teachings aren’t promoted in my church.

[@toniwardell1933]

This is very enlightening

[@connihudson1578]

Aren't the ARC the same kind of thing?? What would Jesus do? Not this! I dont thinkmthere is any biblical precedent for planting and growing churches this way. Thanks for helping us understand.

[@sstewart03]

Denominations of this sort are not in the Bible. They lead with division.

[@ToOpen6seven]

Denominations, period are not in the Holy Bible!

[@AnglicanXn]

"Woke" offers a comprehensible diagnosis of our social tensions and a "reasonable" solution. Both diagnosis and solution have some truth in them - but only enough truth to float an enormous and very damaging lie. I know why "Woke" is attractive but I would flee any institution or group that adopted it. God has a far better diagnosis and solution.

[@WindyPoplars]

25 minutes in, I have a question about the management's behaviour. If Chase is correct then those particular individuals in management have been lying about Chase and then doubling down on those lies, saying publicly untrue things about Chase's church. My question: are these people even christian, to behave so badly to others, or are they like David in the O.T who started and continued in sin until confronted but was still saved. Are these people christian brothers, or are they tares sown amongst the wheat? How are we to think and or pray about them?

[@user-qo1gh3rt7z]

Seems as if the independent fundamentalists were not so bad after all. They warned of all of this DECADES ago. This stuff is just a re-birth of the new evangelicalism that was born in the 1940's and 1950's,and expanded from there. Harold Ockenga,known as the father of new evangelicalism,repudiated personal and ecclesiastical separation and was joined by the likes of Billy Graham and friends,who said that Christians needed to engage the culture and participate with ecumenical outreach,ministry and evangelism with any and all to claimed the name of Christ. They criticized fundamentalism and left it. Luckily,there was an element that would not join them in their journey. Rather than these new found evangelicals influencing the culture for Christ,the culture found its way in to the church,leading to Christian becoming more worldly. Much of contemporary Christian music and southern gospel music became just like its secular counterparts,and Christians followed the same worldly pursuits as the lost,focusing on self-fufillment,the american dream,materialism,money,career and success. The fundamentalists that would not go along were laughed at as buffoons who had been left behind. And yet,they have by and large stayed faithful to the old paths and have not been infected with all of this modernist,liberal,woke agenda. Personal and ecclesiastical separation is biblical doctrine,and to repudiate,as evangelicals did,predictably led to the evangelical mess that exists today. You dont have to be King James only,or a "landmark baptist",but to totally dismiss those folks as having nothing to offer has been a mistake. The American Council of Christian Churches,made up of numerous denominations and independent churches has maintained a strong biblical foundation,standing in contrast to the very compromised National Association of Evangelicals. The IFCA has stayed strong. There are still faithful seminaries and institutions,while not perfect,have maintained a strong biblical foundation,such as Bob Jones University,Pensacola Christian College,Heartland Baptist Bible College and Foundations Bible College. While I would disagree with his KJV only stand,and perhaps some of his positions on music,David Cloud at wayoflife.org is one of the most knowledgeable and biblical ministries out there that no one knows about. His discipleship materials and books will ground someone in biblical faith. On the CONSERVATIVE evangelical side,you could rely on Chafer Seminary in New Mexico and Tyndale Seminary in Texas. These are all ministries that use the Bible to refute all the politics,wokeness,charismatic/pentecostal errors,the false teaching of the catholic church,true salvation and discipleship,the errors of Acts 29 and 9Marks,the leftist ideas of the movement known as new calvinism,and why both calvinism and arminianism are wrong. They correctly see that Biblical truth is in an unclaimed middle of all of this controversies,including lordship salvation and free grace salvation. People need to realize that their parents,grandparents and great-grandparents did not have it wrong. Fundamentalism and conservative evangelicalism needs to make a comeback

[@psharelater172]

I understand "wokeness" is not automatically a good because there was "sleepiness." But then, I have never understood why sleepiness is Christian orthodoxy and obedience--then becoming so concerned about woke but not sleep.