8 The Emerging Church and The One Project

My study into the emerging church started when a pastor back East asked if I knew anything about “The One Project”. When I began to study into the history of the Project and those who started the movement, I was lead to enquire about the Emerging Church and its teachings and history. I found that it deals with much more than just “spiritual formation” and “centering prayer.”

We will now take a look at Tim Gillespie and his vision for the One Project.

De Oliveira states that himself and 4 others gathered in Denver and came up with the idea of the One Project. “In July 2010, five simple Jesus followers (Alex Bryan, Japhet De Oliveira, Sam Leonor, Tim Gillespie and Terry Swenson) got together in room 602 at the Holiday Inn in Denver. …” (Japhet De Oliveira, “The One Project: Our Purpose and Mission,” http://the1project.org/assets/documents/the-one-project.pdf)

We will now take a look at Tim Gillespie and his vision for the One Project. Biographical information is taken from the Loma Linda University Church website and The One Project website.

(http://www.lluc.org/article/89/about-us/staff/timothy-gillespie)

(http://the1project.org/board/tim.html)

Tim Gillespie has had a history of working with young people since the 1990s. Now he serves as LLU young adult ministries leader, as well as Chaplain at Azusa Pacific University and High Desert.

Before we take a look at Gillespie’s current work as the leader of Youth Ministry at the Loma Linda University Church, we will take note of more biographical information posted on University Church web page in regard to his “professional” Christian rock band background and that listed on “Advent Praise”, an official SDA website.

(http://www.adventpraise.org/article/65/artists/timothy-gillespie)

Review from presentation 7. Tim Gillespie’s roots in “making” Christian rock music go way back, in fact it was while attending seminary at Andrews University that Gillespie played a key role in the formation of the band Big Face Grace. This is a Biography of Big Face Grace with a photo of their band in the early days. This was probably written in the early 2000s.

(http://www.esongs.net/biography.asp?ID=441)

Review from presentation 7.

4 of 5 original band members are currently pastors in the Adventist Church.

Jason Hutchinson (guitars), Roy Ice (drums/vocals) Pacific Union College Associate Pastor and College Chaplain; Sam Leonor (bass/vocals) now La Sierra University Pastor; Michael Knecht (guitars) Pastor at Crosswalk SDA Church Redlands, CA; Tim Gillespie (vocals), now Loma Linda University Youth Pastor.

Review from presentation 7.

4 of 5 original band members are currently pastors in the Adventist Church.

In 2004 as the group got more popular they decided to disband except for occasional gigs.

There were obviously mixed feelings at Andrews University when Big Face Grace band began playing on and off campus during the mid 1990s. The Andrews University Student Movement paper published an article on Big Face Grace, which although supportive of the band gave a hint to some of the mixed feelings about an Adventist Christian rock band playing on campus.

(http://www.andrews.edu/~rchurch/Blue/grace)

In the autumn of 1997 a series of articles under the main title of “Christian rock defense” was posted on Angelfire.com. This was primarily in response to a sermon Dwight Nelson preached at Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University, Oct. 4, 1997, where he criticized the idea of Christian rock bands. It is clear from the responses that many reacted negatively to Nelson’s criticism of “Christian rock music” including Big Face Grace band members and two other rock bands on campus. Yoshi Abe, a sophomore music/religion major and leader of the band Journey II Jesus, along with Matt Lee, a freshmen theology major and editor of Crosstalk, shared articles showing their disagreement with Nelson’s comments.

(http://www.angelfire.com/yt/christianrockdefense/andrews.html)

In one of the articles written in defense of Christian rock, “Three Campus Bands Share Their Perspectives,” Tyson Thorne allowed Tim Gillespie from Big Face Grace to share his views on the topic that had been recently provoked by Dwight Nelson’s sermon comments on the topic.

4 of 5 original band members are currently pastors in the Adventist Church. Jason Hutchinson (guitars), Roy Ice (drums/vocals) now Pacific Union College Associate Pastor and College Chaplain; Sam Leonor (bass/vocals) now La Sierra University Pastor; Michael Knecht (guitars) Pastor at Crosswalk SDA Church Redlands, CA; Tim Gillespie (vocals), now Loma Linda University Youth Pastor.

Notice Gillespie’s mention of “fighting battles.” Were these the types of battles the One Project organizers were tired of fighting, mentioned when they got together in Denver and formed the Project? (see presentation 5)

In the year 2000 Tim Gillespie shared similar thoughts as he continued to push his musical genre around the Adventist Church. This article was published in the South Pacific Division Paper for April 29, 2000. Article “Preacher boys: Big Face Grace”

(http://adventistarchives.org/docs/AAR/AAR20000429-V105-16__C.pdf)

The Band’s leader Tim Gillespie sang lead vocals for an alternative punk band in clubs in LA. Now he takes the same music with “Christian” lyrics to the youth as “evangelism”?

4 of 5 original band members are currently pastors in the Adventist Church. Jason Hutchinson (guitars), Roy Ice (drums/vocals) now Pacific Union College Associate Pastor and College Chaplain; Sam Leonor (bass/vocals) now La Sierra University Pastor; Michael Knecht (guitars) now at Crosswalk SDA Church Redlands, CA; Tim Gillespie (vocals), now Loma Linda University Youth Pastor.

(South Pacific Division Paper for April 29, 2000. Article “Preacher boys: Big Face Grace”.)

The Band brought about some controversy but “that’s OK” cause its Christian musicians at work in creating “conversation” and “dialog”?

4 of 5 original band members are currently pastors in the Adventist Church. Jason Hutchinson (guitars), Roy Ice (drums/vocals) now Pacific Union College Associate Pastor and College Chaplain; Sam Leonor (bass/vocals) now La Sierra University Pastor; Michael Knecht (guitars) now at Crosswalk SDA Church Redlands, CA; Tim Gillespie (vocals), now Loma Linda University Youth Pastor.

(South Pacific Division Paper for April 29, 2000. Article “Preacher boys: Big Face Grace”. Author: “Brenton Stacey is the editorial assistant for RECORD. Edge Update is an occasional page done by or for youth. See The Edge for more.” )

Big Face Grace performs Easter 2010, at the “Revivalution Reunion” in the Crosswalk SDA church where Michael Knecht then Pastored (he is also one of the Big Face Grace band members).

This 4 minute summary video clip is taken from over 20 minutes of YouTube posts, showing especially the band’s interaction with the crowd (you can turn the sound off if you wish). Notice how Tim Gillespie get’s the crowd involved. Take note of his comments scattered throughout the video (0:55; 1:15; 2:11; also on next slide). Notice the young children attending, and dancing to the beat of the music (especially 2:55)! Remember that most of the band is made up of Youth Pastors (see list below). Within a couple months from this Rock Concert Tim Gillespie would meet with several other pastors and organize The One Project.

Since its inception Big Face Grace has used its music as one of the modes of generating discussion and in presenting their “gospel” message. Several of the One Project organizers, including Sam Leonor and Tim Gillespie have participated in this vision. The drummer Roy Ice is now also a participant and a scheduled speaker with the One Project Chicago gathering planned for Feb. 2013.

4 of 5 original band members are currently pastors in the Adventist Church. Jeff Lam filling in for Jason Hutchinson (guitars), Roy Ice (drums/vocals) then Pacific Union College Associate Pastor and College Chaplain; Sam Leonor (bass/vocals) the La Sierra University Pastor; Michael Knecht (guitars) then at Crosswalk SDA Church Redlands, CA (where the concert was held); Tim Gillespie (vocals), the Loma Linda University Youth Pastor.

Video taken from:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1ML2-V64_I&NR=1&feature=endscreen)

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yOH6tgfQnk)

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhpI1Yj5iXY)

For more on Crosswalk SDA church see:
(http://www.crosswalkvillage.com/)

This comment was posted on YouTube.com following one of the video clips posted of Big Face Grace’s 2010 Revivalution Reunion Easter concert at the Crosswalk SDA church. The cynical comment is obviously made tongue and cheek.

(Repeat from presentation 7) Ellen White, while not cynical, was very clear that this type of music would come into our churches just before probation closes. This is taken from a letter of response written by Ellen White to S. N. Haskell, who upon returning from India found all kinds of fanaticism coming into Adventism and wrote to Ellen White about his concerns. (Ellen G. White to S. N. Haskell, Letter 132, 1900; in Selected Messages, book 2, pp. 36-39)

Details of Fanaticism found in Selected Messages , book 2, p. 31:

“[A FANATICAL TEACHING TERMED "THE DOCTRINE OF HOLY FLESH" WAS STARTED IN 1900 IN INDIANA, LEADING THE CONFERENCE PRESIDENT AND VARIOUS WORKERS INTO SERIOUS ERROR. THIS THEORY ALLEGED THAT THOSE WHO FOLLOW THE SAVIOUR MUST HAVE THEIR FALLEN NATURES PERFECTED BY PASSING THROUGH A "GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE" EXPERIENCE, THUS ACQUIRING A STATE OF PHYSICAL SINLESSNESS AS AN ESSENTIAL PREPARATION FOR TRANSLATION. EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS REPORT THAT IN THEIR SERVICES THE FANATICS WORKED UP A HIGH PITCH OF EXCITEMENT BY USE OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS SUCH AS ORGANS, FLUTES, FIDDLES, TAMBOURINES, HORNS, AND EVEN A BIG BASS DRUM. THEY SOUGHT A PHYSICAL DEMONSTRATION AND SHOUTED AND PRAYED AND SANG UNTIL SOMEONE IN THE CONGREGATION WOULD FALL, PROSTRATE AND UNCONSCIOUS, FROM HIS SEAT. ONE OR TWO MEN, WALKING UP AND DOWN THE AISLE FOR THE PURPOSE, WOULD DRAG THE FALLEN PERSON UP ON THE ROSTRUM. THEN ABOUT A DOZEN INDIVIDUALS WOULD GATHER AROUND THE PROSTRATE BODY, SOME SINGING, SOME SHOUTING, AND SOME PRAYING, ALL AT THE SAME TIME. WHEN THE SUBJECT REVIVED, HE WAS COUNTED AMONG THOSE WHO HAD PASSED THROUGH THE GETHSEMANE EXPERIENCE, HAD OBTAINED HOLY FLESH, AND HAD TRANSLATION FAITH. THEREAFTER, IT WAS ASSERTED, HE COULD NOT SIN AND WOULD NEVER DIE. ELDERS S. N. HASKELL AND A. J. BREED, TWO OF OUR LEADING DENOMINATIONAL MINISTERS, WERE SENT TO THE CAMP MEETING HELD AT MUNCIE, INDIANA, FROM SEPTEMBER 13 TO 23, 1900, TO MEET THIS FANATICISM. THESE DEVELOPMENTS WERE REVEALED TO MRS. WHITE WHILE SHE WAS IN AUSTRALIA IN JANUARY, 1900, AND SHE BORE TESTIMONY OF WARNING AND REPROOF AGAINST IT, AS SEEN IN THE TWO FOLLOWING MESSAGES.--COMPILERS.]

(Repeat from presentation 7) This is taken from a letter of response written by Ellen White to S. N. Haskell, who upon returning from India found all kinds of fanaticism coming into Adventism and wrote to Ellen White about his concerns. (Ellen G. White to S. N. Haskell, Letter 132, 1900; in Selected Messages, book 2, pp. 36-39)

Before we take a look at Gillespie’s current work as the leader of Youth Ministry at the Loma Linda University Church, we will take note of more biographical information posted on The University Church web page and the One Project web page, in regard to his doctoral degree from George Fox University.

(http://www.lluc.org/article/89/about-us/staff/timothy-gillespie)

(http://the1project.org/board/tim.html)

What the Loma Linda University Church web site and the One Project web site fail to mention fully is what Doctoral program Tim Gillespie is taking/took from George Fox University. The fact is that Tim Gillespie has also taken the same doctoral degree as Alex Bryan and Sam Leonor—Semiotics and Future Studies or the Leadership in Emerging Culture Doctor of Ministry—which is under the mentorship of Leonard Sweet. This was clearly spelled out on “Advent Praise” website and in a George Fox University dissertation by John O’Keefe. Tim Gillespie is mentioned as a fellow cohort in this particular Doctor of Ministry degree.

(http://www.adventpraise.org/article/65/artists/timothy-gillespie)

(http://johncokeefe.com/John%20C%20OKeefe%20-%20Creatives.pdf)

What the Loma Linda University Church web site and the One Project web site fail to mention fully is what Doctoral program Tim Gillespie is taking/took from George Fox University. The fact is that Tim Gillespie has also taken the same doctoral degree as Alex Bryan and Sam Leonor—Semiotics and Future Studies or the Leadership in Emerging Culture Doctor of Ministry—which is under the mentorship of Leonard Sweet. This was clearly spelled out on “Advent Praise” website and in a George Fox University dissertation by John O’Keefe. Tim Gillespie is mentioned as a fellow cohort in this particular Doctor of Ministry degree.

Notice further what John O’Keefe suggests is the “problem” and the “claim” in his dissertation (see below). This is the same Emerging Church rhetoric that Sweet and others have been pumping into the “Christian” America landscape for 20 years.

“Problem:

Generally speaking, the biggest problem facing the Church today lies in its inability to understand the current cultural shifts taking place in the world around us and how best to lead in that shift. This inability stems from the Church‘s desire to rest its theology, structure, vision and, most importantly, leadership, in the past and its inability to understand and live in the present/future.

Claim:

For the Church to reach a 21st century mind we need to stop looking to the past to define what we are not, and look to the now and future to express who we are. The Churches‘ desire to resist change and focus strictly on what has been successful in the past is not working any more.” (John O’Keefe, Dissertation, p. iv)

“The Semiotics & Future Studies” is the same as “The Leadership in Emerging Culture Doctor of Ministry.” This course is offered under the direct tutelage or mentorship of Leonard Sweet. See Power point presentation number 4.

Leonard Sweet is “Currently the E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism at Drew University, Madison, NJ and a Visiting Distinguished Professor at George Fox University, Portland, Oregon,…”

George Fox University which was founded by Quakers in 1885 and is located in Newberg Oregon, and has centers in Portland, Salem and Boise ID. In 1996, the college merged with Western Evangelical Seminary to form George Fox University. Notable graduates include Richard Foster, and Dan Kimball, both big names in Emerging Church movement.

Doctor of Ministry

George Fox offers 3 Doctor of Ministry programs:

DMin in Leadership and Global Perspectives

DMin in Leadership and Spiritual Formation

DMin in Semiotics and Future Studies ( or The Leadership in Emerging Culture Doctor of Ministry)

Review from presentation number 4: Tim Gillespie is attending George Fox University for his Doctor of Ministry degree on the subject of Leadership in the Emerging Culture or Future Studies doctoral program, which is under the mentorship of Leonard Sweet.
Notice carefully the official George Fox University statement of what this program is all about (especially the APC to MRI change in ministry focus). We will see below how Tim Gillespie has incorporated many of these themes in his current youth ministry at Loma Linda University.

The Leadership in Emerging Culture Doctor of Ministry (DMin), another name for Semiotics and Future Studies, is led by Leonard Sweet.

“Anticipate Change” is the heading on the web listing of this course.

Definition of SEMIOTICS: “a general philosophical theory of signs and symbols.” Leonard Sweet has been the primary person to make this word popular in the Emerging Church movement. He states that he bases it on Mat 16:3 “He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?” The Greek word is “sēmeion” which means: “an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally: - miracle, sign, token, wonder.” Sweet seems to use it as a term that describes himself and his cohorts and followers, who can see the signs in different religions, cultures and histories.

Notice carefully the official George Fox University statement of what this program is all about (especially the APC to MRI change in ministry focus). We will see below how Tim Gillespie has incorporated many of these themes in his current youth ministry at Loma Linda University.

This course is directly guided by Leonard Sweet and obvious an outlet for all his Emerging Church ideas, not just “spiritual formation”. It is stated that “students … receive personal mentoring from Dr. Sweet.” Thus Sweet was Tim Gillespie’s “mentor” in his doctoral program which lasted three years.

George Fox University posted pictures from one of the Learning Sessions with “lead mentor” Leonard Sweet. This was during the 2008/2009 school year. Pictures are from June 1 to 3, 2009, Timberline Advance. This took place at Timberline Lodge, OR. Tim Gillespie attended this session while young adult pastor of the LLU church. These pictures and explanations from George Fox University offer contradictory evidence against those who seek to defend One Project leaders by stating that Leonard Sweet was not their mentor, and/or that One Project leaders did not attend George Fox University because they were not on their campus. (Sam Leonor was also present at this session).

Leonard Sweet mentions in his acknowledgements in the book, So Beautiful: Divine Design for Life and the Church (Printed 2009), those who have been helpful in guiding his thoughts and ideas for this particular book. Acknowledgements were written Dec. 25, 2008, in which he mentions Tim Gillespie as one of his students. Yet some are still claiming that Sweet was and is not a mentor to One Project leaders.

(http://www.scribd.com/doc/13828591/9/My-characters-all-sound-the-same-because-I-never-listen-%E2%80%9D2)

During 2009, while in the midst of his doctoral degree under Leonard Sweet, Tim Gillespie posted several comments on his blog which make it clear that he is putting into practice in his current ministry what he is learning in his post graduate degree from George Fox University.

(http://timothygillespie.typepad.com/timothy/)

The “APC” and “MRI” concepts are taken from Emerging Church ideas and directly from George Fox University’s Semiotics and Future Studies program with Leonard Sweet (see description of program on slides above).

“Attractional understanding of mission” means seeking to attract others to Jesus by telling them that we are sinners and in need of a savior and that Christ is the only way (see presentation 1, slide 8).

The Question is how much of this philosophy is seen presented in the One Project gatherings? (see presentation 10 to find out).

(http://timothygillespie.typepad.com/timothy/)

The concepts of “where can we bring God,” vs “what is God already doing, and how can I be a part of it?” comes from Leonard Sweet’s book Nudge: Awakening Each Other to the God Who’s Already There (see presentation 4).

The Question is how much of this philosophy is seen presented in the One Project gatherings? (see presentation 10 to find out).

In 2007 Tim Gillespie moved from being Chaplain at Loma Linda Academy to Young Adult Pastor at Loma Linda University Church. He has been the key mover in the formation of “Re:Live Ministry”, the young adult ministry of the Loma Linda University Church. As he has built this church ministry on principles he learned from Leonard Sweet, it has not been without controversy.

(http://www.reliveministry.com/#/about-us/pastor-tims-page)

(http://www.reliveministry.com/#/about-us/history)

“Authenticity and Transparency, Worship and Beauty, and Diversity and Movement” are all concepts tide closely to Leonard Sweet which Gillespie is incorporating into his ministry (see blog posts below).

Tim Gillespie noted in his blog post “A growing Concern,” May 2009, some of the concerns expressed as the RE:LIVE youth movement began moving away from the LLU Church. All of this was taking place as Gillespie was working through his doctoral program under the guidance of Leonard Sweet. It is not hard to see how Gillespie is working off principles he is learning from the Emerging Church movement which is bringing in controversy.

(http://timothygillespie.typepad.com/timothy/)

Tim Gillespie noted in his blog posts some of the concerns expressed as the RE:LIVE youth movement began moving away from the LLU Church. All of this was taking place as Gillespie was working through his doctoral program under the guidance of Leonard Sweet. It is not hard to see how Gillespie is working off principles he is learning from the Emerging Church movement.

We will take a look at what he means by “worship expression” below.

(Review Slide from presentation 5). Within a year of the above blog post Tim Gillespie and four other youth leaders met in Denver to ultimately plan The One Project. Yet, as we mentioned before, they were all obviously tired of “fighting battles.” The question is whether they were fighting the right battles, or rather fighting against the church (SDA) who’s foundation was built on something other than their false Emerging Church principles.

The last two paragraphs are taken from Terry Swenson’s talk in Atlanta, on Feb. 8, 2011 during the first large Project Gathering, we can gather that there were other past issues, battles and dreams that drove these men together to refocus their lives and their ministry. Although obviously very sincere we might wonder what battles they were tired of fighting.

A look over the “We Believe” section for Re:Live, demonstrates that although not as blatant as Leonard Sweet himself, there is more than an apparent resemblance to Sweet’s writings.

(http://www.reliveministry.com/#/about-us/we-believe)

A look over the “We Believe” section for Re:Live, demonstrates that although not as blatant as Leonard Sweet himself, there is more than an apparent resemblance to his writings. Re:Live has several “mantras,” the word itself should raise some questions:

“man·tra n. 1. Hinduism A sacred verbal formula repeated in prayer, meditation, or incantation, such as an invocation of a god, a magic spell, or a syllable or portion of scripture containing mystical potentialities.

2. A commonly repeated word or phrase:” (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/mantra)

Review from presentation 4. Some of the ideas expressed in RE:Live’s statement of beliefs sound very familiar to the ideas expressed in Leonard Sweet’s Nudge: Awakening Each Other to the God Who’s Already There, Sept. 2010 release.

For an interesting response to this book, look up: http://apprising.org/2010/09/13/giving-leonard-sweet-a-nudge/

Sweet has some good points in this book. Suggest that we think we are taking Jesus to share with someone, when in fact Jesus has already been working in that persons life. That is very true. God is seeking each person on this planet, but he has also called those who know Christ to take the gospel message to the world and teach them. Many of Sweet’s concepts go too far, and are a mixture of truth and error.

As typical of many Emerging books, the book description starts by questioning Christian evangelism; starts with a statement of doubt. “Really? You think?”

Taken from an unsolicited book review on Amazon.com

Tim Gillespie noted on his blog post, “Thinking and writing about Postmodernity and worship,” May 2009, some of the concepts he was writing about in a paper for his doctoral degree (which of course is under the guidance of Leonard Sweet). The concepts he writes of, and attributes to Leonard Sweet, are the same as are noted on the Re:Live History website page as mentioned above. It is not hard to see how Gillespie is working off principles he is learning from the Emerging Church movement.

(http://timothygillespie.typepad.com/timothy/)

Gillespie’s ideas of post modern worship as expressed on his blog, in the area of music, drama and video illustrations, are also readily seen in Re:Live’s Resources and worship service (see below).

The concepts expressed on Tim Gillespie’s blog (see previous slides), in regard to “Authenticity, Beauty, Creativity and Context” in postmodern worship, and concepts posted on the History page of Re:Live, are demonstrated on their Resources page. Among resources created within the Re:Live community are Short Films designed to go along with a series of sermons.

(http://www.reliveministry.com/#/resources/short-films)

Among resources created within the Re:Live community are Short Films designed to go along with a series of sermons. This is a list of titles and descriptions of some of these short films (For video clips see below)

The concepts expressed on Tim Gillespie’s blog (see previous slides), in regard to “Authenticity, Beauty, Creativity and Context” in postmodern worship, and concepts posted on the History page of Re:Live, are demonstrated on their Resources page.

Among resources created within the Re:Live community are Short Films designed to go along with and introduce a series of sermons. This video clip of 4:10 minutes takes samples from:

“The Interview … series on Revolution” (4:36)

“Letter to the Galatians … series on Cannibal Christians” (1:29, shown here in its entirety)

“Faith is Splendid … made for Faith is Stupid series.” (4:53)

One might rightly ask how this fits with the solemn message described in Revelation 14 as going to all the world? Have Gillespie's ideas from Leonard Sweet and the Emerging Church on postmodern worship really helped in developing a mission to prepare young people for giving the Three angel’s messages?

All video clips from: (http://www.reliveministry.com/#/resources/short-films)

Among resources created within the Re:Live community are Short Films designed to go along with and introduce a series of sermons. This video clip of 2:48 minutes takes samples from:

“TRON Inspired Countdown for Re:Live” (5:17)

“Heaven is for Losers—Dueling Banjos” (0:50)

“Heaven is for Losers—Week 4” (2:04)

“Heaven is for Losers—The Race” (2:03)

How is it that the “trailer” for Re:Live” is inspired by a Hollywood science fiction movie to which “homage” is being paid?

The “fitting soundtrack” for “The Race” is an AC/DC song (a heavy metal satanic band from the 1980s) called “Thunderstruck.” The history of this band and the meaning of this song will be covered in the next slide.

One might also rightly ask how this fits with the solemn message described in Revelation 14 as going to all the world? Have Gillespie's ideas from Leonard Sweet and the Emerging Church on postmodern worship really helped in developing a mission to prepare young people for giving the Three angel’s messages?

“TRON” (http://vimeo.com/17930879)

“Dueling Banjos” (http://www.reliveministry.com/#/resources/short-films)

“Heaven is For Losers: week 4” (http://vimeo.com/2228758)

“The Race” (http://www.reliveministry.com/#/resources/short-films)

In “Heaven is for Losers—The Race,” the “fitting soundtrack” mentioned on Re:Live’s web page is an AC/DC song called “Thunderstruck” (AC/DC is a heavy metal satanic band from the 1970s to present). This was the first in a series of “short films” to start the sermons series “Heaven is for Losers” at Gillespie’s youth ministry church on LLU campus. The “soundtrack” is really a song about a literal sexual experience (thunderstruck) the band had at a strip bar in Texas (don’t bother reading the whole story). Much more could be said about the band AC/DC.

Tim Gillespie's sermon following the presentation of this video with its soundtrack, where he also praises those for producing it, can be watched here (see below for clip): (http://www.gracerootsmovement.com/messages/heaven-is-for-losers/)

“Went through to Texas, yeah Texas
And we had some fun
We met some girls
Some dancers who gave a good time
Broke all the rules, played all the fools
Yeah, yeah, they, they, they blew our minds
I was shakin' at the knees
Could I come again please?
Yeah the ladies were too kind
You've been - thunderstruck, thunderstruck”

“Heaven is for Losers: The Race,” with its AC/DC soundtrack was shown in Youth Church before Tim Gillespie began his sermon on the topic of losers based on the sermon on the mount. In his comments he praised those who produced this video (mentioning some unintelligible words about AC/DC at the beginning). The entire sermon can be watched here (http://www.gracerootsmovement.com/messages/heaven-is-for-losers/). Although Gillespie makes some good points it is interspersed between much hilarity and joking and presented in the opening atmosphere of the “short film”. This is a clip of 1:06 minutes from the beginning of his sermon.

The One Project, Loma Linda University Church and Re:Live webpages all state that Tim Gillespie not only has played music professionally with the band Big Face Grace, but that he is also still actively involved in creating music and supporting local Christian artists through his leadership at Re:Live. This is also stated as part of the working philosophy of Re:Live.

(http://the1project.org/board/tim.html)

(http://www.lluc.org/article/89/about-us/staff/timothy-gillespie)

(http://www.reliveministry.com/#/about-us/pastor-tims-page)

(http://www.reliveministry.com/#/about-us/we-believe)

RE:CORDS or Re:Live Records is part of the Re:Live youth ministry of Tim Gillespie that helps local musicians produce music albums. Although there are artists with varying kinds of music, the worship team from Re:Live could be described as a “Christian Rock Band.” Jeff Lam, who has also filled in for concerts with Big Face Grace, helped produce the Re:Live Worship album.

(http://www.reliverecords.org/#/welcome)

(http://www.reliverecords.org/#/about-us)

(http://www.reliverecords.org/#/artists)

(http://www.reliverecords.org/#/artists/relive-worship)

This is a 1 minute sample of 5 songs from Re:Live Worship’s album “Our Loudest Praise.” Photos are from Re:Cord web page. The worship team from Re:Live could be described as a “Christian Rock Band.” Jeff Lam, who has also filled in for concerts with Big Face Grace, helped produce the Re:Live Worship album. Songs include:

“Fallen Here”

“You Gave Your Grace”

“Your Love”

“Our Loudest Praise”

“Make My Move”

On Saturday night (7:00 pm) February 26, 2011, Re:Live (Loma Linda University Church’s Youth Ministry) and Crosswalk SDA Church (in Redlands CA) joined forces to put on a Rock Concert (held at Crosswalk SDA Church). The event was called “The Jeff Lam Experience.” Jeff Lam (Guitarist) played with Big Face Grace, and help produce the Re:Live Worship album. Jeff was joined by Tim Gillespie, the Re:Live and Crosswalk worship bands, as well as others. The concert featured the music of “Satriani, Guns and Roses, Van Halen, Plumb, Mountain, The Beatles, Journey, Pink Floyd, Hendrix, Cream, DC Talk, and much more.”

Remember that the Re:Live “We Believe” webpage stated that: “We believe that Christ still speaks with a powerful and relevant voice into the culture of both the church and to those unfamiliar with a church culture. That is the voice we seek to give a platform through our writing, speaking, video and music. …” (http://www.reliveministry.com/#/about-us/we-believe)

(http://vimeo.com/19590156) (Promo 1)

(http://vimeo.com/19997590) (Promo 2)

This 1:55 minute video clip is taken from two promotional videos, and two YouTube videos of the Rock Concert (from over 10 minutes worth; You can turn the sound off). Tim Gillespie is the main vocal during the second clip. Jeff Lam is playing the red Guitar. Notice the dancing crowd and the girl that played “god” in one of Re:Live’s “Short Films”. Notice the hypnotic screen projection playing in the background during the first song, and the car chase from a Hollywood movie in the second. Jesus. All? Really?

Remember that the Re:Live “We Believe” webpage stated that: “We believe that Christ still speaks with a powerful and relevant voice into the culture of both the church and to those unfamiliar with a church culture. That is the voice we seek to give a platform through our writing, speaking, video and music. …” (http://www.reliveministry.com/#/about-us/we-believe)

(http://vimeo.com/19590156) (Promo 1)

(http://vimeo.com/19997590) (Promo 2)

(http://vimeo.com/20426272) (concert 1)

(http://vimeo.com/20546226 )(concert 2 with Gillespie)

On February 7 and 8, 2011, just a little over 2 weeks before the Rock Concert at the Crosswalk church, featuring among others Tim Gillespie and the Re:Live worship band from his church, The One Project held its first large gathering in Atlanta. Here Tim Gillespie along with the other leaders of the Project, presented their dream of making Jesus number one in the Church. Andrews University published an article following the gathering, giving a summary of the Project’s history.

(http://www.gccsda.com/?option=com_content&task=view&id=3337&Itemid=21)

(http://www.andrews.edu/news/2011/03/one_project.html)

On February 7 and 8, 2011, just a little over 2 weeks before the Rock Concert at the Crosswalk church, featuring among others Tim Gillespie and the Re:Live worship band from his church, The One Project held its first large lathering in Atlanta. Here Tim Gillespie along with the others leaders of the project, presented their dream of making Jesus number one in the Church. Andrews University published an article following the gathering, giving a summary of the Project’s history and hopes for the future.

The question is how does this packaging (article presentation) of the One Project, written in such religious sounding terms, match up with the real life examples of its organizers ? “Jesus. All.” Really? While we’re singing Van Halen songs at the Crosswalk church? Is this really the same “Jesus all” philosophy that Paul and the 12 apostles were working from?

In June 2012 the Australian Record published an article by Tim Gillespie, “Jesus. All.”

Once again Tim Gillespie presented his dream of making Jesus number one in the Adventist Church. Again the question is, how does this article , written in such wonderful religious sounding terms, match up with the real life examples of the author? Is Jesus really ALL? What Jesus are we talking about ?

(http://record.adventistconnect.org/site_data/88/assets/0036/4019/Record_11_lowrez.pdf)

Is the One Project really “the Adventist Church’s”, or is it a program developed by a group of youth leaders for the purpose of directing our young people down a broad path that the Project leaders have personally chosen based on Emerging Church ideology?

In June 2012 the Australian Record published an article by Tim Gillespie, “Jesus. All.”

Tim Gillespie is one of several who started the One Project. Their claim is that its all about Jesus. Jesus. All. But has Tim Gillespie’s past ministry experience demonstrated that this is the case? Is the One Project really about making Jesus supreme, or about creating an avenue through which the leader’s agenda can be brought into the church, primarily marketed to our young people through our Universities?

At the same time we must be clear that we not judging the motives or sincere intent of those who sense a need for change in our church, a remedy for the Laodicean condition, but only question if the agenda of the Projects leaders as seen in their history is what our church needs.

Is the One Project really the reformation that we need in our church (we do need one)? Based on the backgrounds of the Project leaders what will be the result of the influence of this Project on our young people through our Universities? We will now take a look at Terry Sorenson in presentation 9.

Click here to go to presentation 9.

Site Navigation[Skip]

8 The Emerging Church and The One Project - Part 8