I hesitated to make this available on this website because I do not want to cause division in the church I love. Yet as I have thought this through I realize this is not so much an action of division but a necessary warning from a "watchman on the wall". If I don’t give this warning then I am also responsible for the damage it will cause as it is being presented as trustworthy and according to Scripture. It is a subtle combination of truth and error - thus it is the worst kind of error.
Dear Heavenly Father, we need your help.
This is a copy of the home page of iFollow. Read it and then follow the analysis below it.
Below is the link if you want to check it out on the actual site. http://ifollowdiscipleship.org (no longer accessible)
TRY https://www.adventsource.org/ministry-plus/articles/ifollow-discipleship-resource-1215
The iFollow Discipleship Resource
“Finally: a discipleship training resource that pastors can really trust.”
The new discipleship training resource, called iFollow, has been developed specifically for Adventist congregations, and it responds to both a serious and growing demand for practical, reliable discipleship training.
As one pastor said to us, recently, “I’ve been baptizing people every year, but as we did an assessment of our membership, we found that many of those we baptized are no longer attending, and far too many of those we still have-including many who have been with us for years-are ‘baby Christians.’ We need help for keeping our new members and for helping our established members grow in Christ.”
This site is dedicated to introducing and providing convenient access to iFollow. It is our gift to pastors and other local church leaders, along with all others who are engaged in helping believers grow in Christ, through a personal devotional life, fellowship within the faith community, and a ministry of service to their broader communities.
There are three essential components to iFollow:
- First, there is a searchable DVD with over 100 discipleship curriculum units, designed to support discipleship training in the local congregation. Pastor’s DVD #18 has been years in the development, and offers unique features that enable you to customize your training to your congregation. If you didn’t receive your free copy, you can purchase copies at a discounted price at AdventSource.
- Then, to increase access and convenience, everything on the DVD is also repeated on this website, along with great additional content and services, so if you prefer to download materials or to have your members use them directly on the web, you don’t require additional copies of the DVD.
- The final key component to iFollow is a series of discipleship training books, available at AdventSource, and specifically designed and priced to facilitate small-group use. These books make it possible for any church of any size to do discipleship training “in a box,” and have the assurance of on-going tools that will be continually refreshed.
We urge you to become part of our R&D effort, using the lessons on the DVD (or on this site) or reading one or more of the books in your small group discipleship training setting, and then telling us how it worked for you. One head elder recently said to us: “I’ve read three of the books and I want all my elders reading them, so that we can lead an effort to do discipleship training throughout the congregation.” Please use our “Contact Us” line at the top of the page to share your insights. We promise to take seriously what you have to say, in our constant effort to make the resource better.
To know more about iFollow, just visit the various parts of our site. You can download a specific topic for discipleship training, for example, to review at your leisure, or try out. You can also look at current and upcoming book titles for a theme that captures your imagination-or to link to a site where you can order them, with quantity discounts. In addition, you can read some of the previous articles linked on this page, where we’ve been exploring the overall iFollow concept at our “Best Practices for Adventist Ministry” site. Lastly, feel free to visit the iFollow blog posts on the About iFollow page, just look for the blog icon in the upper left hand corner.
Thank you for your interest in discipleship training.
Dan Day
Director of the NAD Church Resource Center
and Executive Editor, iFollow.
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Printed above and below is the reassuring theme:
“Finally: a discipleship training resource that pastors can really trust.”
Please tell me - what were the training resources pastors used prior to iFollow that we now cannot trust?
A friend, Brother Anthony Burns, introduced me to this site and suggested I take a serious look at what is taught and promoted. There are approximately 4,000 pages of manuscript for about 130 topics involved in the developement of the iFollow program.
Bro Burns suggested I look at the Confession section and that’s where I found some alarming issues. Really alarming.
The link to the Confession study is found by clicking the link on the home page for Lessons and that will bring you to http://ifollowdiscipleship.org/index.php?id=64 (no longer accessible)
TRY - https://www.adventsource.org/ministry-plus/downloads/confession-1656
which is the page headed iFollow Discipleship Pastor’s Edition.
Find and click Search Lessons near top right and arrive at a Lessons Search Result page - and an additional logo -
https://www.adventsource.org/ministry-plus/articles/ifollow-discipleship-resource-1215 Type in the word Confession in the search block and hit ‘search'. Click on the first result - Confession. That will take you to a choice of two downloads. Click on the PDF logo and Lesson Plan.
Lesson Plan & Study Guide In fact, you can probably click on the link noted at the left to arrive at that lesson.
As of 2020 there has been an effort to change location for references noted.
Apparently, AdventSource.org has picked up the bulk of what is linked on this site.
The lesson will download and is fairly large. It is well written and contains very good guidance - yet no reference to any Spirit of Prophecy inspiration - for example, the Chapter in Steps to Christ titled Confession.
Scroll down to Rules for Confessing. In that section you will read the following:
Is there ever a bad time [to confess to a person]? Yes, there is. If the person against whom we have sinned knows nothing about it, and it would hurt him or her worse to know, this is a good time to talk to the trusted pastor or friend. The sin must be confessed, not only to God, but to one other godly person. However, it may never be possible
to tell the whole truth to the person most nearly affected. If we have talked it through
with someone else, and this person agrees it should not be told, we can still find the
relief of sharing, and the peace of God’s forgiveness and strength to do differently
next time.
H-m-m-m. Is that Scriptural? NO.
The new modern bibles based on the corrupted Alexandria manuscripts has been changed to read in James 5:16 -
"Therefore confess your sins to each other…” Most all of them state to confess your sins to another person.
The King James Version states: "Confess your faults one to another,”. Is there a difference. Absolutely!
1John 3:4 states: “...for sin is the transgression of the law.” Is a fault a sin?
A fault is a human frailty - like forgetting to do something your spouse asks because your memory is bad or you got distracted. It can be forgetting to put the cap on the tooth paste, or forgetting to change the oil in the engine, or missing a dental appointment, poor decision making moments. None of those things are good but it is the human condition we are now stuck with - it is not a transgression of God’s law!
Where do we find sins confessed to another? In the confessional? Is there maybe a connection here?
Ok. Let’s consider studying this a little bit more. Maybe I’m being a bit extreme and picky. There is a lot of beautiful truth and advice in this lesson. After all these guys who wrote this are theologians and leaders in our church.
However, I was lead to read Chapter 4, Confession, in Steps to Christ and found these words on the first page.
"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed." James 5:16. Confess your sins to God, who only can forgive them, and your faults to one another. If you have given offense to your friend or neighbor, you are to acknowledge your wrong, and it is his duty freely to forgive you. Then you are to seek the forgiveness of God, because the brother you have wounded is the property of God, and in injuring him you sinned against his Creator and Redeemer. The case is brought before the only true Mediator, our great High Priest, who "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin," and who is "touched with the feeling of our infirmities," and is able to cleanse from every stain of iniquity. Hebrews 4:15. {SC 37.3}
H-m-m-m, seems like a conflicting view between iFollow writers and Steps to Christ.
Let’s go to the Additional Resources section at the end of the lesson. Surely, that will provide a clearer view of this Spiritual Disciplines Lesson on Confession.
As I was looking at the authors and titles they seemd to standout in an area we have been warned about.
I researched each author to find their “ field” and then put the author and selection in red if I was able to prove that there was reason for concern.
The new discipline we have been warned against is 'spiritual formation'. All the authors in red are linked in some way to ‘spiritual formation’.
Spiritual formationspiritual formation is used as the ‘canary in the mine’. If exists - and is promoted - then the other related issues are certainly there; the emerging church movement, new theology movement, ecumenism and unity, experience based 'truths’ over Biblical truth, etc.
What wrong with spiritual formation? It is a deception of spiritualism. It is a subtle method to communicate with demons. Look at the video below the Additional Resources section and the comments.
Additional Resources
Arnold, J. C. (1997). Seventy Times Seven: The Power of Forgiveness. Rifton, NY: The Plough Publishing House. (Note especially Chapter 12, “Forgiveness through Confession.”)
J.C. Arnold found Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul helped shape his life. Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York critiqued one of his books and wrote- "Compact yet compelling… A wealth of personal stories and hope-filled insights."
Augsburger, David (2006). Dissident Discipleship: A Spirituality of Self-Surrender, Love of God and Love of Neighbor. Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press.
David Augsburger (Ph.D., Claremont School of Theology) was professor of pastoral care and counseling at Fuller Theological Seminary (now retired). Claremont and Fuller both strong emphasis on Spiritual Formation - Ignatian Spirituality
Chittister, Joan O.S.B. (1990). Wisdom Distilled from the Daily: Living the Rule of St. Benedict Today. New York, NY: Harper Collins.
The title of the book speaks for itself...
Foster, Richard J. (1978). Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth. New York, NY: Harper - San Francisco.
Richard Foster is one of the main forces promoting Spiritual Formation in the US and elsewhere.
Johnson, Jan, Keith Matthews and Dallas Willard (2001). Study Guide to The Divine Conspiracy. New York, NY: Harper One.
Johnson, Jan is a writer, speaker and spiritual director for Spiritual Formation.
Keith J. Matthews, D.Min. Chair, Graduate Ministry Department Professor of Spiritual Formation and Contemporary Culture
Dallas Albert Willard is an American philosopher also known for his writings on 'Christain' spiritual formation.
Jones, Tony (2005). The Sacred Way. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
In The Sacred Way, Jones openly acknowledges his affinity with mysticism. With chapters on labyrinths, stations of the cross, the silence, centering (mantric) prayer, and more, Jones' leaves no doubt that he embraces eastern-style mystical prayer practices.
Hahn, Scott (2003). Lord, Have Mercy: The Healing Power of Confession. New York: Doubleday. (Note that this book is very Catholic. In fact the jacket calls it “an illuminating, reassuring explanation of the Catholic Church’s teachings on confession and forgiveness.” Nonetheless, it has some helpful ideas, including good Biblical material.)
The entire statement in red is written in the Additional Resources .The title of the book and the Note of explaination says enough.
Kuhlman, Delcy (1998). Experiencing God through Spiritual Mentoring. Lincoln, NE: Center for Creative Ministry.
Spiritual Mentoring is a foundation of Spiritual Formation
McLaren, Brian D. (2008). Finding Our Way Again: The Return of the Ancient Practices. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.
Another leader in the discipline and practice of Spiritual Formation. The “Ancient Practices” do not refer to Biblical practices but to the practices of the Catholic desert ‘fathers'.
Ortberg, John (1997). The Life You’ve Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
A central theme of his teaching and books is spiritual formation. The term 'Spiritual Disciplines’ almost always involve spiritual formation and does here.
Pennebaker, James W. (1997). Opening Up: The Healing Power of Expressing Emotions. New York: Guilford Press. -
Opening Up by James W. Pennebaker is all about Spiritual Formation
Smith, James Bryan (1993). A Spiritual Formation Workbook: Small Group Resources for Nurturing Christian Growth. New York, NY: Harper One.
I think the title says it all.
Stassen, Glen H., and David P. Gushee (2003). Kingdom Ethics: Following Jesus in Contemporary Context. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
Dallas Willard, known for his writings on Christian spiritual formation, approves of and supports this book. ‘Contemporary Context’ give a very good clue.
Whitney, Donald S. (1991). Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress Publishing Group.
Dr. Whitney came to Southern Baptist Theological Seminary from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he was Associate Professor of Spiritual Formation for ten years
Willard, Dallas (1990). The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives. New York, NY: Harper One.
Dallas Willard, known for his writings on ‘Christian' spiritual formation
Willard, Dallas (2002). Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.
Dallas Willard, known for his writings on 'Christian' spiritual formation
Willard, Dallas (1998). The Divine Conspiracy: Discovering Our Hidden Life in God. New York, NY: Harper San Francisco.
Dallas Willard, known for his writings on ‘Christian' spiritual formation
Wright, N.T. (1994). Following Jesus: Biblical Reflections on Discipleship. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
Wright’s focuses on spiritual formation as participation in the life of the church
iFollow Discipleship Series: Walking with Jesus
Action Plan & Presenter Notes
Spiritual Disciplines: Confession
There is no references to any Spirit of Prophecy writings. Does that seem a bit strange?
None of these authors that I can tell, are Seventh Day Adventists.
There are a total of about 130 lessons in the iFollow series - which are divided into three main categories. The additional research below is only based on 17 of these lessons.
The additional research of the other 16 Lessons Additional Resources sections in this category/series reveal a startling similarity in resource materials to further promote the deception of Spiritual Formation.
That content is available HERE
Spiritual Formation is a practic involving contact with satanic entities. It is spiritualism. Authors practicing and/or promoting spiritual formation are infidel authors.
What does the Spirit of Prophecy say about studying infidel authors?
Is there any doubt as to the direction these lessons and resources are leading?
And this is “Finally: a discipleship training resource that pastors can really trust.”
What do you think?
Is this deception of Spiritual Formation the 'omega’ we were warned about - just before the end?
Spiritual Formation is a ‘disicipline' given to Ignatius Loyola via dictation - NOT from God. Ignatius also founded the Jesuits for the purpose of destroying Protestantism. He was not led by God. He was a tool of satan.
Why then are Seventh Day Adventists so bent on involvement with spiritual formation? Again, is this the ‘omega’ we were warned about 100+ years ago? Is this the spiritualism we were told would be at the end of time?
“Living Temple [written by John Kellogg about pantheism] contains the Alpha of these theories. The Omega would follow in a little while. I tremble for our people. These beautiful representations are similar to the temptation that the enemy brought to Adam and Eve in Eden.” {1SAT 341.3}
“Few can discern the result of entertaining the sophistries advocated by some at this time. But the Lord has lifted the curtain, and has shown me the result that would follow. The spiritualistic theories regarding the personality of God, followed to their logical conclusion, sweep away the whole Christian economy. They estimate as nothing the light that Christ came from heaven to give John to give to His people. They teach that the scenes just before us are not of sufficient importance to be given special attention. They make of no effect the truth of heavenly origin, and rob the people of God of their past experience, giving them instead a false science. {1SM 203.4}
In a vision of the night I was shown distinctly that these sentiments have been looked upon by some as the grand truths that are to be brought in and made prominent at the present time. I was shown a platform, braced by solid timbers--the truths of the Word of God. Someone high in responsibility in the medical work was directing this man and that man to loosen the timbers supporting this platform. Then I heard a voice saying, "Where are the watchmen that ought to be standing on the walls of Zion? Are they asleep? This foundation was built by the Master Worker, and will stand storm and tempest. Will they permit this man to present doctrines that deny the past experience of the people of God? The time has come to take decided action." {1SM 204.1}
The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the supposition that a great reformation was to take place among Seventh-day Adventists, and that this reformation would consist in giving up the doctrines which stand as the pillars of our faith, and engaging in a process of reorganization. Were this reformation to take place, what would result? The principles of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church, would be discarded. Our religion would be changed. The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for the last fifty years would be accounted as error. A new organization would be established. Books of a new order would be written. A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced. The founders of this system would go into the cities, and do a wonderful work.
205
The Sabbath of course, would be lightly regarded, as also the God who created it. Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the new movement. The leaders would teach that virtue is better than vice, but God being removed, they would place their dependence on human power, which, without God, is worthless. Their foundation would be built on the sand, and storm and tempest would sweep away the structure. {1SM 204.2}
Who has authority to begin such a movement? We have our Bibles. We have our experience, attested to by the miraculous working of the Holy Spirit. We have a truth that admits of no compromise. Shall we not repudiate everything that is not in harmony with this truth? {1SM 205.1}
I hesitated and delayed about the sending out of that which the Spirit of the Lord impelled me to write. I did not want to be compelled to present the misleading influence of these sophistries. But in the providence of God, the errors that have been coming in must be met.” {1SM 205.2}
Bottom Line: Because of all the corruption - do we leave this church? NO!
1. What do we do?
We meet it!
We earnestly PRAY for our beloved church and leaders. As did Jesus, and Daniel, and Moses, and Elijah. Study, and by the workings of the Holy Spirit, exhibit the attitude the Bible characters had toward their church in the times of apostasy.
2. Where would we go?
The foundational doctrines of this church are Biblically sound and our going anywhere else would be an even greater compromise. We have the truth as did Israel of old. They apostatized - but they were still God’s chosen people. So are we.
3. Remember the wheat and tares grow together - until the Harvest.
Get ready, get ready.
For more on this topic click the article/pamphet Modern Mysticism by Dave Feidler - pages 22-31