Haggard: If I Ever Started a Church, it Would Be in Colorado Springs…
- Posted by: Todd
- Posted on: Fri, October 02, 2009
- Viewed 123
- (20) comments so far
After all, "I don't think churches compete. Churches complement one another", says Haggard.
For the record, I don't think churches should compete against each other either. But that's exactly what a new Ted Haggard church in Colorado Springs would attempt to do. In this case, there's not really any other way to look at it.
Haggard says that for the first time in 2 1/2 years, he is excited about the possibility of re-entering full-time ministry. And since he can see New Life Church from his house windows, full-time ministry looks like it will happen in the shadow of the church he founded.
Ted also admitted this week for the first time that he actually did use drugs (something he denied until now).
My prediction: Ted will start a new church in Colorado Springs in the next six months. A small number will follow the man. But the church Haggard originally founded will flourish like never before.
We'll see how it all works out.
Todd
Comments
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Door Hinges on Fri, October 02, 2009
I Agree with you at churches competing each other rather than complementing! Wonder what direction is the world going into
Brian Wahl on Fri, October 02, 2009
If he plants a church, hopefully it will be with the intent to fill the church with individuals who don’t go to church and don’t have a relationship with Christ, rather than with people who are coming from another church family. This should be the intent of all church planters.
Given who he is and his reputation, he might not be able to help some people coming from other churches, but he should model his church in a way to reach out to the unchurched.
I firmly believe that church planting is the greatest tool there is to reaching the lost. But, when a church is planted to reach unhappy members of other churches, that is not healthy.
Fred on Fri, October 02, 2009
He had rules and teachings in his own church against anyone leaving and starting a church or ministry in the same city.
Funny how the rules change when it’s you and yours.
Russell Mckinney on Fri, October 02, 2009
Has the man ever truly completed a real process of restoration? Have his actions exhibited genuine repentance and remorse? We know he’s sorry he got caught and lost his lofty position, but is that as deep as it runs? It just seems like he’s been biding his time, waiting for the storm to pass, until he could start a new church. I’ve got to admit, though, that I didn’t think he’d be shameless enough to start one in Colorado Springs. And make no mistake, he wouldn’t have floated out the idea unless he was testing the waters. It’s stuff like this that causes some of us to wonder if he’s changed all that much.
Chad Payne on Fri, October 02, 2009
Ted?!??!!! What are you thinking, man? You know better than this.
This is so disappointing.
Props to Pastor Brady at New Life, though. He is doing such a wonderful job with what has been an unbelievably difficult situation.
Church, we must watch this carefully and learn.
Pastor Matt Parkins on Sat, October 03, 2009
His church will be popular as he is a big name - but that is different to being successful (in a Kingdom sense).
Fred on Sat, October 03, 2009
“I don’t think churches compete.” REALLY?! What is the real truth? Churches and pastors compete ferociously…even to the point of yelling and screaming angrily about it…and then announce from the platform that they aren’t competing with other churches.
I think it IS true that there shouldn’t be competition between churches.
The church that met down by the river to pray didn’t have to worry about paying the huge building note, the pastors giant salary, the big staff salary, the pastors automobile notes, the latest electronics, the security guards, etc…etc…etc. It’s a shame that there is a competition for money while people are literally going to hell.
“How many is he running on Sunday morning”?
David Buckham on Mon, October 05, 2009
While I don’t like how this smells, the truth is Ted Haggard will be able to reach some people New Life isn’t reaching and hopefully has yet to reach. Personally, I think it ridiculous to start a church in the same town.
While some hinted that I was going to start a church in the same town when I got laid off (church had/has some financial issues) a few years ago, I refused because that would have caused more damage to the church I had been a part of for a few years. I was an associate minister. I love that church and the people there, I wouldn’t dare to damage the Bride of Christ by causing more division.
On the other hand I know of a minister who was fired from one church and he went down the road and started another church. That new church is (externally at least) very healthy. The old church, I believe, died.
If this is about God, and we don’t know what God is doing in Ted Haggard’s life, then our opinions are mute…regardless of how it “smells.”
all about Christ,
David Buckham
P.S. For what it’s worth, I googled Haggard’s email one or two weeks ago, because I felt lead to pray for him. So I sent him my prayer. I didn’t expect a response, but I got one. He seemed very humble and sincere. Maybe we should all pray that God would move in his life, you know, give him the wisdom to know if this is from God or not.
Bubba on Mon, October 05, 2009
I personally think that Ted starting a church in Colorado Springs is a shortcut to getting started…. but God will judge that. I too applaud Pastor Brady and New Life and pray they continue to reach others. I think Ted is too high profile… why not start a church in Denver or the Northwest? Is it because he knows of a core group that is ready to go?
My question is: (Especially David Buckham, whom I applaud not starting the church in the same town) Is it ALWAYS wrong to start a church in a town if the old guard fired you in a dead church? Do you guys think that sometimes God gives those churches one last try but then allows a new start if the leader was indeed sent to the city not just the church? Don’t you think it all comes down to attitude: humility vs. arrogance, brokeness vs. anger, calling vs. being hired, the towns needs vs. our ALWAYS rules? Just asking and would love to hear some input.
David Buckham on Mon, October 05, 2009
Bubba,
I mentioned above, I know of one church in the Carolinas (I don’t think it’s appropriate to name names) that the minister was fired and he went down the road (I think 1.5 miles) and started a new church. Some 15 years later the new church is doing well (at least numerically) and the minister has had a real positive effect on his community for Christ.
Greatly paraphrasing, I remember the Disciples coming to Jesus saying these guys, who we don’t even know, are doing this and that in your name, can we run them off. Jesus says no, I am being preached.
Bubba, you are so totally right though. It does come down to things like attitude and I would even say maturity and calling. We don’t know where Haggard has been called to minister. We may assume what Haggard has or hasn’t been called to do, but it’s pretty presumptuous of us to assume where God has called him to do it.
all about Christ
David Buckham
bubba on Mon, October 05, 2009
Good word David. I only comment here because I am in the Bible belt where there are lots of small towns with several churches each and not a one of them reaching their towns. Every time a true leader or prophetic voice is heard in these old, dead churches the leader is fired or “led to resign.” I myself know that I am called to the town I am in. I have been here a year, the church is growing and the power brokers will either soon fire me, or move on themselves. I wrestle with the issue of what I will do if I am fired. I hear the Spririt say “Take care of today…” But I do value other brother’s views. Thanks.
David Buckham on Mon, October 05, 2009
Bubba,
I too am now in a small town in a small church in the Bible Belt. I have been here for a little over a year (17 months). My family and I love it here, although it is very different from where we have been. We live and serve in Lee County, VA…the town of Pennington Gap. There are 25K people in our county (we don’t count the towns because they are very small). There are approx 180 churches in our county. According to 2000 census, the average church size is 20.
I would love to talk with you and encourage you. I would love to hear your stories and wisdom.
Email me if you want dbuckham AT gmail DOT com or call me via Google Voice at 2765467654.
all about Christ,
David Buckham
Jerry D. Hill on Mon, October 05, 2009
Is the calling of God ever withdrawn? Was Jonah supposed to preach in “Nineveh”. Are gifts, like preaching, teaching and others as listed by Paul temporary or given to perfect men or women or lifetime service?
Does God know what will happen down the road apiece? Does God have foresight? Has He ever used people we would have passed over? Would that include ourselves? Would God use a naked man to preach for three years in front of the whole community? What are the words in red- Milk or Meat? Who knows more Gospels - Epistles. Which were written last.
Bubba on Mon, October 05, 2009
Jerry,
Are you saying that you think “If the call of God is there go ahead and plant another church in town?” Please, I am dense sometime. Can you elaborate?
Jerry D. Hill on Mon, October 05, 2009
What can I add to the scripture? God’s callings and gifts are without repentance. A man with the itch will scratch. The call qualifies. Try Hebrews 11. Just full of great heroes. All with serious flaws or marred by a long life. Young and innocent is about all that is possible. Old and experienced. Keep your ears on the message, not the messenger. Who cares if they are naked. Listen, you will be judged by their words and yours.
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