Matt Redman and Francis Chan: Slated to Appear at 'OneThing'
Recently, I expressed concern about the appearance of Christian rock band Third Day at the "Voice of the Apostles 2013" conference in Orlando, FloridaNow I have learned that two other influential evangelicals are slated to appear at another New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) event: musician Matt Redman and Bible teacher Francis Chan.Both Chan and Redman have agreed to take part in an annual conference sponsored by the International House of Prayer (IHOP). "Onething 2013" is expected to draw 25,000 young adults to the IHOP base in Kansas City, Missouri, this December.Their participation in this event concerns me because IHOP promotes unbiblical NAR teachings and practices, including the restoration of the present-day offices of apostle and prophet and dominionism.Yet while I was disappointed by Matt Redman and Third Day's decisions to appear at an NAR event, I am more concerned about Francis Chan's decision. Let me explain.Matt Redman and the members of Third Day are musicians. They don't claim to be Bible teachers (though they do teach indirectly through their lyrics). Many people expect that musicians will perform wherever their agents book them.But Francis Chan, on the other hand, is a Bible teacher. He is the founder and former teaching pastor of Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley, California. He's also the author of multiple books that have been influential among evangelicals, including Crazy Love--which is used in many church small group studies--and has even created a new seven-part video Bible study on doctrine aimed at youth.So, because of Chan's status as a respected Bible teacher and expert on doctrine, his appearance at an IHOP event will lend more credibility to NAR teachings than even that of Third Day or Matt Redman.So, what is Chan doing at an NAR event?I can't say I know what he's thinking. But I do know that a theme of his teaching is the confrontation of lukewarmness among Christians--a theme he shares in common with the teachings of IHOP founder Mike Bickle. Perhaps their shared emphasis on passionate spirituality is why Chan has agreed to grace the IHOP stage.What I do know is that Chan's appearance at IHOP has the potential to introduce the NAR movement to many traditional evangelical youth who follow him. They won't know they are being introduced to the NAR movement--by this specific name. But they may be intrigued by the "exciting" new teachings and speakers they are exposed to at this conference and want to learn more.This makes me wonder if we could be witnessing the early stages of the NAR movement being accepted among more traditional evangelicals.-- By Holly Pivec