The Post-Charismatic Project

I’d like to point people’s attention to Rob McAlpine’s Post-Charismatic Project. It is an invaluable resource for understanding the history and doctrines that have underpinned and often caused many problems for those who would pursue a life filled with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

Many of you may not be aware of this, but one of the Vineyard’s distinctives is that it has attempted to fuse evangelical theology and charismatic practice. But this proves to be a hard path to follow, particularly because a lot of evangelical practice and charismatic theology conflict with the aforementioned attempt.

Frankly, this is one of the reasons that the recent influence of IHOP on WCV has caused some friction. IHOP’s theology is sometimes difficult to reconcile to us who are more evangelical in their theology. If you happen to read the project entirely–which I highly recommend–you will get a much better historical context for why some (not all) of IHOP’s emphases can be troubling. Specifically, you will see that Mike Bickle and the Vineyard have a history of divergent theology and practice.

Please do not take this to mean that I’m at odds with the people in our community who feel called to start the Sanctuary HOP. One of the great things I’ve seen is that Mike Bickle and the Vineyard have generally maintained a spirit of brotherly love towards each other while definitely disagreeing about certain things. I hope that we too can maintain that spirit.

Furthermore, as I’ve gotten to know the heart behind the desire to set up the SHOP, I’m all for it. I think that we need to pray more, not less, for our city. I believe that this could be an incredible blessing on our city and a possible avenue for God to wake us from our apathy. I don’t like everything about the package, but I love what’s in it.

7 responses to “The Post-Charismatic Project”

  1. Well, please do feel free to disagree with me. However, I make no insinuation that they’re non-evangelical or anti-evangelical. All I mean is that their theological emphases lean more towards the charismatic end of the spectrum.

    An example of this would be a teaching on “Joel’s Army.” This is a prohpetically based, not biblically based, teaching. It has roots in the Latter Rain movement, as you will see if you read the Project. But still, I don’t think they’re out to intentionally beguile and mislead people.

    Their practice, which includes a huge emphasis on prayer, devotion to Jesus and a heart for missions is incredible and a true blessing.

  2. Looking forward to the read.

    I can’t wait for my theological dictionary to get here from Amazon.

    Evangelical just means so many different things to different people. It’s pretty hard to nail down a definition.

    It probably isn’t a terribly good label for “mission-oriented”; the JW’s and Mormons are pretty good evangelists, but it hardly makes them Evangelical!

    Pietism and Protestantism are probably better categories for the IHOP case, as they take their cue from the Moravian Brethren.

  3. Yeah, evangelical as a term is only slightly more definable than the term postmodernism.

    Oh, and Cam, go check this out on Robbymac’s site. You’ll see why when you get to the bottom!

  4. Matt -completely accurate observation!!!! Thanks for noting it out loud -your heart is good.

    PS-Have I ever told you that you really are “brilliant”? you are.

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