[Hope]

dj
You have it pretty much right. I would add John So if you want to include Europe and Ransford Acka in Africa. The difference between Ingalls and Mallon and Barber and Rapoport was the extent of their shaping influence. Neither JI nor BM had the force of personality or boldness to attempt to shape the churches, elders and co-workers. They, like all, had their opinions but were primarily interested in spiritual growth and purity of testimony.
All of the seven you mentioned had one common thread. They all were devoted to and very protective of WL. They all had a superstitious notion about deputy authority, the oneness of the work or ministry and WL's special portion. Bill Freeman and Bill Mallon were the most flexible and appreciative of what the Lord was doing in the various churches and through other brothers, both in the lc and out of the lc. John Ingalls could be a little naive and tended to always trust everyone's good intentions. But James felt he should play a role in assuring the "Oneness of God's Move" or should I say conformity with and submission to WL and his work. Max believed in the vision of Christ and the Church and that the Lord was currently building up a practical testimony etc. But he was different from James in that he did not see the current way being practiced generally in most of the local churches as the way to go. You could say he started the first national new way movement in the local churches. Barber opposed just as he had opposed and overcome the two Dougs in Berkley. Max was stronger and prevailed. But take it as fact it was going to be James or Max. James would have included John Ingalls and Bill Mallon as his inner circle while Max had selected a different set of supporters.

Yes the big three conference givers were JI, JB and BM and later MR. Conferences were one thing but the extensive and long exhausting private fellowships with the local and regional leaders that went on behind closed doors during the conference times was where the action was.

For yours and for who-so-ever else’s information here is a little 20,000 foot picture of how the various brothers operated in these sessions.

John Ingalls wanted to discuss the messages of the conferences and to learn what was happening in the various churches. He also was very interested in individuals and had an incredible memory for details regarding brothers and sisters. He was deeply interested in their well being. No one feared they may say a wrong thing but John was very free to offer his help and opinion on spiritual living and functioning in the church.

Bill Mallon loved to discuss the Bible truths as well as whatever he was speaking on. He was big on fellowship regarding the experience of the cross. If things were not going smoothly, do not look to Bill M. for a lot of sympathy. In his view, no elder was ever treated badly but rather we all needed more of the cross and more life. Only Benson was more interested in the fine points and details of a local project. If you were buying property, building a building or getting a fax machine do not bring it up. Bill loved to discuss the details.

Bill Freeman was always soaring at least at second heaven level. He loved to discuss his latest revelation from the scriptures and to discuss "the Lord's Work." He was very very interested in the story of any of the brothers where he was visiting. While I was with Bill F. least of all, I know more details of his life before, at and after salvation than any of the others.

Titus Chu was a big listener. He conducted himself in a very humble manner and it was so easy to open whatever was on your heart. We were always amazed when he responded at how helpful and insightful his fellowship was. He had a different flavor in his regards for WL. It was almost a reverence and marked by great gratitude. If an apostle is one who is a special gift to the Body of Christ to give direct aid in the local building of the church, that was Titus above all others. He never pushed Witness Lee's personal work as all but Freeman did but rather gave full attention to the building up work at hand.

James spoke little about what he might be sharing at the conference, but was busy reporting on issues and problems and warning the local leaders. He also had a lot to say about how things should be done and which of the elders or co-workers throughout the country/world were not exactly proper in their alignment with WL or who was working independently or who was not in life. He liked to talk about the economy, business and politics. Many times I felt I was just in a good ole boys bull session.

Max was ready to get with the program of taking the earth, spreading the gospel, mobilizing the saints etc. He had little use for so called spirituality and criticized in a generic way those who would stress purity of method over what will work. After two hours with Max, you often did not know if you should jump through a flaming hoop or just wind your watch. But you probably did have a good time.

Benson was and is the best at this type of gathering. He could control but would not exercise control. He would lead without appearing to do so. ETC. Eventually he was the strongest of all. He was a master at this type of meeting, maybe even better that WL. Whenever the session ended, we all knew our place and what we were expected to do and that Benson was in charge.

It was in this type of setting that WL controlled the churches. Later as he traveled less he added more of his special elders-co/workers gatherings. James and Max and later Benson used this setting to gain influence throughout the country. Benson is not a dynamic speaker or Bible expositor yet he is now the leader not any of the other six. How? What I introduced is the key to understanding how things were done. I am not trying to blow my own horn but if you were not allowed into these gatherings you are not privy to “the what happened to us full picture.”

In Christ Jesus there is hope for us all,

Hope, Don Rutledge