Quote:
Originally Posted by Ohio
Here's another driving factor behind the commitment of many an old-timer full-timer: In the late 70's, the Max Rapoport "thing" blew up in the LC's. Yes, Max caused lots of chaos, destroying many LC's and young people, but behind the scenes Lee pushed him into it, and that story was never told.
Anyways, Max was a charmer and a charismatic leader who gathered quite a following. After the dust settled, and Max was shamed into departure, some of these brothers soberly and publicly repented of their involvement. Two in particular with brothers Dick Taylor and Howard Higashi of Long Beach(?). These two were precious shepherds who loved the Lord and the saints.
I believe their repentance went too far. They devoted themselves anew to Lee's work and ministry absolutely and unreservedly, to the point where they abrogated personal discernment. Others also took cue from them, since the two were so outspoken in their new found admirations. This gave Lee an unrestricted license, which served him a decade later to coverup all manner of unrighteousness, and shame a new crop of brothers into LC "extinction."
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It seems that LC history has been punctuated by calls to "return back to the ministry" after chaotic events. Unfortunately, it must have never occurred to anyone just where the chaos originated from. Max is the perfect example of that. Surely, some amount of blame can be placed on him for what happened, but when did the other party involved (WL) ever step up to the plate and accept some of the blame as well? It was completely disingenuous for WL to sit back and watch other brothers "repent" and even let them set an example for saints to "line up" with his ministry as a solution to the problem that occurred.
Most LCers would consider the ministry to be some sort of elixir. As such, they aren't about to question it or reject it for simple fear of not knowing if they could survive without it. This is ideal for leaders, because it means that the ministry is the last place that anyone will place any blame.