[kisstheson]

Thank you, dear Admin, for posting the full text of this article by dear brother Nigel. Apparently, the references to Mao made this "too hot" for concernedbrothers.com. I am very glad to see that we now have access to this very important document right here on this forum.

It saddens me deeply that the failures of "The New Way" were never adequately addressed or repented of by the LC leadership. It is a real shame that so many dear ones became burnt out and discouraged and that there has never been adequate repentance by those who vigorously promoted "The New Way".

It is also very sad, but very interesting, to observe that while some of the practices of "The New Way" were largely abandoned long ago (door-knocking, instant baptisms, etc.), some of the other baggage that was introduced during "The New Way" is very much part and parcel of the LC to this very day. Brother Nigel gives some examples of "New Way" baggage that was retained:

1) The setting up of "prophesying meetings" pushed out the system of "one man speaking", but ironically replaced it with "the speaking of one man - Witness Lee".
2) The setting up of "prophecying meetings" pushed out of the local assemblies the speaking of local gifted ones - the local prophets and teachers. The ministry to the brothers and sisters in the LC became monopolized by WL and the BB's at the seven official yearly "feasts".
3) The New Way was the first time “the work” and “the ministry” sought to lead the local churches on a global scale. It initiated the ascendancy of “the ministry” above the churches.
4) The New Way brought in the establishment of the FTT's, with the resultant idea that the only "full-timers" that are officially-recognized as "full-timers" are products of the FTTs.

As dear brother Nigel says so well, "These are steps on the road towards institutionalization."