Examining LC Spinoffs

[Sons to Glory!]

Recently something was mentioned about the Scottsdale gathering, which was once part of the LC system back in the mid-1980s. It’s been suggested that this group, and other groups that have left the LC/LSM orbit, are really just sort of a LC-lite, and therefore might be excessively steeped in unhealthy Lee-ism. I thought it might be beneficial to have a discussion, examining what the teachings and practices of these groups are.

A few basics to convey regarding my experience in Scottsdale: I have been with the Scottsdale gathering since 1998, and therefore know something of the teachings and practices here. I admit to being quite biased in that I love this gathering and, as I have stated before, I know that this is where the Lord has placed me . . . I’m most thankful for this on a continual basis! With certainly, I can say there is nothing to hide here, and I welcome all sincere inquiries. The meetings in Scottsdale do follow the open format as is the basic pattern with LC meetings. That is, anyone is welcome to speak something they believe will edify others in their pursuit of Christ, to call a song, etc. As far as whose ministry we are beholding to, I would say it is wide open as long as it is centered in the word of God and honors Christ. Six brothers rotate giving the Sunday message, typically from a book of the Bible we're going through. Lee’s teachings are rarely mentioned and generally only by a very few. Nee’s materials are discussed a little more from time to time, and a myriad of other Christian writers and speakers are shared regularly. Basically, there is NO rule about who or what can be shared . . . it is up to the individual as they are so led by the Spirit.

Personally, I have a small group of brothers I fellowship with regularly, at least a couple times a week. For us, everything is on the table and open for discussion. This kind of transparent fellowship is awesome in order to support one another and to pray for one another’s situations. We also have had many discussions about how our thinking has been affected – positively or negatively – from our time in the LC. Through this and the study of the word, many things have been brought to light that we now see were erroneous or unhealthy. Has there been a total rejection of all things from the LC cosmos? No, and again, there are no rules about that. Some are very strong in their distaste of much of Lee’s teachings, others not so much. Somewhat surprisingly (but I can certainly understand why), there are some here that are quite solid in their near total refutation of the Freemans, whom this group was generally centered around before Bill & Patsy Freeman left in 1998.

There are a few other off-shoots from the LC that I am aware of in this country and which I have had some interaction with. This includes the group in Moses Lake, Oregon, and a group in Raleigh, North Carolina, where Don Rutledge is. There is also a group in Westminster, California, where I believe John Ingalls was (before his passing). I have always experienced a really good and liberating time in Christ when ones from those places have come here for sharing, fellowship and worship. Any other off-shoots I am not so personally aware of, concerning their teachings and practices, etc. (A couple other spinoff groups to mention, but I don't know much about, are Grandview Christian Assembly near Columbus, Ohio, as well as the church in Toronto, Ontario.)

Again, I felt a discussion around this might be beneficial to some participating or viewing this forum. To those who are still be in the LC and are lurking out there, they could learn what these groups are like that have left the LSM orbit. To those who are regulars on here, it might help clear up any misconceptions. And, the Lord might also use it to shine light on hindering things I (and others) might still harbor unawares from the LC influence.