The Ministry Becomes the Lampstand

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by alwayslearning

As long as it's clear that their comments are merely their views of LC system history. Usually they are not stated as such or have any disclaimer rather they are set forth as the truth regarding the history of the LC system and therefore invite challenge.

Consider the quote from Don Rutledge that in 1974 "is when the concept of the work began..." Actually we know that the concept of "the work" is an integral part of Watchman Nee's teachings e.g. "The Normal Christian Church Life". This was nothing new in 1974 except maybe to Don Rutledge in which case he should say it was a new concept to him and not make a sweeping generalization that encompasses the entire LC system.

It goes without saying that all forum posts comprise one's personal perspectives and recollections of events. Need we daily disclaimers like Tomes and Myer were forced to include as part of their every article? -- OK fine! See below.

There is also a huge difference between what Nee might have written in a book a quarter century ago and what dramatic changes Lee instituted that "very first special elders and co-workers conference. This is when the concept of the work began. Few of the saints realize the magnitude of effect this meeting had on the churches. With charts and statistics, Witness Lee and Max Rapoport came forth to launch the movement. It was boldly declared that the churches would use Witness Lee as the exclusive source of teaching and Max would serve as the coordinator to bring the various churches, with their elders, into a unified movement. Two life-study messages a week were going to be given in Anaheim. Ministry stations were set up in various cities to repeat his messages through designated brothers. Some smaller churches consolidated to the larger localities where there was a ministry station. The official list of twelve men who could give conferences was announced. From that time on, the individual churches would be called to account if they were moving “independently.” In addition to coordinating the elders to act in a single direction, Max was charged to assist the various churches to be more effective with gospel preaching and outreach." -- DR