Where Has All the Orthopraxy Gone?

[rayliotta]

Originally Posted by HERn

I was attracted to the LSM-associated local churches by their practices at the Lord's table and prophesying meetings. Simple spontaneous prayers and calling for hymns by "regular" believers and spontaneous testimonies with prophecies (micro-sermons) from anyone willing to stand up and speak seemed (at least to me) to be practices that could have occurred in the primitive church. It was because of these practices that I was willing to ignore some "red flags" regarding doctrinal issues. These practices were open, mostly harmless and easily observed. But, there are other practices that are not easily observed. It is (I think) these hidden practices that that reveal the true (at least to me) nature of the LSM-associated churches who self-designate themselves as "The Lord's Recovery". It became clear to me that some of the leaders who spoke much about following Christ and the New Testament were only following Witness Lee's interpretation of Christ and the New Testament. Another practice that seemed prevalent to me was that most of the brothers who became "leading ones" or elders were vetted and "approved" by other leaders outside of the locality who were more often than not associated with LSM. The LSM-associated local churches tout local control, but my observations convinced me everything is under the strong influence of LSM-loyal brothers often to the detriment of the feelings of the saints in the locality.

I agree, HERn. From what I've observed, both the FTTA and the Austin apprenticeship have been very effective conduits for "the ministry" to maintain a network of influence at the local level (at least here in the US). It is a franchise with some local expression, and plenty of centralized control. Even some folks within the local churches use the "franchise" term.