IT was with great anticipation I *1 arrived at Sneaton Castle, Whitby for ‘Raising the Axe Head’ Conference. Also I knew I needed the Lord in His mercy to speak to me and to receive His wisdom to discern the right way to move forward in both ministry but also the responsibilities and relationships I have within the ‘Assemblies of God’.

For two years it has been my privilege to serve my brethren in the South East Region as Chairman and also for a period to attend National Leadership Team and Superintendents Meetings. I praise Jesus for some great fellowship and count it a joy to serve. But for some time I’ve had much cause for concern at the way I perceive the movement is drifting from Biblical Truth.

As I read Scripture my understanding is that the Church is arriving swiftly towards the last stages of apostasy. Faithful pastors and many others with Holy Spirit giftings are allowing themselves to fall into an experience based Christianity and Word-Faith aberrations. No one now dares speak out because we will be the ones labelled divisive and negative. How bizarre must miracles become before Christians will realise that not all Supernatural activity is from God?

Witness the two page spread in a recent ‘Joy’ magazine heralding TB Joshua from Nigeria as a mighty prophet of God. Just a little research would have shown this man to be a showman and who is gaining acclaim through lying signs and wonders. On a videotape sent out by his own Church, a “Blood of Jesus” Service was shown. It showed T.B. Joshua blessing a huge tank of water, touching each of twelve running spigots, proclaiming them to now be “The Blood of Jesus”. The masses were shown charging towards the spigots to drink, splash and shower in “the blood of Jesus.”

So we have “Toronto”, “The Laughing Craze”, “Pensacola”, “Gold Feathers”, Gold Fillings” and now Prophet Joshua and all of his strange beliefs and ungodly antics. A movement that no longer trusts the Bible is taking its people from one deception to another because we are being conditioned to believe a lie because it all seems so successful. That is why we so readily embrace false teachers as Benny Hinn. Yes doctrine does divide! I hear the words of our Lord, (“O adulterous generation…”)

Brother Phillip Powell mentioned at conference, when speaking on ‘Spiritual Warfare,’ “Our appeal must always be to the Bible and not to human experience no matter how successful or sensational it seems.”

At Whitby on the first evening Siam spoke concerning the many isolated Christians there are. During the week I met some of these lovely, but hurting folk. People suffering because they dared oppose error. Siam spoke of Elijah, and as in 1 Kings 17, many may feel like Elijah who appears as one making a lone stand. But as Siam pointed out, just as the Lord was able to meet Elijah in his felt isolation and provide for him, with the precious experience of the brook Cherith, the Lord will meet us in our time of need.

As the week proceeded I sensed that what was on Siam’s heart became my burden too. The Lord would have us fellowship with like minded believers. Personally I am well blessed as I pastor a Church I’m proud to be associated with and have many encouragements but there are many who feel alone.

As Siam said we must not repeat Elijah’s mistake witnessed in 1 Kings 19. There are thousands scattered across the visible church who have had to come out and be separate.

Believing the Lord would have me do something positive which would help leaders who feel threatened and who need a voice and possible platform, and also recognizing there are many Christians who are isolated and need a network of support, I accepted an invitation to become part of a working party of five to explore what is on God’s heart for His people at this significant time.

We are anticipating holding a second conference in the North of England during the Spring Bank Holiday in May. I praise Jesus for a wonderful week of uplifting ministry, great fellowship and superb food.