Why I Am A Member Of The City of Angels Christian Church (Part One) by Marty Wooten

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
Last Sunday, each of us placed membership with the City of Angels International Christian Church here in Los Angeles. Though initially apprehensive, during the month we visited we were very impressed by the powerful singing, warm loving fellowship, and particularly, the strong and visionary biblical preaching and teaching. It is always encouraging to anticipate learning new insights from God’s Word. Beyond these dynamics, we want to take this opportunity to explain the reasons for our decision. Because of its length, we will present our thoughts in two parts.

First of all, financial support was in no way a factor in our decision. We are not part of the staff, nor will we be supported financially by the church. God has blessed both us with full-time jobs for which we are very thankful. Our decision should not be taken to imply that we are opposed to the financial support of evangelists or church staff. Paul’s argument throughout 1 Corinthians 9, aptly summarized in verse 14, demonstrates the legitimacy of that support. “In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. ” In regards to our situation, we wish to teach and write from as independent and objective position as possible. In our opinion, not being financially supported by a fellowship will allow us to do so.

Respect and Honor for the Christian Struggle
Now concerning the reasons we have joined the City of Angels Church. One of the most impressive dynamics of the congregation is their intensive “concern for the weak.” This might be termed more appropriately, “giving respect and honor to the Christian struggle.” During one of our heartfelt conversations with the McKeans, Kip confessed to us that in the past one of his greatest sins was his lack of concern for the “weak” members of the church. In our experience, many of the International Churches of Christ had ceased for many years to be known for their love. By ignoring crucial biblical teachings and being consumed with the goal to become the fastest growing church movement in the world, we lost our identity as a legitimate part of the movement of God. (John 13:35) We are united with Kip in our convictions to help build a church that is known for its love. Many Christians are visiting and moving to the City of Angels Church attracted by this loving and safe fellowship—a fellowship in which honesty, openness, encouragement, and love abound. This was most inspiring to us, particularly when we talked to some teens in the congregation. They shared openly with us, strangers, about their struggles and challenges. How impressive it is that teens have a place where they can be open about their struggles and sins without vicious judgmental attacks and labeling.

Biblically speaking, and of course, in comparison to the perfection of God, every Christian is weak. Categorizing Christians according to narrow-minded unbiblical standards is a denial of the emphases of Jesus’ ministry and the Scriptures. Much of the efforts of Jesus and his apostles were devoted to breaking down the “wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14) caused by critical errors in judgment. Yet, instead of striving to emulate the passion of our Lord against such destructive division, in our own family’s trials we were deeply hurt by this same kind of hostility; a hostility that we consider parallel to that responsible for the murder of Christ and presumptively the execution of Paul. In more descriptive terms, it involves a “biting and devouring” (Galatians 5:15) of one another affiliated with legalistic and self-righteous judgments and unbiblical categorizations.

Paul’s reference to himself as the “worst of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15) should be a guiding light for the church during the dark times of unspiritual categorizations and worldly factions. In the City of Angels Church, we sense a much-needed and fresh perspective on the struggle of the Christian battle; an eager embracement of the biblical teaching that intense struggle is a normal part of the Christian walk. Our sinful tendency to hastily categorize our brothers and sisters as “struggling,” “not doing well,” or as “having attitudes,” is unfounded in light of such passages as “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) No level of unity can exist in a fellowship in which such categories are allowed to thrive. Yet in our former fellowship, we have allowed them to exist for years. In fact, some leaders of this fellowship still feel qualified to mark and disfellowship other Christians as if they are the standard to which all “true” disciples must adhere. “Marking” in the midst of such obvious dysfunction should, in no way, be considered as a legitimate and accurate use of the Scriptures. It simply adds to the division they say they seek to curtail.

The reality is, the longer we live as Christians, instead of getting easier, the more difficult the challenges we face. We must exert more energy helping one another to endure these challenges instead of attacking one another with petty accusations and tightening our theological boxes. Misdirected expenditure of energy is poor stewardship of God’s power within us. Only in Christ, do we have the unique opportunity to offer understanding and compassion without ignoring the basic truths of right and wrong.

“Yin and Yang”
Eastern thought has long recognized that tension is a necessary part of our existence. In regards to Christianity, there is a tension that is healthy to the maturing of the body of Christ. We are just two members of the City of Angels congregation, but it is crucial for our spiritual growth to be able to “speak the truth” as we see it without suspicion and unhealthy judgment. We have spent considerable time with Kip and Elena discussing our views, and we personally see a genuine openness for input and a recognition and respect for our different strengths and weaknesses. One of our and others’ mistakes of the past was the emphasis that for unity to take place, every member needed to view things identically. However, we vitally need different perspectives for our faith to be stretched, and we must share our perspectives to help stretch the faith of others. This can only be achieved in an environment in which genuine respect for each member of the body is taught and practiced. It’s exciting to see this fostered in the City of Angels Church.

This dynamic is pivotal to all Christian relationships. Without it the church has no real hope of maturing spiritually and growing into a vibrant and healthy fellowship. One of the most crucial aspects for effective ministry is to listen intently to other opinions and interpretations. For example, Jeff Thompson, one of our new friends and a house church leader, and I (Marty) have been discussing a particular issue. When I first heard his perspective on the issue, I became concerned. When we got together for coffee, instead of judging one another unnecessarily and prematurely with the agenda of “fixing” one another, we discussed the issue as mutual friends and brothers. By avoiding the criticism of one another, we were better able to focus on the issue which promoted a sincere unity and deeper friendship between us. We committed ourselves in friendship to “speaking the truth in love” and not attacking one another because of our different points of view. By this healthy exchange we both gained new insight into some important biblical truths and have grown in our appreciation for one another. These quality interactions among Christians are fun and foster genuine unity and fellowship, rather than fear and dishonesty in our relationships with one another.

“Jockeying for position” is destructive to our relationships in Christ. If this dynamic continues to be an issue in a relationship, and it cannot be resolved, then our advice is to move on to more healthy relationships or to another small group. We appreciate very much the freedom every member has in the City of Angels congregation to choose the small group (Bible Talk) or circle of relationships of which he or she is a part. We sense that this freedom is fueling a deeper and more sincere commitment to Christ and one another. It is certainly motivating and exciting to us.

It has often been taught erroneously that we must earn the respect of others before we should expect our views to be considered seriously. This teaching prevented honesty and openness from blossoming in our former fellowship. Every Christian must be heard and respected if the body of Christ is to function as a true spiritual body. (1 Corinthians 12) The early disciples of Christ clearly lacked respect and even had strong disdain for the people outside of their theological and social “boxes.” However, Jesus used many of these “sinful outcasts” as role models of faith, love, sacrifice, and deep conviction. This understanding must be a crucial part of every fellowship of disciples if we expect God to bless our efforts. It is very refreshing to see an “open mic” approach in the City of Angels fellowship, particularly concerning the restoration of fallen away disciples. In the month we have attended the church, each week during the service these Christians are given time to share openly. It is a joy to not only hear about their spiritual journeys, but to see them respected and loved. It is truly refreshing to witness Christians discussing and teaching one another adult to adult, striving to avoid the sinful tendency to hide behind positions, education, and worldly talent. We are all a mess in the flesh, and we all need each other equally to help clean it up.

At present, we are rolling up our sleeves and jumping into the work to encourage as many as we can, speak the truth as we see it, and to have our faith strengthened as well. Next week, we will discuss the importance, in our opinion, for a congregation to have visionary and powerful preaching, and what we believe it means to be united in “spirit and purpose” (Ephesians 2:2) with other congregations throughout the world, in order to have the greatest impact for Christ.

Marty and Cathy Wooten
martinwooten@yahoo.com
cathywooten@hotmail.com