My exposure to mega-minister Andy Stanley is minimal at best. I remember hearing my grandparents mention the name of Andy's father, Charles Stanley, growing up. A few years ago, we purchased a small group study that Andy had done on Christmas, but our group found it a little light on substance and decided not to continue with it. Additionally, my brother had sent me an article about Stanley's newest book, Not in it to Win it, and we talked about a few points of agreement we found with the thesis.
Outside of that, I can't say I know anything about Andy Stanley. So when the latest uproar over Stanley's supposed doctrinal drift began to surface last week, I'd like to think I went into it with eyes wide open. I have no reason to assume the worst of Stanley – even if the teaching I was exposed to lacked serious theological depth, that's no crime. It just means it wasn't my cup of tea. And the popular accusation that Stanley compromises too willingly for the sake of building a following is one I'm increasingly hesitant to believe without compelling evidence.
As much as it shouldn't be, jealousy is a real thing in ministry, and Stanley's popularity, influence, and following is certainly something easy to envy. From my seat, I'd much rather give someone the benefit of the doubt until there is ample and self-evident reason for rebuke; particularly public rebuke.
Yet even with all those cautions and preconditions, it's nearly impossible to escape the conclusion that Stanley has a responsibility to the body of Christ to clarify recent remarks that the popular minister made regarding homosexual conduct within the Church.
Though I recognize the dangers of posting a small segment of a sermon or speech, having read and viewed the larger context, I do not think this clip in any way diminishes or misrepresents the point that Stanley was making:
Like I mentioned above, I believe in granting the benefit of the doubt as much as possible. Standing alone, I could make a case for this being merely a clumsy articulation of an otherwise acceptable point. I can strain credulity and conclude that what Stanley meant was that those surrendering their same-sex romantic and sexual urges to the will of Christ are demonstrating a self-sacrificial, faithful obedience that many of the rest of us don't demonstrate enough.
The problem with making such an assumption is two-fold. First, Stanley is widely known as a master communicator. Why would such a preeminent teacher be so incapable of articulating that simple point? Secondly, believing it was all just miscommunication requires you to shut your eyes to corroborating evidence that has surfaced indicating that Stanley may be using a "clumsy articulation" charade to ease his congregation into the acceptance of what is biblical heresy.
At first glance that might seem uncharitable to Stanley, assigning him intentionally sinful, manipulative motivations. Isn't it possible that the preacher is simply misled or confused himself? Is it not conceivable that he doesn't realize his error and is operating with the best of intentions? Perhaps that could have been believed before this last week.
But once the furor arose on social media and Stanley's name began trending on Twitter, a minister from Arizona named Ryan Visconti stepped forward to offer a stunning indictment of Stanley's surreptitious behavior. It's long and detailed, but for those interested in doctrinal purity and Scriptural fidelity among the nation's most popular and influential Bible teachers, it's a necessary read.
Maybe those last two tweets are the most significant – corroboration by others who were in attendance and affirm what Visconti is courageously revealing. That's the testimony of three men, three ministers, making direct allegations that Stanley is himself in rebellion to the Scriptures and is willfully teaching this error in an underhanded and sneaky manner.
To this point, both Stanley and his church, North Point Ministries, are yet to respond to this or any questions related to the issue. That simply can't be allowed. The integrity of God's Word and Christ's Church demands better.
