Letters
posted 1/08/2001 12:00AM
Willow Creek Myth
Utterly amazing! An article on Willow Creek Community Church ["Community Is Their Middle Name," Nov. 13], certainly the center of considerable controversy over the course of its 25-year history, and you enlist a member of the church to write it.
I was amazed that you failed to mention the most thorough and honest critique of the church, Willow Creek Seeker Services: Evaluating a New Way of Doing Church, by G. A. Pritchard (Baker, 1996). This important work has been cited by all serious researchers of Willow Creek. Did you consider interviewing Dr. Pritchard?
Some Christian leaders, myself included, believe Willow Creek is one of the most divisive and sectarian megachurches in the nation. Your feature never addressed our concerns.
Sadly, you actually added to the growing "myth" of Willow Creek by taking a pass on a host of significant theological, social, and ethical issues. I had hoped for better, especially from a publication I generally respect, but I was greatly disappointed.
John H. Armstrong
President
Reformation & Revival Ministries Inc.
Carol Stream, Illinois
Your affirmation of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in the article, "Willow Creek's Place in History" [Nov. 13], is appreciated.
Your affirmation, however, was a little too enthusiastic. The actual number of churches in North America is around 2,000, not 27,000.
The total number of Foursquare churches throughout the world is 27,000: 25,000 abroad and 2,000 in North America.
Dr. John L. Amstutz
Foursquare Missions International
Fresno, California
The Ezzo Files
Thank you so much for "Unprepared to Teach Parenting?" [Nov. 13]. I have been following problems with the Ezzos and Growing Families International (GFI) for almost a decade, and I can vouch for the truthfulness of the article.
I have felt incredibly frustrated as I have seen not only parents but also pastors and Christian leaders misled and even duped by the Ezzos. It has all too often been assumed that whatever the Ezzos say is gospel truth, and that whatever the critics say are vicious, slanderous lies.
Some of your readers will say that the materials are great, even if the authors and organization are seriously flawed. I would take great exception to that. They will focus on the allegedly positive external results—"obedient, polite, cheerful" children, as if such outward behavior were the sole criteria for success—while there have been serious concerns about the effect of the materials on some children's physical and emotional health.
I have watched parents and leaders reject the wisdom of Christian experts in lactation, psychology, and child development—not just philosophy but even physiological facts—in favor of the Ezzos' shallow explanations in defense. When confronted by solid arguments, these parents and leaders retreat in silence or stubbornly insist that the materials are still right, unable to answer yet ignorantly continuing to cling to gfi teachings "in faith."
Is the integrity of Gary Ezzo important knowledge for the Christian world? Absolutely, yes! Since Ezzo has been unable to acknowledge his errors, and because his materials and organization have wreaked havoc on as many families as they may have helped, it is incumbent upon the Christian media to shine the light into the darkness by bringing truth to the Church at large.
Lisa Marasco
International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant
Santa Maria, California
I am truly grateful that your magazine published Kathleen Terner's article on Gary Ezzo and Growing Families International.
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