Apprising Ministries has reminded you that the Internet is moving at least 6 months to a year ahead of the rest of the Christian community. That’s why the destruction caused by the silent shockwaves of the huge explosion that was Elephant Room 2 have not yet even begun to fully reveal itself.

While we have seen There’s More To The Resignation Of James MacDonald From Gospel Coalition, Mark Driscoll Resigns From The Gospel Coalition and Matt Chandler To Be New President Of Acts 29 Network these are but minors cracks in organizations which will likely still be shown to have suffered major structural damage due to ER2.

It’s interesting to note that each of these men have been and are involved with the TGC, which operates within the Reformed and New Calvinist camps. I also showed you previously in Acts 29 Pastor Matt Chandler On Being A Reformed Charismatic that this New Calvinism appears to be a postmodern form of Calvinism.

We should note that this New Calvinism, which Matt Chandler’s The Village Church is aligned with, is charismatic; and further, in posts such as Calvinist Contemplative Spirituality/Mysticism? and Calvinist Contemplative/Centering Prayer? I’ve shared some additional concerns about this sector of the Young, Restless, Reformed movement.

The following description of New Calvinism is taken from the official blog of A29:

Four Ways ‘New Calvinism’ is So Powerful

1. Old Calvinism was fundamental or liberal and separated from or syncretized with culture. New Calvinism is missional and seeks to create and redeem culture.
2. Old Calvinism fled from the cities. New Calvinism is flooding into cities.
3. Old Calvinism was cessationistic and fearful of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. New Calvinism is continuationist and joyful in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
4. Old Calvinism was fearful and suspicious of other Christians and burned bridges. New Calvinism loves all Christians and builds bridges between them. (Online source)

Leaving aside the broadbrushing of “Old Calvinism,” point number 3 above is our concern here. To be clear, I’m one who definitely holds to the doctrines of grace, though I wouldn’t call myself a Calvinist; and being that I’m also not a strict cessationist, I have zero fear “of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.”

That said, I am most certainly a bit “suspicious” when people speak of being “a reformed charismatic” as does Matt Chandler. However you’re about to see that, in the case of Chandler and TVC, it’s far worse than charismatic leanings. We’re also going to be entering into corrupt Contemplative Spirituality/Mysticism (CSM) as well.

Below the evidence will show that Matt Chandler and his elders are promoting the spurious CSM of the cult of Foster-Willardism. The very same sinfully ecumenical so-called Spiritual Formation perpetrated by Living Spiritual Teacher andQuaker mystic Richard Foster along with his spiritual twin and SBC minister Dallas Willard.

As you can see in New Calvinism’s Mark Driscoll Encourages Contemplative Spiritual Disciplines this TVC Membership Covenant is fairly standard A29 operating procedure. Below is a section from TVC’s covenant as it appears today (click to enlarge):

The issue now becomes what is meant by “practice of spiritual disciplines.” After-all, it could simply mean practicing what’s commonly referred to as the means of God’s grace e.g. in Acts 2:42. It wouldn’t automatically mean that Matt Chandler and his elders are telling their covenant members that they must practice spurious CSM.

We will find our answer in What are the spiritual disciplines under the Membership section of TVC’s website devoted to Frequently Asked Questions:

In closing this. for now, you’ll see from the works which pastor Matt Chandler and his elders have recommend below that there’s no doubt whatsoever this is indeed the CSM of faulty Foster-Willardism:

See also:

ACTS 29 NETWORK AND REFORMED COUNTER REFORMATION SPIRITUALITY?

“CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE” BY RICHARD FOSTER IS ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THEOLOGICAL ERROR

IS DALLAS WILLARD A CHRISTIAN?