Finally Some Truth Emerges

"There should be no confusion that deliverance from habitual, life-controlling problems is a journey and not an event. Ted will need years of accountability to demonstrate his victory over both actions and tendencies." Larry Stockstill, a Baton Rouge, La., pastor and overseer of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, where National Association of Evangelicals president Ted Haggard served as pastor. Stockstill was responding to another overseer's remarks that Haggard is now "completely heterosexual" and media reports that Haggard had been "cured."

Why do so many Christians in places of influence not speak honestly about how difficult it is to change long held habits? Why is there so much confusion about the biblical and practical aspects of helping people grow into new and more abundant lifestyles?

Thankfully, Pastor Larry Stockstill has spoken up to honestly evaluate Ted Haggard's real life situation. Rev Stockstill leads a Cell Church that intentionally reaches out to many hurting people in their neighborhoods. As a result he knows how difficult it is to bring such people to wholeness and maturity.

For 40 years my mantra has come from Isaiah 61:1-7

1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,

2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,

3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes, the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.

4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations.

5 Aliens will shepherd your flocks;
foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.

6 And you will be called priests of the LORD,
you will be named ministers of our God.
You will feed on the wealth of nations,
and in their riches you will boast.

7 Instead of their shame
my people will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
they will rejoice in their inheritance;
and so they will inherit a double portion in their land,
and everlasting joy will be theirs.

I am working with some people I first knew almost 40 years ago. They had such life controlling problems that recovery is slow and long and hard. If churches do not set up systems to facilitate health and healing these people cannot possible change. Individual, personal counseling cannot possible be enough.

It is the presence of solid, ongoing, healthy relationships that keep people healthy and growing. Even then relapse is possible and probable. However, we cannot give up or grow weary in well doing. Every church needs healing, recovery, support groups as well as growth and study groups. If you do not people will not recover.