FIGHTING IN THE CHURCH: James MacDonald Resigns from ‘The Gospel Coalition’ after Refusing to ‘Pull the Plug’ on T.D. Jakes Conference Invite
Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 10:07AM 
by EEW Magazine News & Entertainment Editors
Dr. James MacDonald, one of the Council members of a group known as “The Gospel Coalition,”—a reformed group of about 50 pastors he has fellowshipped with for the past few years—has resigned. The shakeup has been connected to MacDonald’s refusal to cancel an appearance by Bishop T.D. Jakes at a conference. Apparently, Jakes’ doctrine did not pass the group’s “litmus test” of sound doctrinal teaching according to the Christian Post.
The conference in question called “The Elephant Room” is described on its website as a format that “features blunt conversations between seven influential pastors who take differing approaches to ministry. No keynotes. No canned messages. These are ‘the conversations you never thought you’d hear.’”
Well, some of the influential pastors in the group felt the Dallas megapastor of The Potter’s House was not worthy to contribute to the conversation—something that was revealed in a letter from Kent C. Shaw, the executive director at Harvest Bible Fellowship.
According to Shaw, “They were asking that he pull the plug on Bishop Jakes coming to the Elephant Room (ER) conference. Their reasons are rooted in weak evidence of Jakes’ current doctrine and infighting among the black members of the Gospel Coalition who have deep seeded resentments.”
But instead of "pulling the plug" on Jakes' appearance, MacDonald boldly and courageously opted to pull the plug on his membership of the group. “I have very different views on how to relate to the broader church and how the gospel must impact every relationship,” he wrote on his blog. “I don’t want my minor role on the Council to hinder their work as a whole or to give the impression they agree with all God has called me to do.”
Good for MacDonald.
This antipathy toward other leaders who don’t meet The Gospel Coalition’s requirements can be a hindrance to the advancement of the Kingdom of God. It is easy for leaders to get puffed up, and feel they have a patent on how the Gospel should be preached and shared with the world.
And that is not a biblical ideology. In fact, it is rooted in pride, which God hates.
All this fighting in the church needs to stop.
It is counterproductive.
It seems to EEW Magazine that The Gospel Coalition needs to collectively read 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 and get it together.
Your thoughts?
Reader Comments (5)
It is unfortunate to see this going on in the church. Bishop TD Jakes is a great preacher. All this shade and hate by other black men is a mess.
This just sounds like jealousy.
I really don't understand this kind of thing. smh
I think it's great that he didn't bend toward their request and that he let TD Jakes stay on the panel. I read a lot from other's who were at the 2nd taping of The Elephant Room and from what I've heard, it was great! I actually look forward to getting the DVD.
I don't believe the premise of the event was to get pastor's together to fight. It wasn't a ring match. I believe it was so they could discuss things that keep churches separate-- things like theological differences. I think they want to get a clearer understanding on their position and learn from each other.
This is from Elephant Room's website. These are the types of questions moderators are asking:
"Two of the largest churches in America, in one of America’s great cities (Dallas)—one almost 100% black, the other almost 100% white: Is that a problem?" TD Jakes and Jack Graham were both under the radar for this question.
It's sad that this is so.
This is one of many very important topics that need to be addresses among Christian leaders. After reading comments from those who attended, I was excited. What I LOVE about comments was how they all seemed to agree that the divide is there and are working on how to change that. That's what it's all about. Getting together to let go of petty differences and work together for the Lord Jesus.
You can learn more about the Elephant Room and what types of questions that were discussed by visiting http://www.theelephantroom.com/.
There's so much going on in churches.. beyond the "drama" we see unfolding from other pastors in the limelight. What we all should be doing is praying for our leaders and keeping our eyes open to what the Lord shows us.
Grace and Peace!
Maybe they know something about Jakes that the public don't know. Eventually it will come out. I am sure there is more to the story then this. Maybe some things they will not leak to the public because of their position. Everybody can't carry the role as exministries (for those of you who is familiar with exministries). They might go against Jakes but to afraid to speak as an individual about what's really going on.