A Divided Kingdom
“The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.” 2 Samuel 3:1
Kings ruled Israel for over four centuries from approximately 1040 BC to 606 BC. There were many glorious moments of faith where God was honored, yet there was often division. Saul becomes the first king of Israel and heroically unites all the tribes. (1 Samuel 11:7) In time Saul loses his desire to obey God wholeheartedly. Therefore, during his kingship Israel begins to divide. David, in pursuit of righteousness as well as to save his own life, separates from an unrighteous Saul and places himself and his mighty men under a Gentile leader, Achish. (1 Samuel 27:1-2) Later, this division crystallizes and David becomes king of Judah and Ish-Bosheth, Saul’s son, becomes king of Israel. (2 Samuel 2:4,10) The Scriptures record, “The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.” (2 Samuel 3:1) After seven years during which Ish-Bosheth is murdered, Israel senses a need for righteous leadership and asks David to be their king. Thus God unites Israel and Judah. (2 Samuel 5:3-5)
All agree that the most glorious years of the Israelite kingdom are during David’s and Solomon’s reigns. Yet, during David’s reign the kingdom divides again! This time Absalom, bitter over how his father David failed to deal with sin in their family, forms a conspiracy against David. He undermines his father by casting doubt on David’s rule and suggesting he would lead Israel “better.” (2 Samuel 15:4) Thus Absalom “stole the hearts of the men of Israel,” who likewise saw David’s sins and weaknesses. (2 Samuel 15:6) Absalom becomes king and David is driven in disgrace from Jerusalem. Even David’s most trusted advisor Ahithophel betrays him by joining Absalom’s conspiracy. (2 Samuel 15:31) Most likely Ahithophel was bitter over David’s relationship with Bathsheba, his granddaughter. (2 Samuel 11:3; 23:24) Through God working in the hearts of men, eventually Absalom is killed and David is received back again as king of both Israel and Judah. Yet another time of division occurred at the end of David’s life as the oldest of his remaining sons tries to take the kingdom from Solomon. Once again, God prevails through David’s humble and quick response. Adonijah was stopped (and later killed) and Solomon ruled a united kingdom.
This fragile unity lasted only until the reign of Rehoboam, Solomon’s son. Since Rehoboam did not heed the counsel of the elders that served with Solomon, God allowed Jeroboam to become king of Israel and Rehoboam to lead only Judah and Benjamin. (1 Kings 12:22) This division among God’s people lasted from approximately 900 BC to 722 BC when Israel becomes so unfaithful to God that He swept them into exile by the Assyrians. (2 Kings 17:6) Judah, though possessing a series of somewhat more righteous kings, God likewise sent into captivity for their sins. God used Nebuchadnezzar to scatter the Jews throughout Babylon in 606 BC. (2 Chronicles 36:17-20) After 70 years of captivity in 536 BC, God begins to gather a remnant and sends them back to “Zion” to rebuild the temple and His holy city. (Ezra 1:1-5) Though weak and occupied by foreign powers, Israel remains united until the teachings of Jesus once again divides them. Jesus’ preaching divides the Jews into two groups, those who hear His voice and those who do not. (John 10:14-21) After the resurrection, the Spirit brings together those who listen to and obey His words forming God’s church, “spiritual Israel.”
Today, “spiritual Israel” is divided and scattered. Many are confused as they see nine churches in Atlanta with International Church of Christ (ICOC) roots, eight congregations in London, England and three in Brisbane, Australia. For years I taught “one church, one city.” Now in April, Elena and I will lead a mission team of 40 from Portland, Oregon to Los Angeles to plant a new congregation. Some detractors say this new planting is a “second church” in LA, when in fact it is at least the fifth congregation with ICOC roots. Some have gone so far as to preach that “starting a ‘second church’ is sinfully divisive” and have marked and disfellowshipped me and everyone in the Portland Church. They go on to say, “Never in the New Testament is a ‘second church’ started even when things went terrible in Corinth.” Once more, if like the mainline Church of Christ we attempt to find parallels to our times only in the New Testament Scriptures and not the entire Bible, we remain perplexed on how to move forward and can be led astray from the truth.
From 1990 to 2001, Elena and I were blessed by God to be part of building the LA ICOC from 150 to 10,000 disciples. Now, six years later, the LA ICOC claims 5,000 members. The desire to evangelize LA never left us even when we had to leave. Portland has been a revival for Elena’s and my souls and only reinforced the vision that the world can be evangelized in one generation. But maybe, in a world of what may be as many as seven billion souls, God will use more than one movement. Certainly, God “moving” in both Israel and Judah during the times of the kings show this principle may be true.
Therefore, I respect the right of elders and ministers to choose whether or not to work with me in my efforts to evangelize the world. I am sad that many of my former colleagues and me continue to be unable to resolve our issues. But as for me and my house, we are serving the Lord and “moving” on. In my recent visits to LA I still meet hundreds of people who have never heard of the call to discipleship. This is not a criticism of the existing churches in LA or the past efforts we all made together. I’m just stating the fact that LA still has millions of people that need the Lord. God has put on my heart the conviction that from LA my partners and I will “go into all the world.” (Mark 16:15)
Throughout Jesus’ ministry, righteous individuals who obey the truth cause division. (Matthew 10:34-39) So according to Jesus and Paul, “sinful division” only occurs when people who love God are taken away from Him and spiritually killed by these wolves. (John 10:12, Acts 20:29-30) In the first few hundred years after the formation of God’s church, traditions such as original sin and infant baptism superseded the Word and the Catholic Church evolves. Through the centuries the Roman Catholic Church claimed to be “the original church,” yet the “life and doctrine” of its members were vastly different from our first century brothers. (1 Timothy 4:16) Therefore, in the 1500′s, Martin Luther strongly challenged the apostasy of the Roman Catholic Church, which ultimately gave birth to the Reformation Movement and the Lutheran Church. Was that an evil division? In the early 1800′s in America, Alexander Campbell and Barton Stone call for the elimination of denominations and the uniting of Christians through adult baptism for remission of sin. Originally called a “unity movement” and the “Christian Connection”, these bold preachers were accused of causing more division than unity. Eventually their efforts for Christ became known as the Restoration Movement. Was this a sinful division or a division that led more souls to find the Lord?
In 1967 in the mainline Churches of Christ, Chuck Lucas at the Crossroads Church called for college students to be “totally committed” to Christ. Many in the mainline Churches of Christ disfellowshipped the “Total Commitment Churches,” which collectively became known as the “Crossroads Movement.” Since I was baptized and trained at Crossroads in the 1970′s, this was the first time I was marked and disfellowshipped for my convictions about the truth.
In 1979, God called Elena and me to serve the Lexington Church of Christ (later renamed the Boston Church of Christ). From the beginning, the core leaders of this little congregation agreed to call not only college students to be “totally committed,” but all the marrieds, singles and teens as well! Through the multiplication of disciples, hundreds were baptized. By 1982, God put on our hearts Jesus’ dream to evangelize the world in a generation. (Matthew 28:19-20) Our plan was to start “new churches” in all the major cities of the world. From there, these churches would plant churches in all the capitol cities of all the nations and in time they would multiply disciples and churches to evangelize their nations.
By 1988, not only had the mainline Churches of Christ marked and disfellowshipped me and the “Boston Movement” congregations, but also the church of my spiritual birth, the Crossroads Church. The Crossroads leadership likewise saw our starting new churches, such as the Atlanta Church, and “reconstructing” existing congregations who wanted to join us as “sinfully divisive.” Therefore, I was marked and disfellowshipped a second time for my convictions. In 1994 in Manila, I suggested to my fellow leaders in the Boston Movement that we formally adopt the name International Church of Christ. This we did.
In the year 2000, all the International Churches of Christ celebrated the completion of the Evangelization Proclamation. God had multiplied the original “30 would-be disciples” in Boston into thousands of baptisms. Also of note, scores of disciples joined our movement from the Crossroads Campus Ministries as well as some from the mainline Churches of Christ and a few from the Christian Church. By the year 2000, there were 400 churches in 171 nations with 200,000 in attendance on Sundays!
Three years later after the Long Beach Unity Meeting, the Kriete Letter and the ensuing embracing of a more mainline Church of Christ theology, the LA ICOC leadership determined to go in what they genuinely perceived as a “new and better” direction. However, Elena and I were and still remain in strong disagreement with most of these changes that had sweeping effects on the “life and doctrine” of our dear spiritual children of the LA ICOC. (See Partners In The Gospel Part III) It was at this time that we were formally asked to resign from the full-time ministry. Feeling rejected, heartbroken and in tears, in July 2003 we left LA in disgrace. Yet God in His mercy sent us to the hurting Portland ICOC to learn the difference in what we had done right and where we had sinned or made mistakes. Though only 25 gathered for our first midweek, by our third year God once again blessed our ministry as we saw 104 baptized and our Sunday attendance reach 550.
Our message was “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” and the ensuing response to His grace to be “sold-out disciples.” Not only did the Portland Church respond, but many disciples from around the United States moved to Portland to find spiritual revival. Others who could not move formed new congregations and partnered with us. Consequently, for the third time, I was marked and disfellowshipped for being “sinfully divisive.” Sadly, this third marking and disfellowshipping came from a few formerly close friends and several present leaders of the ICOC.
However, in the confusion of the times, it seems that it is for different reasons with different people. Those who still blame me for all of the problems “of the old way” say one thing. Others are upset calling us sinfully divisive, because some of their members have left them dissatisfied and want to work with us. Still others who do not want to use the word “discipling” seem upset most about the teachings – the call to be sold-out disciples; the call for every member to be a “fisher of men;” the call for every member to be in discipling relationships and small groups. All the reasons and motivations I do not know. But of this I am sure, I am teaching the same thing “everywhere in every church” as I have for more than three decades. (1 Corinthians 4:17) Therefore, the Portland family of churches has been called the “Sold-Out Movement,” the “Portland Movement,” the “International Christian Church Movement” and my choice, the “Portland Discipling Movement.”
As in the history of the kings of Israel, division can be righteous as David divided from Saul, division can be unrighteous as Absalom divided from David, or sometimes as with Rehoboam and Jeroboam there is a division among God’s people that He allowed to exist. Elena and I recently returned to Hilo, Hawaii. Five months ago, we gave a radical call to be sold-out disciples. Of the original congregation which had an attendance of about 35 including both disciples and children, only 12 disciples were left from the Hilo ICOC. Two other disciples, the Santos‘, started a new congregation in Honolulu. After just five months, we called the two churches to meet again in Hilo. On Sunday, 85 gathered for services! (60 adults, 25 children) There have been 13 baptisms between the two churches! One sister visiting from a congregation that disfellowshipped us said, “I can’t choose which side to join. I love people in both groups.” I then shared the Scripture in Joshua 5:13-15. Here Joshua, ready for the first battle to take the Promised Land, looks up and sees a soldier in front of him with a drawn sword. “Joshua asks, ‘Are you for us or for our enemies?’ ‘Neither,’ he replies, ‘but as a commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.’ Joshua falls facedown and asks, ‘What message does my Lord have for His servant?’” The message of God’s angel is clear. A person is not to choose which human side to be on, but to obey the Scriptures, thus choosing God’s side. When one chooses what is right, then and only then can one decide who is right.
Lord willing, April 1 Elena and I will return to LA to begin again what we started. Though we asked in December for a meeting with the LA ICOC leadership in hopes of building a relationship between the two congregations, there has been no response. Yet we return with the same “total commitment” as our campus ministry days of the 70′s, to reach-out to the over 700,000 students in Los Angeles. We return with the same dream as in our Boston days of the 80′s, the evangelization of the nations in a generation. We return with the same convictions on discipling as in our LA days of the 90′s, yet humbled by our sins, mistakes and weaknesses. We are returning to our beloved “City of Angels” to preach Christ to its 20 million lost souls, as well as restore as many as possible of the thousands that have walked away from the ICOC or fallen away from God.
For those in the LA ICOC or other disciples that would like to visit or place membership, we welcome you with open arms. I do not wish to ever draw a line of fellowship where God has not. I am keenly aware that my words and actions have made some feel they could not associate with me and that causes sadness, but I remain ever prayerful that in time with love, amends can yet be made. But meanwhile we live in a lost and dying world and there is work to be done. Our inaugural service of the City of Angels International Christian Church will be May 6, 2007. Pray for us. Pray for all of us in this divided kingdom that God as in the days of David will gloriously bring us together. And to Him be all the glory!
Kip McKean
(For more details on the inaugural service of the City of Angels International Christian Church please go to www.thelachurch.org or call me at 503-307-3399.)
Victor and Sonia Gonzalez
Victor and Sonia Gonzalez will lead the Spanish-speaking Ministry. Los Angeles has a population of 20 million, about 50% of which is Latin.
Kip McKean
Elena McKean
DJ and Kacie Comisfords
DJ and Kacie Comisford will lead a special ministry for actors, singers and others in the business called the “Hollywood Ministry”.
Bon Voyage Kip and Elena
By the Bertalots & Untalans – The Portland Elders and their Wives
“And [we] pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake. For [we] have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother and sister.�? Philemon 1:6-7
It is with bittersweet memories and emotions that we as a congregation today will say bon voyage to the McKeans as they leave Portland to minister to the “City of Angels International Christian Church.�? Goodbyes can be difficult because they evoke so many emotions. They also bring to the forefront countless fond memories.
As Tony and I reflect on our first memories of Kip in Portland, I remember meeting him for the first time in a hotel lobby and was slightly surprised. I remembered a Kip McKean that I had listened to and watched preach for so many years dressed up with freshly pressed khaki pants, a lightly starched button down oxford shirt complete with paisley tie, and a blue blazer sports coat (the seemingly standard dress code for brothers in Boston). What a difference a decade makes! Here was Kip now in the hotel lobby wearing his long sleeve California Crazy T-shirt, baggy sweat pants and Nike tennis shoes. Immediately I knew he would be a great match for Portland, Oregon!
It’s not Kip’s “fine clothes�? that we will remember here in Portland but his love and passion for people – both for the lost and for the disciples. (Matthew 11:8-9) Quite honestly when Kip got here in 2003 it was a little difficult to tell the difference between the two! We had just gone through the most challenging time in our church’s history. Relationships were being torn, faith had become reliant on men instead of God, and the church had come to a crossroads in its existence. Without any promise of a preaching position, Kip and Elena came up to Portland to see if they could help us work through the troubled waters that had stirred the disciples’ hearts. With the patience of Job and the love of our Savior, they met with each house church within the church and at other times with individuals in an effort to restore people’s faith and encourage them to not give up on God. Because of their “faith expressing itself in love�? (Galatians 5:6), in the past three-and-a-half years we saw our midweeks grow from 25 chairs (thanks Gye Hobbs!) to Sunday morning services of 500!
Looking back in reflection, it behooves us to savor this sweet moment. Kip and Elena are not permanently leaving us; they are simply God’s servants being sent by His Spirit to continue doing His will on earth. Kip and Elena have a “go anywhere do anything heart for God�? lifestyle and are living it out by moving to Los Angeles. There are so many things we could say about the lives of Kip and Elena. Bob and I and our wives have learned tons from the McKeans’ example. Their lives are worthy of imitation. Though sinners like the rest of us, from their first day in Portland they have been willing to confess their sins as well as to be transparent about the challenges in their lives, marriage, finances and their day to day feelings. We have learned more about ourselves from Kip’s counsel than from books written by men or previous discipling relationships we have had. Through preaching the Word, Kip has called us to the standard of being more like Christ in everyway we live our lives. Becoming elders in God’s church has been an upward call for both of us. Here are some of the lessons God has taught us and our wives through Kip and Elena’s discipling:
• Like Jesus, one has to meet people where they are at spiritually, especially the weak.
• Our merciful God does not give up on people, and we shouldn’t either.
• Men are not the standard. Jesus and His Word are our ideals and our standards.
• There is no substitute for personal one-on-one fellowship and discipling.
• Praying for everyone in the church needs to be a regular thing.
• Dynamic Womens, Campus and Teen Ministries are vital for the health of the church.
• The value of a soul is priceless and each baptism is a miracle of God!
• Lastly, it’s only through much sacrifice and hard work that God grows a church.
I have to say that Bob and I have never seen anyone work so hard for God and still persevere through a barrage of persecution. As Bob indicated, the reflection of our first memories with Kip and Elena coming to Portland is a lesson learned by all of us in Portland. What God can do with mustard seed size faith is amazing. When Kip and Elena came here, they were hurting nearly as much as we were. What they learned in Portland is a lifelong lesson that we all must live out and never forget. The simple but profound lesson that: God will still use us if we have a mustard seed size faith and are still breathing. (Acts 13:36) God has done great things among us and we must remember that it is to His glory. What Bob, Marcia, Therese and I have witnessed through the power of God working through Kip and Elena’s ministry has been nothing short of a miracle, like Moses parting the Red Sea! Today we look around our fellowship here in Portland and see a vibrant church. Now, beyond our city there exists a family of churches that are propagating the globe. As a sign that each of these churches is part of God’s kingdom, “the young are seeing visions and the old are dreaming dreams.�? (Acts 2:17) Once more the thrill of being a disciple has gripped and refreshed our hearts! It’s an exciting ride! Truly God has been working among us and we are in debt to the hard work of our heroes in the faith.
As we move on from here, let’s pause for a moment to give thanks to our tireless workers in the Lord and show them the honor, gratitude and respect that this moment demands. (Philippians 2:29-30) Then with all of our hearts, let us embrace the Johnsons and give them our support and love as God continues to do great things among us through Portland‘s new leadership. Let’s always remember that it is God at work among us to accomplish His great will!
Kip and Elena, we, the Untalans and the Bertalots, want to let you know this. As you both begin to write the second chapter of your “Fellowship of the Rings,�? realize that we might not be able to carry the ring etched and engraved with the responsibility of a World Missions Evangelist, but we will always be there to carry you both through whatever challenges you face along your journey. We dearly love you Kip and Elena. You have won our respect and our hearts for eternity.
Love in Christ,
The Bertalots and the Untalans
