Purpose

History – The church in America is largely and tragically impotent. The gospel as currently understood and proclaimed by a large compliment of evangelicalism lacks clarity, definition and the power to transform. This sentiment is expressed with ringing conviction by David Wells as follows:

This, of course, cheapens our understanding of God, it demeans the nature of the gospel, and it works havoc in the Church. And what it also does is to leave behind a kind of faith whose central passion is no longer that of truth and goodness. If the Church is not in possession of truth, truth as an understanding that corresponds exactly to what is in reality, and corresponds exactly to what is in the will and character of God, then it has been left speechless. It has nothing to say. Without this truth, its private insights are no more believable, no more compelling, and no more desirable than anyone else's. Why, then, has the evangelical Church arranged itself around the marketing dynamic rather than around the truth which it is its birthright to proclaim?[1]

Francis Schaeffer articulated the conviction that the gospel must accomplish three distinct results to exhibit fidelity to Jesus as LORD of His church; 1. salvation of the lost, conversion; 2. transformation of redeemed people under the enabling power of the Holy Spirit into the image of Christ, transformation; and, 3. Social change, making a difference in the world around us.[2]

Purpose - Therefore, it is the purpose of “A Gathering of Eagles” to:

1. Proclaim and live the gospel in it’s fullest possible expression exhibiting the Lordship of Jesus Christ over every facet of life and creation.

2. Enlist other pastors and Christian Leaders who posses a passion for and dedication to the Reformation of the church in America.

3. Lead the church in America in the proclamation of the gospel that produces redeemed and transformed people who in turn produce positive and beneficial social change. The church expresses righteousness and godliness as a natural consequence of her presence and ministry.

4. Lead the church in America to occupy her role in the marketplace of ideas so that there is true freedom of the proclamation of the whole gospel and freedom of religious expression for all people of faith.

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (Isa. 40:31, NIV).

[1] David F. Wells, Above All Earthly Pow’rs – Christ in a Postmodern World, Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 2005, p. 314. This is the fourth in a series authored by Wells. He traces the departure of the true gospel from the church in exchange for a ‘therapeutic gospel’. The reader would do well to study all four volumes.

[2] Francis Schaeffer, speaking at Coral Ridge Presbyterian in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl, 1982 and reproduced on a DVD titled A Christian Manifesto available through The Apologetics Group or Coral Ridge Ministries.