In a strange turn of events related the Karma-Kickback post below, John Piper announced yesterday that he will take an eight month leave from public ministry.
I was so shocked when I heard this that I checked a number of sources to be sure it was true. Spreading innuendo does no one any good, we all know that.
I was confident of it when I read the text of the text of the sermon from Sunday.
In part it reads:
You could view this as a kind of fasting from public ministry. One of the goals in this kind of fasting is to discern levels of addiction. Or, as Paul Tripp or Tim Keller might say, levels of idolatry. The reality check is: What will happen in my soul and in my marriage when, to use the phrase of one precious brother on staff, there will be no “prideful sipping from the poisonous cup of international fame and notoriety”?
I hope for the very best for John on his leave and I hope that all the relationships in his life are healed and whole.
I know that many people will feel the impulse of vindication and self righteousness in this announcement in light of the youttube video and blog comments, but, this is not about us. It is not about our disaggreement on these matters. It not about proving the falseness of someones arguement. It is not a time for any of us to “sit in the seat of mockers”.
This is about John and his wife, Noël.
So, let’s all join in supporting, caring and loving the Pipers in this time.
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Amen, and well said.
Way cool post Doug
Well said Doug
though we may disagree with people like Piper, the true spirit of Christianity wishes him and his family the best. We hope and pray (with sincerity) for healing, wholeness, peace and grace to flourish in his life during this time apart from the ministry
Amen!!! Hope the best for John and his family!!! Thanks for the post Doug …”This is emerging church!”.
I once walked where John is walking and it was the darkest time in my life – especially when others appeared to take glee from my family’s misery. Thanks for being a voice of compassion, Doug. Here is the Jesus Way at its finest.
Well said. Blessings on this part of your journey John…
John’s words have been used, by people who like his ideas, to hurt me pretty bad.
I’ll defend him without reservation to anyone wishing to exploit his pain. In fact I’ve already done so today.
May God bless John Piper with mercy, healing, and grace.
I’m hearing you say, “Follow me as I follow Christ.”
Thanks for the example brother. Sincerely, thanks.
thanks for making us aware, Doug.
we’ll be praying for Mr. Piper.
Thanks for being an example, Doug.
While it can be appreciated that so many of the emergent camp are praying for “wholeness” for John and Noel, it needs to be stated that his views of the emergent church will no doubt remain the same. Why? Because the emergents (or emergent liberals as mark driscoll calls them)preach a different Gospel than the one we have in Scripture…and when I say Scripture, I mean all 66 books, not just the four gospels. Every book of the Bible carries the same weight and not one book is more important than the other. So, even though John Piper is taking break, he will not doubt have the same view of the emergent church when he returns…possibly with a more gracious tone, but possibly not as well. John is not stepping down because of a moral failure, but rather because he has felt the creeping power of pride in his life. John is very successful and one of the most humble pastors I know. I can think of countless men who should be taking a break over John, and I am probably one of them. His level of pride pales in comparison to most pastors I know. He receives no personal profits from his books (and he has written many), he lives a very humble life (despite his success and fame), but due to his incredible sensitivity to sin, has decided to step down for 8 months to get his heart in the right place. This is probably something all ministers should look at doing occasionally as it is so easy to become filled with pride. So, I’m not sure why anyone of the emergent camp would, as Doug said, “…feel the impulse of vindication and self righteousness in this announcement in light of the youttube video and blog comments…” because while John is stepping down for a season, it will never change his view on those who proclaim a false gospel. So, before the victory party begins (and ya, I know it was said “this is not us”)…just remember, his views on the emergent church will forever remain…that is until that preach a Romans 1:16 gospel!
Hi Jeremy,
Any grace you read here is not a strategy for pushing one side of a theological argument. It hurts to read that your response to our words here is an opportunity for you to remind us how wrong we are in that argument.
I (and others posting well wishes for John) might be tempted to rejoice for John’s 8-month break from tearing down our understanding of the gospel that has transformed our lives. But never at the price of pain and difficulty he has clearly and eloquently described.
I’ve removed a lot of snarky language about you from my hasty first draft of this comment. I refuse to accept that you can’t see we are praying for a brother in Christ with seriousness, genuine feeling, and good faith. Surely, you understand this.
In other words: You assure us that John’s views of my theology will never change. I know of no other way to respond than to say, “Who gives a crap?” A man you admire has requested prayer for a very hard time in his life, and we are offering it. Is there nowhere in the world where this situation can be appreciated without immediately saying “but?”
I wish you peace and comfort as you support John as well. The spring is finally arriving where I live and the sun is so bright! I know you must feel joy at this as well!
Peace, brother,
Dave
PIPED PIPER JOHN INVITES RICK WARREN TO DG 2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJmkk1XjrGw
Doug, you are one of the most gracious people I know. I remember when we met you inspired me with this above all else – Love People. It was in the context of my concern over people spreading rumors and pain in their attacks on EC. I wanted ammo, to know how to best respond and defend. But you didn’t give me any (not that we haven’t had many theological conversations, but this instance wasn’t the time for it, clearly). You impressed on me that I shouldn’t waste my time trying to refute and debunk the rumors and lies, but that my focus should be on peace and love. It hasn’t been easy, and I haven’t always taken that advice, but it is always the best advice. And I point that out because of the way you handled the above piece of information. We are lucky to have a man like you as a friend, encouraging us in the way of Christ.
Peace to you, as you seek it continually for others.
I also pray that the ‘emergent’ leaders’ and their immorality that are in shambles be healed as well. Piper’s taking a break to be with his family more, it’s not as though he’s been unfaithful or anything.
Man, way to twist the truth to make it appear something bigger than it is. Nothing untrue about what you said, but your presentation is as to make it as though it’s bigger when it really is.
Piper’s big huge sin is that he wants to balance his life more and devote his time to his wife.
Doug, please stop twisting truth.. examine yourself please!! Many of your followers can’t see it, but others can, and God sees your heart as well.
JOHN PIPER ON RICK WARREN DG 2010 SERMON JAM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSmU8EcbjWk
Awesome report,Maybe I might sign up to your rss.
That was a nice article,I recently subscribed to your rss.
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