The BTM Vision

By: K.B. Napier

Preface

All ministries begin for a reason. Not all reasons are good, even within the true Christian Church. And not all reasons are rooted in scripture, or on personal calling. I know of ministries that are just the personal mouthpieces of their founders. I also know of many ministries that were once good, but are now far from their stated purpose.

How do I define a true ministry? I define it as God's word defines it: God calls an individual; He gifts that individual accordingly; He enables the gifts to be used in specific ways; He provides the resources and the audience; He effects the results.

By definition, then, the duration of a ministry is determined by God, and is usually for the lifetime of the called individual only. There are examples in scripture of the 'mantle' being passed on to another individual. That is when God calls the second individual by name, and gives him or her exactly the same vision and tasks. Anything other than that is a separate calling and ministry.

For this reason, the large ministries that survive beyond the lifetimes of their founders are not the ministries of those founders. They are simply organisations, no different from any other in the world's sphere.

When an organisation is large with many 'officers', and when those officers are 'recruited' and may be changed at any time - that is sufficient proof that the organisation is not operating with God's consent, and that it is not working 'as one'.

In this report I want to explain and define the original vision of BTM, because it was far wider than the work we do today. We have now reached a stage where full-time work is being done on a voluntary basis. Not only that, but the work has increased dramatically, making it far more than full-time. Thus the question is, whether or not we should now begin the rest of the work, as envisaged in the original vision?

The vision will be outlined so that those who wish to help the ministry can decide for themselves what they ought to do. This is NOT an appeal for money. Rather, it is a measured description of a task given by God that requires the help of others. There is no cleverness aimed at exciting an emotional response - only a straightforward statement of intent. God, through the Holy Spirit, will do what is needed, as He sees fit and in His own time. If He provides the resources through others, then the work can commence.

Before continuing it might be helpful to read the BTM History page first.

BTM - As It Should Be

The original vision included the following:

The whole ministry of CRI, and now BTM, was, and is, to help build up the Church of Jesus Christ. Some took us to task for not including an evangelistic function. The reason for not including it, was that God did not include it in the first part of the vision! The first part of the vision was to encourage and teach the Church. Evangelisation was left to those whom God had called as evangelists. However, evangelism has now been added to the ministry, through our internet web-site.

Mainly, it appears to be the case that the Lord is saying - train-up Believers in true doctrine, that they will witness effectively and with love; when Believers are properly taught, they will obey the will of God in their lives, and that includes the calling of evangelists

Given the present state of the churches and the sweeping devastation caused by charismatic heresies, excesses and ecumenism, there is an urgent need for the work of BTM.  Perhaps that is why we have had such a long and hard ‘initiation'. Perhaps that is why the full vision had to wait until now - beforehand the churches did not acknowledge the danger they were in. Now, after charismaticism has destroyed so many churches, the need for Bible-based truth is starkly evident. Indeed, the need can no longer be ignored - although many are still attempting to hide behind their comfortable church doors! But, the growth of the deceptive Alpha course cannot be ignored!

Satan is not a fool, nor will he allow church doors to stand in his way. The infamous Toronto Blessing was just a tit-bit, a minor morsel preceding a greater banquet of evil ahead.  What comes next will be even harder to resist, because it will be more powerful and more widespread. And it will be most effective where doctrine is not known. That is why the work of the BTM, we believe, is vital today.  Let us describe the various parts of the vision, to bring this to light.

But first - let it be said that the vision was given to me, Barry Napier. It is my ministry, given by God. (Each Christian has his own work, given by God). However, this does not preclude the addition of others, especially as the vision in full flow would require far more input.  Mainly, though, at the moment, those who are with me in this ministry are 'helpers', much as Timothy helped Paul. They are the enablers, the facilitators, whose selflessness allow the one who is called to carry out a ministry enacting God's vision. Their role is vital, and it is their own ministry. Just as scripture requires deacons to free a man for the pastorate, so various ministries require helpers to enable the one who is called to function as he ought. 

Right now, most of my time is used up in printing and answering letters. These tasks should be done by others, not by me...I must get back to the task I am called to perform. 

My task is to research scripture and to write.  I should only need to answer letters that no-one else can answer on my behalf. Whoever answers such letters must be called of God to the task, and must be spiritually gifted for the purpose.  But printing is just printing.  I also need to be free to develop teaching materials and, if the residential facility emerges, materials suitable to train pastors. I also need to be free to visit the many good folk who need such a visit.

As it is, I am now working every day, plus evenings and Saturdays.  Sundays consist of normal pastoral duties. It is beginning to take its toll. I must now have help with the various tasks.  At times we have up to several hundred letters a week. A lot of those need personal attention.  A typical letter of that kind can take 4 to 8 hours to complete, depending on the detail required.  That is just one letter. Not all letters need my personal attention, though. So help is being organised. Whether or not BTM must now expand is no longer in question, for it is doing so anyway!

The work is, to put it mildly, too much to handle as we presently are. We often have waiting lists of letters with about 4 weeks response time.  This cuts down drastically on my writing and research work.  On top of this I have a church to pastor.  The need for BTM has proven itself since it started up again, especially during the frantic Toronto Blessing period.  Now, though, the work is marching on and must change if it is to carry out the original vision given by God.  And that takes funding, prayer support and Christian friends!

The Components

1. Respite

It is a fact - and one I can testify to - that pastors often feel very isolated, even amongst a congregation.  This can be due to any one of a number of reasons. One is the structure of the local church, where the pastor is 'up there' and the congregation is 'down in the pews' - a traditional but unbiblical concept.  The strain of such a structure will and must tell on the life of the pastor, who deeply feels the separation.  It also leads to a form of autocratic leadership that has its own problems.  Preachers can suffer similar difficulties, as do leaders of para-church ministries.  Unlike most folk, such men (and sometimes women) usually have no-one to turn to who will understand. They need to remove themselves physically from their situation - I know how refreshing a holiday can be when feeling like this!  They also need a sympathetic ear and Biblically-rooted support.

BTM do not believe in 'counselling' as such, but in Biblical understanding and Godly counsel - a rather different approach. There is now a plethora of 'counselling skills' workshops and even Christian counselling certificates.  But these are not needed!  God gifts those who are to specifically help others in this way - though His usual way is simply to use all of us, at some time or another, to support and to help Christians in distress. The various counselling techniques and courses now available are just amended copies of worldly counselling methods, themselves modifications of psychotherapy - which is itself a cheap version of psychoanalysis!

Those who would visit the residential facility would enter a calm environment, in which scripture rules.  They would be able to relax and put their work 'on hold' for a while. At the same time, they would be able to discuss their lives with myself and with others who understand the primacy of scripture and who are called by God to do the work. We would examine what the person is doing and thinking, and replace it with what God says.  After that, he or she would be able to keep in touch. Knowing there is a sympathetic friend on-call is of tremendous help!

A respite is not a holiday as such, although we would hope it will be close to one! A major reason for pastoral/leader breakdown is that the life is NOT based on what scripture says. This would surprise many genuine pastors, but an examination of scripture together would assist the person to come to terms with his life and to re-form it properly. Is he doing too much? Should deacons do more? What effect is everyone else's problems having on him?  Is he taking things personally? Is he truly thinking Biblically, or traditionally? Each will have his or her own problem area. A respite period could help to identify and deal with it.

Why concentrate on pastors? Why not others?  Well, Rodney Howard Browne, the infamous cult-preacher of the Toronto Blessing, deliberately picks out pastors in the audience. By influencing them, he can quickly influence others, for one pastor can lead hundreds.  In the same way - but Biblically - to help a lone pastor is to help a whole congregation!  A man who is under tremendous strain cannot function properly and will make many mistakes, and will possibly even be crushed by a 'breakdown'. But a man who is refreshed and who is placed on a firm footing, can get back to his work with a renewed heart, bringing true spiritual life to those who hear him. (It is always possible that the offer can extend to others. Again, we do not know at this stage - often a ministry takes on a life of its own once it begins to operate!).

2. Teaching

This has wide application. BTM already has a few postal courses available. That is fine. But a residential facility is required.  Courses by post serve a purpose, but they are limited. Paul wrote his letters to the churches, but he preferred to visit in person.  When a Bible teacher is in front of a class of willing students, much can be done. Barriers can be broken down, traditions can be evaluated, unbiblical beliefs can be acknowledged and thrown out, proper Biblical beliefs can be shown and encouraged. 

All of this can be done amongst friends. Those who attend our Sunday meetings can tell you how exhilarating the process is!  As a pastor I do not 'deliver sermons' to my own Fellowship. We have interactive Bible studies, in which questions and comments play a big role. If we have to concentrate on a particular question, then we do so, regardless of what I have prepared as a lesson. Only recently, I got no further than the first verse of a chapter (not uncommon)! In this way, true learning becomes a reality and no-one is left out.  Each can learn at his or her own pace, so no-one feels threatened or silly.

As well as imparting truths to others, we also learn ourselves.  Our students have valid experiences. When we combine our teaching with their experiences and beliefs, in humility, we share a dynamic relationship, where learning is exciting (because doctrine itself is alive).  After such sessions, few people can ever go back to what they once knew!

Today most pastors are trained over a period of about three years in a Bible school. With respect for Bible schools, this is not what is needed!  As one who loves theology, I know that it is marvellous to study scripture. Bible schools have their place. But as a lecturer I know that most courses are not pertinent to the required goal.  A pastor must know how to pastor - but no-one can teach him how to do it.  Not even another pastor.  God calls a man to pastor.  He will gift him so that he can fulfill his office. The only thing others can give a man called of God, is training in doctrine and examples of practical situations (anecdotal evidence).

The aim of a pastoral course would be to do just that. Yes, other topics are certainly interesting. But they are not the essential thing a pastor needs.  He must know the rudiments of doctrine - what doctrine is, the major aspects of it, applying doctrine to situations, and so on.  But more than that, and very importantly, he must know how to think Biblically. A man with knowledge is useless unless he can think Biblically. Without this ability he is robotic and cannot understand how to apply scripture to life's situations.

Pastoral courses would be short - possibly not more than a month at the most.  Other courses would be available, but at different times. Thus the pastor is not kept from his church for long periods of time and he learns in 'bite-size' chunks!  On top of that, BTM would not accept anyone for this training unless they already were pastors. When men spend three years in a college and yet do not know whether or not they are called to any particular ministry, they should never become pastors. A man is called to the pastorate by God, and this is confirmed by many strong proofs, recognised by those in the congregation, who come to accept him as a pastor (there can be more than one).

Such a man may be called of God, but he still needs to place his beliefs and actions on a firm basis. And because he has already been called, he should not be kept away from the flock. Scripture does not recognise the ordaining of pastors by Bible schools or by churches and denominations. It only recognises the calling of God.

Apart from pastoral training, there would also be courses open to everyone, covering all kinds of subjects.  The same open method of teaching would be employed and with the same aim - to help Christians to think for themselves, Biblically.  In this, others called of God to teach, would become associates in the work. They would obviously be well acquainted with BTM and its work and beliefs, and so would work within its parameters. We recognise that theology can be a discipline used of God, and that only a few will become theologians and gifted for the work. But every Christian has a duty to be theologically-minded.

We would also develop postal courses to cover many topics.  Hopefully, packages will also be developed for overseas folk, particularly pastors who are unable to afford training or to pay for courses....but that is some way down the road and depends entirely on available resources.  The aim throughout, is to help build the Body of Christ. It is NOT our aim to build up a good bank balance for ourselves, or a great status amongst our peers.  Our wish is to see Christians stand up for Jesus Christ, in Truth! They must be able to stand on their own spiritual feet, fortresses where others find refuge, known for their fearlessness against error and their ability to think Biblically in all situations.

3. Seminars and Conferences

These would be regular, along with 'love feasts' as found in scripture. These are usually associated with communion, but they can also be held apart from communion, simply as a mark of friendship for fellow Believers.  As the CRI we held two annual dinner meetings and had a great time.  The second was a combined conference and dinner. Alongside that could also be short breaks together, etc. The purpose would be to build up relationships and to just enjoy life together.  The Christian life is for living, believe it or not!

We are not talking about those dry conferences and seminars where 'experts' talk for hours. Essentially, they would be another version of teaching sessions, where sharing, questions and comments, form the basis for whatever is being discussed.  Obviously, there would be order and structure and a legitimate core of teaching, for otherwise learning does not happen.  But they would not be dry as dust!

4. Publishing

We are already quite experienced at this, and have only recently expanded into booklets/books, with cassettes to follow. Although BTM materials are avidly read and used by thousands, we know that if the same materials are made available in booklet/book or cassette format, they would spread around the world easier. In the face of growing apostasy this witness is much needed. 

By producing booklets, we can free many pieces of literature that are now listed as 'Articles' and put them into shops. This means we can send out shorter pieces which can be given away without charge. Our Outlines (hard-copy), for example, are restricted to two sides of one sheet to keep costs down and to make them introductory. They can also be used as tracts for Believers.

Our objective is to put all our publications on the web.  Articles, Outlines and most other documents, will be free.  We will however charge for the booklets and books that are published by Petra Press.

We also want to develop our work amongst disadvantaged folk. We already have a service for the deaf (although it is going slowly right now), and we can already produce large print literature on request, for those with poor eyesight.  Cassettes would greatly help in this work, too. Hopefully, Braille books can be added later.

In April 2000, of course, we opened our own web-site in a small way – building up its contents so that they reflected the whole hard-copy publishing list of BTM. We pray that this will reach not just thousands, but millions, of people.

5. Public Statements

Often, these are the only ways we can tell the public (and churches) what scripture says - through newspaper articles, letters columns, etc.  This is important, otherwise cults and the occult can mislead thousands.  This method can reach millions of people. They might not all contact you - but they have read what you say!  (When we wrote a letter against the Toronto Blessing in a Belfast newspaper, we received several hundred replies in less than a week and all requested literature. Some of those have since requested further help).

We also send 'official' letters to government and to other organisations, denominational heads, etc. These can be in encouragement or, sadly and more usually, in criticism, referring them back to scripture. Who are we to do such a thing? In ourselves we are nobody!  But we have the authority of the Lord to fight error and  social evils wherever they are and whoever is responsible for them. (The same authority is given to all Believers - so why do they not do the work?).

Pressing Onward

Well, that is an outline of the full vision.  As we have found in our work thus far, once we begin a particular course of action, it often opens up other avenues of service.  So, we do not know the fullest extent of the vision yet. Unlike virtually all other ministries, we do not want to build ourselves an empire.  When I leave this earth, the ministry will be folded up - unless God has passed the mantle to someone else. God can finish the ministry whenever He wishes. But whilst the vision is with us, we shall press onward to fulfill it.

Currently we are looking at the possibility of forming BTM into a full time work. We will do so only if we are guided to do it. Very simply, as the minister of BTM I would need an income regularly, promised (and given!) by supporters. The calling is there, as is the need. Now, supporters are required to provide the resources.

To date, nothing has been taken from BTM funds for personal use, not even during my period of unemployment. However, I cannot escape the fact that if I am to work full-time for BTM, I must receive a personal income - but such an income will only be taken if donations to the work specify they can be used for this purpose. Even if I am given such help, I will continue to fund myself from other sources if I can....but I can only work so many hours in a day! The point of saturation has already been reached and if I have a full-time 'secular' job as well (which I do right now), the problem becomes obvious.

Now you know what this vision is, you must decide what to do.  And you will not be chased with begging letters!  If you want to partake as a helper of the ministry, you must do so freely and after prayer.  Perhaps you want to send regular gifts or occasional gifts - or none at all. Prayer on our behalf is vital, even though money is very important. Some might want to give the proceeds of savings or sale of property, or might want to provide us with property for residential purposes. Some might want to remember us in their will.

Meanwhile, think carefully about what you have read. Remember it is an outline of intent and not a final plan (although the major facets have been described). As we receive signs of its possible implementation we shall fill in the details! If you want to help with gifts of any kind, or wish to talk about giving substantially to the work, feel free to contact us. The ministry is exciting and full of possibilities, especially now, when apostasy is all around us.  It will also be exciting to those who want to be helpers in this work. We look forward to watching and waiting for signs of the development of  BTM's ministry!   See BTM Newsletter 1 January 2001

Finally...

This ministry is not about personalities, or denominations, or the validity or otherwise of other ministries. It is not here to displace churches or individuals or organisations. BTM is certainly instrumental in fighting against error and in insisting on Biblical patterns of life and thought. We would prefer to do all this within the churches and we will help any church, pastor, or individual, who wishes to transform their lives and practices by going back to scripture.  But, we also openly and publicly denounce what is evil and unscriptural. Most of the time we do not need to make these things public, because the subject matter does not warrant it.  But we shall never draw back from this essential work. 

Our main work, though, is to teach solid Biblical truths. BTM is calling all Believers back to the Old Paths, back to scripture, back to sound doctrine. Doctrine is the foundation of all other things, including Christian love and unity. There can be no unity without sound doctrine. Thus we reject the current work of the various organisations (such as the Evangelical Alliance) and denominations that do not understand this, and whose aims propose unity without truth. We hope, however, that they will repent and change in the future.

Because we believe ALL of scripture to be doctrine, we cannot tolerate the current trend that says we must agree on the 'essentials', but ignore the rest. All of scripture is essential, for it is all God's word, from Genesis to Revelation!  To proclaim some things 'essential' for unity and others non-essential, is a wrong attitude toward scripture, a misunderstanding of God's purity, and the beginning of a slide into heresy.

There are, for example, certain 'essentials' to salvation, but how can we decide what is 'essential' for unity? This is tantamount to declaring God's word partially inconsequential!  And that is exactly what is happening in churches today, as a result of the charismatic and ecumenical movements (which are connected). Without a trace of a blush, leaders of these movements say we must ignore doctrine and concentrate on 'love' - they thus show their Biblical ignorance, for 'love' is a vital element of doctrine itself! So, we teach the primacy of ALL of scripture.

Just as Joshua brought the tribes together and asked them who they would follow, we send out the same call - who shall you, the Church, follow?  As for us, we follow the Lord. The work before us will be very hard. But it is a work given and required by God. Believers MUST return to the Old Paths, or suffer the penalty. The Lord promises His love and patience to all who return to Him - but disastrous consequences for those who ignore His word. This is what scripture says and that is why we now sound the trumpet as a rallying call of warning and encouragement.

As is often the case, God's work is brought into effect through the giving and participation of Believers. It is this participation that proves the argument and the case. You must now pray to the Lord, to see if such participation is required of you by Him.  If it is, then He has called you to your own ministry, the 'ministry of helps', which includes prayer and empathetic support, as well as monetary giving. The work is vital today, and we believe BTM subscribers all realise this. Above all else, friends - pray for us.

---oOo---

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© April 2000

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