BOBbleheads.

Bob - sorry to hear that you won't be able to join us here in person at Saddleback for Generous Giving's EXPOnential 07 Conference. GG is a great organization with really, really, really great people - and I heard good things about the last time you spoke at their conference.

I know the real reason you won't be attending in person isn't that rumor that The SoCal Pope - Chuck Smith will pull your Calvary affiliation -- if you are seen supporting the purpose-driven movement. Some people make it sound like if you mention the word "emergent" that you are coming out of the "contemplative closet."

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Breaking News????

On September 16th, Lighthouse Trails issued a report titled "Bob Coy Joins Contemplative Promoters Rick Warren and John Ortberg for Conference." On October 12th in a telephone conversation, personnel at the Crown Financial Ministries office (the major sponsor for the event) said that originally Bob Coy was scheduled to be physically present at the conference, but plans had changed for undisclosed reasons and while he would still be participating in the event, he would be addressing the audience through a videotaped session instead.

Coy's church, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, has been carrying and selling books by several contemplatives and/or emergents (see examples below), including material by Rick Warren. This has resulted in people contacting Lighthouse Trails with concerns and confusion because of Calvary Chapel's statements last year (see recall notice and position paper) that denounced both Purpose Driven and the emerging church. Since then, Calvary Chapel's founding pastor, Chuck Smith has spoken on the pulpit and on the radio on several occasions against both contemplative spirituality and the emerging church.

Even still, according to many Calvary Chapel attendees in various CC churches who have contacted Lighthouse Trails, some CC pastors are continuing to promote Purpose Driven, the emerging church, and contemplative spirituality. While the individual CC churches are self-governed without major interception from Chuck Smith, Smith requested that any CC church going in the emerging church direction or promoting it change their name and not be affiliated with the movement.
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Keep up the good work Bob, I know you will be wise in choosing your co-labors and I encourgage you to "contemplate" with us what the real mission is.