Truth, Grace and Responsibility — How Do We Avoid a Cover-Up Culture?

Thank you to Mike Winger for pointing out weaknesses in our movement. We need criticism that calls us to account. I fully agree with his overall point: Charismatic and evangelical churches need healthier frameworks, greater transparency and clearer accountability.

At the same time, I believe several of the sub-conclusions rest on assumptions about motives and knowledge that none of us really has full insight into. It is worth asking whether leaders too — like Bill Johnson — can have been deceived by people they chose to trust. The Bible itself speaks of "wolves in sheep's clothing." Recognizing that is not naive — it is realistic.

I would rather be part of a culture that believes the best about people than a culture that automatically casts suspicion on everyone. But that is precisely why it obligates us to respond quickly, clearly and responsibly when trust is abused.

A cover-up culture is never an option

The church must never protect systems, leaders or reputation at the expense of people.

Therefore:

• Anything criminal must be reported to the police — not handled internally.

• A church process can never replace legal accountability.

• Spiritual authority must never be used to silence victims into the grave.

Most of our churches are part of FrikirkeNet, which already has good ethical guidelines around accountability, transparency, external oversight, finances and the protection of children and young people. That is good. The question is how we make sure it is not only paper — but practice.

The way forward: a healthy charismatic life

My concern is not to defend individuals uncritically, but to mend the pitfalls we see again and again — so that the gifts of the Spirit can have room without people being harmed.

A healthy charismatic life requires:

• sense and spiritual discernment

• relational assessment rather than blind trust

• the courage to act quickly

• the humility to admit mistakes

Misuse does not disqualify right use.

But a failure to act can disqualify our credibility.

We must hold on to the double calling:

Truth and grace.

Accountability and restoration.

Courage and humility.

A final remark

This may be my last post on the subject — not because I don't have more to say, but because the dialogue in some threads has become very negative and less constructive. This page is meant as a space for edifying conversation, reflection and responsible dialogue — not as a platform for venting or personal attacks.

If you wish to put forward a different view, you are very welcome to do so on your own page. Here I would like to keep the focus on what builds up and draws us closer to Christ — not further from one another.