Discernment Ministry. What do you think of when you hear or read that term? Does your nose wrinkle a little? Does your upper lip curl in disgust?
A lot of good, solid, caring, sheep-loving discerning writers are being told not to quit their day jobs due to the actions of a few. Whether those actions come from a one-man band with nothing more than a YouTube channel and a grudge to bear, or from friends who, for whatever reason, just can’t stop jabbing at each other, “discernment ministry” has become a dirty word.
Solid pastors are being thrown under the bus, while grievous wolves are being given a pass because they are nice. And don’t even get me started on the Calvinism/Arminianism debate, ruining entire ministries, splitting friendships and demanding that folks take sides. That is the very definition of division. And that is sin.
Biblical discernment comes from reading and meditating on the breathed-out Word of God.Yes, we have opinions. When it comes to standing up for what’s right and what’s true, our opinions need to line up with God’s Word. The way we handle Scripture, and our words and deeds also need to reflect a godly character. That goes for ministries as well as for anyone else who posts on social media and comments about teachers, pastors and other leaders.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
We’re at a time in our history when lies are told as truth, and secondary issues are causing all-out brawls online. For the last almost four years, Berean Research has tried to stay out of the fray, and just do what we do. I wanted only to please God, and to help readers learn about His Word, in order to equip people to prevent falling into deception about cults and movements taking the visible church down a wide path away from Scriptural truth.
He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
Titus 1:9
The heart of this ministry is to show people how to research. That’s why I’ve emphasized the “White Papers” on topics and movements, to help provide simple, bullet-pointed facts, links, and most importantly: what the Bible says.
Over the years, Marsha and I have shared the truth with willing and unwilling listeners alike. Our readership has grown. And what amazes me is that the news of the day, while compelling, isn’t always what people are reading most. It’s the archives and the older articles about discerning the Word that seem to get the most “hits” on this site. That tells me that people truly are looking into what is being taught in churches around the world, and holding those teachings up to the light of Scripture.
Now, nearly four years later, I am willing to re-examine what this site is all about. I must. Are the articles and the links I share edifying to God? Do they build up the Body of Christ? It’s these questions that have been niggling at my heart, and driving me to prayer and to the Word like never before.
Scripture is so clear about who Jesus is and who we are. My love for Him and my faith has never been stronger. And it’s for that reason that I want to take some time to rest and re-evaluate this thing called “discernment ministry.” May the Lord reveal any and all sin in my heart and thoughts, and lead me to repentance for the times I’ve veered off the path.
I ask for your prayers for me, and for my dear friend Marsha, as I put this site and our Facebook Page on hiatus for a season. Same with the weekly Berean Blast newsletter. With the Lord’s help through His Word, Berean Research will be stronger than ever. Lord willing.
For the time being I will continue to share truth on my own Facebook account, Aspree Berean, and on Naomi’s Table Bible Studies. And Marsha will continue to do her amazing work reporting the news and sharing articles on her site, Christian Research Network.
This is my decision for this season. As I grapple with how best to serve, Berean Research will be right here for anyone who wants to research and examine what’s been happening in the Church. Thanks for visiting, and stay tuned.
Love in Christ Jesus,
Amy Spreeman, owner, Berean Research.
