Question #359

Questions about the Crossroads Movement.

I came across your website and I think it’s great! Thank you so much for all of your hard work. The information has helped me a lot. I’ve been a Christian now for about a little over 2 years and I’m trying to gain greater understanding of sound biblical doctrine. I was reached out and baptized into the Los Angeles Church of Christ and I was hoping that you could provide me with some insight as to what biblical discipling relationships should look like. To what extent is a Christian to seek and follow advice of elders/spiritual leaders? What is meant by being “open” and “confessing sin” – confessing to the person with whom you have sinned against or confessing to anyone for advice? When does this become gossip?

The Answer:

If I read this question correctly, it comes from one who has been converted into what is commonly referred to as the “Cross Roads Movement.” It arose out of the church of Christ. It requires converts to be “mentored” for lack of a better word by one who is higher is the group. This involves confessing to that person the sins of the convert and it becomes a method of controlling the convert. There is certainly scriptural support for the concept of confessing our sins one to another (James 5:16); however, this does not support a “forced” or “required” confession by a novice to a superior. This practice smacks of the Roman Catholic’s forced confession to the priest. For a full discussion of James 5:16 please see “Class: James and Jude,” Lesson 10.

The concept of an open confession of sin probably comes from Acts 8 where Peter told Simon the Sorcerer to repent and pray that the thought of his heart might be forgiven. Simon’s response was to request Peter to pray for him. Thus those who have sinned publicly often confess their sins openly and ask the congregation to pray for them. This seldom contains the identification of specific sins. While confessed before the brethren, only God can forgive, and he already knows what those sins are.

Finally, there is nothing wrong with seeking spiritual advice from those whom you trust. A part of that trust would or should be that the one to whom you speak would respect your confidence and not confide it in others. Should such confidences be broken that would constitute gossip and/or tale bearing and would sin within itself.