Welcome to this month’s edition of the inLight Adventure Newsletter. Recently, we started exploring a topic critical to the Body of Christ in this season of storms, chaos, and crises: the church’s problems with her doctrines. In this newsletter edition, we will present an abbreviated introduction of our position. The full argument will likely require a short series of articles, made available in March on our website, through our social media platforms, and via our article email distribution. If you prefer to receive them via email, please let me know.

The storms, chaos, and crises we face within and outside of the church offer unprecedented challenge and opportunity. Maximizing the opportunities of this season – including Christianity once again becoming the source of meaning and purpose in people’s lives – requires we address the problems created by our doctrines. The challenges we face will be exacerbated if we do not.

Honestly, though I feel very strongly about this topic, I have been reticent to write about it. I expect opposition; people will be offended. Many will argue that without doctrine there would be no church, and little purpose for our Seminaries. To attack doctrine is to attack one of the most sacrosanct pillars of the church. This, of course, is true… and not my purpose here.

Doctrines are generally good and serve an important function in the formation of Christians and the function of the Body of Christ. However, I also believe, see, and hear that there are problems with the doctrines of man. If you will allow, I believe you will at least begin to agree with me by the end of this short article.

The problems with doctrines lie in the priority we give them, our restricted focus on them, and our misuse of them in the life of the church. The well-intended but flawed applications of our doctrines have truly damaged the Body of Christ and thwarted Jesus Christ’s purpose in building His church, and bringing forth His wife. We intend, in this and subsequent articles, to provide evidence for this controversial assertion. Solutions will be self-evident along the way, and a collection of recommendations will be presented at the end of the series. We hope the reader will consider these arguments, listen to what the Holy Spirit may be saying to the Body of Christ, and take the necessary steps to mitigate the damage we are inflicting on ourselves and those entrusted to our care.

In summary form, doctrines create problems for the Body of Christ in the following ways.

1. They are used for the wrong purposes (e.g., bounding and protecting our fellowships).
2. They inhibit us from spiritual growth in the truth, discourage stewardship of the mysteries of God, and lead to an ignorance of wonder.
3. They unnecessarily divide the Body of Christ, delaying the Lord’s return.
4. They promote arrogance and control structures.
5. They encourage living from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, thereby trapping us in our heads and away from our hearts.
6. They provide a ready substitute for faith, good works, truth, etc.

We will flesh out each of these assertions in the coming weeks. Please let us know if you desire to be included in the email list we use to distribute our articles. As always, your comments, concerns, and questions are welcomed and appreciated. We are also available to speak on this topic.

God bless you with wisdom, discernment, courage, and boldness for the challenges and opportunities looming on our horizon.

Have a strong day in the Lord,

Rob

#iamjustthepen

Ministry Updates and Prayer Requests

Please turn your prayerful attention to God’s voice and His purpose for you in this season. We are truly in a Kairos moment of spiritual challenge and opportunity. The Storms Have Only Just Begun, and the rate of change we are about to experience will leave many seeking refuge, encouragement, and wisdom. Knowing His voice is now of paramount importance, and the purpose He entrusts to you will likely be your greatest kingdom legacy.

Pray for the Lord to identify and encourage the true prophets of this season. Are you one of the prophets we so desperately need? Pray for “the Sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel (i.e., the Body of Christ) ought to do (1Chronicles 12:32).” Pray that those of us with Godly wisdom will step up and forward to warn those entrusted to our care.

Praise God, the video editing for the The Storms Have Only Just Begun online course has begun. Work on the Study Guide is also underway. Please continue to pray for this endeavor.

As we turn our attention back to A Christian Response to the Metacrisis, please pray for God’s direction in the book’s writing and publication.

We have been encouraged to create an eBook, The Shepherd’s Guide to the Dangers of Digital Technology, that should be published soon. Let me know if you want an early edition.

I have had several meetings with educators, pastors, and AI experts to better understand how we might return responsibility for the education of our children back to the church. God is opening doors and building worthwhile relationships. Please pray for God’s wisdom, discernment, courage, and boldness in this audacious desire.

The Better Living Resource Network is now in its pilot phase. Several churches and ministries are coming together to manifest Jesus’ prayer for unity in service to their community. Please pray for our wisdom in the selection of participating partners, and faith for God’s exceedingly abundantly more than we can ask or think.

Our family and fellowship are well and well blessed. I hope to take the remainder of this month to rest, watch, and listen in preparation for an adventurous 2026. We appreciate your prayers for our continued spiritual growth and encouragement in the use of our new home as a refuge of encouragement and wisdom in this chaotic season.

Please continue to pray for our sisters and brothers suffering under persecution – as if chained with them, since you yourselves are in the body also (Hebrews 13:3).

Partnering with inLight Consulting

God’s purpose for inLight Consulting is beyond human capability. We are desperately dependent on Him; and would have it no other way. We are grateful for the continued support of those that trust God to use this ministry to further His kingdom. Please pray for our vision and mission.

Share the truths you find here with the leaders in your life; it will make them free. 

God bless you with wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him; and may He give you the grace and courage to walk in the work He has prepared for you.

Humbly yours and forever His,

Rob