[Terriergal]

I think it’s a bit unfair to say that none of his ‘tools’ is scripture.

Oh yes. The Message. I forgot.

The church's primary "purpose" is to preach the word, in season and out. that's it. The rest of his so-called 'purposes' will come from that, because that's what the Word, rightly handled, does.

Focusing on polishing the cart will not put a horse in front of it.

[DragoonEnNoir]

I don’t particularly like the Message, but some have used it as a building block to more fully understanding scripture. As far as I know, Warren does not use the Message exclusively either, so to seek to focus solely on the Message is unfair. Might I remind you that we are to ‘slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men’ (Titus 3:2)

I’m a little confused by your implication though that because he is seeking to ‘polish the cart’ he is not seeking to preach the Word.

Part of our responsibility as followers of Christ is ‘to live such good lives among the pagans that , though they accuse you (us) of doing wrong, they see your (our) good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.’(1Peter 2:12)

We are Christ’s ambassadors, and as such need to keep our cart ‘polished’... not so that we look good, but so that we represent our Father in a dignified manner. My cart may be simple, but I will keep it looking it’s best.

It would seem by the number of people that have come to Christ through Warren that he is preaching the Word adequately. The honor and glory though, belong to God and His Word, and not to Warren.