MIKE BREEN 3DM WREAKING HAVOC WITH THE CHURCHES

MIKE BREEN'S HISTORY AND THEOLOGY

In 1994 Mike Breen became Senior Rector of St Thomas' Church Crookes, an Anglican-Baptist Local Ecumenical Partnership in Sheffield. The unsavoury ethos at St Thomas' had its roots in two very serious errors; ecumenism and the unbiblical extremes of the charismatic movement. This became evident in 1995 when the unprecidented scandal of the sex personality cult, the Nine O’Clock Service (NOS) broke nationally. Despite complaints of sexual impropriety and abuse of power during 1994 and 1995, Breen voiced no concerns about the NOS until after the scandal broke. Similarly Breen voiced no objection about the apostate ecumenical position of St Thomas'. The lack of spiritual discernment on the part of Breen should be self evident before we even begin to examine his history and theology more closely.

The NOS gained national prominence and became widely acclaimed as the first post-modern worship service in the world in the 1980s and 90s. It began under the authority of St Thomas' Church in 1987 and has the unenviable reputation of being one of the biggest scandals within the Anglican Church. It was an alternative ground breaking service having a monastic yet post-modern charismatic orientation aimed towards the youth. Although the NOS was “successful” in terms of numbers, underlying problems began to 

emerge concerning its leader Chris Brain. Brain's abusive leadership style went unchecked and was endorsed by his superiors, the hierarchy of St Thomas' church, and even by the Bishop of Sheffield. After the scandal broke, Brain, 38, admitted to church officials that he "enjoyed sexual favours" from as many as 20 of his female followers. As many as 150 former members who had given up time, money and in some cases their jobs to help further the movement were left traumatised and in need of counselling. The NOS has been shrugged off as an “experiment” of all things by the Anglicans! This understatement hardly beggars belief considering the devastation that it caused.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/sex-cult-leaves-150-in-need-of-counselling-1597498.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nine_O'Clock_Service
http://occultcorpus.com/forums/index.php?/blog/96/entry-818-nos-an-experiment-in-power-and-control-1985-1995/

“.....the mass who congregated frontstage of Greenbelt they thought for a time of Christian worship, were stunned at what was put before them. Two bikini-clad dancers doing provocative bumps and grinds, Yin and Yang symbols flashed onto giant screens, illusions to the New Age, left the crowd stunned.”
http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/music/The_Media_Scandal_Behind_Sheffields_Nine_OClock_Service_/40388/p1/

The influence of apostate John Wimber on St Thomas' Church Crookes is an important factor that should not be overlooked. Wimber, now deceased, was Director of the Vineyard Movement. a deviant neocharismatic Evangelical Christian denomination which began in the USA. In 1986, St Thomas' hosted and was impacted by Wimber's Signs and Wonders Conference one year prior to the NOS “experiment”. Chris Brain is said to have been heavily influenced by the charismatic movement and in particular by John Wimber. Similarly Breen has thoroughly endorsed and recommended Wimber: “John Wimber had a large impact on my life …..”
http://weare3dm.com/mikebreen/we-are-3dm/missional-reading-part-2/

An article by Biblical Discernment Ministries (excerpt below) gives a very good summary of the deviant theology of John Wimber:

“(1) Dependence on experience rather than Scripture, leading to both a pragmatic (if it works, it must be from God) and a subjective approach (all sources of truth are equally valid) -- "experience first, then mold theology to fit the experience," seemed to be Wimber's motto.

(2) Acceptance of occult/New Age practices in "Christian" forms, such as aura reading and manipulation, the teaching of "inner healing," astral projection, contact with familiar spirits, and psychological and occult methodologies.

(3) A mystical view of spiritual warfare that comes dangerously close to spiritism, culminating in the belief that even Christians can be possessed by demons.”
http://www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/exposes/wimber/general.htm

It was during his time at St Thomas that Breen began his own “experiment”, namely 'The Order of Mission' (TOM), a Protestant, Charismatic and Evangelical neo-monastic order in conjunction with huddles and Lifeshapes.

Breen's spiritual experiment continues to damage God's people via TOM in conjunction with 3DM which is a complex system involving its own culture with huddles, shapes and other extra biblical paraphernalia which are used as a prism to interpret the Bible. Membership of TOM requires unbiblical vows and a three year commitment: http://eliora.hubpages.com/hub/HOLY-TRINITY-CHURCH-LEICESTER Not only is 3DM a cumbersome burden for those attempting to submit to its precepts, it is also very expensive! Breen requires a two year commitment for his 3DM "Learning Community Track". The cost in the UK varies from £2,160 to £4,560 per year. 

http://weare3dm.co.uk/

The sheer arrogance of Breen's system is frankly astounding. Essentially 3DM consists of dangerous extra biblical precepts which add to the word of God. Breen is the self appointed Apostle and Senior Guardian of TOM. 3DM is a devious way of saying that we need to supplement the scriptures with various formulae in order for discipleship to succeed. One example of this is Lifeshapes through which disciples learn to hear the voice of God by using the “learning circle” to interpret a “Kairos moment”. “The circle represents the learning process of all disciples...... A Kairos moment is one in which the Spirit brings something into our consciousness....a word discerned during meditation or prayer.” Notice how biblical language is supplanted by Breen's own language and culture and that reliance is placed on experiential revelation rather than the scriptures. 

http://scottengle.org/Background%20studies/Sep%204%202005.pdf

Biblically Jesus Christ is The Example from which his disciples learn: Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11/29) Can we reduce discipleship to rigid technical formulae rather than reliance on and submission to Christ Himself our Teacher? Do we follow Christ Alone or Christ plus something else? Christ plus something else is extremely dangerous and cultish.  IN CHRIST ALONE WE TRUST!

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence..... (2 Peter 1/3)

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. (2 Peter 1/16)

But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. (2 Corinthians 11/3)

Strong's No. 572: ἁπλότης – sincere or singleness hence simplicity.

I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favour of one against another. (1 Corinthians 4/6)

Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. (2 John 1/9)

Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar. (Proverbs 30/6; Revelation 22/18))

They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. (Titus 1/11)

In 2004, Breen moved to Glendale, Arizona to serve as pastor of Community Church of Joy.

Bethany Lutheran in Elkhorn Nebraska, US: “Apparently Mike Breen was fired at the church in Arizona, and his friend, Garett Robinson was not far behind. The rumor we got was that when Breen was fired, the Immigration officials were on hand but somehow he got around that......The first time I read the oath the followers had to take to follow Mike Breen, the guardian I was sick to my stomach. As far as I was concerned it was a CULT, and there were many others of the same mind..... Our church paid out $72,000 to Mr. Breen before it was stopped.” http://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/214/02/mike-breen-3dm-lifeshapes-and.html

THE SCHOOLEY FILES

Below is a just a small selection of the comments which have been left about 3DM on the Schooley Files. Please visit that site to see all the comments and something of the impact that 3DM has left on those damaged by it.

"Our church is in the midst of heated discussion between the council and pastoral staff in electing to follow the 3dm model of ministry. council has decided to not follow this after much research. sounds like freemasonry cloaked."

"Our church has already been badly affected by these "huddles"... it is a man made system and when you exceed biblical parameters you are open to demonic forces. This system does not honor God, it is dangerous and the evidence is there to prove it. Our church has become divided because of it, it makes me sad, if this was a system that would honor God, then none of this would happen..... I'd like to ask Mike Breen one thing...WHAT WOULD JESUS DO????"

"Thanks to all who have shared their experiences with 3dm & TOM. The church we have been part of has recently, implemented the above movement and philosophies, with very little indication to the majority of the congregation. Subtle implementation, being introduced to the Leader Huddles - which I found very secretive and dividing - placing the majority of the congregation "outside the camp."

"I could not find any of the rules and philosophy that was being promoted,aligning with any Scripture. Just religious sounding concepts

"My wife and I resigned from our roles in the fellowship and removed ourselves after private dialogue with the Sen. Minister. (He sees himself as a Pioneer of the movement in Australia) He was very accepting to my discussion with him,on the matter - but could not see any error in what he was introducing to the Fellowship."

"We have prayerfully committed the situation to God, and have been grieving in way, for those we have left behind. We left extending grace to the Minister and his leadership, without any arguments. Yet I feel we have been the guilty party in it all - it is approximately 12 weeks since we resigned,and have not had the desire to seek out a new Church Fellowship through this sad time. Are we alone in this? Please pray with us."

“Tragically, our church has been torn apart and dismembered by the promulgation of this material....."

"The secrecy, the inherent divisiveness of the program (creating two classes of disciples) the 'language' that must be learned AND the obvious similarities to the Shepherding Movement should be discussed openly with a church’s leadership before this program is implemented.”

"I just found this site and could not believe that others have experienced the same things that we did recently at our church. The creation of insiders and outsiders, only person's who adhere totally to the 3DM methodology being qualified to serve in leadership positions, those who have been huddled being the least charitable to Christian brothers and sisters that they have known and loved for decades. This is an insidious program that was instituted in secret at our church with only the pastor, staff, and board being allowed to know what was going on. Having read Building a Discipling Culture twice I have highlighted many passages which are just "out there" in terms of historic Christian doctrine and belief, such as "you can learn to do everything that Jesus did." Really? I haven't heard of anyone walking on water or raising the dead lately. When the temple veil was rent at Jesus death it signaled the destruction of the old system that was characterized by exclusion. Under the old covenant the closer you got to the presence of God in the Jewish temple the more exclusive, i.e. court of the gentiles and women, court of the men, the Holy place where only the priests could go, and then the Holy of Holies where only the high priest could go once per year. Yet 3DM creates a system of exclusion by its insistence on learning the "life shapes" and its unique language. Christ came to destroy the barriers and 3DM erects more, how could anyone call this discipleship. If this comes to your church run, run, run."

http://www.schooleyfiles.com/2013/11/mike-breen-and-building-discipling.html?showComment=1399322777675#c7821247714872847370

North Heights Lutheran Church Minnesota, US:

North Heights Lutheran Church (NHLC) has recently removed 3DM after a period of six years, during which time 3DM has had a very detrimental effect upon their congregation. Below is a statement from their own website:

North Heights Lutheran Church Removes 3DM

"The authority given to the North Heights Lutheran Church Council of Elders by Chapter 10 of the NHLC Constitution allows us to give the following statement. The North Heights Elected Council of Elders, on April 2, 2014, voted unanimously to move into the future unencumbered by the 3DM movement. The congregation was sent a brief email on Saturday evening, April 5, 2014. Below, you will find more detailed information.

Our prayer is that you will be part of building for the future at North Heights and represent His heart of love for one another. Let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:14–16

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is 3DM?

3DM stands for 3D-Movements. 3DM describes their business as “a training organization that works with leaders and churches of over 70 Christian denominations.” 3DM website

2. When did 3DM enter North Heights and how did it affect us?

Six years ago, the 3DM organization (along with conferences, books, trainings, and teachings) was invited into North Heights by our Leadership Staff. The goal was to increase our ability to live as disciples. We believe that the initial positive decision to utilize 3DM as a ministry tool and resource at NHLC has developed into an all-encompassing, controlling factor within our church. It is our desire that this church body be functioning through and reliant solely on the Word of God, the Lordship of Jesus, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because 3DM has become such a governing rule at NHLC, we believe the only way to course-correct our church is to fully terminate the presence of 3DM at NHLC.

Leaders were compelled to begin utilizing the language and teachings of 3DM. This drained finances, staff availability, a sense of community, and even usurped the power of the Holy Spirit. As we worked to understand the decline in church attendance, financial instability, spiritual and emotional duress placed on the congregation and staff of North Heights, it became clear that we needed to make a change.

3. What makes 3DM incompatible with the DNA of North Heights?

In contrast to 3DM which creates a tiered system of exclusivity, investing primarily in church leaders, North Heights believes in the priesthood of believers; that everyone is invited before the throne of God, to learn from Him, serve Jesus, and walk with Him. but you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9

In contrast to 3DM which separates younger and elder generations, North Heights is committed to bringing the generations together for ministry, healing, prayer, fellowship, study, service, and worship. Impress them (God’s commandments) on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:7

In contrast to 3DM which builds discipleship using shapes, North Heights believes that Jesus speaks to us directly through His Word and the Holy Spirit. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you-guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. 2 Timothy 1:14

In contrast to 3DM which requires the use of their language and culture, North Heights uses other ministries, such as Alpha and Cleansing Stream, with flexibility to adapt them within our own culture. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8

4. What happened to lead to this decision? Is the Council being reactionary, or are they doing what's best for the North Heights congregation?

The Council of Elders is, by its very nature, set up to maintain stability and order. We recognize that we were too ready to endorse and asked too few questions of our leaders. We willingly took their word that we were headed in the right direction.

Yet, there was the painful reality that worship attendance has dropped off dramatically, especially in the Arden Hills Sanctuary. A corresponding drop in giving, along with staff-cuts has been our reality.

Then, beginning in January 2014, following Mike Breen's talk at North Heights’ Leadership Event, his stated role as “Superior Guardian of The Order of the Mission” (TOM) and leader of 3DM, raised new concerns within our community.

1. Letters of concern about North Heights’ engagement with 3DM poured in crossing generations, genders, and ministries.

The Council of Elders began a prayerful investigative process.

1. The Elders listened to the concerns sent by many members and leaders of the congregation; often following up with personal conversations to more fully understand their experience or understanding of 3DM and its teachings.

2. The Elders read the prophetic words submitted to and approved by the Prophetic Roundtable. The Council requested these to be posted; many of the words warned about the direction North Heights was headed and called for correction.

3. The Elders talked with ministry leaders (both paid staff and lay-leaders), to understand the influence 3DM had on their ministry. The Elders learned that large amounts of staff time was re-directed from North Heights' ministries and toward 3DM; most significantly impacted were youth, young adults, family, and most recently outreach ministries.

4. The Elders talked with leaders from other churches who had been either positively or negatively impacted by 3DM. The Elders could not ignore the caution of the churches that were once on the same trajectory.

5. North Heights’ DNA is one soaked in the Holy Spirit; the Elders evaluated the spiritual fruit of 3DM. Although, some leaders have benefitted from this discipleship process, we could not ignore that after the investment of finances, the reallocation of staff time, and the obligation of church leadership to conform to 3DM, there is very little fruit in the body of believers to show for this investment.

6. After The Council of Elders reviewed the information and sought wisdom from the Lord it became clear that we had a constitutional obligation to protect the spiritual, financial, business and organizational aspects of the congregation. [NHLC Constitution 10.01]

Going forward the Council of Elders is committed to minding the check in our spirit, while we engage openly with staff and members; to create a process of interacting within ministries; and to bear at all times the responsibility of listening to the Lord, His prophets, His people, and His Holy Spirit.

5. Why didn’t the congregation need to vote to remove 3DM?

Since 3DM was never voted in as an affiliated entity of North Heights, a congregational vote is not required to remove it. The Council has the authority and responsibility for the spiritual oversight of the congregation. It takes seriously the degree to which many are invested in 3DM. In tending to the overall well-being of North Heights, it makes more sense to redirect our energies and resources toward congregational ministries. Our hope has been to be obedient to God, to hear the cries of His heart and Church, and to lead in such a way that the body wasn't put in the position of taking aim at one another.

6. Does the removal of 3DM mean that certain staff will be asked to leave?

The Council wants to be clear that in no way are we requesting that ANY of the staff leave North Heights. We are removing 3DM and that includes requiring that staff members also have no affiliation with 3DM. We are removing 3DM curriculum, language and framework from our church. Where staff members are willing to sever their 3DM affiliation, we would love to have them remain on staff. We understand that some staff are well connected with 3DM and may find it difficult to stay at a non-3DM church. Since employees of NHLC represent our church at all times, outside affiliations with 3DM misrepresent the church’s position.

7. Do staff only have until Wednesday, April 9th to decide if they want to stay at a non-3DM church?

The Council heard the concerns about the staff responding by Wednesday, April 9th, regarding the commitment to operate in their role in a church without 3DM and its affiliates. We understand that the decision we asked staff to make may need more time, so the date was left open right now. Staff were notified of this change. We reminded them that each of them are valuable to this church and we believe that each is capable to carry out their ministries in a manner consistent with this new direction. The Council is committed to help staff work through this transition. It is our hope and prayer that the NHLC staff will choose to remain through this shift of focus.

8. How will this change affect the community in which I am involved?

If you are involved in an existing huddle, missional community, or small group you are encouraged to continue, just without the 3DM language. Let the Holy Spirit guide you as you transition your ministry. We have always been a church that has invested in community, Christ-centered discipleship, service and outreach led by the Holy Spirit.

The Council of Elders will work together with the pastors, staff and congregation, to build upon our heritage, strengthening relationships between campuses, generations and reaching our neighbors. If you are already part of a great community, hold on to it! If you wish to be a part of community, let’s work together to build it. We believe that although authentic Christian community comes in many forms, it is strongest when centered in the Word, led by the Spirit, and engaged in the world. This has always been North Heights’ DNA.”
http://www.nhlc.org/3dm

Follow Up Post: The Toxic Aftermath of Mike Breen 3DM: North Heights Lutheran Church
http://bewareofthewolves.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/mindy-bak-north-heights-lutheran-church.html

UPDATE: 3DM is now known as 5Q with Alan Hirsch, Cairn Network. Kairos network.