Teen Mania - How Truly "Christian" is it?

by Judie

The definition of Mania according to Webster is - excitement manifested by mental and physical hyperactivity, disorganization of behavior, and elevation of mood; specifically : the manic phase of bipolar disorder. Excessive or unreasonable enthusiasm.

Is this what this group is promoting to teens?

MSNBC aired an expose' recently on the movement (I refuse to refer to it as a ministry) called 'Teen Mania', AKA, 'Acquire the Fire". Ron Luce, who is also a promoter of 'The Call's' Lou Engle, heads up this organization.

After watching the documentary I was so sickened by the display of this so-called Christian "training" that I thought it necessary to make people aware of what's really going on with this group. I know they've been around for awhile and had certainly heard of them, but I had no idea that this kind of treatment of teens was taking place within their ranks.

One disturbing fact among many, is that...according to the documentary, the cost to attend this school, and suffer the kind of abuse they provide, is a whooping $8,000! WOW, can you say chaaaa ching! Hmmm, I wonder what Jesus charged the disciples for the intense training they received during the years they spent in His "school"?

The documentary also stated that the teens are strongly persuaded to volunteer, under unpleasant conditions I might add, to fund-raise for 8-10
hours a day during part of their stay there. I have to say, that it's amazing to me that parents who are fully aware of what goes on actually PAY to send their young people to a place like this. A place where they are guilt-ed into a "system of works" instead of being taught to trust in Christ and His work on the Cross ALONE for their salvation and sanctification. Take note of some of the remarks made in the video and I think you'll plainly see why I make that comment.

In any event, my overall thoughts after watching the documentary are - WHY does the church continue to support and promote groups like this? What on earth does putting people through such RIDICULOUS tasks while demeaning and disrespecting them have to do with biblical Christianity? Did Jesus train and disciple the 12 this way? Hardly!

I mean, think about it, can you even remotely picture Peter, John, or any of the other 12 eating cat food and rolling down a hill in other people's vomit to "try" and improve their relationship with the Lord and others? How completely ludicrous is that? Yet, that's exactly what this sadly misguided group is teaching teens about what it means to serve and follow Christ. They are teaching them to "try" to improve themselves by trusting in their own "good works" instead of trusting the Lord to work His righteousness in them. What a seriously GROSS misrepresentation of God's grace and WHO the Lord truly is, not to mention HOW He really does work in our lives. My heart really goes out to those who've been exposed to and misled by groups such as this, and I have no doubt that the Holy Spirit is sorely grieved with the thoroughly WRONG concept of God that these vulnerable teens are being erroneously given.

WHEN will the church wake up and DO something about the many abuses and false teachings that take place under these spiritually bankrupt, inept leaders? How lukewarm and BLIND has the church become that they can truly no longer SEE what is happening right before their very eyes? Do most even care to see anymore? Definitely food for thought.

Okay, enough ranting. I realize we're living in the last days and as scripture says, false teachers will abound and "things will continue to grow worse and worse", but at times what I see going on in the church just gets TOO frustrating and upsetting and I have to let off some steam. Be that as it may, however, I guess all that's left to say is...God please help us to continue on the straight and narrow and to always stay true to your Word; and please put an end soon to this utter foolishness that takes place in your Name under the guise of biblical Christianity.

I've posted the video below to show some of what the teens are subjected to in the group's "ESOAL training". At the end there are other videos you can view as well if you'd like to gather more information, and/or do further research on the movement. In addition, if you google 'Teen Mania' you'll also find some Blogs that include testimonies of those who attended this school.

In closing, I'd like to include a special note to those who may be reading this that were victims of spiritual and mental abuse while attending Teen Mania - I pray that God will heal your heart and mind and that you will come to hear the TRUE Gospel of Jesus Christ. I pray that the Lord will send you true leaders and shepherds who will uplift and encourage you...those who will genuinely care for your soul. Know that the Lord has NOT given up on you and that He loves you more than you can imagine. Lastly, please don't ever let what others do, no matter what label they choose to wear, cause you to give up on HIM! God bless.

Judie <><