Update on Ken Blanchard

Actions Speak Louder than Words

August 21, 2005

On July 22, 2005, Ken Blanchard issued a statement concerning his involvement with and promotion of the New Age Movement (NAM), and his "unshakeable faith" in the Biblical Jesus Christ. Has Blanchard repented, renounced his ties with the NAM, separated himself from New Agers, and retracted his endorsements of books written by NAM authors?   

Billed as a world renowned expert on leadership, Ken Blanchard is the Chairman and Chief Spiritual Officer of the Ken Blanchard Companies, and the co-founder of the Lead Like Jesus Movement, an organization that conducts "transformational" encounters using Jesus as a role model for effective leadership. According to Big Speak!--the corporate world's top resource for motivational speakers--Blanchard commands a hefty "$40,001+" fee for his speaking engagements, and is listed on the Big Speak! website with well known New Agers as Deepak Chopra, Joan Borysenko, Jack Canfield, Wayne Dyer, Victor Mark Hansen, Barbara Marx-Hubbard, Neale Donald Walsch, and more.   

In April 2005, Lighthouse Trails Research issued a news release documenting Ken Blanchard's involvement with both the NAM and Rick Warren. The news release cited Blanchard's endorsements of books written by New Agers, his promotion of yoga and Buddhism, involvement with, participation in, and promotion of the Hoffman Institute (a New Age organization founded by an American psychic, channeler, and co-creator of the Hoffman Quadrinity Process, Bob Hoffman). 

As an integral member of the Hoffman Institute, Blanchard shares his responsibilities on the Hoffman Board of Advisors with New Agers such as: Joan Borysenko (President of the Mind/Body/Health Sciences, Inc.), Margot Anad (founder of Sky Dancing Tantra International and author of books promoting Tantra sex), Sonia Choquette (a renowned third generation psychic and spiritual counselor, who "concentrates on helping others develop their own psychic powers"), and Rev. Hal Milton (Unity minister).

Of the Hoffman Quadrinity Process, Blanchard states:

"The Hoffman Process actually brings forth spiritual leadership in a person. Since taking the Process, my title at our company has become Chief Spiritual Officer. Now, I'm working on creating a Center for Chief Spiritual Officers...It made my spirituality come alive. I had all these wonderful spiritual thoughts, but I still had behaviors that were getting in my way. Through the Hoffman Process, I actually brought my faith into my daily actions. It gave me a way to have my spirituality be at the center of my life, rather than something I call on when I'm in trouble and it's too late. That is what the Process does for people" ("Spirituality in Business-An Interview with Ken Blanchard, Ph.D.").

Is it any wonder that Blanchard's name is cited on the Hoffman Institute website at least five times?    

On July 21, three months after the Lighthouse Trails Research news release, Blanchard issued statement on his Lead Like Jesus website, removed it, then reissued a revised statement on July 22. The statement reads in part,

"Recently, it was brought to my attention that some of my endorsements and book forewords are for books written by authors who espouse concepts that are contrary to Christian teachings. I did not realize that this was the case when I wrote these endorsements and forewords. But now after further study and discussions with other followers of Jesus whom I respect and admire, including the staff at Watchman Fellowship, I understand why these are problematic and I promise that I will exercise better discernment in the future."

At this point, it is important to note that while Blanchard proclaims a belief in Jesus as his Lord, Savior and greatest leader, based on his statements, he is terribly confused, and fails to recognize the glaring, clear-cut difference between mere mistakes and sin. Indeed, if Blanchard isn't saved, he has fallen prey to the counterfeit Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:3-4). It is this type of confusion that could very well result in his spending eternity in hell--totally separated from God. Needless to say, this would be tragic, not only for Blanchard, but for others who have fallen prey to the twisted terminology spell of the New Age Movement and the false Christ that dominates it.

It is important to understand that you cannot, under any circumstances, be a Mormon, Jehovah's Witness, psychic channeler or Buddhist and be a Christian at the same time. You cannot, under any circumstances, serve a counterfeit Jesus and be a Christian.

There is a big difference in leading like Jesus and worshipping Him (Matthew 15:8).

Watchmen on the wall?

On July 25, 2005, James Walker, President of Watchman Fellowship, Inc.,--a counter-cult ministry-- issued a Ken Blanchard Update, stating in part that:

"After consulting with Watchman Fellowship staff and others Blanchard readily admits that these endorsements, though made in ignorance, are problematic and should not have been made. His statement regarding this can be found on the Lead Like Jesus website here: Ken Blanchard Statement.

"It is regretful that any Christian leader might err, under any circumstances, by promoting New Age authors or their teachings. We are grateful that in this instance, when approached with the issues of concern, Mr Blanchard was not only willing to admit to this error but, to also make assurances to take corrective action for the future.

"After spending time with Mr. Blanchard we are now convinced that he is, in fact, a brother in Christ and are committed to assist him as he continues to work through the issues that have arisen as a result of these past endorsements. We encourage you to pray for Ken and the Lead Like Jesus staff as they move forward."

Walker, a former Mormon who is "...directly involved with evangelism and apologetics in a variety of related fields including Mormonism, the New Age Movement, Jehovah's Witnesses, the Way International, Armstrongism, the Unification Church, Christian Science, Satanism and the Occult" (Bio), knows full well that the NAM is in direct opposition to everything God has established in His holy word. His statement echoed Blanchard's statement and further confused the issue by using words such as "ignorance," "problematic," and the admittance of "error," as opposed to pointing out the presence of sin in Blanchard's life and his immediate need for repentance, as a result of his years of involvement with the NAM. Walker's Ken Blanchard Update lacks clarity, and fails to answer important lingering questions pertaining to Blanchard and his plans to totally separate himself from the NAM.

"I hope and pray you read every chapter carefully. Each contains stories of believers and basically moral nonbelievers who have been enticed by a powerful network that used to be called New Age but is now camouflaged in respectability. If you are like those who have heard me preach on this subject, you will be surprised at the level of infiltration these 'other gods' have already accomplished in your world" (ibid., p. 8).

On page 12, Jeremiah shares that "In 1990, I preached a series of messages on the New Age movement. When these talks were aired on 'Turning Point,' my radio program, the response was overwhelming. Many in my own congregation came up to me and said, 'Dr. Jeremiah, I was involved in some of the practices you described. I had no idea how dangerous they were.'"

On page 14, Jeremiah leaves no stone unturned, and warns that "New Age devotees" have targeted "schools, the media, corporate America, government, healthcare, and our churches."

It is ironic that ten years ago, Dr. David Jeremiah boldly uttered a much needed warning to the church and corporate America about the NAM, but ten years later he is currently listed as a "guest" speaker at Ken Blanchard's November 18, 2005 Lead Like Jesus Celebration in San Antonio, Texas.

If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me (Luke 9:23).