To the Reader: It is important that you understand the necessity of this second update on Ken Blanchard. If you haven't taken the time to carefully read the following information, please do so, then proceed to the update below.   

 

Ken Blanchard Update (by James Walker, President, Watchman Fellowship, Inc.)

Interview with Mark Victor Hansen (co-author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series)

A Psychological De-Tox (provides background information on the formation of the Hoffman Institute's "Hoffman Quadrinity Process" and its founder, Bob Hoffman, American psychic and channeler)

 

 

UPDATE ON KEN BLANCHARD

You Will Know Them By Their Fruits

September 20, 2005

 

Sixty days ago on July 22, Ken Blanchard, co-founder of Lead Like Jesus, and Chairman and Chief Spiritual Officer of The Ken Blanchard Companies, issued a public statement regarding his endorsements of books and authors that "embrace teachings that are not compatible with those historically held by the Christian church."

 

"One of our core values is to, 'Build relationships based on trust and respect.'  Because we take relationships seriously and do trust and respect fellow believers, we gave careful consideration to the concerns that were expressed to us. After studying the issues that were raised and seeking counsel from family, friends, and experts in the field, Ken thought it important that he address these concerns and issued the following statement" (introduction to Ken Blanchard's Statement, revised, July 22, 2005).  

 

What follows is Blanchard's testimony, which includes: Jesus being his "beloved Lord, Savior and greatest teacher," his daily prayer that the Lord will "clean me out of me, fill me up with you, and then clothe me with humility," his giving his life completely to Jesus, and that Jesus is the only way to eternal life.

 

Continuing, Blanchard proclaimed he is "just a sinner saved by grace with weaknesses and frailties," and that he wants to model a life of Christ-like compassion and service for others "as best I can." He maintains that his faith in the historical and Biblical Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior is "unshakeable," and that Jesus will always be "the greatest leader and leadership role model of all time."

 

While Blanchard's testimony sounds sincere and convincing, is it possible that a person can talk-the-talk of Christianity, but be walking-the-walk down the broad path that leads to hell?

 

Since the August 21 Update on Ken Blanchard, Blanchard's statement has disappeared, again, from immediate access, and can only be viewed by conducting a search on the Lead Like Jesus website. Along with the statement, the webpage citing the Lead Like Jesus National Board Members has also disappeared from immediate access. The National Board Members, which still includes New Agers Mark Victor Hansen and Laurie Beth Jones, also includes:

As a staunch promoter of the New Age Hoffman Institute, Mark Victor Hansen considers the Hoffman Quadrinity Process a "Banquet for the Soul!" and encourages "absolutely everyone" to attend ("Mark Victor Hansen Interview," Hoffman Institute International, http://www.quadrinity.com/articles/article15a.htm ).

 

Blanchard's statement: what he did and didn't say

 

Someone once said, There is a big difference in hearing someone talk and listening to what they say. Likewise, there is a big difference between skimming over what someone writes and taking time to carefully read what they have written. The careful reading of an article, a book or a letter reveals at least two things: what the writer said and didn't say. With that in mind, it is important to note what Blanchard said and didn't say in his July 22 statement: 

 

"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."

 

To his credit, Blanchard publicly admitted that some of his endorsements and forewords of books are "contrary to Christian teachings." But he failed to inform the reader about his endorsements of and involvement with New Age  organizations, such as the Hoffman Institute and Heartland Circle, which continues 60 days after his July 22 statement.

 

As mentioned before, claiming to be a Christian while promoting, supporting and recommending the New Age Movement at the same time is sin. This is not an issue of making mere mistakes, but rather of committing sin.

 

Fifty seven days ago in his July 25 Ken Blanchard Update, Watchman Fellowship's President, James Walker, echoed portions of Blanchard's statement, stating in part that:

 

"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."

 

For the record, Walker and most of Watchman Fellowship's Staff has been provided with CRS's Letter to Ken Blanchard, CRS's August 21 Update on Ken Blanchard, and other important information. There has been no reply or updates from Watchman Fellowship on Blanchard's progress.

 

As of this writing--60 days later--Ken Blanchard has not publicly repented of his sins, publicly renounced all ties with the New Age Movement, publicly retracted his book endorsements, nor mentioned anything on his Lead Like Jesus website about his total separation from New Age organizations.

 

With Blanchard's failure to "take corrective action for the future," coupled with Watchman Fellowship's calling him "a brother in Christ," it appears that Walker and his staff have bitten-off more than they can chew. Their admitted involvement with Blanchard may return to haunt them.    

 

Without a change in your behavior, just saying "I'm sorry" is not enough. Saying "I'm sorry" is just the first step in an effective apology. The only way you can demonstrate that you are really sorry is by changing your behavior. That way the people you have harmed know that you are committed to not repeating the mistake. Talk is cheap—it's your behavior that matters (Ken Blanchard, Leadership Smarts: Inspiration and Wisdom from the Heart of a Leader, January 2004, pp. 58-59).

 

Yes, talk is cheap. Actions speak louder than words.

 

Indeed, the petrified wood from the Trojan Horse that once entered the gates of the Christian city has long-since been dismantled and used to build strongholds for deception. Its inhabitants have dispersed throughout the Christian city and have set-up shop in the main square, to condition and deceive the unwary, including many academics and experts in the field of apologetics and cult-evangelism. 

 

Ken Blanchard's current ties with New Age organizations:

 

"The Hoffman Process brings forth spiritual leadership in a person. It made my spirituality come alive." Ken Blanchard, Ph.D. Chair, Blanchard Training and Development, Inc., Author of One-Minute Manager [Hoffman Institute homepage at http://www.hoffmaninstitute.org ].

 

Ken Blanchard, Ph.D.

San Diego, CA

Chairman of Blanchard Training and Development, Inc., an international training company in business management. He is also a consultant and inspirational lecturer, author or co-author of 12 books including The One Minute Manager series. In addition, he is a visiting lecturer at Cornell University, where he serves as Trustee Emeritus [Hoffman Institute Board of Advisors list, where "...all members of the Professional Advisory Board have done the Hoffman Quadrinity Process." http://www.hoffmaninstitute.org/advisors.html ].

 

Spirituality in Business-An Interview with Ken Blanchard

by Raz Ingrasci, President

Chairman of Blanchard Training and Development, Inc., an international training company, Ken is the author or co-author of twelve books, including the One Minute Manager series. He is a visiting lecturer at Cornell University, where he serves as Trustee Emeritus. Dr. Blanchard is also a member of the Hoffman Advisory Board [ http://www.hoffmaninstitute.org/interview_blanchard.html ]

 

Hoffman Institute bookstore: The Hoffman Process by Tim Laurence

"The Hoffman Process allows people to resolve many issues that they use to prop their character up, such as unproductive beliefs about themselves and other people, and the need to be controlling."--Ken Blanchard, Chairman of Blanchard Training and Development and author of the best-selling "The One Minute Manager" series of books [ click HERE ]

 

The Heartland Circle: "Heartland Inc., founded in 1995 by Craig and Patricia Neal, was conceived to address the need for transformation of the human soul in the workplace and community. The organization’s goal was to provide educational support and opportunities to foster social and spiritual growth. The strategy was to create conferences and special events to further this goal" (Heartland Circle, FAQ).  

 

"The Ken Blanchard Companies" is listed as an attendee to The Bay Area, California Thought Leader Gatherings.

 

Tom Gegax's book, By The Seat Of Your Pants: The No-Nonsense Business Management Guide (Expert Publishing, May 1, 2005), carries an endorsement by Ken Blanchard. Gegax is a member of the Heartland Circle Thought Leader Gathering, Heartland Circle Elders Circle and Elders Circle Council.

 

Click HERE for a list of Blanchard's New Age book endorsements. 

 

It doesn't stop here. There is more.

 

Ken Blanchard's interest in 'evangelism'   

 

The Lead Like Jesus Movement started in 1999. Its website was established on October 16, 2002. Yet, according to the following documentation, Blanchard isn't interested in evangelism: 

 

"I spoke with Ken Blanchard, author of 'The One-Minute Manager' and 'Lead like Jesus,' and he said he is not interested in evangelism. He quoted Ghandi, who said if everybody in the world would act like Jesus everybody in the world would want to be a Christian. I don't think that view allows for mistakes. It presupposes that Christians are perfect, or perfectly Christian. That hasn't been my experience. Any thoughts? Do we need evangelism? Or just better behaved Christians? Rebecca Barnes editor, ChurchCentral.com" ("no evangelism?", Rebecca Barnes, Editor, ChurchCentral.com Forum, May 17, 2004. These statements were verified on September 10, 2005 during a phone conversation with Rebecca Barnes).

 

In the following excerpts from her May 20, 2004 article, "Ken Blanchard: Serving to Lead Like Jesus," Rebecca Barnes sheds additional light on her conversation with Blanchard: 

 

"'I never really started thinking about my faith until 'The One-Minute Manager' came out and was so ridiculously successful. And I couldn’t take all the credit,' Blanchard said.'"

 

"He [Ken Blanchard] told how he was led to the Lord with the help of friends who explained grace and salvation to him in a way that made sense. That was the early 1980s. Then, Blanchard said, he began reading the Bible for leadership principles and to his surprise found them in the work of Jesus."

 

"Blanchard said he is disappointed in Christians, too, because they aren’t using Jesus’ techniques more. "The biggest gap in Christianity is between knowing and doing. I mean, why don’t people who know better behave better," he said.

"'People ask me if I’m interested in evangelism. I’m not. I think the next big evangelism movement will be driven by behaving differently.'"

 

Case in point: Blanchard is quoted saying he is not interested in evangelism. But in his July 22, 2005 statement, he clearly stated, "I have publicly proclaimed my unshakeable faith in the Biblical and historical Jesus of Nazareth as my personal Lord and Savior - the King of Kings and Lord of lords who was, is, and always will be the greatest leader and leadership role model of all time. This is precisely why I have co-founded a ministry named 'Lead Like Jesus.'"

 

Most would agree that among every man and woman that has ever walked the earth, Jesus Christ would be the greatest example of love, compassion, honesty, integrity, and Supreme Role Model--second to none. However, what purpose is served by proclaiming faith in Jesus Christ, promoting Jesus Christ, starting a movement using the name of Jesus Christ, and not be interested in evangelizing the lost for Jesus Christ? The answer is simple: There is a big difference in leading like Jesus and worshipping Him.

 

Blanchard's lack of interest in evangelism flat-out contradicts Jesus' command to all believers, as well as the Apostle Paul's charge to Timothy:

 

And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation (Mark 16:15).

I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry (2 Timothy 4:1-5).

 

Contrary to popular belief, Jesus Christ is not a business industry brand name, trinket on a bracelet, marketing tool, or an advertising gimmick. In reality, Jesus Christ is the Lord God Jehovah in human form, the Creator of the universe, second Person of the holy Trinity, and the sinless Savior of mankind who shed His precious blood on the cross. Upon His return, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:6-4).

   

Metropolitan Community Churches, Rev. Lillie Brock, Ken Blanchard

 

"The first Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) was founded by Rev Troy D. Perry in 1968 in Los Angeles, CA (USA). This Fellowship of Churches plays a vital role in addressing the spiritual needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community around the world. For those of us who were raised in a religious atmosphere, homosexuality was usually associated with shame and guilt. As a result, many of us were cut off from the spiritual dimension of our lives. Metropolitan Community Churches provide an opportunity to explore a spiritual experience that affirms who we are" ("What is MCC?" Metropolitan Community Churches, http://www.mccregion8.org/whatisMCC.asp ).

 

Rev. Lillie Brock and her spouse:

 

"Needless to say we miss our Dallas friends and family terribly.  It was so good to see so many of you at the going away party at the Bronx on June 30.  Deb and I want to thank Rev. Elder Lillie Brock and her spouse Juley Anderson for organizing the event.  And we want to thank Jess Gilbert and Howard Jacks for hosting it at the Bronx.  We also want to thank Agape MCC, Harvest MCC, MCC of Greater Dallas, Promise MCC, Trinity MCC, and Region 8 MCC for sponsoring this event" (http://www.monawest.com ).

 

Excerpts from Rev. Lillie Brock's Statement and Spiritual Journey:

 

"I grew up as a Southern Baptist preacher’s kid in south Alabama.  That alone should tell you a lot.  My father was in ministry in the Southern Baptist church for 30 years and then came out as a gay man and pastored MCC churches for 20 years before his death.  That should tell you a lot more.  I start with these things, because in retrospect, I know they have shaped much of my spiritual journey."

 

"I simply want to be the kind of person who is able to be attentive to the Spirit and who can discern its movement.  I want to work on myself such that I am open enough to allow the Spirit to fill me up. I want to pray and listen for the still small voice."

 

"I believe that Jesus was the ultimate example of compassion for ALL people and I think he left us a legacy of challenging the rules that destroy and exclude. I believe that God wants to free us not bind us up or have us feel guilty. I believe that all things are possible when we unleash our own divinity and express it through the giftedness of our humanity"

( http://www.mccregion8.org/abouttheelder.asp, emp. added).

 

Rev. Lillie Brock and Ken Blanchard

 

"Rev. Brock is a sought after facilitator, keynote speaker, consultant and trainer. Lillie is a frequent presenter for corporations including MCI, Nestle, Avon, AT&T and Land O' Lakes. She has served with Steven Covey, Dr. Ken Blanchard, Ms. Laurie Beth Jones and Tom Crum in a think tank that studied the affects of change on organizational structure, spirit in the workplace, team building, conflict management and personal effectiveness. Lillie co-authored the book, 'The Secret to Getting Through Life's Difficult Changes.' Now in its fourth printing, the book is the primer on understanding the popular Change Cycle™ model and is a road map for individuals who are willing to learn how to move through the inevitable changes life brings. Dr. Ken Blanchard, author of 'The One Minute Manager,' has called the book '...a trendsetting tool'" (Agape' Newsletter, Volume 1, Issue 1, September 2003, p. 2, emp. added, http://www.agapemcc.com/NEWS2003-09.pdf ).

 

These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men (Matthew 15:8-9).

 

See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ (Colossians 2:8).

 

Therefore, is it possible that a person can talk-the-talk of Christianity, but be walking-the-walk down the broad path that leads to hell? Yes!

 

Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits. Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS' (Matthew 7:13-23).

 

One cannot sit on the fence with one foot in Christianity and the other foot in the New Age Movement. Why? As someone once said, Satan owns the fence.

 

Sincerely in Christ,

Bud Press, Director

Christian Research Service

Jude 3

 


 

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