E.W. Kenyon's Personal Life and Ministry Integrity
E.W. Kenyon was a Christian pastor and writer whose personal life and ministry integrity have been subject to scrutiny. Kenyon's teachings have been influential in certain Christian circles, particularly in the Word of Faith movement. However, critics have raised concerns about his theological views and personal character.
One aspect of Kenyon's ministry that has been questioned is his integrity as a teacher. The biblical concept of integrity in ministry is emphasized in the writings of the apostle Paul, who stresses the importance of ministers being faithful and pure in their service [1]. In 2 Timothy 3:9, Paul commends Timothy for having "fully known my doctrine," highlighting the significance of faithful transmission of Christian teaching. John Gill's commentary on this passage underscores the importance of ministers preaching "purely and faithfully" [1].
The Reformed tradition, represented by theologians like John Calvin, also emphasizes the need for ministers to demonstrate integrity in their teaching and conduct. Calvin notes that a minister's "example" is crucial in confirming their teaching, as seen in his commentary on Titus 2:7, where he highlights the importance of "uncorruptness" in a minister's doctrine and character [2]. Similarly, in his Institutes, Calvin stresses the need for self-denial and a commitment to serving God, which is essential for maintaining integrity in ministry [3].
Critics of Kenyon have argued that his teachings and personal life fell short of these biblical and theological standards. While a detailed examination of Kenyon's life and teachings is beyond the scope of this response, it is clear that his ministry integrity has been a subject of debate. The biblical emphasis on ministerial integrity, as seen in the writings of Paul and the Reformed tradition, provides a framework for evaluating Kenyon's life and teachings.
Sources
- 2 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Timothy 3:9: But thou hast fully known my doctrine,.... This, with what follows, is said in opposition to the characters, principles, and practices of the above wicked men, and for the imitation and encouragement of Timothy, and of others, whether ministers or private believers: the apostle calls the doctrine he delivered, "my doctrine": not because he was the author of it, or that it was a scheme of principles formed and contrived by him; but because it was the doctrine which he had received from God, which was given him to preach, and which he did preach purely and faithfully;”
- Titus (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Titus 2:7: In--with respect to all things. thyself a pattern--though but a young man thyself. All teaching is useless unless the teacher's example confirm his word. in doctrine--in thy ministerial teaching (showing) uncorruptness, that is, untainted purity of motive on thy part (compare Co2 11:3), so as to be "a pattern" to all. As "gravity," &c., refers to Titus himself, so "uncorruptness"; though, doubtless, uncorruptness of the doctrine will be sure to follow as a consequence of the Christian minister being of simple, uncorrupt integrity himself. gravity--”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 62: 2006 CHAPTER 7. A SUMMARY OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. OF SELF-DENIAL. 391 391 On this and the three following chapters, which contain the second part of the Treatise on the Christian Life, see Augustine, De Moribus Ecclesiae Catholicae, and Calvin de Scandalis. The divisions of the chapter are,—I. The rule which permits us not to go astray in the study of righteousness, requires two things—viz. that man, abandoning his own will, devote himself entirely to the service of God; whence it follows, that we must seek not our own things, but t”