A Statement Regarding Gary Ezzo and Growing Families International by the Elders of Grace Community Church (revised)

The following is a revised version of the public statement Grace Community Church is making about GFI and Gary Ezzo:

A Statement Regarding Gary Ezzo and Growing Families International

Grace Community Church is no longer affiliated in any way with Growing Families International (GFI). For several years we have had growing concerns about GFI's undue stress on non-biblical matters. For example, we see no biblical basis for the stance GFI takes on infant feeding methods. A corresponding effect of the stress on non-biblical issues is that important biblical issues, particularly the doctrine of depravity and the child's need for regeneration, do not, in our opinion, receive sufficient emphasis. When the doctrine of human depravity is dealt with, it is sometimes handled in a confusing fashion. We are also troubled about a divisive tendency we have seen associated with GFI, beginning with parents who isolate their children from others not trained in GFI principles. That can lead to an elitist attitude, which has proved to be a threat to unity in several churches--including our own. We have shared these and other concerns with Gary Ezzo, and do not believe it would be helpful for us to make any further public statements about these matters.

Why the revision? See A note from Phil Johnson

Can I read Grace's original statement? Yes, it was posted into the message board at http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-ppezzo/?msg=3231.6

How did GFI respond to the original statement? You can read their response yourself (in two parts) at: http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-ppezzo/?msg=3231.9 and  http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-ppezzo/?msg=3231.12

My comments on this matter

If you have any questions regarding this statement, you may want to contact Grace Community Church. The church office number is (818) 909-5500, and inquiries should be directed to the family ministries department.

Key Documentation

LIVING HOPE EVANGELICAL FELLOWSHIP:
Excommunication Statement

GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH:
Statement about Ezzo - Materials

GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH:
Statement about Ezzo - Character

CHRISTIAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE:
"The Cultic Characteristics of Growing Families International"
(originally titled "More than a Parenting Ministry")

CHRISTIAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE:
"GFI"
(orginally titled "A Matter of Bias?")

CHRISTIANITY TODAY:
Unprepared to Teach Parenting?

CHRISTIANITY TODAY:
Babywise Publisher Plans Contract Cancellation

AMERICAN ACADEMY of PEDIATRICS:
Media Alert