The Paradigm Shift

Please note the articles are from different sources and
referenced as numbered.

[1] Wimber stated that the Western Church is largely out of touch with the power of God because of Western materialism. Third World countries are more open to God's power because they have a different world view or "paradigm."

Looking at the influences in Wimber's paradigm shift (originally a New Age term suggesting a shift from Western materialism and pragmatism to Eastern spirituality), we can see how he had crossed the line from sound Biblical truth to Eastern spiritual methodologies, while espousing a Biblical Christology. The fact is that the Vineyard does adhere to a sound doctrine in statement. But the words don't line up with the deeds.

The call for a new world view, a shift from an objective approach to God's truth, to an almost entirely experiential approach, to attempt to abandon your entire world view, particularly, your "Western rationalistic paradigm," and replace it with a more subjective view, leaves you quite vulnerable.

Power Evangelism

In simple terms, "power evangelism," according to Wimber, means the combining of the proclamation of the Gospel with the demonstration of supernatural power through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The premise is that signs and wonders such as healing, raising the dead, and other miracles, are especially effective as tools to reinforce the truth of the Gospel. Wimber has said that the Gospel is largely ineffective without signs and wonders.

Refs:

[1] http://www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/exposes/wimber/john.htm