SGM-Mahaneygate: A Timeline

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20121002/NEWS01/310040003/Sovereign-Grace-Church-brings-history-controversy-new-Louisville-launch?odyssey=nav&nclick_check=1

Through the years

Mid-1970s: C.J. (Charles Joseph) Mahaney and Larry Tomczak lead worship gatherings in Washington, D.C., called “Take and Give,” influenced by the hippie-friendly Jesus movement and the charismatic movement, marked by beliefs in miraculous gifts.

1977: Mahaney, Tomczak and small group form what becomes Covenant Life Church in suburban Maryland.

1982: People of Destiny International network of churches launches.

Early 1990s: Covenant Life, denominational offices move into Gaithersburg building.

1997: People of Destiny International board adopts Calvinist (Reformed) theology. Tomczak resigns under acrimonious circumstances. Best-selling author Joshua Harris becomes Covenant Life pastor, succeeding Mahaney, who remains president of denomination.

2003: Denomination changes name to Sovereign Grace Ministries.

2006: Mahaney, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Albert Mohler and others launch biennial, Calvinist-oriented Together for the Gospel convention in Louisville.

2011: Former Sovereign Grace board member Brent Detwiler releases documenation of internal church deliberations accusing Mahaney of prideful and abusive leadership. Mahaney goes on leave for several months. Harris resigns from Sovereign Grace board.

2012: Sovereign Grace board restores Mahaney to presidency, concluding his actions did not disqualify him. Independent mediation group Ambassadors of Reconciliation reports on Sovereign Grace churches’ emphasis on sin and often-arbitrary system of discipline. Denomination relocates to Louisville, opens Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville.
Sources: Sovereign Grace Ministries, Covenant Life Church

The New Calvinism

The New Calvinist movement is a growing popularity of certain doctrines and practices associated with the Protestant reformer John Calvin.

Supporters generally promote:
• Sovereignty of God rather than human free will in determinating salvation and earthly events.
• Male authority in churches and homes.
• Strong pastoral authority and discipline of church members.

Modern proponents include:
• Sovereign Grace Ministries
• Some Southern Baptists, including many at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and its president, Albert Mohler.
• The Acts 29 church-planting network.
• Such preachers as Mark Driscoll, John Piper, Ligon Duncan and John MacArthur.