Building Bridges Between Spirit-filled Christians and Latter-day Saints (Mormons): A Translation Guide for Born Again Spirit-filled Christians (Charismatics / Pentecostals / Renewalists and Third Wavers) and Latter-day Saints. Rob Ph.D Datsko

we are soldiers in the army of the Lord. SFC will often talk about putting on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6) and LDS will sing about the army of Helaman. In using this “army of the Lord” analogy, LDS tend to feel that it is correct and honorable to follow a leader who has been assigned over you. In doing so, you will be doing what is right. God will bless you. Most military organizations would not be effective if soldiers did not willingly follow the direction of leaders. Publicly questioning the leaders is not the acceptable norm. LDS are instead counseled to pray and receive a confirmation from the Holy Spirit that what the leader has said is correct.

      However, SFC feel that even within an ‘army’, one has an obligation to society to point out when a leader does something that is not perfect. They feel that assertive followership is the most honorable path. Spirit-filled Christians feel that leaders should regularly and humbly acknowledge their imperfections. From the SFC mindset, it is more honorable to stand against the flow and be a whistle-blower where even a slight error is concerned. For SFC, not acknowledging imperfection is a far greater error, as it indicates pride.

      Latter-day Saints feel it is more honorable to trust the Lord and follow a leader who has been given stewardship over them. And to SFC, this can look like a Cult. Spirit-filled Christians feel it is honorable to point out imperfections in words or actions of a leader or within an organization, so they can repent, and the entire group can progress. And to LDS, this can seem “anti-Mormon.”

      More of these types of issues are dealt with in Part 2 under “Culture” and “Mindset/Worldview.”

      Chapter Five: Quick Troubleshooting Guide

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      Words To Avoid

      Below is a brief synopsis of a few commonly used terms with dual meanings that cause many of the major communication breakdowns between SFC and LDS. The rest of this book details the varying meanings behind these words and topics used by each group. This list is a simple chart for easy reference for some of the worst ‘offenders.’ If Latter-day Saints “LDS” and Spirit-filled Christians “SFC” knew how these words were being received and interpreted, they may be surprised!

      Some of these “words to avoid” may not cause problems with Christians who attend liberal denominations. They may or may not share common SFC interpretation of these words. Again, what makes SFC unique is that regardless of what church they attend, they will almost always state that they are born again. They will have experienced various manifestations of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and will talk about these sacred experiences.