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The "Toronto Blessing"
A Theological Examination of the Roots, Teaching and
Manifestations, and Connection Between the Faith Movement and the
Vineyard Church
By Stephen Sizer
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The Toronto Blessing : A Critical Reflection
This brief critique grew out of a series of papers produced for
his own congregation on this perplexing and divisive issue. In
these Stephen has concentrated on the theological roots of this
movement, and the biblical hermeneutic used to justify the
phenomena associated with it. These "Reflections" have been well
received by a wide audience not only in Britain, but also in
Ireland, France and the United States. Three of these have
subsequently been published in the Church of England Newspaper,
Evangelicals Now and by Banner Ministries.
In December 1994, Stephen was asked to debate with Sandy Millar
and Nicky Gumbal before the Church of England Evangelical
Council on the significance of the "Toronto Blessing". That same
month he participated in a 24 hour Consultation on the subject
under the auspices of the Evangelical Alliance. He and Rob
Warner drafted the agreed statement signed by those
participating, which is appended to this booklet. In the Spring
of 1995 Stephen contributed to a video entitled "Rumours of
Revival" produced by Nelson Word. In the Autumn of 1995 he spoke
on the subject at the Church Society Annual Rally at Westminster
Central Hall.
It is his opinion that, based on the evidence, the theology and
phenomena associated with the "Toronto Blessing" are not the
work of the Holy Spirit, as is claimed, nor heralds revival, but
instead reflect a significant departure from biblical
Christianity and Evangelical orthodoxy, and has been the vehicle
for the penetration of cultic and even occult teaching and
behaviour into the Church of Jesus Christ.
CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION
The first responsibility of Christian pastors is to teach sound
doctrine based firmly on the Word of God, under the illumination
of the Spirit of God, in order that Christians become mature
servants and children of God. In this we must take very
seriously the command to, "Preach the Word; be prepared in
season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage with
great patience and careful instruction." (2 Timothy 4:2). Our
aim must be to "Do your best to present yourself to God as one
approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who
correctly handles the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15)
The reason we must make this our first priority is because
today, in our generation, there is an ungodly attitude that
regards "doctrine" almost as a dirty word. It is reflected in a
preoccupation with experiences rather than with the careful
study of the Word of God, as the means to discover truth, and
know God. In the passage just quoted, Paul goes on in the very
next verse to warn specifically that,
For the time will come when men will not put up with sound
doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather
around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching
ears want to hear. (2 Tim 4:3).
Iain Murray, writing of the 17th Century ejection of
Evangelicals from the Church of England, observed that,
The true cause of all religious disunity is the addition of
man's teaching to the Scripture. Satan's design, in every age, ably
abetted by sinful man's distaste for the word of God, is to mingle
men's inventions with the institutions of Christ....
One of the most dangerous temptations for Christians in this
present age, is simply to accept what respected friends and
teachers say without question. Instead we must do what the
Christians in Berea did with Paul's teaching, "They received the
message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every
day to see if what Paul said was true. (Acts 17:11)
It is my contention that the wave of interest in what has come
to be known as "The Toronto Blessing" reflects a subtle but
significant move away from "sound doctrine". As shall be shown,
the Scriptures are being neglected, distorted, and superseded by
strange doctrines and novel teaching based on extra-biblical
revelation. This has led to the uncritical acceptance of an
existential theology compromised by worldly values. Under the
guise of a supposed "move of God", a major paradigm shift is
occurring away from the Biblical faith traditionally recognised
and embraced by Evangelicals and into the realm of the cultic
and heretical.
 Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES
Stephen Sizer is the Rector of St John's, Stoke near Guildford,
and has been an Anglican minister for twelve years. Over the
past nine years, as a result of the Lord's blessing, the church
at Stoke has seen significant growth. Prior to ordination he
worked as an evangelist with Agape, among university students.
For many years he has travelled extensively to Eastern Europe
and the Middle East to assist with Bible teaching conferences,
evangelistic and ecumenical projects.
Stephen has contributed to the production of "Person to Person",
an evangelistic video training programme produced by Agape,
Bible Society and Scripture Union, as well as to a pro-life
educational pack for Care Trust. He has assisted Trans World
Radio with the script editing of material for broadcast to
Europe and the Middle East. He has also co-operated with Garth
Hewitt on several projects for the Amos Trust.
He is a trustee of the International Bible Society (UK), a
director and trustee of Highway Holidays, a trustee of Family in
Trust, and Good News in Guildford. In 1994 he completed a
Master's degree in Theology through Oxford University, exploring
the impact of Western Christianity and pilgrimages upon the
indigenous Church of the Holy Land. He is now undertaking
doctoral studies in the same field through Oak Hill Theological
College and Middlesex University. Stephen is married to Joanna,
and they have four children.
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