UPCI Licensed Ministry Questions

[Servant's <3]

There have been more than a few questions about the restrictions that the UPCI places on licensed ministers. (the most recent on adultery immediately comes to mind)

This is not to discuss the legitimacy of said restrictions, only to detail exactly what those restrictions are and maybe if an explanation as to why some of them have been placed.

My question is about bankruptcy... I have read somewhere that you can't have ever filed for bankruptcy and get a minister's license. Is this true?

[FlamingZword]

It is irrelevant what the UPC requires of its ministers, what really matters is what does the Bible requires of the ministers. Anything else is just man's traditions.

[mfblume]

There have been more than a few questions about the restrictions that the UPCI places on licensed ministers. (the most recent on adultery immediately comes to mind)

This is not to discuss the legitimacy of said restrictions, only to detail exactly what those restrictions are and maybe if an explanation as to why some of them have been placed.

My question is about bankruptcy... I have read somewhere that you can't have ever filed for bankruptcy and get a minister's license. Is this true?

It is a big question in the application for reasons of if a minister can wisely live within his means our not. It may not keep him out but then again may .

[seguidordejesus]

Yeah, generally frowned on to commit adultery, but do what you want.

[thephnxman]

"Who art thou that judges another man's servant? to his own master he stands or falls. Yes, he shall
be holden up: for God is able to make him stand."

ONLY THE MINISTRY IN THE UPCI HAS A RIGHT TO ANSWER THAT QUESTION, FOR THEY ARE THE
ONES AGREEING TO THE CREDENTIALS. IF IT HAD BEEN ASKED OF THE MINISTRY IN GENERAL, WELL...

[Servant's <3]

I am not judging anyone. I am only asking for information. I hope anyone who comes here does not come here to judge the restrictions or the UPC. I'm in the UPC and enjoy it.

And the answer to my question was informative. I hope other non-judgmental answers or baiting questions will be ignored.

This is not intended to be a debate or forum for people to come down on the UPC. At least that is not my intention.

[Servant's <3]

I hope other non-judgmental answers or baiting questions will be ignored. .

That should read: I hope other JUDGEMENTAL answers or baiting questions will be ignored.

[Bowas]

The UPCI organization places a high standard for those that requests to be licensed with them.
They are well within their rights to have and maintain whatever requirements they deem necessary as the ministers they give license to will represent God using their name.

The issue on bankruptcy is primarily to show one has been a wise steward of their finances as they will be handling a churches finances if they give license to the individual.

If the bankruptcy has legitimate merit as to why the individual filed, they will consider the reason and can issue a license to the applicant.

It is a good thing as they will be representing not only God, but the UPCI as they minister for the Kingdom.

[mfblume]

If a man went bankrupt, then he is questionable to be a minister because if a man cannot rule his own house well he cannot oversee a church congregation.

[mfblume]

This is not a a DEEP issue, so why is it in the DEEP section? lol

[seguidordejesus]

If a man went bankrupt, then he is questionable to be a minister because if a man cannot rule his own house well he cannot oversee a church congregation.

I would mostly agree, but if it's not his strong suit, he would be ideal for a church that had a good board who could handle financial decisions. The pastor doesn't have to be good at everything :)

[Jito463]

I would mostly agree, but if it's not his strong suit, he would be ideal for a church that had a good board who could handle financial decisions. The pastor doesn't have to be good at everything :)

The point isn't whether he can handle the finances of the church (although that's important), it's whether he can handle overseeing the congregation, when he's incapable of handling something as simple as his finances. It would be the same, if he couldn't manage his own children, or his wife was running around doing un-Godly things. A man like that would not be suitable as a pastor.

There may be rare exceptions, but they are just that - exceptions, not the rule.

[mfblume]

I would mostly agree, but if it's not his strong suit, he would be ideal for a church that had a good board who could handle financial decisions. The pastor doesn't have to be good at everything :)

I agree he does not have to be good at everything. But it IS an issue that would disqualify him in small churches obviously.

[Servant's <3]

"'Deep Calleth Unto Deep ' -The place to go for Ministry discussions. Please keep it civil. Remember to discuss the issues, not each other."

Hence the reason it was placed here.

(Bolded word by me)

[Aquila]

Again, I'm so glad to be in the house church movement.

[Pneuman]

When I went for local licence back in the mid 90s I seem to recall they did a financial background on you including credit history, faithfulness in tithe and offerings, etc., and yes that would include bankruptcy. I don't think I have ever heard of somebody being excluded from license because of finances alone, but I guess it could happen. Where I am from it had more to do with who you were related to or who your Pastor was.

[Sean]

Poor guy, they wanted you to "pay to play"...LOL

[mfblume]

"'Deep Calleth Unto Deep ' -The place to go for Ministry discussions. Please keep it civil. Remember to discuss the issues, not each other."

Hence the reason it was placed here.

(Bolded word by me)
Still not very deep.