Originally Posted by PastorD (Post 369034)

Stead....I respond not to question you or your pastorate. I believe you are passionate about what you do. However, I am staggered by this post. Having preached weeks on end in your area for the last 15 years, I can't think of one pastor there that would 'condone' or agree with shacking up or social drinking. It may go on, but they are not in agreement with it.

And then you saying that after dating young people from other churches yours are questioning Baptism in Jesus Name. I don't know of one pastor in your area that has such disrespect for Baptism.

Originally Posted by PastorD (Post 369034)

Stead....I respond not to question you or your pastorate. I believe you are passionate about what you do. However, I am staggered by this post. Having preached weeks on end in your area for the last 15 years, I can't think of one pastor there that would 'condone' or agree with shacking up or social drinking. It may go on, but they are not in agreement with it.

And then you saying that after dating young people from other churches yours are questioning Baptism in Jesus Name. I don't know of one pastor in your area that has such disrespect for Baptism.

Originally Posted by StMark (Post 369047)

My lips are sealed :happydance

Originally Posted by rgcraig (Post 369057)

That's a first! :girlyluv

Originally Posted by StMark (Post 369047)

My lips are sealed :happydance

Originally Posted by PastorD (Post 369061)

Speak up!

:toofunny

Originally Posted by jbigg (Post 368743)

No, it's this one.

http://www.acjcii.com/

Originally Posted by revrandy (Post 369075)

pianoman....

You and I think alike...they could not afford to critisize.....to do so would have brought disdain...so instead they worshipped together and felt God so it was all good...

The men who planned this are very smart and very intelligent.... but you don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure these things out....

Spend some time in the vicinity of some and you'll learn more than you need to know...

Remember to ask the local men around them what they feel about them...

As St. Mark said...Go West...and you'll soon figure it out.....cuz' everything that glows ain't always purty......

Originally Posted by jrLA (Post 368968)

Standing for your convictions is one thing. I applaud you for that. You do have a right to protect your people, that is for sure. You should feel that way.

Of course, there are times when your conviction outwieghs your committment to unity. I understand that. It is just that these men are not motivated by simple conviction. This organization or Fellowship has men on their general committee that ARE NOT conservative. I know for a fact. Their churches are the most liberal in the area! So, how can it be just about conviction and holiness! No, friend that may be their battle cry, but it isn't the true motive. That is for sure. Try politics...position... Now that is my opinion. But it seems very obvious. I may not be as old as you are, but I know some things as well! And...those things did not come from this forum!

The UPC is a very diverse group. Literally from one end of the spectrum to the other. I believe that is one of the things that makes us great. I certainly don't agree with eveything my brethren do or the nieghboring church does. There are instances where there MAY need to be restrictions on fellowship, but in my expirience that is few and far between.

I believe in teaching my people to live for GOd for themselves. Get your convictions for you! Don't pay attention to what the other church is doing as far as your convictions. There are hipocrites in EVERY church! I've got to learn to keep my eyes on God not them. Just as Peter stepped out of the boat and took his eyes off of Jesus and sunk....so will I if I take my eyes off of Jesus. I am not sure if always sheltering folks from reality is the best way to protect them. (jmo)

Steadfast....You pastor with great wisdom and I applaud you for seeking to protect your folks. But, I don't believe that is the same thing as this Tulsa business! Not the same at all! :TulsaNO: