Originally Posted by MissBrattified (Post 54030)

I'd love to respond flippantly, but I can't because I'm not sure whether you're joking or not.... :D

Originally Posted by MissBrattified (Post 54034)

Minus the curls, they just look gay. :oops

Originally Posted by AtlantaBishop (Post 54037)

My advice (as if I were asked for it) is if you want to be used - obey the rules. Be careful - don't voice things like this too loudly or you will be labeled as a non-conformist and trouble maker.

Originally Posted by MissBrattified (Post 54052)

Wow...so much to disagree with...where to start????



If you voice disagreement too loudly, especially in a way that persuades others to your point of view in opposition to leadership, you are making trouble, e.g., sowing discord.



How? It isn't possible to minister effectively unless you agree with everyone around you?



Which means that many pastors will automatically see "pushing the envelope" as testing the boundaries, and not necessarily as a good thing!!!! Rightfully so, I think.



Got scripture for that? :happydance



NOT so!!! If you are in ministry you are accountable to God for every person you influence and lead and minister to. JMHO!!!!! If you're going to be in ministry, shoulder the burden of extra accountability or do something else with your life!

Originally Posted by ReformedDave (Post 54040)

Actually, for once, I'm serious.

Originally Posted by MissBrattified (Post 54052)

Wow...so much to disagree with...where to start????

Originally Posted by Kutless (Post 53964)

Went to a wonderful fellowship last night. Lots of food and lots of laughs. One of the things that makes serving the Lord so awesome.

I began to look around at "us" and recall how we are quite the braggerts when it comes to separation. At times it almost becomes a prejudice as we look down on people who cannot afford the more "in style" modest dress.

I then began to look at those that held position at church and began to realize how foolish my thinking is. The bottum line is modesty and we must make a clear evaluation of what that is.

One gentlemen had on some stone washed jeans so tight I said a quiet prayer for his nether region. OUCH! His shirt sleeves were tight as to show tattoos of wizards, past relationships, etc. etc.

Another, in the middle of a casual setting, sported his expensive high fashion dress shoes, very gaudy and decrative. Name brand shirt and slacks very evident.

Then we look at the female examples of modesty. We had two or three playing ball in the yard with very revealing form fitting t-shirts. We had some young teenagers with skirts climbing monkey bars, sliding down slides,etc.

The most appalling of the evening was the youth pastors wife. Her clothes could not have been any tighter. Form fitting jean skirt barely covered the knees. My wife told me later that evening she helped her get some things in the kitchen and when she bent over her shirt crawled up her back halfway. I don't know if there were any men present at the time or not.

Then I think of how there is a no shorts rule on the men for our softball team. I think of the guilt that consumes me when I wish to wear shorts to mow the yard. How I feel the necessity to remain secretive in sending my 3yr old to school in shorts for outside play. Pants in the winter.

Preacher man, don't you think for a second that your so-called dress codes are anymore modest than the things I refrain from. Refrain from not because I believe them but because I want to be used.

I feel a lot of times I am amoungst hipocrites.

Originally Posted by AtlantaBishop (Post 54037)

True Dan - I was told so many times - Its Cold and Dark out there and everybody I know that left us - they wish they were back here with us!

My advice (as if I were asked for it) is if you want to be used - obey the rules. Be careful - don't voice things like this too loudly or you will be labeled as a non-conformist and trouble maker. You will be limiting your ministry in said church or organization if you keep thinking this way or voicing your thoughts.
There are hypocrites in everything and every church there is. Conservative - liberal, progressive, middle of the road, hard line - in EVERY kind - so don't think this is exclusive with your group. There are people in every kind of church that push the envelope to see how far they can go.
I had to come down hard on this past Sunday with a great crowd there - I had no other time to do it - but I had to lay down the law on the walking and talking and water fountain going and all the carrying on. Even when you are considered "liberal" people will push at the limitations so - if your happy in ministry where you are - obey the rules - keep a good spirit - stop worrying about what others do - you are NOT responsible for them - You are only responsible for YOU! God bless you - I feel your pain!

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster (Post 54060)

Originally Posted by Kutless (Post 54055)

For the record........not sowing the discord. One person knows me personally on here. I was just airing some stuff out.