Re: Showdown in the Wild West
 

This all reminds me of Goodmorning Vietnam

Excuse me, sir. Seeing as how the VP is such a VIP, shouldn't we keep the PC on the QT? 'Cause if it leaks to the VC he could end up MIA, and then we'd all be put on KP~

Re: Showdown in the Wild West
 

:ursofunny

Re: Showdown in the Wild West
 

Absolutely! And at one time (not sure about now) the vast majority were not affiliated. Autonomy is invaluable. But when a church is affiliated and then desires to become unaffiliated, all hell breaks loose. Decorum mandates that the district send a representative to the business meeting to explain why the church should remain affiliated. And of course, the local pastor states his case as well. In my experience, these meetings are always extremely tense and feelings are on edge. It never goes well.

Once the vote passes (they usually do) people seem to inevitably head for the exits and soon, there's a new UPC church in town.

So I would say, that once you're affiliated, you're stuck. When a church attempts to leave...for any reason...the gossip circles always tell that the church is "Leaving the truth."

Re: Showdown in the Wild West
 

It is about the local assembly, IMO. That is the grassroots of where it all begins. I believe the parable of the wheat and tares includes a plethora of situations, which also includes ecclesiology and theology.

Stew is, in fact, saying that his assembly is following the will of God for their lives - it is their motivation - and that is where everything must begin.

I could certainly look around and find the negative, but God is building a church regardless of our differences, the bottom line will always be - "God, where do you want me to serve?" To answer that, I can't look around to make sure that where I am is lining up where - if you will - anyone on this forum expects me to be.

Certainly if God opens a door away from where you have served, you will experience a time of ostracism and pain. That is going to be part of it. It's a given.

We have had to make a stand for God in the very assembly we attended to save the church from nefarious deeds of men. That was the will of God in our lives in that particular circumstance. Was it comfortable? Only when I was in the presence of God allowing Him to minister to me and give me affirmation. Outside of that - no. How could it be?

We simply are at different tenures and roads in our lives. You cannot make me be who you want me to be. You cannot demand that I get ahead of God's will in my life.

Much of the conversation here gives me the impression that demands are being made. I would never step into that arena and be party to it. Each man must answer to God and if every man is sincerely praying, He will find his place and direction. All I can say for that would be - all is well.

Re: Showdown in the Wild West
 

"This"... meaning what we are discussing. I guess I should have clarified.

Re: Showdown in the Wild West
 

Folks, sorry for the mixup. These initials mean nothing but mere letters!

I'm bad:smack

Look closely, one of the orgs is the KKK. I was just throwing initials out there, they mean nothing!

Apologies to anyone who these initials match up with!!!

Re: Showdown in the Wild West
 

Blarney folks, nothing but blarney!

Nobody call KS or GK ore DD or MC of the Irish Republican Army!

Get it, (that's all blown apart)..... bombs and etc!

Okay admin Ban me for this....

Sorries all!

Re: Showdown in the Wild West
 

I wrote out several paragraphs and deleted it all. LOL! What difference does it really make at the end of the day?

Re: Showdown in the Wild West
 

:toofunny

Re: Showdown in the Wild West
 

PO

That;s it, I'm banning me!!!!