[Sam]

Originally Posted by Margies3

I can't speak for all UPC churches because I don't know enough about any of them to say. But I can speak for the one UPC church that I grew up in in the beginning of my walk.

Back when I first started going there, we were adding people to the church all the time. Outsiders. People who had never even heard of Pentecost and were thrilled to be a part of this "new thing".

Then our pastor left to go to the mission field. (Please do not think I am saying he was wrong to go!!!! Absolutely NOT!! He was following God's call for his life!). After he left, this church had a pastor who would easily fit into the "abuser" category that I hear talked about on here, unfortunately. He was only there for a year but during that time the vast majority of the people left.

Since that time, this church has not added one single soul who came in from the world. They've had a few people come from other UPC churches. And most of those people eventually ended up going back to the the UPC churches they had started at.

Right now this church is running about 30-40 people on a good Sunday.

So what do I think? hmmmm. I think there might be some merit to what MOW has said. I'm not sure if it applies to EVERY UPC church, but it surely does to some.

On the other hand, I know churches from other denominations that are in the same condition. So it's not exclusively UPC.

I don't think we can use that same broad brush to paint all churches. Some churches actively pursue the lost and people come from all backgrounds, get saved, and become part of the church. Other churches become ingrown. Any officers are members of the pastor's family and are therefore not independent thinkers but just "yes-men." The Church is run like a family business or family cash cow and office of pastor is passed on down from father to son or perhaps to son-in-law. "Sinners" are not welcome but are browbeaten and shunned. Any "new" folks come from other Oneness churches or perhaps people from other denominations who "see the light."

I don't know about the organization as a whole or individual districts. I would imagine some districts are "good old boys" networks and any promotion to office would be based on nepotism and politics. I sure can't say this is the way the whole organization or all the districts are. My knowledge is very limited when it comes to religious politics.