Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam
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.
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I wholeheartedly agree, Sam. I don't think we can use that same broad brush to paint all churches within the UPC either. That was my point exactly. I'm sure that there are churches that really are self-contained and self-consumed. I'm not sure I like the term "incestuous". Don't know why, but it really makes me uncomfortable to use that term. But I do know that there are churches (like the one I came from) where they are very happy just being "us four and no more".
But again, I want to say this loud and clear - this is NOT only happening in the UPC. I know of many, many other churches from many, many other denominations that are in the same boat.
Frankly, sometimes I think that one reason the so-called "seeker friendly" churches grow like they do is because they started from the ground up. So there's no little clique already there to say to people, "if you don't measure up to our standards, you won't really want to stay here". No, I know that's not actually said out loud. But people feel it, believe me. I know that I feel it every time I visit my old church today.