|
September Forward - The Missing Articles
The Forward which was in my mailbox earlier this week, has the survey of the TV issue in it. Which has been discussed over and over again. However I believe that several of the articles in this months Forward have not been brought to light.
(I cannot keep up on this forum so I will go over the articles, if they have been discussed before, forgive me).
1) We're missing a camel! The fact of Conflict - This is a great article written by Rodney Shaw. It dwells on how we as "leaders are called upon to sort out conflict." He goes on to say "I do not see conflict as the fight; rather, conflict is the intersection of competing claims, ideals, expectations, or desires. Conflict, therefore, results from creativity and diversity, and is evidence of the image of God that is within us."
This is a great article which ends with the statement " the most challenging risk associated with conflict relates to making it constrictive for the team instead of simply enduring it".
2) Ten Principles of engaging conflict - Again written by Rodney Shaw - I will simple list the ten principles he listed. 1) Create a contect for conflict, 2) Be honest with yourself, 3) Handle Conflicts at the lowest level possible, 4) Grade conflict, 5) Determine what is truly at stake, 6) Involve the other side in the solution 7) Allow people to save face, 8) Do not misuse power, 9) Stay in Control (don't be angry), 10) Look to the future....
Again a great article dealing with the times and threshold the UPCI is at.....
3) The most overlooked word in the Bible - Written by - Stan Gleason, My District Superintendent - Tals about solving conflict through going to the person "alone". Hence the most overlooked word is "alone". But he does not stand on this principle by itself. Bro. Gleason goes on to talk about the binding and loosing scripture. I quote " The terms binding and loosing are most ofeten used within the context of binding and loosing devils, spirits, disease, or sickness. To be sure, this is an effective prayer strategy. But in its proper contet binding and loosing is taking the matter of reconciliation to a redemptive and powerful conclusion. When we go to our brother alone, we have the power to bind him to or losse him from our relationship with him, and more importantly, the body of Christ."
He states a lot more and should go on...but won't for shorting this thought....Great article.....One more quote from this article. "Resolving conflict is not about getting your way, saying your piece, or geting a load off your mind. It is all about healing hurts and restoring the lines of communications."
POWERFUL!!!
4) Conflict in the home - Brent Coltharp - Great article - He ends with this thoughts - " COnflict has the potiential to being growth and healing and should not be feared. Above all, we should encourage our children and spouses to approach us with their struggles, rather than forcing them to find a safe environment elsewhere."
5) Winning the Peace - Robin Johnston - Talks about the struggles of forming the UPCI and the early days of instability and divisions. He quotes Oscar Vouga "As an organization, we, the United Pentecostal Church, have won one of the greatest battles in the history of this great movement; we have won the war against division and have become one against a common enemy, but now we must win the peace. It will require as great an effort to win the peace as it did to win the war we have just won, but by His Spirit we will win"
This is a very well written article reminding the UPCI of what we have been through to get to where we are....Now we must just "win the peace"
6) The Merger - J.T. Pugh - Great article - Deep, Revealing.....If you like I will expound later....
MO Preacher - I for one an not able to attend the happenings in Tampa. If I were to go, I would be voting in favor TV resolution.
But, I would perfer that we take this in more tiny steps. First, I would like to see it more regulated, that a committee be formed to approve all advertisements and as some would say mininistries prior to broadcast. Perhaps as one of the questions suggest, the Headquaters could start be providing this advertisements for the chruch. I think this is a step to resolve some of the conflict.
Perhaps for those who wish to minister, a review process could be established. Again requiring ministers a process to follow so that the UPCI does not become as many of the current TV ministers have (failed).
I see many who say, if it passes, I will take my toys and go home". This is not how you taught your children to act. So what act as a child. Be a Man of God and work through the issues. But to quit and go how to move on to greener pasture is not the correct answer. As Bro. Tenney would say. The grass is always greener on the other side....except most times it is fed by a septic tank.
As for a TV in my home. No thanks. I have enough problems and issues without one.
Blessings to all and it is my hope and desire that we can engage the conflict and find ways that all can fellowship to the betterment of the UPCI.
Mo Preacher
Please excuse any typo's I will try to fix as I find...Also if you do choose to comment, please stay on topic....Blessings!
|