Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Epley
From Nashville to the Mississippi most UPC preachers did NOT believe the new birth message of water and Spirit since most were influenced by Elders Gurley, Greer, Henson. I have heard that has changed by pastors taking churches from out of the Tn. district. Holiness wise they have been weak as water television no big deal, hair was marginal, dress was worldly etc. I think the problem around Nashville is all of them are trying to compete with Christ Church and fail miserably. I would like to see a good conservative church in Nashville.
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This is a fair description of the situation as I see it also (other than I would not characterize the things he did as "weak", of course!).
However in 1986 once Christ Church left the UPC I imagine by default the district became a little more conservative!
I have seen wedding pictures of Pastor Hardwick and Montelle and Montelle had on earrings. I think he became pastor of CC the same year he got married, about 55 years ago.
First Church (Becton's) is liberal by UPC standards but with important distinctions from Christ Church. At First Church you are free to attend, worship, be fellowshipped, etc without the traditional dress standards BUT you are a second class citizen and not eligible to be on the platform, teach Sunday School,etc.