Going back to the UPC

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Monkeyman

Especially to some who have worked really hard to help out

Originally Posted by BrotherEastman

Especially to those who have a tendency towards loyalty.

It isn't even these things for me.

I look back over my life and see that God has been leading me. This is where He brought me and He hasn't led me out. Will He ever do that? Who knows? I goes where He leads.

For me it has been the wonderful things He has done in the midst of trouble, trial and tribulation. The steadfast and undeniable love and care He has shown me. Why look somewhere else when what I have hasn't failed me?

Have I questioned things, such as doctrine? You bet! Have I been unhappy at times? You bet! Have I felt confused at times? You bet!

So have other friends in their churches, as per our conversations over the years. No perfect people or place or church environment.

What I am saying is that even in the worst of times when I've made mistakes - for instance allowing people in my life that were not good for me - He stepped in, took my hand and led me closer to Him. He didn't take me somewhere else, but healed me where I stood.

After all these years He has never opened another door or way, soooo I stay. But I am like Brother Barnes when he told the story about going to church in the back of a wagon. He said that if a wheel broke everyone would get out of the wagon and fix the wheel. He said that as long as the UPC wasn't broken he would stay in the wagon.

I don't think it's broken. I think it's changing and becoming a better place than it was 22 years ago in my life. I felt like I was strangling 20 years ago, but God told me to stay and here I am. Definitely better than it was back then!

[mfblume]

I get a bit nervous when folks think of an organization in the same way Catholics think of the Roman Catholic Church. That's all. Use it but never let it use you.

Organizations are like scaffolding. We need them for a time. But one day the scaffolding will be torn down and all that is left is the Body of Christ from many different organizations. Just let's not make the scaffolding a permanent part of the Church in our minds. Organizations can never be "the" body.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by mfblume

I get a bit nervous when folks think of an organization in the same way Catholics think of the Roman Catholic Church. That's all.

Brother Blume,
Don't you think people are going to be loyal to whatever they've joined themselves to? A job, a marriage, a church an organization. I don't think it necessarily replaces their commitment or devotion to God. JMO.

[mfblume]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

Brother Blume,
Don't you think people are going to be loyal to whatever they've joined themselves to? A job, a marriage, a church an organization. I don't think it necessarily replaces their commitment or devotion to God. JMO.

Loyal only to a degree. When church is institutionalized in people's minds, then there is a unity less than the body of Christ that Christ never promoted, and this becomes a problem. It should be an ethical loyalty only, and not spiritual.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by mfblume

Loyal only to a degree. When church is institutionalized in people's minds, then there is a unity less than the body of Christ that Christ never promoted, and this becomes a problem. It should be an ethical loyalty only, and not spiritual.

I see what you are saying and because of the circles you've been in I think you have seen this.

It certainly isn't my mindset. It couldn't be. I wasn't raised in this. I've been hurt by some things, leadership, but I've been hurt by other things and people too.

I'm only loyal to anyone that is loyal to me. Bad trait, I know, but here you have it.

[mfblume]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

I see what you are saying and because of the circles you've been in I think you have seen this.

It certainly isn't my mindset. It couldn't be. I wasn't raised in this. I've been hurt by some things, leadership, but I've been hurt by other things and people too.

I'm only loyal to anyone that is loyal to me. Bad trait, I know, but here you have it.

My UPC circles have been some of the better ones, I think. But I saw other circles in the UPC who treat the UPC like the Catholics treat the Catholic Church. So long as the organization promotes something, they do not have to study the issue out for themselves. It must be right! Not a huge amount of people think of it that way, though.

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by mfblume

I get a bit nervous when folks think of an organization in the same way Catholics think of the Roman Catholic Church. That's all. Use it but never let it use you.

Organizations are like scaffolding. We need them for a time. But one day the scaffolding will be torn down and all that is left is the Body of Christ from many different organizations. Just let's not make the scaffolding a permanent part of the Church in our minds. Organizations can never be "the" body.

Great analogy!

[COOPER]

Originally Posted by JTULLOCK

Hello all-
Well some if not most of you know that I had left the UPC church I went to, but my wife and daugther stayed. Well this has put a strain on us alittle and has hurt my relationship with her family. Well my daughter is almost 2 and I came to the decision of returning to the UPC for now and maybe forever. This will keep the consitancy in raising our child/children. As oppose to them choosing to go the charasmatic church with me and maybe getting confused on the teaching. I will definately raise my kids right. My wife and I see eye to eye on most if not all issues, but she just can not leave there. So back I go. What do you all think? I am curious to hear what you all have to say.

Going back would be back sliding to our family.

[Felicity]

The UPCI provides for me a huge comfort level. It has not so much to do with loyalty but it does have a LOT to do with where I feel most comfortable.

I've been on both sides of the organizational fence. Was born and raised UPC. UPC pastor's wife for about 25 years. Was outside the UPC for about 11 years. I love being back and part of the fellowship again.

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by Felicity

The UPCI provides for me a huge comfort level. It has not much to do with loyalty but it does have a LOT to do with where I feel most comfortable.

I've been on both side of the organizational fence. Was born and raised UPC. Was outside the UPC for about 11 years. I love being back, and part of the fellowship again.

Well, this is the first I've heard, although I had my suspicions!

I'm happy for you and your husband. My pastor recently signed back on with the UPC. Maybe we'll meet up somewhere along the way!