Going back to the UPC

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by TrmptPraise

JT,

I appreciate your spirit and attitude in this sensitive situation. It wouldn't matter what org you would be coming in or out of, the facts would remain the same. I feel you are much more of a man than some would give you credit for. Some feel you are undermining you manhood or place in your marriage. I personally feel you are showing its strength in your love and appreciating the relationships to which you hold dear. We need more men who would see these things. I am sure to be ridiculed for saying so, but it wouldn't be the first time. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

I agree.

Consistency will be the key.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by JTULLOCK

Any thread of mine can be a Standard thread too. LOL

My distance from the UPC church has been tough on my family so far. I am willing to go back. It will not pain me exactly, but it will be different. Something happened to cause me to leave. Most of which I still believe, but part of it I had a confirmation to let go of and now that I did it makes it easier to go back.

You are right there are other churches to raise my family in, but non of them my wife would have gone to. Nothing bad on her, just not what she prefers.

I'm trying to think if I've met individuals or seen any churches, in any of the areas I've lived, that say they are spirit filled, non-standards adherers that have given me a good example - enough - to leave where I am or who I am for what they have.

I'm thinking, currently, of one in our homeschool group, when I was homeschooling. She went to the tanning booth regularly, wore short shorts and low cut blouses to our meetings. They were in ministry and she was a praise singer. I could laugh if it was funny.

These are the type people I've met or the ones that watch TBN and want to talk about the Book of Revelation all the time. LOL! Many that have strange ways of operating in the gifts or following after the Spirit. Just weird stuff.

Like one that told me of a woman that they turn to after tongues and say, "Did you get anything from that?", waiting for her to give the interpretation. Weird stuff.

Now, that might just be my experience, but I surely know I don't want that. I'd rather wear a dress and stay where I am.

[dizzyde]

Originally Posted by TrmptPraise

JT,

I appreciate your spirit and attitude in this sensitive situation. It wouldn't matter what org you would be coming in or out of, the facts would remain the same. I feel you are much more of a man than some would give you credit for. Some feel you are undermining you manhood or place in your marriage. I personally feel you are showing its strength in your love and appreciating the relationships to which you hold dear. We need more men who would see these things. I am sure to be ridiculed for saying so, but it wouldn't be the first time. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

I think some men have the idea that the only way to lead your home is to take the "it's my way or the highway" chest banging caveman approach.

Sometimes the most affective form of leadership is being able to compromise when the situation calls for it. And if he is willing to compromise for the sake of harmony in his home, and it doesn't require him to break principles within himself to do so, well, in my opinion, he is a mighty BIG man!

[Michael Phelps]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

I'm trying to think if I've met individuals or seen any churches, in any of the areas I've lived, that say they are spirit filled, non-standards adherers that have given me a good example - enough - to leave where I am or who I am for what they have.

I'm thinking, currently, of one in our homeschool group, when I was homeschooling. She went to the tanning booth regularly, wore short shorts and low cut blouses to our meetings. They were in ministry and she was a praise singer. I could laugh if it was funny.

These are the type people I've met or the ones that watch TBN and want to talk about the Book of Revelation all the time. LOL! Many that have strange ways of operating in the gifts or following after the Spirit. Just weird stuff.

Like one that told me of a woman that they turn to after tongues and say, "Did you get anything from that?", waiting for her to give the interpretation. Weird stuff.

Now, that might just be my experience, but I surely know I don't want that. I'd rather wear a dress and stay where I am.

Trust me, that IS just your experience, and very stereotypical, I might add.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Michael Phelps

Trust me, that IS just your experience, and very stereotypical, I might add.

Okay.

[RandyWayne]

Originally Posted by JTULLOCK

Cause I wear shorts and go to the movies, etc.

I know people who "wear shorts and go to movies" and are still in the UPC... AND in that area.

It all depends on the Church. The Tulsa groups reach is far far shorter than some would have us to believe.

[Pragmatist]

Originally Posted by JTULLOCK

Cause I wear shorts and go to the movies, etc.

Just curious, is this a problem for your wife, the other church members, or the pastor?

We attend a UPC church. I do not follow standards when not at church functions. My husband wears shorts to the gym and when running on the trail by our house. He goes to movies.

We are blessed in that no one from church lives in our town, so we don't run into them. Also our pastor doesn't preach a clothesline message; he teaches relationship and not to judge others.

I am not in ministry and if asked, would decline due to the fact that I know I don't line up with what the church believes. Would you be intending to be in ministry or just in attendance?

[SDG]

I'm sure you will do what's best for you family, JT ...

No easy answers. Your family comes first.

[Pragmatist]

I'm curious about those that have made comments about disagreeing with the pastor what exactly is meant by disagreeing.

We do not follow standards and I plan on telling my daughter that we disagree with the pastor in that area. I don't think that's undermining his spiritual authority. What say ye?

[SDG]

No, I don't think it's undermining his authority but he might think it is ...