My only fear with these that might leave, is what happens to their network of ministerial friends?
I believe doctrine matters and have seen too many leave for one reason and eventually change many if not all of their doctrinal views.
when a man has a mature ministry with a well grounded circle of friends, then leaving the UPCI or any other organization is not so dangerous I suppose, however when you are talking about young men, there is a greater danger of being isolated.
__________________ If I do something stupid blame the Lortab!
My only fear with these that might leave, is what happens to their network of ministerial friends?
I believe doctrine matters and have seen too many leave for one reason and eventually change many if not all of their doctrinal views.
when a man has a mature ministry with a well grounded circle of friends, then leaving the UPCI or any other organization is not so dangerous I suppose, however when you are talking about young men, there is a greater danger of being isolated.
to me It all depends on the meaning of "Friends"... True Friends stick together... aquaintances forget altogether...
But I do agree with your post...I have had some friends leave the Apostolic Message and I remain their friend and communicate often... they know I am in disagreement with them but remain their friend..
My only fear with these that might leave, is what happens to their network of ministerial friends?
I believe doctrine matters and have seen too many leave for one reason and eventually change many if not all of their doctrinal views.
when a man has a mature ministry with a well grounded circle of friends, then leaving the UPCI or any other organization is not so dangerous I suppose, however when you are talking about young men, there is a greater danger of being isolated.
I'm sorry for saying this, but what you have just described very accurately portrays classic signs of a real cult.
Shunning, isolation, retribution for leaving, loss of social circle. Hmmmm
It also makes it hard for folks to love each other when churches in the same town can't fellowship..
now you have hit the hot button rr, the fact is that the name upc is a bad one in our area cause all of the churches fight all the time, and people say well why does your church call yourself united, you are anything but that, lol, no kidding it is embarassing, and sad, dt
when a man has a mature ministry with a well grounded circle of friends, then leaving the UPCI or any other organization is not so dangerous I suppose, however when you are talking about young men, there is a greater danger of being isolated.
Not if there is an organizational split, right down the middle, with a goodly portion of one group signing up for the ALJC en masse.
__________________
Engineering solutions for theological problems.
Despite today's rising cost of living, it remains popular.
"It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried." - Sir Winston Churchill
"The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter." - Sir Winston Churchill
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security." - Benjamin Franklin
to me It all depends on the meaning of "Friends"... True Friends stick together... aquaintances forget altogether...
But I do agree with your post...I have had some friends leave the Apostolic Message and I remain their friend and communicate often... they know I am in disagreement with them but remain their friend..
my fear for young ministers is that often they have not had time to really develop good strong relationships that will stand that test of time.
__________________ If I do something stupid blame the Lortab!
I'm sorry for saying this, but what you have just described very accurately portrays classic signs of a real cult.
Shunning, isolation, retribution for leaving, loss of social circle. Hmmmm
Bro, I didnt mean it that way at all. I didnt say anything about shunning, isolation, retribution etc.
if a man walks away from the group, it isnt the groups fault he left.
on the other hand if a man is mature and well established and has a good circle of friends, leaving an organiztion likely doesnt mean leaving his circle of influence.
on the other hand, young men too often have not had TIME to really develop strong relationships.
__________________ If I do something stupid blame the Lortab!
I never hear anything from HQ or the local district except several departments all "reminding" of their goals for fundraising.
Spotlight a Home Missionary who is a success, and remind me that my giving helps others be HM. No need to remind me in email either how that xxxx dollars are needed.
I see the ads now stating they did not raise last years funds, but they are seeking record numbers this year.
It is as bad at the local level.
__________________
I am not a member here -Do not PM me please?
I'm sorry for saying this, but what you have just described very accurately portrays classic signs of a real cult.
Shunning, isolation, retribution for leaving, loss of social circle. Hmmmm
now that i have disagreed with you, let me agree.
I know of a UPCI pastor who took a UPCI church but lost UPCI friends because the new church he moved to was "to librel"
The pastor didnt change his beleif system he just took a church that wasnt what his "friends" approved of. how sad is that.
__________________ If I do something stupid blame the Lortab!
Linear Mode
