***Districts begin to enforce Bernard Doctrine ***
 

In foreign affairs, Presidents have announced their policy in dealing with foreign nations very early in their administrations. Monroe had the Monroe Doctrine. Theodore Roosevelt had his Big Stick Policy. And after 9/11 George W. governed by what is known as the Bush Doctrine.

In dealing with the growing numbers of ministers that are not lockstep with "Apostolic Identity" ... DKB, since his tenure as DS in STX, has implemented what I term the "Bernard Doctrine" to deal with the wayward.

When dealing with wayward ministers, it plays out like this:

1. Point to policy, the Bible and the AOF
2. Politely show the door to those who don't line up by saying if you don't agree you should withdraw or leave.
3. State "We will not be able to use you, if you don't comply fully"
4. If you need clarity, we'll teach you.
5. Repeat.

For a prima facie example of how DKB words this .... examine his last update in September 2009 to the STX district, here:

There is considerable chatter among the fellowship's ministerial ranks that DKB has given the greenlight to other District Superintendents to follow suit.

The following is a letter from one DS, recently sent out to constituents, that follows the Bernard Doctrine template:

While some cons are forming party crazed conga lines thinking that this means the battle over "holiness" has been won ... few have been able to read in between the lines.

The Bernard Doctrine is a cordial invitation to leave, not a directive to leave.

If it was, guys like Rex Johnson (STX) would have been shown the door and kicked out years ago.

What usually happens in these cases, is that the wayward pastor is called in ... grilled but never is charged or put on trial. Nine times out ten, the ordeal/inquistion usually results in a pastor turning in his license even if he may not have "left holiness".

What will be noteworthy and interesting is how some overzealous DS will step beyond the bounds of the Bernard Doctrine.

I'd like to know why this other district DS has not called the TV and Hollywood film watchers to the carpet? Or where he thinks the AOF Holiness article deals with gender distinction?

Re: Districts begin to enforce the Bernard Doctrin
 

Is this the beginning of the end?

Re: Districts begin to enforce the Bernard Doctrin
 

Here's a letter that is supposed to be being received in an un named district.

Re: Districts begin to enforce the Bernard Doctrin
 

This is so sad...so really sad. This is a much more far right "swing" with the bat than the AS ever was! My question is how much further "right" do they think they need to swing? Obviously, not much room for tolerance here. Also, the only way they can really get someone to leave is to bring charges. That is not an easy process and there are NO winners when that happens.

This is a shot across the bow and flexing of the "holiness" muscle that I predict will backfire like a Three Stooges exploding cigar. Someone needs to photoshop a pic of DB to depict that!

I fully understand that the Supt. needs to lead in the direction he thinks the ship should go.......but I can't state it enough times how glad I'm not a part of this Org any longer. SOMEDAY they may even try to reach the lost as zealously as clinging to an "Apostolic Distinctive!" But I'm not holding my breath! :D

Re: Districts begin to enforce the Bernard Doctrin
 

Still no word about Jesus Christ and Calvary.

1 Corinthians 2:2

They can't be real Apostolics if they refuse to preach what the apostles preached.

Re: Districts begin to enforce the Bernard Doctrin
 

That's "Christianity Without the Cross" for ya! Case in point! :D

Re: Districts begin to enforce the Bernard Doctrin
 

DAII, where did you get those letters?

Re: Districts begin to enforce the Bernard Doctrin
 

I notice he spoke about "ornamental jewelry." Some say "functional jewelry" such as watches, wedding rings, etc are OK but "ornamental jewelry is not."

I notice he says that "...We are not dealing with cultural issues that are not specifically addressed in the Bible or the Articles of Faith, such as men’s facial hair, ... Thus, he can be interpreted as saying facial hair is cultural and not a salvation issue.

Re: Districts begin to enforce the Bernard Doctrin
 

Seems this is making the way narrower.....that's Biblical, isn't it?

"a few ministers have begun to question some of our Apostolic distinctives" - - - the wording here just boggles my mind.

Re: Districts begin to enforce the Bernard Doctrin
 

While they are composing letters to be sent out to the Districts - - why don't they include something about the "power in the hair" issue.

Re: Districts begin to enforce the Bernard Doctrin
 

The first Bernard blurb I got from the STX site.

The second letter, from my understanding, was originally digitized and made web available by Pastor Doug White, Texas and owner of the former JP ... now the APF.

Thanks Dougy for your tireless efforts to inform the constituency!

Re: Districts begin to enforce the Bernard Doctrin
 

The letter which I painstakingly transcribed ... is reportedly from east of the Mississippi.

My money is on Maryland?

Sounds like it would come from Wright ... but just an "educated" guess.

Re: Districts begin to enforce the Bernard Doctrin
 

Here's the deal-pickle ... the Bernard Doctrine amounts to all bark, no bite.

Posturing with parsing words but no BOOM-BOOM POW paddle.

Although troubling and potentially threatening.

If you want to stay ... no one is going to force you out.

The Detroit crowd knows this ... and I think guys like Tenney and Johnson have been able to exemplify this to the "emergents" in the movement.

The guys that stay because of family and networking reasons ... don't care if they are not "used" and prefer to stay under the radar ... although receiving such a letter
makes them squirm and swallow hard.

Unless, some wayward DS and board gets overly aggressive ... this is MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING and more of the status quo.

It amounts to a gun-less English bobby firmly stating: "Stop! Or I will say 'Stop' again."

Re: Districts begin to enforce the Bernard Doctrin
 

Amen

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Possibly, looking at the size of the font in the letter, and the size of the censor bar, one could amass that this is from Maryland.

Re: Districts begin to enforce the Bernard Doctrin
 

.....however, though we won't force you out you will feel the ever shrinking noose of legalism around your neck.

Re: Districts begin to enforce the Bernard Doctrin
 

Aw...I'm so disappointed. I thought my husband was the one who made that up. :( (Here's the deal, Pickle.)

Re: ***Districts begin to enforce Bernard Doctrine
 

If they are not going to attack over beards I see this as a shift to the left.

Re: Districts begin to enforce the Bernard Doctrin
 

Nah! My wife says that to me every time she is going to lay down the law!

Re: Districts begin to enforce the Bernard Doctrin
 

Haha! That's great. :toofunny

Re: ***Districts begin to enforce Bernard Doctrine
 

"1. The UPCI stands for certain biblical principles regarding the outward appearance, such as modesty, women having long hair, distinction between male and female in dress and not wearing ornamental jewelry or makeup. We believe these are scriptural teachings and apostolic doctrine; thus we cannot abandon them. With regard to UPCI governance, the Articles of Faith specifically address women cutting their hair, makeup and immodest dress. It is our district’s responsibility to uphold this teaching as a matter of integrity and consistency. We are not dealing with cultural issues that are not specifically addressed in the Bible or the Articles of Faith, such as men’s facial hair, wearing of suits, or music styles (although some things like this can become indicators of where a church is heading)."

So if you have facial hair and don't wear a suit or play the wrong kind of music it is an indication of which way your headed?

Re: Districts begin to enforce the Bernard Doctrin
 

You did good DA. I wish Icould type like you ;-) I just copy and paste.

It's gonna be an interesting ride in the old UPC gospel ship the next couple of years.

She seems to be taking on water and listing hard to starboard.

Re: Districts begin to enforce the Bernard Doctrin
 

How remarkably, incredibly sad. I'd make some big speech, but it's all just very sad.

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I think this may be the first time ever.... but I completely agree with you. :D

It is SAD. No speech necessary. Pretty self explanatory, huh?!

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Don't you wish! :beatdeadhorse

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Actually, in the old days, you used to agree with me a lot! :) You were actually the first Admin I'd go to for help. But alas, things have changed. However, we do momentarily agree just like the old days.

It's truly sad. :(

Re: Districts begin to enforce the Bernard Doctrin
 

Enough sad ;-(

Re: Districts begin to enforce the Bernard Doctrin
 

:lol How are things in your neck of the woods?

Re: ***Districts begin to enforce Bernard Doctrine
 

If the letter indeed comes from the Maryland District, it's worthy to note that the part of the UPCI manual dealing with holiness and organized sports was not addressed, could it be that the District Superintendent loves football and has pictures of him and his family attending a Navy college football game on His FaceBook.

Re: ***Districts begin to enforce Bernard Doctrine
 

The inconsistencies are what makes it all look so silly.

Re: ***Districts begin to enforce Bernard Doctrine
 

Daniel,
I don't have a problem with this. If the majority of any group feel strongly about how they view any passage of scripture, or what they deem the Bible is demanding, they will form an organization in support of that view.

Even if we do not agree on every area, they have a right to separate themselves. Others who have left have, in essence, done the same thing - separated themselves to their view of what they believe the Bible is demanding/teaching. There is no difference, IMO.

In DKB's position paper, The Bible’s Teaching about Hair Length:
Culture or Command?, you get a feel of where he is coming from. Gender distinction and modesty is important to him. Gender Distinction is very important to him. If others agree with that, they will join up. If some do not, they will leave. We need to follow whatever direction we feel led of God.

Philippians 1:18 "What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice."

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Does Bernard teach that the "covering" which is mentioned three times in 1 Cor 11 is hair, or an actual veil?

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He believes it is the hair. I agree with him.

Re: Districts begin to enforce the Bernard Doctrin
 

LOL!!!

Re: ***Districts begin to enforce Bernard Doctrine
 

Was thinking about all of this. Why is the attack always towards those who question motive and reason that might bend in the direction of removing a standard implemented by "The Church", leaving alone the extreme Right, where mental and spiritual abuse is prominent?

I know Pastors who "Look the Part" to a tee, but forbid ANY divorce. In fact, if you divorce you will be asked to leave. Some even feel if you've remarried, you must divorce your current spouse and go back to the other. If you do wind up alone, you may NEVER remarry, even if the other party goes off and marries and starts another family. This Pastor even preaches, if you were in the World and got married and divorced, you still can't remarry after becomming a Christian.

My daughter went to a youth event years ago in one UPCI Church, and the young people were forbidden to ride a roller coaster that was at the Mall. They also celebrate no Christmas, no internet, no slits, no video cameras, sleeves to the wrist, men can't wear colored shirts to church, no mustaches or facial hair, no gold bands on watches, and the list goes on.

My daughter said the girls in the Church were scared to death to get married. Fear was in every move they made.

Why don't they target men like this?? The Dictators and Demanders?? I don't get it.

Re: ***Districts begin to enforce Bernard Doctrine
 

That's an interesting question.

Re: ***Districts begin to enforce Bernard Doctrine
 

I've had problems with the licensing process for a long time. It is more than a little scary to me how these young men are given a ministerial license with very little training or education, and then sent off with very little follow up.

a lot of times these guys go off to small towns and pastor churches with no one really overseeing what is going on. Granted, there are presbyters to step in when there are problems or complaints, but most of the time they are pastoring largely uneducated (Biblically or otherwise) congregations, who really don't know what the proper boundaries should be.

It sets up a situation that is ripe for ministerial abuse, and I have seen it happen many times, some times in relatively harmless ways, and others that are definitely more harmful.

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I might think that a larger issue would be the licensing of someone who does have training, is sent off to pastor a church, and despite the training is still a complete idiot.

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Yea we have one in our church just got his licence...He was speaking in tongues while he had his hand on someones head I guess praying for them. I guess he has not read the insturction in Coritihians on how tongues is supposed to be used....

Re: ***Districts begin to enforce Bernard Doctrine
 

:ursofunnyI love it when you start this!