How Many Used to Be?
 

I saw a poll for how many active ministers so I decided to make a similar poll for how many used to be ministers for used to be UPC/ conservative Apostolic ministers.

Re: How Many Used to Be?
 

I began preaching when I was 15 years old. Served as a full-time evangelist for about 15 years. And, for a time, was an Asst. Pastor. But, I left the ministry and haven't preached at all in several years. I was affliated with the Assemblies of the LJC.

Re: How Many Used to Be?
 

What are you calling "evangelical"? That covers as much as "Pentecostal."

Re: How Many Used to Be?
 

I was never in full time ministry but was a member of a UPC church who preached here and there some until 1963/64 when we left the local UPC church and went to an ALJC church. Again, there I was not full time but preached here and there some and was sectional youth leader for a few years.

We left that ALJC church in 1978 or 79. For a while we did not go to church anywhere for several years. I started going to a local Vineyard Church in 1992 and went there until 2006. During that time I did some teaching, was on several prayer teams and was a POC (Pastor on Call) for 5 years. Since spring 2006 we are attending a church in Hamilton, OH. Our pastor is a Rhema graduate so our church is listed in the Rhema directory. He is ordained through WME (Worldwide Missionary Evangelism) http://www.wmeinc.org/ and we are associated with the LA Dream Center http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream_Center

So, I'm not sure how to answer. I do some teaching/preaching/speaking where ever asked to go but I'm more active in prayer ministry and outreach.
So, I wasn't sure how to answer the poll.

Re: How Many Used to Be?
 

Easy believism without tongues.

Re: How Many Used to Be?
 

So, what made you decide to leave, OA?

Re: How Many Used to Be?
 

I wasn't quite sure how to vote. I voted that we are liberal apostolic, but we don't refer to ourselves as that, and most people on here wouldn't allow us that title. LOL! But I don't refer to myself as a charismatic either, so I really didn't fit anywhere. We are a unique bunch, I guess.:bigbaby

Re: How Many Used to Be?
 

Normal,Average,Everyday ..............

Re: How Many Used to Be?
 

I consider myself Evangelical. I don't think that infers "no tongues".

Re: How Many Used to Be?
 

Evangelical could mean cessationist and it could also mean a belief in tongues and other gifts today.

Re: How Many Used to Be?
 

i have no idea how to vote. i am a member of the "club"...but i'm sure i am not a conservative.:)

Re: How Many Used to Be?
 

I was ordained with UPCI for 25 years. I left and was with another group for 17 years as Director of men's ministries and board member. The pastor resigned and so did I. I am now back in a UPCI church just warming the pew.

Re: How Many Used to Be?
 

I know it doesn't necessarily mean that evangelicals don't believe in tongues, but I think it's pretty safe to say you are not going to see a lot of tongues talking in evangelical churches. Don't you agree?

Re: How Many Used to Be?
 

Wow, that must be a big change for you. Do you consider yourself "retired", "unwanted", or "sick of preaching"? LOL!

Re: How Many Used to Be?
 

Tired and retired..I came to the decision that I'm more of a teacher than a preacher. Until a couple years ago I taught teenagers. Still do it on occasion. Did it from 1970 until 2007 full time.

Re: How Many Used to Be?
 

Yeah. I have struggled with getting out of the ministry. Not that I think it was the wrong decision. I think it was absolutely right. However, I am not teaching, singing, playing the piano or much of what I used to do. I miss the music the most.

Re: How Many Used to Be?
 

Hey, Michael Phelps, I didn't know you left the ministry. Can you tell me about it? (PM me if you like.)