What does this statement mean for ex-Upcers?
 

I read this on another thread and although the author wasn't the first one to make this statement, I've always wondered what can be meant by this?

I'm not picking on the original author of this statement, either. I've just heard it one to many times and wanted others comments on the context. Why leave when you say you miss all of this?

You miss:

• The fellowship
• The Worship
• The Preaching
• The Passion
• The sold-outness

But, none of that was good enough to stay?

I just don't get it. That' the only reason I stay. People are generally a pain in the tail feathers for the most part - I mean even at the Post Office. I don't see how leaving helps.

Good question---sorry can't answer myself--Keith was never licensed with the UPC and the town that we live in already has an UPC church.

We do go to many UPC functions and visit UPC churches though.

I have never left, but my guess is that the reasons can be varied and difficult to explain.

There can be issues out of one's control in which they have no other choice...just my thoughts...

Yes, you seem to stay very connected, Jeanie. I respect you and your husband very highly from reading your posts. They bring out the true passion of both your hearts - it reads commitment to the Gospel!

*BUMP*

Well? Inquiring minds want to know!

I miss the fellowship of some people
I have come to not miss the worship but only because after being exposed to it after a while of not having it, I have realized that a vast majority of the bumpity bump bump songs are somewhat hype, getting folks worked up and all.

The preaching...yes and no. I heard preaching yesterday that I thought at the time were more about motivation, positive thinking and principals that were encouraging, and inspiring, but it bothered me that ALL this only came from ONE VERSE of scripture as a text.

It is difficult sometimes distinguishing between propaganda, hype, and passion. Pentecost should be about individual passion and not necessarily expressive passion for purposes of folks demonstrating how spiritual they are.

Sold out to what?

I don't expect you to get it because you are not involved in full time ministry and therefore have no idea of the dynamics involved in ministerial relationships and the issues surrounding that level of fellowship.

People can get caught up in the politics of issues and causes and because of the environment of conflict in a district come to the conclusion that a future life on the other side of the fence has to be better than the painful present. One assumes that the fellowship, preaching, worship, etc. on the other side of the fence will be every bit as good, or even better.

It is so true that one doesn't miss the water until the well runs dry. Being in the UPC services certainly made us aware of some of the things that we left behind, both the good and the bad.

Don't get me wrong, we have had many wonderful times of fellowship and developed freindships with many outstanding people since leaving the UPC for which we are grateful.

I don't share your feeling that "people are generally a pain in the tail feathers". I have been blessed to pastor some of the most wonderful people in the world in several different churches and loved serving them. Matter of fact, it is the relationships we enjoyed with wonderful UPC men and women all over the world for 25 years that we miss the most.

Well, in the statement you quoted they said that they missed "SOME of the dynamics" yadda yadda yadda. I am guessing that there must be more that they don't miss. ;)

I agree w/ this Carp ....

A lot is to be said about group dynamics .....

I do miss the individual friendships.