Whither Shall I Go If I Leave Thee?
 

Greeting to all from a former (and possibly future) lurker. As my handle implies, I'm just full of questions.

Instead of being a productive worker, I have read hours upon hours of point and counter-point, thrust and parry, etc., etc. I can't decide if all of this is clarifying or muddifying. But here is my question. If I should decide to leave the most blessed and holy UPCI, where would I go? I really don't want to try to flounder around on my own as an independent.

I googled "Oneness Apostolic Organizations" and got back an overwhelming list. This list of 48 organizations is from http://www.apostolic-churches.com/organizations.html. Yes, I know the UPCI is included in the list, and I know this cannot possibly be comprehensive and all-inclusive. And it doesn't include wonderful new org to be founded in Tulsa.

So, does anyone have any advice or experience to give me? Wait, I think everyone here has an oar in this boat. But, what do you think. Which ones to avoid at all costs? Which ones are the most "honest" (put your own definition on that word). Some of these look like real winners, if you get my drift.

Here's your chance to put in a plug for your church or organization. Give me some guidance from the font of your collective wisdom.

Apostolic Assemblies of Christ, Inc.
Apostolic Assembly of the Faith in Christ Jesus Inc
Apostolic Christian Network
Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ International, Inc.
Apostolic Global Alliance, Inc
Apostolic Light Fellowship, Inc
Apostolic World Christian Fellowship
Apostolic World Christian Fellowship - Northeast Region
Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ
Associated Brotherhood of Christians
Bible Way Church World Wide
Christ Apostolic Temple, Inc. Fellowship.
Christ’s Commission Church International
Church of Jesus Christ
Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic Faith, Inc
Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Churches of Jesus Christ International
Covenant Apostolic Churches International
Emmanuel Apostolic Church
First Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Inc.
International Apostolic Churches, Inc.
International Apostolic Fellowship, Inc
International Circle of Faith Apostolic Ministries
International Fellowship of United Apostolic Churches
Jesus Christ Apostolic Ministries, Inc
Jesus Christ To God Be The Glory
Jesus Messiah Fellowship
Jesus Miracle Crusade International
Lion of Judah Apostolic Churches International
Kingdom Church, Inc
Ministerial Alliance of our Lord Jesus Christ International
Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ
Pentecostal Assemblies of the World
Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith Assoc., Inc.
Pentecostal Holiness Church of America, Incorporated
Pentecostal Power Churches, Inc.
Progressive Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Inc.
Remnant Churches of the Apostolic Faith, Inc.
Solid Rock Pentecostal Church International
Greater Highway Church of Christ, Inc
The Holiness Pentecostal Movement International
The Jesus Church - Philippines
True Church of God in Christ, Inc
True Jesus Church
United Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ
United Pentecostal Church International
Victory Unto Victory Revivals, Inc.
World Wide Pentecostal Church of Christ

My advice is .......

Don't leave. You're not going to find anything that measures up to what you're part of.

Why would you feel you have to leave?

I'm no longer a UPC minister myself, but of the list, I'd say that the UPCI is probably the best way to go.

Why would I leave? Let's just say that I've seen the world through the UPCI for so many years that I have no idea what the reasonable alternatives are.

The UPCI is not perfect, nor is any other organization or fellowship. To quote Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. So, I am seeking advice and counsel from those who have been or are on both sides of the fence.

I may not leave, and am leaning very strongly toward inertia. But I feel I have a responsibility to my church and my family to be knowledgeable about what else is available to us.

Does that make any sense to anyone?

Well, what would be your reasons for leaving? If you're wanting something more conservative, head for the AMF. Otherwise, they're probably all about the same or less conservative.

And if you're just wanting some variety, then it's potluck, take your pick. lol

ALJC would be the next closest comparable group to the UPC.

You leave if you are in a cult like church...which I was ...

I don't buy all the salvational requirements of the UPC...but I think there are good churches in the organization...I just don't happen to live near one, our whole district is pretty messed up...plus I am not going to drive for an hour to get to church, and it is not feasible for us to move at this time...


If you are happy in your church don't leave for the sake of exploring the world of religion...just pray for God to give you guidence and I always pray for truth...that is why I left my church...they are decieved!

I took it that he's not talking about leaving a particular assembly, but changing organizational affiliation as though he holds license....

Well it really depends on what YOU are.


Answering that question first, will naturally lead you to the answer to this question.

praying for all involved.