[2theX]

One reason I think the UPC and ALJC might not want to merge is because (correct me if I'm wrong)
Is that the UPCI has certain "territorial" influences that wont allow other UPCI pastors within there "boundaries".
So if a UPC minister wanted to start a fellowship in the "area",
They have to "ask" permission from headquarters: who in turn ask permission from the pastor in that territory to have another pastor come into that Pastor's "territory".
That can be blessing or curse depending on who's sort of in charge of that "territory".
Or in some circumstances that particular territorial pastor may offer the proposing minister to be a daughter work in rare cases.
That way all the Tithes of all the "Territorial" pastors discretion would still come directly to him if any church members of his were to go there. (yes.. you heard that correctly: the Tithes would go to The Leading Pastor)
I hear some if these ole boys (pastors) can get rather unreasonable and downright stingy about there territories which in turn can hurt the growth of the kingdom of God.
So the politics can get rather messy.
So if another pastor comes from another oneness; like ALJC, then there's not much the prominent UPC Pastor can do about it.
So I personally think its good that there Not together. (although they should get along)
I think things should be kept in balance.
The pharisees gained a lot of control through this kind of political "correctness" of "territories".
Id love to think both groups are Angelic by nature.
But there's a carnal side to man even in those that have a calling to lead that is hard to tame once money is involved. (its in all of us, I'm not excluded) Especially when money and receiving tithing is involved and the like.
(wow.. i can feel the stones flying over my head as we speak about this)
So not wanting someone to come in and take "tithers" can be a real threat to some leaders.
That's not the only reason they wouldn't want some other minister to come onto there turf, there's legitimate ones as well.
But To sum it up I disagree with most. I think the two should stay divided for the sake of the Gospel.
That's why its so important for leaders to be transparent in how they spend the offerings of the Lords basket.
[/I] I really believe there's a very real lesson in the health of church's spiritual dominion by what and how that Pastor of that "territory" spends the Lords Basket- by that one fact alone.
This would declare his worthiness or unworthiness in so many ways.