Quote:
Originally Posted by chaotic_resolve
Regardless of what side does it, I still think it's a cheap and easy way to go. And I still have anyone to disagree that the record would show the UPC as dropping the minister, rather than the minister leaving the UPC - as it should show.
I have nothing against a person who wants to leave. By all means, leave if you want to. My disagreement is in the way they're leaving . . . not with the individuals.
I know that probably disappoints you and rks, but it's the method - not the man - I'm against.
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The question I have for those that may feel as you do, is simply this: Will you also support the UPCI actions, when they put said pastors (those that officially resign rather than let their dues run out) "under question" and prohibit UPCI ministers from fellow-shipping them? As I have talked to the majority of pastors who have made the very tough decision to leave, this is the greatest reservation they have.
Incidentally, the attitude of those who are celebrating the departure of these men is very sad to me. Those that are leaving are not denigrating the brethren who are remaining in the UPCI, whom they have fellow-shipped with for years, they are not high five-ing their buddies and saying we're sure glad to be gone, now we can have revival etc. While they may feel that the corporate body of the UPCI has gone in a direction they are not prepared to go, they still consider the brethren their friends, and do not want to sever those relationships.
There may be a few loose cannons who try to divide families and friends because they refuse to "leave the UPCI," but I assure you that is not the norm. Yet it seems those who rejoice are willing to trample over years of labor, sweat, tears, ministry, prayers, and friendships by flippantly saying good riddance. IMO this attitude is far from Christ like.