**preacher forums**

[MissBrattified]

No, I'm not a member; I'm not a preacher. Getting in as a "minister [of music]" might be doable, except that I'm a woman AND somewhat liberal (moderate, in my own estimation, but some disagree ), so there goes all of that potential right down the tubes.

And yes, I AM bitter.

[bishoph]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

But is it "ok" to name some UPC pastor, not even a forum member, and speculate and accuse him of being of being weak on standards while NOT doing the same regarding a UPC pastor that committed adultery on their sin of adultery? Is non-conformity to standards somehow worse than adultery?

IMO (and what I have tried to practice in forum land) forums are a place to discuss issues not persons regardless of organizational affiliation or lack thereof. To do otherwise places us in a seat of judgement that I sincerely doubt any of us are qualified to sit in.

Having said that, some who view standards as biblical mandates may see "non-conformity" to standards or other doctrinal error as more dangerous than adultery. Now before someone tries to say "there you have it, Bishoph just said that standards were more important than moral purity," that is not what I said. I specifically used the word "dangerous."

Let me explain my statement. The adulterer/fornicator etc can/will IMO must be removed from ministry. Thus the damage done by their sin will hopefully be limited in its scope. But a person who is in doctrinal error, may continue to infect untold numbers of people which could have eternal consequences.

Again, I am not justifying the assassination of anyone's name on a forum (especially those that are not there to defend themselves) and I believe that forums should be for the sake of discussing issues not persons.

[Ron]

Originally Posted by Berkley

My shoulder is still separated at the a.c. joint. I regret that I opted out of surgery. I am used to it ...I don't realize the (slight) pain. It's only noticeable after a pain pill wears off that I took for a different reason, headache, etc. The shoulder does sit lower and I compensate on the other side when I walk so I don't look like a freak. Thanks for asking.

Sorry to hear this Berk, I have prayed for ya and will continue to do so!

[Ron]

Originally Posted by bishoph

IMO (and what I have tried to practice in forum land) forums are a place to discuss issues not persons regardless of organizational affiliation or lack thereof. To do otherwise places us in a seat of judgement that I sincerely doubt any of us are qualified to sit in.

Having said that, some who view standards as biblical mandates may see "non-conformity" to standards or other doctrinal error as more dangerous than adultery. Now before someone tries to say "there you have it, Bishoph just said that standards were more important than moral purity," that is not what I said.

Let me explain my statement. The adulterer/fornicator etc can/will IMO must be removed from ministry. Thus the damage done by their sin will hopefully be limited in its scope. But a person who is in doctrinal error, may continue to infect untold numbers of people which could have eternal consequences.

Again, I am not justifying the assassination of anyone's name on a forum (especially those that are not there to defend themselves) and i believe that forums should be for the sake of discussing issues not persons.

[RandyWayne]

Originally Posted by Sam

I can see the idea of a preacher forum where preachers can get together and discuss things they have in common. How would that be any different than a group who shared a common profession like barbers or painters or a group that shared a common hobby like stamp collecting or cooking?

That is exactly what I am saying. I see absolutely nothing wrong with ministers getting together to fellowship (in a manner of speaking) and supporting/debating with each other.

Someone could bring up the point "well stamp collectors usually don't run a closed board were all their discussions are kept hidden!". I would answer back, should a board devoted to a group like professional therapists be required to be open to all their collective patients? I know that the church laity are not considered "patients" but there is still a tendency for somewhat confidential and personal info to be talked about.

[berkeley]

Originally Posted by Ron

Sorry to hear this Berk, I have prayed for ya and will continue to do so!

I appreciate the prayers. Don't pray about my shoulder. I stopped a while ago...

[notofworks]

Originally Posted by Ron

While I am not apprehended I want to give a quick answer to that, I have seen people castigate anything and everything in times past & that is one main reason I took a long walk into the sunset.
It doesn't appear to be anything like that now (I could be wrong) & I don't want to be eating anyone up for breakfast.

I understand. My main point was, it seems the label "Man of God" is only put on preachers. Why aren't the other members of the Body of Christ privileged with that label? They're every bit, if not more important than ministers.

[notofworks]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

Honestly, a bunch of preachers having a "preachers only" forum doesn't bother me nearly as much as all these same preachers sitting on the platform during a sermon. I understand the needs of people of a given profession having a place to compare notes, such as in a forum, but the self-righteous separation of the untouchable "men of GOD!" and the normal commoners just grates on me.

Yes, those little insignificant pions. That's the attitude that sickens me. It's completely adverse to the principles of I Corinthians 12 and the description of the Body of Christ.

[Ron]

Originally Posted by Berkley

I appreciate the prayers. Don't pray about my shoulder. I stopped a while ago...

I haven't!

[berkeley]

Originally Posted by Ron

I haven't!

I probably need the prayer focused on other areas. Thanks for believing...