Left the UPC...Now Back Again

[Revelationist]

Not UPC either, had one backslid den UPC come to our church, started getting right with God, thanked us in a testimony services that we loved her and not condemned her like our local UPC would have, and then went back to it when she looked the part again.

[Renee29]

Both.

Originally Posted by Sweet Pea

Just curious.... Are "platform standards" just for the platform? Or do these standards carry over into the people's every-day life?

[Renee29]

I don't adhere to the dress "code" (some things I do, some I don't) and I don't feel like a second class citizen. I feel very valued at my church.

Originally Posted by CC1

I hope you reflect upon your post here and over time come to see that it is EXACTLY treating folks as second class citizens.

The whole point being made was that if you don't adhere to the dress code you are not considered fully "right" with God and not allowed to participate in ministry.

[houston]

Originally Posted by Revelationist

Not UPC either, had one backslid den UPC come to our church, started getting right with God, thanked us in a testimony services that we loved her and not condemned her like our local UPC would have, and then went back to it when she looked the part again.

She felt holy enough to return.

[Tim Rutledge]

Originally Posted by Sister Alvear

I would just like to say I am praying for you as you walk through a deep valley where many voices and opinions call. Salvation is a personal matter and something we must settle in our hearts. However I doubt if there is any church that each one of us attends that we agree 100 % on everything that is taught. I personally am a missionary and there are things I abide by that really would not be a sin for me but could be a sin or hinder others. So it might be called making a tiny sacrifice to help my weaker brothers and sisters. Lots of things are not sins but can be weights that hinder us or tie us down. Examine your life and ask God which I am sure you are doing for His direction. Whatever you do guard against bitterness and remember who taught us most taught in all sincerety. I do believe the Bible is clear on the plan of salvation and coming out and being a seperate people. Remember no church and no people are perfect. I know a few who seem to think they are but they are not...we are all just people who are in great need of God's grace and His help.
Pray much and lean not to the opinion of others...Read often God's word..I know I am telling you things you already know however that is the "missionary" in me!
Above all remember HE leads and guides...sometimes we just don't have enough "brains" to work everything out on our own...God is standing near and will help.

[Sasha]

Originally Posted by Renee29

You can't lump all the churches together. It's a case by case basis. I would say half my church does not "do" standards. They are not treated like second class citizens. My Pastor very much believes in standards, but want's saint to feel like they belong. If you don't do standards you can participate in pretty much any ministry except platform ministries.

Why? I can understand a 'platform standard' on how someone should be dressed when on the platform, but does that standard continue at home if you are in 'platform ministries'? If so, why?

[Pendragon]

Originally Posted by SOUNWORTHY

I have been married three times in the past 60 years and did not agree with everything my wives liked or disliked any more than they always agreed with me but we as any married couples agreed to disagree because we loved each other.

I have never been divorced and I know there are sometimes reasons for divorce but one of the most disgusting thing to me is the husband or wife who after a divorce bad moths their former mate to anyone who will listen and sometimes to those who doesn't want to listen.

EH?? Did your previous wives die early deaths, or am I missing something here? Sorry for your loss if that is the case...

[Sasha]

Originally Posted by Sweet Pea

Just curious.... Are "platform standards" just for the platform? Or do these standards carry over into the people's every-day life?

Looks like someone beat me to it.

[Sasha]

Originally Posted by Renee29

I don't adhere to the dress "code" (some things I do, some I don't) and I don't feel like a second class citizen. I feel very valued at my church.

If you wanted to, say, sing in the choir but in order to do that, you have to adhere to ALL the standards, would you?

[Sasha]

Originally Posted by Revelationist

Not UPC either, had one backslid den UPC come to our church, started getting right with God, thanked us in a testimony services that we loved her and not condemned her like our local UPC would have, and then went back to it when she looked the part again.

I know someone who does that quite often. She recently left her husband, cut her hair and allowed her girls to cut theirs, wore pants, shorts, whatever they wanted (most of what they wore my daughters aren't allowed to wear!) and quit attending any church. She would tell me she wanted to find a good church but mine was too big and besides, when her girls attended a youth function (this was the only time they attended), nobody came up to them and talked to them or anything (I did ask if her girls went up to anyone to talk to them first and she said that wasn't their responsibility as the 'new girls' in that group). Whatever.

She just went back to her husband. Before she left, she told me she was glad to be going back and would attend her former UPC church and said, "You know I really believe in standards and stuff anyway." Her girls are teens. I'm sure they will NOT be in agreement. It will be interesting to see what they end up doing.

Sadly, this isn't the first time she's done this. It will be a miracle if her girls end up attending any church at all after they are grown and on their own.