A divided house

[Michael The Disciple]

The man who baptized me in Jesus name was a Black Charismatic Pastor. We associated for about 25 years till his death.

[votivesoul]

Originally Posted by FlamingZword

I think this is an issue that needs to be addressed and acted upon.

How about if the churches start inviting preachers from other races into their pulpits.

white ministers should start inviting black preachers into their churches.
black ministers should start inviting white preachers into their churches.

once the members see their leaders acting in this manner, they will most likely follow their example.

One of my pastors used to take his whole church to another brother church.
we got into a bunch of cars and vans and went to visit the brethren in another city.
we had a good time mixing with members of a church of a different race.

This would go towards helping PAW and UPCI brethren reunite, since not only did they divide racially, but also, went their separate ways into different organizations.

Of course, the unity they would need to rally around would have to be doctrinal unity; race would not be enough.

[rick g mcmahan]

This is why i left all the groups and pastor a church with no fellowship. Im very conservitive to the altra cons but i like the attitude of the libs so i dont fit in with anyone. So i just help save the lost and buiold churches. I im happy staying out of all the politics

[Aquila]

Organizations and denominations are man made vessels. The Kingdom of God is greater. Independents have a greater vision.

[Sean]

Originally Posted by votivesoul

One of the biggest early dividers was race.

I would argue that this is the big cancer that needs to be healed first.

.


Well, I am white and had a black pastor for 6 years. I saw racism rear its ugly head in that church when Obama was running. Most of those folks betrayed their faith to get somebody of the same skin color in there. We were telling them Obama is pro-homo, but they didnt care. SAD....

Another problem with that is culture. That is just as hard to fit into than fixing racism.

[KeptByTheWord]

If more focus was on obeying the two most difficult commandments Jesus gave us - loving God, and loving our neighbor as ourselves... most likely we would not have the divisions that we do...

[FlamingZword]

Originally Posted by rick g mcmahan

This is why i left all the groups and pastor a church with no fellowship. Im very conservitive to the altra cons but i like the attitude of the libs so i dont fit in with anyone. So i just help save the lost and buiold churches. I im happy staying out of all the politics

I have been a member of an independent church, and have seen another.

Independent churches tend to center around the Pastor and disconnect from the world. Kind of a monastic society.

I personally do not think this is good in the long run. You need to get some fresh air once in a while. You might benefit from inviting a fellow pastor from another church to come and preach for you and bring some new insights.

[AR Pastor]

I don't believe the true Apostolic church is divided.

[n david]

I've been part of an independent church for the past 7 years. We've fellowshipped with PAW, UPC and other indie churches. I do know of an ultra con church that, IIRC, is indie and doesn't allow any fellowship with any other church. It just depends on what type of Pastor is leading the church.

Just the other week, our Pastor interrupted our practice quick to tell us a popular speaker was going to be at a UPC church nearby that night. He was going and wanted to invite us if we wanted to go.

The church in which I was raised (UPC) was very active in fellowship with other churches. We would travel to other cities for special services and events all the time. I would not attend a church which did not allow or promote fellowshipping with other believers.

[FlamingZword]

Originally Posted by AR Pastor

I don't believe the true Apostolic church is divided.

The true Apostolic is no divided?

How do you define true Apostolic?
Does that include people from different organization or just the one you attend?

How many believers from other Apostolic groups visit your church?
Do preachers from other organizations allowed to preach at your pulpit?