Quote:
Originally Posted by Aquila
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Obviously we see the ministry/platform guidelines differently. You appear to see them as doctrine - something taught or preached from the pulpit. That isn't my experience.
I'll share an example of my most recent experience as a member of the pastoral advisory board and worship leader:
(I don't have a copy of the guidelines we created and may have forgotten some points...)
This experience is from a church which was not UPC, but was Apostolic, just not affiliated with any organization. The Pastor of this church had previously been licensed - first with the Apostolic Assembly, and, just prior to starting this church, the UPCI. His experience with both organizations led him to decide he didn't want to be affiliated with either.
When the church first began, we had musicians in ripped jeans and even a drummer who came one Sunday in Bermuda shorts and flip flops. It was after this we decided to institute guidelines/expectations for those involved in ministry/platform.
So now Jim Billybob Johnson wants to play the guitar. As someone who will be representing the church, we created set of guidelines which included dress, appearance and conduct.
The first part was primarily background information about salvation, previous church involvement, etc.
The second part included guidelines about dress and appearance. Like it or not, we didn't want Jim Billybob Johnson to show up with ripped jeans or shorts and flip flops.
Could we point to a chapter and verse? No. Is it a sin to wear flip flops? I hope not! Though I've worn them less as I've grown older. Nor is it a sin to wear shorts, IMO.
The guidelines also said Jim Billybob was to keep his hair short and not bleached, or in some wild style (mohawk, faux-hawk, etc.).
Again, can't really point to a chapter or verse other than "it's a shame for a man to have long hair." Nothing specific about styling the hair or dying it.
It also stated JB Johnson was to be either clean shaven or keep his beard/mustache trimmed and neat.
It stated he was to wear business casual clothing, a suit and tie was not required for the musicians. Men were required to wear dress slacks with a collared shirt - either a dress polo or buttoned shirt. Women were required to wear a dress/skirt of appropriate length, not to be above the knee when seated, including a slit. The women's blouse/shirt should have a modest neckline and sleeve length.
No chapter and verse.
JB Johnson was not allowed to wear jewelry, such as a necklace or bracelet or ring other than a wedding ring.
No chapter and verse.
Besides the dress and appearance, the third part included guidelines of conduct.
Obviously, we expected Jim Billybob Johnson to conduct himself as a Christian should. We expected Jim Billybob Johnson to have daily prayer and devotion. In fact, as a worship team we all had a Bible devotion/reading plan we followed together. The guideline also set an expectation that JB Johnson would choose one day a week to fast and set aside extra time in the day to pray.
No chapter and verse.
Again, I may have missed some details, but this is what I can remember off the top of my head.
This was to be signed by Jim Billybob Johnson and both myself and the Pastor would approve it. We asked that JB Johnson and anyone else in ministry commit to a period of at least six months, after which they would sign a new guideline/commitment form.
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