Dropped By & Somewhat Dismayed But Not Surprised

[Ron]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

Ron,

Your concerns have validity, but the AFF is a group of members--not just admins. The AFF admin team tries not to censor anymore than necessary and of COURSE members of the AFF Admin team are free to post just like any other member, in accordance with the rules. The mistake, I think, is assuming that a post by a member of admin represents some sort of official position.

AFF is a venue for discussion, and hopefully a safe place for people to explore topics, express themselves and even just to vent (like your thread).

I haven't always approved of every discussion, and I certainly don't like gossip or slander; on the other hand, I have learned that it's okay for people to vent and that it isn't my job to try to shut down every person or conversation that isn't my cup of tea.

I have personally benefited from my time on these forums, beginning with the FCF years ago. I have needed a break from time to time, but most of my experience has been positive. I have learned to appreciate views other than my own, I have learned to dig into the Word to find answers for myself, and I have learned that friends can come in many forms. One of the most important experiences for me, coming here after a traumatic experience at an UC church, was encountering people like Bro. Epley and Sister Alvear (and others) who are both staunchly conservative and consistently kind hearted. Posting with very liberal believers, I learned that I'm more traditional than I realized and that realization has helped me find some sure footing on nice, firm middle ground. Bottom line, I appreciate these forums for what they have been, no more, no less. I'm not on a mission to mold this forum or any of its members into what I view as ideal.

I'm not terribly interested in participating in the Memphis threads, but I'm also not terribly interested in stopping a conversation that might need to take place--maybe not for me, but maybe for some of the upset people who have posted and have received some VERY positive feedback from members here.

I hear you & if you know me while I consider myself middle of the road, some on the right feel I am liberal & those on the left think I am conservative & have friends on both sides.
That being said, I can find no benefit either Biblically or emotionally by giving a place for those offended to vent bt naming people and situations.
I have been there, done that, but my old Pastor taking a page out of Anthony Maguns book says to go fast & pray. Then go to the offender & deal with it.
If it is a minister, there are channels to go through where investigations will take place, & censure will take place & whatever penalties will be applied.

I have been in a situation where a local license minister hurt the Church.
He later wrote a rather "weak apolgy letter" I wasn't going to accept it but God said--do it.
He is free & clear from our standpoint---but he is not blessed in his congregation.

Folks there is a Biblical way to do this.