Has The UPCI Served It's Purpose.

[James Griffin]

Originally Posted by pelathais

The "Org. continue as a force in the church?"

"The Org." was a "force in the church?" I used to dream of helping in some small way to make that true, but I know of no time when it could really be said to have been "a force." Maybe a "footnote" or perhaps a "parallel stream" at times.

My viewpoint today is that "the Org." at its best, felt the powerful force of "the church..." But I don't really think the UPC has ever yet been "a force" impacting our larger society and helping to mold and shape the destiny of nations the way "the church" has.

Lest anyone misinterpret what follows as UPCI bashing, I refer to my earlier quote saying I sincerely believe its best days are ahead.

I agree with what Pel said in the context I think was meant.

The UPCI is part of 'the church' as opposed to being THE CHURCH as so many of us were raised.

And his issue was specifically addressing being a force to society at large, and shaping the destiny of nations. No one is denying 10s of millions of individuals have been impacted. (And despite impressions sometimes given here, usually in a more positive way that not lol).

Historically it has also been very isolationist, interpreting spiritual separation to mean dropping out of society for fear of being contaminated by “the world”. So while reaching individuals we did not reach our culture.

Fortunately, the last 20 years or so have seen an unparalleled rise in Apostolic professionals. These men and women have the potential to change the environment “outside the church”.

The reason I have to keep using quotation marks is to pay homage to “our” lingo. Many have not yet grasp the church is not the four walls. It is the people. And they are still “the church” outside the four walls of where they choose to congregate.

The single greatest charge I would lay at the UPCI is that of squandered potential.

Being the quixotic person I am, I once again believe that is changing.