The UPC Rev.'s Thou Shalts and Thou Shalt Not

[ILG]

Yeah, I remember being taught to follow all of these and then when we got into the pastorate, I think we were the only ones following them!!! Nothing like pure disillusionment!!

[DAII]

Does the WPF require letters of transfer ?

[Pressing-On]

Are you already bored at your new forum?

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by DAII

Does the WPF require letters of transfer ?

Yes.

[DAII]

Originally Posted by Socialite

Yes.

Interesting ... I was under the impression the WPF was into local church sovereignty .... is this in their bylaws?

Their stance on ministerial restoration?

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by DAII

Interesting ... I was under the impression the WPF was into local church sovereignty .... is this in their bylaws?

Their stance on ministerial restoration?

From what I understand, this is not something even relevant to their bylaws, since, as you stated, the local church autonomy is what's in view. However, the predominant social more/expectation, would include letters of transfer. If I can find something in writing on this, I'll post.

To your other points, this may help:

The WPF makes no guarantees in regards to the integrity of any leaders of any such ministries, or to the integrity of the practices of any such ministries, financial, moral, or any other criterion which may used to judge such a ministry.

# In the event that questions or violations concerning a member’s life or doctrine be brought to the attention of the Executive Council, the Council shall, in turn, contact that member’s Accountability Group. The Accountability Group shall then investigate the situation.

1. The Executive Chairman shall work with the Accountability Group to establish the date and location of the investigation.
2. If one or more members of the Accountability Group cannot attend the investigation, the Executive Chairman shall appoint a member or members of the EC or GC to be a part of the investigation.
3. The Accountability Group shall report to the Executive Council in writing. The EC will make the final decision, based on the written report on said member’s continuing membership, or any other disciplinary action they may deem to be necessary.

# If actions taken by the member’s Accountability Group and the Executive Council are considered unsatisfactory by either the member in question or the individual(s) making the accusation, the following actions shall then be taken:

1. A committee shall be formed from the General Council to investigate the situation and or allegations.
2. They shall report to the Executive Council with recommendation to either accept or reject the Accountability Group’s original findings.
3. The Executive Council shall decide upon the further acceptance of the member in question within the fellowship or as to what actions should be taken.
4. This decision shall be final and no further appeal process is available.

[DAII]

Originally Posted by Socialite

From what I understand, this is not something even relevant to their bylaws, since, as you stated, the local church autonomy is what's in view. However, the predominant social more/expectation, would include letters of transfer. If I can find something in writing on this, I'll post.

To your other points, this may help:

hmmm ... am I to think that as described a fallen minister may be retained on a case by case basis?

[NorCal]

I think the "Letter of Recommendation" or "Transfer" was to try to limit church hopping of "leadership" members. Those such as Musicians, Teachers, Worship Leaders.

All in all most of these by-laws were implemented due to past situations that had occurred and needed to be resolved. I think some of them you could throw under "Pauline Instructions". So are antiquated.

My concern is for the lack of unwillingness to submit to anyone by some pastors (of any organization). Every man (even a minister) needs to be accountable to someone else.

[Dagwood]

Friends I know who are either direct blood-relation to the pastor or mere members of the congregation, quite often, post on Facebook what show they're watching. Whether at home or not, TV is TV no matter where one goes. Times have changed in recent years, which is why I'm glad some are finding a balance in their faith, and that not everything one watches is bad or that much of a distraction.

I've moved on from the small box thinking since there are far greater issues to try and work out among myself and people who are lost than trying to preach to the "choir" about what they should and should not watch on TV, let alone even have one. It was a learning experience, nevertheless, to live without any form of media for 7 years. But it's also been an eye-opening experience since then to see just how choked up in tradition and man's laws I was.