Nepotism: An Apostolic Paradigm?

[KeptByTheWord]

In every single Apostolic/UPC/ALJC church I've attended, nepotism has been the norm. Every.single.one.

My UPC uncle is now the "senior" pastor while his son-in-law is now the pastor.

Church I grew up in - same thing. Pastor will be handing church over to one of his sons. Only problem is, both sons want the pastorate, no one knows how that will go. There are no board members involved in that church. It is completely run by the pastor.

Another family member attends an independent Apostolic church where the pastor died at a young age of cancer. The church was interested in having other pastor come and try out for the church, but on his death bed, the dying pastor said the Lord told him his 19-year-old son, who had only once ever even preached - was to be the new pastor. That church is in a disastrous state today. No board members in this church either. The saints are at the mercy of the pastor's decisions.

So, in my books, in every experience I have had with the Apostolic/UPC/ALJC church... nepotism has reigned.

This is not to say that it isn't present in other denominations, but it is no doubt a serious problem within apostolic church ranks.

Bottom line... I agree with T2W - follow the MONEY!

[RandyWayne]

Originally Posted by KeptByTheWord

In every single Apostolic/UPC/ALJC church I've attended, nepotism has been the norm. Every.single.one.

My UPC uncle is now the "senior" pastor while his son-in-law is now the pastor.

Church I grew up in - same thing. Pastor will be handing church over to one of his sons. Only problem is, both sons want the pastorate, no one knows how that will go. There are no board members involved in that church. It is completely run by the pastor.

Another family member attends an independent Apostolic church where the pastor died at a young age of cancer. The church was interested in having other pastor come and try out for the church, but on his death bed, the dying pastor said the Lord told him his 19-year-old son, who had only once ever even preached - was to be the new pastor. That church is in a disastrous state today. No board members in this church either. The saints are at the mercy of the pastor's decisions.

So, in my books, in every experience I have had with the Apostolic/UPC/ALJC church... nepotism has reigned.

This is not to say that it isn't present in other denominations, but it is no doubt a serious problem within apostolic church ranks.

Bottom line... I agree with T2W - follow the MONEY!

You do realize that there is only one way to solve that particular issue......

[KeptByTheWord]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

You do realize that there is only one way to solve that particular issue......

heehe... so your theory is... may the best man win?

[trialedbyfire]

Originally Posted by KeptByTheWord

In every single Apostolic/UPC/ALJC church I've attended, nepotism has been the norm. Every.single.one.

My UPC uncle is now the "senior" pastor while his son-in-law is now the pastor.

Here we go...

EVERY SINGLE APOSTOLIC CHURCH I HAVE BEEN TO SOMETHING IS WRONG!!



I can name the first three churches I've attended in my life, and can hands down say that problem absolutely does not exist.

Greater Morning Star Apostolic Ministries was the most recent and the one who's history I know off hand.

First pastor was a women missionary who established the church 74 years ago.
Second pastor Bishop Ramsey Butler. No relation to first pastor.
Third Pastor who I served under for years Bishop Charles E. Johnson. No relation to second pastor.
Current assistant pastor is no way related to him, and his only son who is a pastor currently serves a youth pastor at another church in DC.

The church I go to now just had their old pastor retire and brought in a new pastor from Arizona. He has no children working in the ministry at the church.

It's really not the UPC's fault you chose bad churches.