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Originally Posted by PraiseHymn
First off, let me start by saying I am new to the forum and this is my first Thread on here (so welcome me ). I had a few questions so that I could get rid of my misconceptions about the UPCI! Let me commend the UPCI for keeping the Apostolic standards as other oneness organizations are falling by the way side due to a lack of preaching the doctrines of the Lord Jesus Christ. Seemingly pastors are more eager to fill there congregations with people that want to hear about miracles and financial blessings then how to live a holy and sanctified life before the Lord.
Here are my questions. I have never been a member of a church that is majority white. All my life I have attended an African American church. Instead of Charismatic leaps for joy, we like to "cut a step" or "have church!" Instead of Holy Laughter we "jerk and quake and quicken" when the power of God falls in our services (I'm Church Of Our Lord Jesus Christ). Currently my organization is NOT progressive at all, and its only a minority of us who want to progress into something that’s more then an emotional satisfying church service. I am thinking about joining a UPCI church when I move back to ATLANTA but am extremely afraid of how I will be received.
First thing first, as a male, I enjoy wearing facial hair. Can someone explain to me the "no facial hair" rule? The African American church has never had a problem with facial hair and well, I just don’t get it.
Next, I have 2 TV's! What in the world am I going to do with them if I join the UPCI. Sell them? Throw it away? And uh, after I do that, what are my alternatives for no longer watching TV? I have no problem with the tube, since I am Holy Ghost filled, I allow the Spirit of God to tell me what’s right and wrong to watch.
Finally, the black apostolic church has a misconception that the UPCI is a racist organization. Help me understand if this is true or not. How will I be received as a black male. I have a calling on my life and plan on getting ordained if I come over. I believe in wearing clergy collars and robes when I preach. (side bar). Uh, help me understand why I don’t see any African Americans in upper clergy positions in the organization.
Thanks for taking the time to read my post. I genuinely have a concern and just want to know first hand from people who might already be a part of this organization.
(by the way, I posted the same post over at GNC, just wanted to see what the folks at AFF had to say about this subject).
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You will not be received well in this organization. For the most part in the coastal areas that are progressive, blacks are welcomed, but not elevated, especially wearing traditional clergy garb. My experience has been a complete disconnect from the African American community. I went to Camp Meeting this year in a southern state where the black population is over 50% and saw less than 50 blacks.
Racism abounds and is a stench in the nostrils of God. You are more than welcome to try. You may even be preached, but for the most part the upper echelons of the UPCI will not promote you further than where they are. Too much insecurity and fear. It's still a good o'le boys club.
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