How do I leave

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*

Actually, yes, quite a few should be able to help. Many on here have faced leaving the traditional Pentecostal church for a different type. And there is frequently a lot of hurt involved.

Of course I question equating "the traditional Pentecostal church" with the problems of the original post...

It's a human problem and one might experience the same when leaving the Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist or Charismatic churches to become "traditional Pentecostal"...

[*AQuietPlace*]

Originally Posted by Hoovie

Of course I question equating "the traditional Pentecostal church" with the problems of the original post...

It's a human problem and one might experience the same when leaving the Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist or Charismatic churches to become "traditional Pentecostal"...

Oh, definitely! But, this is an Apostolic site, so many here would have faced this problem when leaving a Pentecostal church. And that seems to be the problem the original poster is facing.

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*

Oh, definitely! But, this is an Apostolic site, so many here would have faced this problem when leaving a Pentecostal church. And that seems to be the problem the original poster is facing.

So also, were many rejected by others when they became "Apostolic". Seems these EX-Pentecostal/Apostolic stories may be more prominent on a Catholic site or something, since most all here are current OP/Apostolic....

[*AQuietPlace*]

Originally Posted by Hoovie

So also, were many rejected by others when they became "Apostolic".

Of course.

My point was merely that many here faced hurting their family and friends when they decided to make different choices in their lives. So, maybe someone here could help him with that aspect of it. The "how do I leave without hurting everyone I love" part.

[ILG]

I was in the UPC for 19 years. I was fortunate in that I had no extended family in the church except my mother-in-law and she was marginal. We baptized her in ourselves so she followed us in.

I was extremely careful when I wanted to leave. We were pastoring at the time and I stayed for four years without believing it until my husband was ready to make the move. I will never regret how I handled that. I didn't break any standards except for ones that were pretty acceptable to break. I talked to my husband about my feelings but I did not scream or yell or demand we leave. In fact, I was ready to stay forever in respect to my husband's wishes and ust work inside the denomination to try and help people best I could.

I didn't feel that being in or out was what mattered but that I was free in my own mind to think and feel and be who I was. That's what really counts.

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by ILG

I was in the UPC for 19 years. I was fortunate in that I had no extended family in the church except my mother-in-law and she was marginal. We baptized her in ourselves so she followed us in.

I was extremely careful when I wanted to leave. We were pastoring at the time and I stayed for four years without believing it until my husband was ready to make the move. I will never regret how I handled that. I didn't break any standards except for ones that were pretty acceptable to break. I talked to my husband about my feelings but I did not scream or yell or demand we leave. In fact, I was ready to stay forever in respect to my husband's wishes and ust work inside the denomination to try and help people best I could.

I didn't feel that being in or out was what mattered but that I was free in my own mind to think and feel and be who I was. That's what really counts.

"without believing it"

Can you be specific? Are you talking about the cross? The Pentecostal version of experiencing Acts 2? What?

[ILG]

Originally Posted by Hoovie

"without believing it"

Can you be specific? Are you talking about the cross? The Pentecostal version of experiencing Acts 2? What?

Hmm, let's see. Lots has changed since I left too so...back then, I guess I didn't believe that standards were salvational.

But you knew me back then. You watched the whole thing.

[Michlow]

Originally Posted by CC1

LOL!!! You are probably one of the few who gets it. I put the "dry" in dry sense of humor.

It's probably because I tend to be the same, LOL

Originally Posted by ILG

Good quote.

You look pretty smart in your new avatar Mich!

Thanks. I recently ditched the glasses, so I have to take a new one soon!

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by ILG

Hmm, let's see. Lots has changed since I left too so...back then, I guess I didn't believe that standards were salvational.

But you knew me back then. You watched the whole thing.

Yeah, I don't mean to play dumb... I do think for the benefit of those who just read here they may need to know some things.

I'll leave your story alone. I wish God's very best for you and where you are now.


Some strive hard to get away from things they themselves promoted and taught. That in it'self brings a new dimension to this discussion, and I think, a greater responsibility to those they wrongly influenced. Many were not simply victims, but also perpetrators.

Not all who attend a UPC are radical separitists in doctrine and lifestyle.

I'll use myself as an example...

I attend a UPC and do not believe they are the "only ones" who love the Lord and are His children.

I reject any notion that keeping a unique dress standard is salvational or that our works propel us into a position of favor with God.

My family and I are not withdrawn from our community nor the churches and Christians within our community. As much as possible we celebrate the differences and uniqueness of other Christian denominations.

Are there those in the UPC who disagree with the above?

Yes indeed. But, I think it's noteworthy that very often those who "leave" were, at one time, ultracon in their separation, worship style, and sectarianism.

I tend to believe a more balanced approach is better whether one is coming into or leaving the UPC or any other denomination.

[Praxeas]

Amen Hoovie