Originally Posted by The Lemon
Brother,
Just a thought...going to a UPC church and being a licensed minister in the UPC can be two different things. Based on your walk with God and where you are at, it would be difficult for you to be licensed with them without a fair amount of dishonesty on your part.
Having said that, I have no idea if that is your intent, but to encourage you if it is, the UPC is slowly changing and at least where I am at is more moderate then UC. I agree with Jesus Name baptism and the infilling of the Holy Ghost as you do.
I have two children as well, and have been a apart of the UPC for nearly 20-years. I have raised my children in this, but have insulated them from the clothesline standards, and have enforced modesty, but not a dress code. My children play sports, swim, own bathing suits, and dress appropriatly in 100-degree weather. I do not take my vacation annually to put them in church camp, we instead go to the beach.
Personally, I feel you eat the meat and spit out the bones, as would be the case in any church, UPC or not. But if you are God called to preach or minister in any capacity, there will be a conflict between what you believe and what you will be expected to live, as well as what your family will be expected to live etc. So that does weigh into the decision in my opinion.
I have been in a transition for about 8-years now and have tried to give my card back to them once and was told by my pastor and district to hold off. I love the truths in the UPC, but not the all consuming role that "church life" has on an individual and family life. I have probably shared a little too much and maybe lost some credibility here, but I believe your decision is a weighty one, and I know what I have dealt with in leadership as well as what I have struggled with the last 8-years or so with.
The desire to live right, and have a close relationship to Christ is fervant in my heart and spirit, so also, is the wanting to be an individual and not be controlled by the pulpit or the organization. It is both a blessing at times, and a battle at times...just sayin...
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