Left the UPC...Now Back Again

[KeptByTheWord]

If you are running a church like a business, then a platform standard by all means is the way to go. If one wants to climb up the church social ladder, then one must conform to all the platform standards, and hope you can either marry into the "pastor family", possess musical or preaching talent or simply have lots of money to get your position on the stage.

Churches as a whole have become a source of revenue for the pastors, with the bottom line being the fact that the church today is run like a business.

I can only imagine the scene in most churches today if Jesus were to show up like he did 2000 years ago... there would likely be a big ruckus with most of the "moneychangers" sitting on the platform... being thrown out the door.

As long as churches are run as a business, with the money and power being the driving core of their existence, then none of these things will change. The spirit of the moneychangers whose tables Jesus upset, are still with us today in most churches, and that includes other denominations too... not just Pentecostals.

There should be no big "I" or little "U" in church, after all, it is the mercy and grace of Jesus that has been extended to all of us. Some of us may possess one talent, five or ten, but regardless of how many "talents" we may be blessed to possess... in the eyes of Jesus, we are all bought by His blood, and therefore we all sinners, bought by His mercy and grace.

[CC1]

Originally Posted by Renee29

Yes, I agree with what you are saying. He will even admit some of it's tradition. However, he is like a 4th or 5th generation UPC preacher. It's so ingrained in him that I don't think he can change. I do believe he does the best he can.

This I understand. Well, not really understand but acknowledge it exists. Your description of the situation in your post I have quoted here hits the nail on the head.

[*AQuietPlace*]

Originally Posted by Mirth1981

Well, I'm not sure if many of you will remember my story. I left the UPC in 2010. Married to a UPC minister (he was at the time, not now)...broke his heart when I left, etc., etc...I did a lot of research and personal Bible study around the time I left, because I'd always had a nagging suspicion that some of the UPC doctrines I'd been taught did not have a strong biblical basis, mostly those concerning "standards"....but also some of the bigger ones.


He ended up leaving eventually also, and letting his license go. I suspect in large part because of the strain on our marriage (yes, we came close to divorce), but also for other reasons as well.


Anyway, my husband and I recently moved to a different state. We both agreed before moving that we wanted a fresh start spiritually, and we both wanted to find a church that we could attend together and find some spiritual healing. We both felt (and still feel) hurt and broken...wounded, confused.

So we went "church shopping." That sounds horrible, but I guess that's what some people call it. We searched for non denom churches that allowed God's spirit to move in their services. We prayed for God to show us where he wanted us to be. Yet we never felt that nudge or confirmation in those churches, although I did enjoy some of the teaching. In the meantime, old friends of my husband's kept inviting us to their UPC church. Finally we visited...and after several visits we both agreed to stay a while.

So now here we are. Attending a UPC church again...together. I guess it's a compromise. I can't say that I've changed my mind regarding the doctrines I disagree with. That probably won't happen. The pastor seems like a balanced man, and he and his family seem like quality people. It seems like a balanced church so far.

Yet I can't help but feel like I'm taking a step backwards. I also fear that things are going to come right back around and history is going to repeat itself, and I don't want to go through that again. It was an extremely painful process. I'm not sure what the purpose of all this is.

Anybody out there that has had a similar experience or could offer any input?

I remember you, Mirth, and your struggle.

I'm glad you and your husband have found a better place in your marriage. I will be praying for you, whichever way God leads you.

[Abiding Now]

Originally Posted by Revelationist

He give reasons for it, the UPC marks anyone that leaves. That's what gets them labeled as a cult.

Don't you teach preterism?

That would definitely go against UPC doctrine of the Second Coming.

[Abiding Now]

All of this "platform standards" talk reminds of a pastor that I used to see on FCF or maybe around here, that SUPPOSEDLY had a woman song leader that wore a halter top while leading the singing.

Now there's a "platform standard".

[Abiding Now]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

Not UPC but always try to treat backsliders with kindness.

Given the subject of this thread, that right there is funny.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Abiding Now

All of this "platform standards" talk reminds of a pastor that I used to see on FCF or maybe around here, that SUPPOSEDLY had a woman song leader that wore a halter top while leading the singing.

Now there's a "platform standard".

That wasn't a true story.

[Revelationist]

Originally Posted by Abiding Now

Don't you teach preterism?

That would definitely go against UPC doctrine of the Second Coming.

I didn't preach it when I left.... I left with my pastors blessings.... I believed just like them.

[Sabby]

Originally Posted by navygoat1998

My wife and I attended my dad's church a couple times and it made us realize all over again, why we left and that it was God who brought us out and to go back would be like going back to Egypt.

I've got a song for you from Youtube...can't figure out how to attach it here.
Keith Green

http://youtu.be/MD9W61KZYxk

[Revelationist]

Originally Posted by Abiding Now

Don't you teach preterism?

That would definitely go against UPC doctrine of the Second Coming.

In other words I was a futurist when I left the UPC .