Did you mourn leaving the UPC?

[Pneuman]

Originally Posted by Real Realism

For those of you who deliberately left the UPC or similar organization, were you conflicted at the time of your departure or did you know with certainty what you had to do and rejoice?

We are at a crossroads and must make movement soon. God has opened doors for us to explore non-UPC, Acts 2:38 non-standards driven churches in our area. Churches we didn't know existed, but with a little digging and prayer, we've found a handful that seem to meet the criteria we've set.

And while we are currently frustrated with the UPC, we cannot help but feel sadness over the idea of leaving. Our hearts are heavy, and we don't make this decision lightly. It's proving harder to take that next step than I anticipated.

I haven't read through the whole thread, but having just left the UPC recently, we did not mourn the way we thought we would after most of those who said they loved us now treat us like refuse, spread rumors about us, etc. Funny thing, before we left we talked to a Pastor in Texas who left years ago and he gave us a list of things that would happen when we left ... we could have used it as a checklist. It is hard for me to believe the UPC has the true Spirit of God at work when the ministry is so poisonous whenever somebody leaves the org.

Perhaps not everybody has had the same experience ... but my Pastor knows hundreds who have. We are also now reaching out into the community of ex-upcers that have been horribly abused psychologically in our area ... it is truly sickening. It sure gives fodder to those who say the UPC is a cult. In many ways it measures up to exactly what the definition of a cult is.

If you mourn it won't be for long. Choose a church that understands the importance of God's love for people and you won't mourn at all.