One of the Biggest Mistakes

[Jack Shephard]

Originally Posted by ILG

I think one of the biggest mistakes that the UPC makes is the emphasis on church, church, church rather than family. People are expected to come bare minimum of 3 services a week, just so they are not "forsaking the assembling" and then there are the bible studies, door knocking, bake sales, singing, etc. etc. etc. on top of it all. I have heard it said that some pastors emphasize a family night one night a week (mine did not). So, are the other 6 to be used for church?? There is little teaching on marriage, family, balance etc. Alsmot all the teaching, in my experience, is on Acts 2:38, going to church, winning the lost, giving and giving and giving to the church.

I don't think it has ever been God's will for people to spend so much time at church and doing church things. We need to focus on our families, our kids, our marriages, our work etc. This is the work of God. That should not be forgotten.

To me it sounds like money, money, money.

[Michael Phelps]

Originally Posted by cneasttx

I have learned a lot about some churches since being on AFF. And I do know that some bad things have happened. I am glad I never had those experiences. And I am so sorry that any child of God had to go through those things. I do realize that we all can only speak of our own circumstances.

I probably should not have posted on this thread anyway. I in no way want to offend anyone by defending someone else, if you know what I mean.

No, Cindy, you have every right to post your opinions and experiences. It may help others who have gone thru some bad things to realize that the entire UPC is not like that.

I was only referring to Ferd's comments, not his content.

[rgcraig]

Teaching a strong personal relationship with God would do better than preaching 100% church attendance. Church is important, but teaching you'll be lost if you miss a service is just crazy.

Balance - - - good common sense and balance is key.

[Michael Phelps]

Originally Posted by TRFrance

Maybe its just me... but I'll never understand why people who are no longer UPC feel the need to go on internet forums and tell us the things they think are wrong with the UPC.

TR, sometimes people just need to vent. And, it's not feasible to vent to someone who is coming from an entirely different background - they just don't understand.

I have Catholic friends who have had issues in the church, but I don't understand those issues. So, I listen politely, but I don't respond, because I don't know where they're really coming from.

I agree that UPC bashing is wrong in any circumstance, but to discuss personal experiences you've had is what this forum is partially about, in my opinion.

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by TRFrance

Maybe its just me... but I'll never understand why people who are no longer UPC feel the need to go on internet forums and tell us the things they think are wrong with the UPC.

As someone has already posted, most of us are from strong UPC backgrounds - it's what we know. Many have had unfortunate situations and since this isn't an UPC site, I don't see the problem.

I realize it gets old to those still in UPC, but I know for years there was no place to talk out these issues, it's just been the past few years that there has been a place where others can known they aren't the only ones that have experienced something like this in their life.

I know it's hard to understand while you are still in the circle. I also know there are some that ONLY want to tear it down. I'm always amazed how some feel that because you leave UPC you are to never say anything else again about it (not saying TRF is saying that, but there are some that feel that way.)

[Ferd]

Originally Posted by Michael Phelps

It's out there Ferd.

Please don't trivialize other folks' experiences. Some folks are here to stir the pot, but others are here to bare their souls and just have some place to talk about things others, outside the ranks, don't understand.

I know its out there Michael. But I also think it is valid to point out that one personal experience isnt exactly the entire organization.


ILG points out what some folk she knows have done that was wrong. She clearly hasnt experienced all the UPCI as an organization because if she had, her comments would have indicated that.


I am now, and always have been UPCI. I know lots of folk all accross the UPCI and I dont know many who act like what has been pointed out.

Now I went to school with some girls who were indepenant Apostolics who thought it was a sin to shave their legs. It was just nasty.

I have never posted a thread that not shaving legs was the biggest mistake of indepenant apostolics.

I live in Texas. the Church of Christ is huge here and I couldnt believe all the backslidden CoCs Ive met with all kinds of hang ups about the church they were raised in.

If I were going to start listing the UPCIs biggest mistakes, it would likely start
with suffering fools as pastors who bring this kind of reproach on the organization.

I really am sorry for thosee who have sufferd so badly. but that doesnt mean I think this kind of thing is representative of the UPCI as an organization.

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Ferd

I know its out there Michael. But I also think it is valid to point out that one personal experience isnt exactly the entire organization.


ILG points out what some folk she knows have done that was wrong. She clearly hasnt experienced all the UPCI as an organization because if she had, her comments would have indicated that.


I am now, and always have been UPCI. I know lots of folk all accross the UPCI and I dont know many who act like what has been pointed out.

Now I went to school with some girls who were indepenant Apostolics who thought it was a sin to shave their legs. It was just nasty.

I have never posted a thread that not shaving legs was the biggest mistake of indepenant apostolics.

I live in Texas. the Church of Christ is huge here and I couldnt believe all the backslidden CoCs Ive met with all kinds of hang ups about the church they were raised in.

If I were going to start listing the UPCIs biggest mistakes, it would likely start
with suffering fools as pastors who bring this kind of reproach on the organization.

I really am sorry for thosee who have sufferd so badly. but that doesnt mean I think this kind of thing is representative of the UPCI as an organization.

I think we all know that it's not representive of all of UPC - not sure anyone has ever said everyone in UPC is the same. When I read someone talking about something that happened to them - I know it's "their experience" and can take it as that.

[ReformedDave]

The danger is that we preach 'the church' and equate it with the building/organization and not a comprehensive life and worldview.

[TRFrance]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

I think we all know that it's not representative of all of UPC - not sure anyone has ever said everyone in UPC is the same. When I read someone talking about something that happened to them - I know it's "their experience" and can take it as that.

Yes, I guess common sense tells us it's one person's experience; but notice how the original post begins:

"I think one of the biggest mistakes that the UPC makes..."

That gives the appearance of being a very "broad brush" type of statement.

[rgcraig]

I will say this too - - there are some here that would love to talk about what they've gone through, but fear the repercussions because they still attend an UPC church.

I have talked with them. Just to read sometimes that others go through these things help them realize it wasn't "THEM" that was the problem as so many end up feeling.