What does this statement mean for ex-Upcers?

[Neck]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

I read this on another thread and although the author wasn't the first one to make this statement, I've always wondered what can be meant by this?

I'm not picking on the original author of this statement, either. I've just heard it one to many times and wanted others comments on the context. Why leave when you say you miss all of this?

You miss:

• The fellowship
• The Worship
• The Preaching
• The Passion
• The sold-outness

But, none of that was good enough to stay?

I just don't get it. That' the only reason I stay. People are generally a pain in the tail feathers for the most part - I mean even at the Post Office. I don't see how leaving helps.

I have no idea what you are referring too? There is the same and in some cases as much passion, preaching and more gifts of the spirit in the oneness non-upc church I attend today.

[CC1]

Originally Posted by Neckstadt

I have no idea what you are referring too? There is the same and in some cases as much passion, preaching and more gifts of the spirit in the oneness non-upc church I attend today.

She is thinking more like my church and other exUPC PCI type churches.

There are a few wilder ones like apparently yours and the Cupples but they are probably the exception and not the rule.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Neckstadt

I have no idea what you are referring too? There is the same and in some cases as much passion, preaching and more gifts of the spirit in the oneness non-upc church I attend today.

Originally Posted by CC1

She is thinking more like my church and other exUPC PCI type churches.

There are a few wilder ones like apparently yours and the Cupples but they are probably the exception and not the rule.

No, I wasn't thinking of anyone's church. I just posted the statement that was made on another thread pointing out that it wasn't the first time I've read this on the Forum - FCF, NFCF or AFF.

I just wanted to know why people seem to miss it so much, but then leave. It just sounds like regret to me.

I just think that anyone that leaves any church needs to find another and it doesn't make any difference to me where they go. I just believe that along with your personal devotion church is also a good thing. They work together.

People also get hurt by others. When you see people fail that teach you will go to hell for not doing this or dressing like that, well, it's hard to take, so I understand that part of it.

I'm not standing in judgment of anyone's lives or decisions. I was just wondering.

[CC1]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

No, I wasn't thinking of anyone's church. I just posted the statement that was made on another thread pointing out that it wasn't the first time I've read this on the Forum - FCF, NFCF or AFF.

I just wanted to know why people seem to miss it so much, but then leave. It just sounds like regret to me.

I just think that anyone that leaves any church needs to find another and it doesn't make any difference to me where they go. I just believe that along with your personal devotion church is also a good thing. They work together.

People also get hurt by others. When you see people fail that teach you will go to hell for not doing this or dressing like that, well, it's hard to take, so I understand that part of it.

I'm not standing in judgment of anyone's lives or decisions. I was just wondering.

I don't miss it. It was a relief for me to get away from the cheerleading and shockamoo. I don't see it as biblical at all although if others want to do it that is their business. I know they are doing it out of sincerity (most of them anyway)and because they think it is the right thing to do.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by CC1

I don't miss it. It was a relief for me to get away from the cheerleading and shockamoo. I don't see it as biblical at all although if others want to do it that is their business. I know they are doing it out of sincerity (most of them anyway)and because they think it is the right thing to do.

I agree, CC1. I do think most of them are sincere. It isn't hard to spot those that are faking it. Maybe to belong or just to act spiritual. It certainly isn't the larger percentage, IMO.

[rgcraig]

I have never missed leaving UPC either.

However, being raised UPC it's in my blood almost. It's what I connect with because of my roots and all the memories. It is what made me who I am today.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by ManOfWord

Being out of the UPC for over 10yrs, I'll give my observations once again. What do I miss from not being in the UPC? What I miss the most is the close fellowship with like-minded pastor friends.

That aside...

Good services? We have them.
Great music? We have it.
Anointed preaching? Have that too!
Awesome worship? Got it!!
Oneness teaching? Got it covered.
Gifts of the Spirit? Ditto.
Joy of the Lord? Bingo!!
Politics? Nada
Judgement? Zippo
Fear mongering? Zero!


We have folks who live over an hour away who attend NLC who used to be UPC. They attend because the oneness is very important to them, but they no longer want to get beat up with "sundry and various" extra-biblical requirements. Honestly, these are some of the most God-fearing folks among us!

All they want is to worship and serve God in freedom and liberty, not licenciousness and sin.

To some others, standards are so important that they will do almost anything to find a place where they are preached staunchly. I respect that as well. But that ain't us!

Certainly, MOW. I don't want people thinking that is why I started this thread - trying to compare and think others come up short.

I don't believe that at all.

I don't think I would try to find a church that preached on standards "staunchly". lol!

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

I have never missed leaving UPC either.

However, being raised UPC it's in my blood almost. It's what I connect with because of my roots and all the memories. It is what made me who I am today.

So, it made you? Who are you today?

This is a good discussion!

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

So, it made you? Who are you today?

This is a good discussion!

Absolutely!

Who am I today?

I am a good person, solid beliefs, have a personal relationship with Jesus, know what it takes to be saved and plan on it!

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

Absolutely!

Who am I today?

I am a good person, solid beliefs, have a personal relationship with Jesus, know what it takes to be saved and plan on it!

Amen!