What supersedes the calling(s) of God?

[Malvaro]

Originally Posted by Newman

Wait!!! Why does there have to be 2 Walmarts in the same city of 70,000? Why not a Target, Kmart, or other store?

I am not suggesting that retail stores or Apostolic Churches be limited. I am only suggesting that particular labels should be spread out instead of creating potential conflicts in relatively small areas given the great need in other areas.

i'm not suggesting that there can't be "other" Apostolic churches.... I'm asking why can't they're be a 2nd UPC church.... why should the 2nd man have to ponder starting his church with an "independant" non-UPC church name to avoid stepping on the 1st pastor's toes.... both theoretically preach the same message; why is a "territorial" spirit at a district level allowed to hinder/stop others from reaping in the same harvest field? if they are both UPC, the concern of "sheep-stealing" would be addressed by the district anyhow....

[Newman]

Originally Posted by Felicity

I think the idea that there can't be 2 UPC churches in a city of 70,000 or even 50,000 or less is preposterous.

Show me where this currently is done and tell me about the relationship between the two churches and the perception of the community.

[Lost]

Originally Posted by ManOfWord

Your question is, "What supersedes the calling of God?"

The answer is NOTHING!!! Men try, but they will not get a "pass" for taking God's place.

10 points to ManOfWord; I do believe you are correct. oloroid

[Newman]

Originally Posted by Malvaro

i'm not suggesting that there can't be "other" Apostolic churches.... I'm asking why can't they're be a 2nd UPC church.... why should the 2nd man have to ponder starting his church with an "independant" non-UPC church name to avoid stepping on the 1st pastor's toes.... both theoretically preach the same message; why is a "territorial" spirit at a district level allowed to hinder/stop others from reaping in the same harvest field? if they are both UPC, the concern of "sheep-stealing" would be addressed by the district anyhow....

Pragmatic question... Can you show me now where this is successfully done without creating tension between the two churches and the community?

[Felicity]

I guess that the decision of men who have been called and ordained by God to leadership positions, to sit on General boards, district boards and give leadership to pastors in their jurisdiction don't know what they're doing and are way off base to allow more than one UP church in a city.

I doubt that most people in a large city scarcely notice that there are 2 of one kind of church in a city. And why would they even care?

[Newman]

Originally Posted by Felicity

I guess that the decision of men who have been called and ordained by God to leadership positions, to sit on General boards, district boards and give leadership to pastors in their jurisdiction don't know what they're doing and are way off base to allow more than one UP church in a city.

I doubt that most people in a large city scarcely notice that there are 2 of one kind of church in a city. And why would they even care?

Felicity- I am agreeing with the decision of the UPC organization not to allow a second UPC church in a community of 77,000. So how can you reframe the issue as if I know more than those God ordained to leadership positions?

[Malvaro]

Originally Posted by Newman

Pragmatic question... Can you show me now where this is successfully done without creating tension between the two churches and the community?

ummmmm, in my hometown there are two UPC churches both running over 300 (one approaching 350, the other over 400).... both are respected in the community and been featured by local media on numerous occasions.... there have been a few "rough edges" through the years, but for the most part, both pastorial teams/churches are friendly towards each other....

I would be foolish to believe that it's like that everywhere, but it can work....

We have what is claimed to be a ministerial fellowship without any spiritual authority (this statement has been made by MANY UPC preachers on this forum) making decisions which do influence the spiritual... what a conundrum

[Newman]

Originally Posted by Malvaro

ummmmm, in my hometown there are two UPC churches both running over 300 (one approaching 350, the other over 400).... both are respected in the community and been featured by local media on numerous occasions.... there have been a few "rough edges" through the years, but for the most part, both pastorial teams/churches are friendly towards each other....

I would be foolish to believe that it's like that everywhere, but it can work....

Same exact city? Well then, a man with an experience is never at the mercy of one with an argument. Carry on!

[Felicity]

Many cities have more than one UP church and it is ordained and permitted by the leadership over a district.

The rule used to be no more than one UP church within a 5 mile radius or something like that I think. Not sure if that's changed or not.

I have to go - run out of time.

I stand by my opinion and the opinion and wisdom of many men of God who allow for more than one UP church in one city or even smaller kind of community.

After all, we care about souls, right? That's the most important thing. One church is never going to reach all the people of any town or village or city. Two can even work together in harmony. It IS possible.

That depends a lot on the kind of mentality and attitude on the part of men of course.