In my opinion, the people of the previous church feel abandoned and hurt because they feel you no longer want to be with them. They are making it personal.
To discourage anyone else that might be thinking about leaving also, they shoot you and "pray" that you see the light and return in full humility.
I think that's probably an accurate diagnosis.
The question is WHY do they feel that way? That should bother them more. "Why do I personally feel rejected? Why do I feel like I have to "pray" this brother doesn't go to hell?"
I don't think it's just rejection they feel, but rejection of perhaps an understated theology concerning these extrabiblical matters that is enforced more sociologically than by expository. Group conformity. Crowd pressure. But the unspoken seed is, they DO believe these things are salvific. What an atrocity against the blood of the Lamb. My advice to this brother: Don't listen to their insults, run as fast as you can. Get it over with quickly.
In my opinion, the people of the previous church feel abandoned and hurt because they feel you no longer want to be with them. They are making it personal.
To discourage anyone else that might be thinking about leaving also, they shoot you and "pray" that you see the light and return in full humility.
Or maybe they're right.
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
Its just sad to me..
I havent changed one thing about myself or said one harsh word about them, I just visited a church and it got out I am thinking about leaving. What will happen if I ever do leave. Also its sad because I think what if this happens to someone who cant handle the bashing..what will become of them.
Its just sad to me..
I havent changed one thing about myself or said one harsh word about them, I just visited a church and it got out I am thinking about leaving. What will happen if I ever do leave. Also its sad because I think what if this happens to someone who cant handle the bashing..what will become of them.
You shouldn't continue to ponder. You just saw what they were made of. GET OUT while you can.
The hooded cultists won't make it easy and send you away in love. They will pressure you, humiliate you, and guilt you with their "prayers."
Its just sad to me..
I havent changed one thing about myself or said one harsh word about them, I just visited a church and it got out I am thinking about leaving. What will happen if I ever do leave. Also its sad because I think what if this happens to someone who cant handle the bashing..what will become of them.
Ferd didn't soft soap his words for you. He was being straight with you. I can understand some of his concerns. Can't you? Put yourself in the place of those you are leaving behind.
Has no one ever left your church before to go to another church that is less conservative? Are you the first? And since you don't agree with everything that is taught (standards) in your church, are you still in leadership or have you stepped down?
You are the one who is leaving so you are the one who will have to be more compassionate than those you left behind afterall a church is like a family and you are leaving a family in which you have been in a leadership role. I would be hurt (as I'm sure they are about you leaving) but would pray that God's will and blessings on their life if someone was considering leaving my fellowship.
Ultimately this move of yours is between you and God. Try to do it in a way that honors God...with love.
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His banner over me is LOVE.... My soul followeth hard after thee....Love one another with a pure heart fervently. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
To be a servant of God, it will cost us our total commitment to God, and God alone. His burden must be our burden... Sis Alvear
Its just sad to me..
I havent changed one thing about myself or said one harsh word about them, I just visited a church and it got out I am thinking about leaving. What will happen if I ever do leave. Also its sad because I think what if this happens to someone who cant handle the bashing..what will become of them.
Time works wonders, 192281. Ferd is right--you have to expect some measure of shock and dismay on their part. Especially if you've taught them the same things you may now be giving up.
Instead of dwelling on negative reactions, go out of your way to maintain positive relationships.
I know that if one of my friends left to go to another church, it wouldn't feel good to me. Even if I agreed with their reasons, it would still be upsetting. If I didn't agree with their reasons and felt they were on the wrong track, it would be devastating. So try not to take things so personally--and just be polite.
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"God, send me anywhere, only go with me. Lay any burden on me, only sustain me. And sever any tie in my heart except the tie that binds my heart to Yours."
--David Livingstone
"To see no being, not God’s or any, but you also go thither,
To see no possession but you may possess it—enjoying all without labor or purchase—
abstracting the feast, yet not abstracting one particle of it;…."
--Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass, Song of the Open Road
I hope you know, 192281, I was kidding. They're not right. You're fine. (On the other hand, you better get a second opinion on that. I'm usually wrong. )
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
Sad , but one thing is you have to do what is right for you and as Jesus is leading . The UPC [ not all ] DO THINK THAT THEY ARE THE ONLY WAY . However there are other Organizations that teach truth and hold to truth.In the end God alone is the Judge . People may not understand but do what God wants, He alone is who you serve. I have had this happen to me, it is hard because of the friendships you may lose . However God holds your salvation.
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DAVID A MAN AFTER GOD'S HEART.........
My soul followeth hard after thee....Love one another with a pure heart fervently. 
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