[bishoph]

Originally Posted by DAII

I'd hate to have to watch them on TV too ....

There were about a couple of forum posters here who lied that this wasnt any org either.

Originally Posted by DAII

Can we agree they bore false witness?

DAII, if such allegations were not so sad they would be laughable. Since I am one of those that "lied" (according to you) by stating what was communicated to all concerning the intentions of the WPF founders, I will copy a response that I posted on another AFF thread concerning this issue.

I want to say up front that I am not speaking in any official capacity about/for the WPF, so most of what I have to say is my opinion, which may or may not be worth very much.

First let me say that the men who formed the WPF, are IMHO great men of God, and I believe their motives were pure. When they stated that it was/would not be an organization but rather a fellowship, I firmly believe that is what they envisioned. A place of common ground for those who wished to stay in their respective organizations (for various reasons, i.e. those pastors who have churches that are affiliated/or that the UPCI/other organization has invested much into) while fellowshipping with brethren who may be more in line with their convictions, standards, lifestyle, or ideology. In many cases it would not serve as a replacement of their current structured organization, but would supplement it, much like those who are part of the AWCF. For those who either were independent or who decided to leave their respective organizations, some departments were put in place to facilitate fellowship, growth, solidarity, education, and support.

That being said, while the founders may have envisioned a well organized yet "loose" fellowship: as they began to grow and men who were used to more "structure" came on board, they have become more and more organized, IMO in an attempt to meet some of those needs. However, they still do not license/credential ministers, every church is fully autonomous, there are no politics in play, (as any elections are by lot, so it would be nearly impossible for a person to "campaign/politic" for position.) There are no paid officials (with the exception of one "headquarters" rep).

With regard to "organizing" on the foreign field, there are some countries where a minister MUST be licensed with a legitimate organization in order to be recognized by the government. In such cases much prayer, thought and time has been spent trying to figure out how to provide that, yet maintain a "fellowship" structure. Which by the way may be impossible. So they may become an organization by way of adaptation/evolution on the foreign field, and at home as well.