Did you Know...That Many Large Churches in the UPC aren't...

[Jekyll]

Originally Posted by Amos

The general distrust of the organization has been growing for years.

It's just another example of picking and choosing what you want from an organization, or, speaking out of both sides of the mouth. The org. is supported and the church participates in org. events and benefits from exposure and fellowship of the org., just for the church to play by different rules when it disagrees with the org.

[BoredOutOfMyMind]

Originally Posted by revrandy

affiliated and Ordain their own Minsters???

In other words the Ministry in the church is Ordained thru the Church's Corporation....

What is the purpose of Government?

To offer service that cannot be afforded at the local level. Affiliation allows a local body the protection of the District Board if there is an error in the teachings or lifestyle of the leader. In a larger church, they have multiple preachers simply making a dent on a church pew, but capable of helping if needed.

Wait, where are YOU going with THIS thread?

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by Jekyll

It's just another example of picking and choosing what you want from an organization, or, speaking out of both sides of the mouth. The org. is supported and the church participates in org. events and benefits from exposure and fellowship of the org., just for the church to play by different rules when it disagrees with the org.

Wow! I agree with everything Jekyll just said!!!

A new day dawning? Jekyll!

[CC1]

Originally Posted by revrandy

affiliated and Ordain their own Minsters???

In other words the Ministry in the church is Ordained thru the Church's Corporation....

This is nothing new and not some recent trend that is the result of "growing distrust of the org." as someone posted.

Thirty years ago when I first started attending a UPC Bible College this was a topic of conversation in a class.

Even back then almost none of the major UPC churches were affiliated.

I don't konw what the stats are but I would be surprised if the percentage of churches affiliated is actually very high at all.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by CC1

This is nothing new and not some recent trend that is the result of "growing distrust of the org." as someone posted.

Thirty years ago when I first started attending a UPC Bible College this was a topic of conversation in a class.

Even back then almost none of the major UPC churches were affiliated.

I don't konw what the stats are but I would be surprised if the percentage of churches affiliated is actually very high at all.

It used to be quite rare, but then there were some cases where a new pastor would come in and take a "UPC Chruch" and more it out of fellowship with other UPC churches.

Not too many seemed to mind at first, because in most cases the "new pastor" supported a stricter holiness standard. But when a couple of churches "went charismatic" that way then a big fuss came up and affiliation was promoted at all of the District Conferences.

[freeatlast]

Originally Posted by CC1

This is nothing new and not some recent trend that is the result of "growing distrust of the org." as someone posted.

Thirty years ago when I first started attending a UPC Bible College this was a topic of conversation in a class.

Even back then almost none of the major UPC churches were affiliated.

I don't konw what the stats are but I would be surprised if the percentage of churches affiliated is actually very high at all.

I went thru the directory last year, when we voted on becomin non-affiliated.

Over 50 % are not affiliated.

[CC1]

Originally Posted by freeatlast

I went thru the directory last year, when we voted on becomin non-affiliated.

Over 50 % are not affiliated.

I am not surprised. I really thought it would be more like 75% actually.

I can't imagine why any pastor regardless of whether they are a conservative, moderate, or liberal would want their church affiliated.

If the UPC really wants churches to affilliate it ought to offer some special benefits like an umbrella insurance policy to protect against lawsuits, prepaid legal services for fighting anti Christian local legislation affecting a church, etc.

[Nahum]

We issue Christian Worker certificates through our local assembly.

We issue a card to every certificate recipient as well.

The card is proof that they are active representatives for our assembly, and it enables them to purchase items for the church as tax exempt without presenting a letter.

[seguidordejesus]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

We issue Christian Worker certificates through our local assembly.

We issue a card to every certificate recpient as well.

The card is proof that they are active representatives for our assembly, and it enables them to purchase items for the church as tax exempt without presenting a letter.

I mentioned getting one of these through the UPC to a former pastor of mine (UPC) and he announced at the next service that I felt the call to preach!!! We had to have a talk later

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by seguidordejesus

I mentioned getting one of these through the UPC to a former pastor of mine (UPC) and he announced at the next service that I felt the call to preach!!! We had to have a talk later

HAHA!!!

No, these are not necessarily for preachers. They are meant to equip the laity to do the work of ministry more effectively.

We require completion of membership classes before issuing the certificates. The process is a fifty-two week series of lessons.