Should standards be an issue when witnessing?

[Sister Alvear]

I never mention standards...

[SavedLou]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

I have learned after many years not to let those types bother me (in person at least). In fact they can be fun to "tweak".

you're sick...you're just sick!

[SavedLou]

Originally Posted by Sister Alvear

I never mention standards...

so wise sis alvear.

[Jack Shephard]

Originally Posted by Sister Alvear

I never mention standards...

Me either, even when I followed them. I always saw and still see them as a personal thing. It is like the bedroom for a married couple, IMO. What happens there should not be talked about, but you can tell what goes on. A healthy relationship is easy to notice just like an unhappy one is easy to notice. Standards are noticable, but I deem them something private that if some one asks me then I say it is a consecration between God and I. That is how I treat the standards I do follow. I do not feel that if I did not do them then I am a sinner, but I do what I do as as sacrifice to God. That is how I see it.

[scotty]

Originally Posted by Theophil

Just curious as to whether attitudes and approaches to ministry are changing in the upci. I hope so.

Really ?!?!?...where have you been hiding...

let me guess ,, you been hiding with alot others on here....

jk


Yes there is a shift......

here is what I don't get, a whole group split off and started their own org. because UPC was getting too liberal, and at the same time others are asking " is the UPC changing"....................

[SavedLou]

Originally Posted by JTULLOCK

Me either, even when I followed them. I always saw and still see them as a personal thing. It is like the bedroom for a married couple, IMO. What happens there should not be talked about, but you can tell what goes on. A healthy relationship is easy to notice just like an unhappy one is easy to notice. Standards are noticable, but I deem them something private that if some one asks me then I say it is a consecration between God and I. That is how I treat the standards I do follow. I do not feel that if I did not do them then I am a sinner, but I do what I do as as sacrifice to God. That is how I see it.

like i heard bro tenney preach one time that standards were like guard rails on a highway. they didn't get us to our destination, they just help us from falling off at times.

[Jack Shephard]

Originally Posted by SavedLou

like i heard bro tenney preach one time that standards were like guard rails on a highway. they didn't get us to our destination, they just help us from falling off at times.

I have never heard that but I made on once that they are like gutter guards in bowling they keep you from the gutter and keep you going straight. I agree I do not think they are really salvational, but I think that they can serve a purpose. I am sure that those that do not follow the standards will also say that they can make a difference in some people.

[chosenbyone]

Originally Posted by SavedLou

I'm curious to see how people might feel about this. I've been talking to a coworker about stuff for a while and she has visited and enjoys the UPC church in her town (my church and her home are over an hour away so her visiting with me isn't an option for her). She is very hungry but she is hesitant about standards and i've just told her not to worry about all of that for now. I'm afraid the pastor of the church she visits might try to make it an issue b/c they are VERY conservative. It's a tough situation. Anyone ever had visitors "run away" b/c of this?

While reading your question, my mind was filled with the faces of those that were "run away' when it came to their perceived expectations of adhering to the standards of the church. It really was very upsetting to see ladies that I had witnessed to, gave bible studies to, saw baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost leave because some sister had pulled them aside to discuss their attire and/or make-up.

It never ceased to amaze me the lack of decorum that some folks had while dealing with new converts.

[bethola]

Originally Posted by SavedLou

like i heard bro tenney preach one time that standards were like guard rails on a highway. they didn't get us to our destination, they just help us from falling off at times.

I have that message on CD! Love it and Agree with it! Our church NEVER mentions standards. We are mods for the most part and the GOOD thing is that no one looks alike! We have long hair, short hair (on women) long hair, short hair (on men) pants, make-up, jewelry, beards, clean faces, no jewelry, long sleeves, short sleeves, and in the summer, sometimes..NO sleeves! YIKES! LOL .....know what I think? It lets me know that we are GROWING! A young girl last week told our Pastor's wife "The people of this church love me and they don't even KNOW me....but, I FEEL their love" I was sooo proud of our congregation at that moment!

Beth

[SavedLou]

Originally Posted by chosenbyone

While reading your question, my mind was filled with the faces of those that were "run away' when it came to their perceived expectations of adhering to the standards of the church. It really was very upsetting to see ladies that I had witnessed to, gave bible studies to, saw baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost leave because some sister had pulled them aside to discuss their attire and/or make-up.

It never ceased to amaze me the lack of decorum that some folks had while dealing with new converts.

oh i know! this makes me soooo mad! in fact if someone had done that with me i don't think i would have lasted.