WEC Downsizing Continues: HMD Cuts?

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by n david

I think more churches are deciding they want to have control over themselves and not have a District Board or HQ butting in their affairs. There are times when being in an organization has benefits, but I think lately it's been more of a liability than benefit.

There has been a tremendous move toward decentralization - all across Christendom. And, the fact that the "national/int'l org" in this case has continuously failed to achieve even a semblance of unity over such critical issues as shirt sleeve and side burn length makes the move away from supporting a large HQ apparatus even more reasonable.

It's like the organs of Spiritual Reproduction in Hazelwood never... uh, "descended."

[oletime]

Originally Posted by DAII

My mom reminded me yesterday of a hilarious story about the night of the first SEM conference in 1978 ...

Many males at the age of 5 or 6 many times have an undescended testicle ... Yours truly was counted among them ....

Well ... after some treatement and some prayer ... as we were getting ready at the house for the conference service ... mine finally descended!!!!

Mom says that the family was on the way out the door ... and I stopped and ran upstairs. After a brief wait, she followed behind me to find me kneeling by my bed ... and praying " Thank you Jesus for dropping my testicle!".

Im thrilled for you DA !

[DAII]

Originally Posted by pelathais

There has been a tremendous move toward decentralization - all across Christendom. And, the fact that the "national/int'l org" in this case has continuously failed to achieve even a semblance of unity over such critical issues as shirt sleeve and side burn length makes the move away from supporting a large HQ apparatus even more reasonable.

It's like the organs of Spiritual Reproduction in Hazelwood never... uh, "descended."

Good tie-in .....

They can't get on the same page on salvation .... let alone necklines

[DAII]

Originally Posted by oletime

Im thrilled for you DA !

I don't know how Lance Armstrong does it.
Win the Tour de France, that is.

[StillStanding]

Dan, Read these sermon notes by Dan Scott titled, "What is a Church?"

What is a Church?

You will see where it is germane to this thread.

He talks about the difference between two definitions of the church - spiritual and corporate. Enjoy!

[DAII]

Will take a look at it when I get home.
I have a bunch of respect for Dan's dad. He was a friend of my dad.

Remember hanging out with his brother at Spanish camp when I was a child.
Senior served as SEM director for several years.

Originally Posted by Mr. Steinway

Dan, Read these sermon notes by Dan Scott titled, "What is a Church?"

What is a Church?

You will see where it is germane to this thread.

He talks about the difference between two definitions of the church - spiritual and corporate. Enjoy!

[CC1]

DA,

One thing you need to keep in mind is that the entire country has been going through very tough economic times the last two years. I think that is having more impact on the budget at WEC than any sudden demise of the UPC.

Many local churches are feeling this pinch also no matter their size. As far as I can see the UPC is just still having that same small but steady drain of people leaving and the continuing problem of an aging group of ministers not developing young ministers in enough numbers.

[DAII]

Originally Posted by CC1

DA,

One thing you need to keep in mind is that the entire country has been going through very tough economic times the last two years. I think that is having more impact on the budget at WEC than any sudden demise of the UPC.

Many local churches are feeling this pinch also no matter their size. As far as I can see the UPC is just still having that same small but steady drain of people leaving and the continuing problem of an aging group of ministers not developing young ministers in enough numbers.

I think the recession has compounded the economic picture of the org ... however the virtual demise of PPH and many of the layoffs preceded the economic slump. Add the loss of pillar churches to the WWPF in early 2007 and some going to the left in an more increased flow .... and I think we might see the first deficit in the general fund ever come this GC.

[DAII]

Unsurprisingly, DKB will be speaking to the Spanish ministers during their first breakout session on Thursday of the SEM Conference .... and he will be speaking on ????

Yep, HOLINESS.

He will be preaching to the proverbial choir as many of your Spanish ministers are very conservative.