It depends on whether the pastor accepted the pastorate of a local assembly, or if he were the one who pioneered that particular constincuency. I would think that one would not try and take a church that he himself did not pastor from the beginning. I also believe that it would depend upon wether or not that particular church was affiliated with the UPCI.
Grab a cup Brother Eastman cuz you and I agree!
I understand if a pastor no longer want's to be UPC for whatever reasons...I just hope that pastor is honorable enough to let the church know what their rights and options are.
__________________ Don' Take Your Organs to Heaven!
It seems the discussion has turned to the subject of affiliation but in fact the reading here
"Having accepted a pastorate, I will not use my influence to alienate the church or any portion thereof from the fellowship or support of the United Pentecostal Church International. If my convictions change, I will be honorable enough to withdraw."
Speaks of fellowship not affiliation. Any pastor that doesnt fellowship other UPCI churches has caused an ethical breach. That is a problem.
What about home mission pastors that have not had thier church affiliated? Do you still follow this reasoning?
I understand if a pastor no longer want's to be UPC for whatever reasons...I just hope that pastor is honorable enough to let the church know what their rights and options are.
Exactly. For the sake of protecting my current pastor, I will not divulge his name. I'm in a akward position. I am licensed with the UPCI, and my pastor is strongly thinking of dropping out of the UPC. Now the church I go to was a home mission church, but it was never affiliated. What would you do if you were in my position? (its okay if you don't answer LOL!)
Exactly. For the sake of protecting my current pastor, I will not divulge his name. I'm in a akward position. I am licensed with the UPCI, and my pastor is strongly thinking of dropping out of the UPC. Now the church I go to was a home mission church, but it was never affiliated. What would you do if you were in my position? (its okay if you don't answer LOL!)
Sadly others are facing this same dilemma ...
it is incumbent on the pastor to approach this issue objectively and fairly .. giving the church the ability to make an informed decision ... without trying to alienate others ... at least that what this clause says. As an original church planter it's my understanding he is not tied up w/ the issues of affiliation ...
You must do what is best for you, your family and your ministry. Family comes first.
We are talking about an official position in regards to ethics ... CS ... not procedure or doctrine ... agreed.
Procedure aside ... ministers agree when entering the org to act ethically according to the org's guidelines ...
As part of the org's code of ethics is .... Honorable men will not exert influence to alienate their church ... or other portions of the fellowship or support of the UPCI
Do you agree or disagree w/ this official position of ethical behavior among the fellowship you belong to?
I guess it's all in how it is defined.
Disaffiliation doesn't mean alienation necessarily, nor does it mean the church won't support the UPC.
I know a lot of non-affiliated churches that are strong supporters.
I understand if a pastor no longer want's to be UPC for whatever reasons...I just hope that pastor is honorable enough to let the church know what their rights and options are.
If you don't give the DS and presbyter the option of speaking at the disaffiliation meeting, it isn't valid.
Grab a cup Brother Eastman cuz you and I agree!
Don' Take Your Organs to Heaven!
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