The Future of the Oneness Pentecostal Movement

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by SISTER Murphy

All true. But please, don't tell anybody I said so!

Okay. I won't tell a soul.

Originally Posted by shamgar1

In my experience, any minister under sixty is considered a "young man" in the UPC. He is expected to hold his tongue at business meetings until that age. Funny when you consider we have congressmen, senators and even presidents with much experience and input before the age of 45.

I am happy to say that this is NOT the case in my district. In fact, some of our presbyters are quite a bit younger than 60.

Originally Posted by shamgar1

And give kickbacks to officials on monies raised through fundraising.

Really? How exactly is this done, and have you witnessed it personally? If so, was this on a district or national level?

Originally Posted by Scott Hutchinson

Yes I work a secular job and I help at my local church ,very rarely do I preach out but I do on occasion ,My Pastor is UPCI.My Pastor does approve of my preaching out.
I do fill in for him when he goes out of town ,and do preach an occasional sunday night service.
My rule of thumb is this any subject that me and my Pastor disagree on ,I don't preach my side to the church ,his view is what they hear,I let him handle the pastoral subjects.

No wonder you are such a capable resident peacemaker out here in cyberspace! You do the same thing in real life, in the midst of the people you fellowship with.

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by shamgar1

In my experience, any minister under sixty is considered a "young man" in the UPC. He is expected to hold his tongue at business meetings until that age. Funny when you consider we have congressmen, senators and even presidents with much experience and input before the age of 45.

See, this is why I think that much of what is being presented here as to the negatives and positives too is regional or district related.

In the district that was my home district up until 3 years ago, young men were always involved in leadership and felt free to stand and express themselves in district business meetings and other kind of meetings as well.

They were not looked down on nor were they excepted from position or leadership.

Today in that same district young men are sitting on district boards. Now it needs to be pointed out that part of the reason for that is because there's a dearth of men in the 45 to 60 or so age group to occupy those positions where the experience and wisdom that comes with time and living would be an asset. BUT those young men are learning and it's amazing how well equipped some of them have become.

Originally Posted by Felicity

Okay. I won't tell a soul.

Whew! Thank you! I have a reputation to maintain!

[Felicity]

Well, I've had a lot to say in this thread - maybe too much - just feeling chatty tonight I guess.

Please excuse me for relating my own personal experience over many years of ministry. It's all that I know though really. I can't relate what I DON'T know, that's for sure.

I don't mean to sound as if what all has been shared here that might differ from my own perspective and experience isn't authentic or real. I know that there are major concerns and many problems. I sure don't have all the answers. I don't think anyone does.

We live in very troublesome times where there is so much pressure and so much trouble, and ministry - pastoring in particular - is no easy calling anymore. We know that time is getting increasingly short and that Satan is seeking to wear us down to the point where we become weak and ineffective, losing confidence in ourselves, our ministries and even in the supernatural ability of the Holy Ghost to supply for us what we can't provide for ourselves.

We're all on a journey and it takes us all on many different paths. We're not all designed for the same thing or headed to the same place. Never ever stop seeking or exploring what God may have for you. Don't miss out on His best by settling for the status quo or for passivism and defeat.

We can encourage one another in the Lord. We need one another. I need those who will to come alongside and encourage and help me when I feel weak and feel like I've lost confidence in myself and when I feel that God Himself has lost confidence in me. None of us are an island to ourselves.

No organization is the be all and end all. It's only a fellowship of ministers, many who are struggling to fulfill the call of God on their life. Organizations rise and fall. I felt several years ago that the Lord spoke to me and let me in on the fact that the UPCI's best days are behind and I shared that on FCF a few years back.

Of course that doesn't mean to say that there aren't good days and good things are ahead, but the fact is a man's calling and ministry may not need to be tied to any particular organization or fellowship group all of his days. We need to all stay open to the leading of the Holy Ghost.

One of the reasons I stay involved in these forums because it keeps me in fellowship and connection with my roots. To think of losing that completely does not make me happy at all, nor does it make me feel secure.

Thank you all for letting me be a part of you through the opportunity this forum provides.

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by SISTER Murphy

Whew! Thank you! I have a reputation to maintain!

I know! You're really taking a chance by agreeing with anything I have to say.

You're a brave and courageous woman!

[Ferd]

Originally Posted by IAintMovin

Well I am 5th generation drinker............I happen to like the I thank God every day for keeping me safe and in love with the .......you may disdain it, you may cast it aside, you may say it is not necessary if you want to.......but as for me and my house...........would someone go and get another dose of the ...........it is what got us here and what will keep us and what is gonna get us out of here.......

Me too.

[Ferd]

Originally Posted by LaGirl

Oriental Wok....alexandria, la!

Tiny Spicy!