For many years I didn't realize that it was the system at fault, and not the men. I saw the men (ministry) as the problem, but now today, I see much more clearly.
A system of church government that promotes ministerial superiority sets itself up for doom in the lives of those who are a part of it. I've seen many, many good men start out in the ministry, so sincere, humble, and used of God. Then... as they became comfortable working through the ladder system of ministry, things began to change. I believe it is the system itself - and I am NOT just speaking against the UPC, but all organized religious denomination systems as a whole. They all have their faults.
When people begin to realize the church is a body, a group of members, a group of believers, who all have different gifts and operations of the spirit, but all expressing the FRUIT of the spirit, and realizing that the ministry is intended to support, lead, guide,
and not dominate, then perhaps we will begin to see again the results of the early church. Until then, squabbling such as goes on at this website shall continue....
The church of Jesus Christ is not a denomination, or a building, but it is made up of many members of a body working together as one.
Here is an interesting scripture in Ezra to kind of illustrate my point:
Ezra 8:1 "And
all the people gathered themselves together
as one man into the street that was before the water gate: and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law to Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel"
Notice this - all the people gathered themselves together as "ONE MAN". How could this be? How could the masses of people be as "one man"??? Because they were with one mind, one accord wanting to hear the word of God read. Their hearts were turned to God as in one man. Many members, making up one body, one Man. Looking at this in a spiritual sense, who is that man? Christ Jesus would be the one!
So back to my original point.... many if not most of the ministry is misguided into thinking that the system they are a part of is the only way to heaven. But could it be.... those very church systems designed to bring men to heaven, are actually pushing us away from our view of the cross and Jesus, and causing us to focus our attention on man, instead of Jesus himself?
That is the problem I have with most organized denominations. I believe they start out with a sincere heart wanting to do a great work for the Lord, but before long, they begin to feel it is "their" work, losing focus of Jesus, and the cross, and begin to build themselves a kingdom, instead of God's.
Not wanting to whitewash all pastors with the same brush, because many on here have spoken of their pastors who weren't that way. But I do believe a church system eventually leads man down a pathway, away from the cross, and focused on building their own church kingdom.
Well, nuff said.... Let the fireworks begin... sigh ;0
so you got off easy AYR 
That's invasion of privacy!
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