The State of the UPC

[Carpenter]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

I see a higher percentage of young preachers at the more conservative meetings than I do the general UPC events.

I think the higher degree of respect and esteem for the ministry that tends to be found among this segment of our movement is at least partially responsible for this.

Another thing that must be taken into account is the fact that today's young ministers don't have the same fascination with licenses and fellowship cards that their fathers did.

I know plenty of young preachers that just don't care to be licensed. They don't see that much benefit.

All that having been said, the shrinking number of young preachers is quickly becoming a matter of grave concern to the org.

Right on...

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

I see a higher percentage of young preachers at the more conservative meetings than I do the general UPC events.

I think the higher degree of respect and esteem for the ministry that tends to be found among this segment of our movement is at least partially responsible for this.

Another thing that must be taken into account is the fact that today's young ministers don't have the same fascination with licenses and fellowship cards that their fathers did.

I know plenty of young preachers that just don't care to be licensed. They don't see that much benefit.

All that having been said, the shrinking number of young preachers is quickly becoming a matter of grave concern to the org.

CS - - will UPC churches use the ministers that aren't licensed with UPCI?

I think you make a good point about they aren't as fascinated as their father's were.

[Coonskinner]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

CS - - will UPC churches use the ministers that aren't licensed with UPCI?

I think you make a good point about they aren't as fascinated as their father's were.

Most UPC preachers that I know will use young men who aren't licensed, especially if they are among their fellowship group.

The card doesn't seem to mean as much as it used to.

I pastored four men in kansas who had strong ministries, but didn't care to have a license.

They all said if they ever wanted to pastor a church, they would think about it then.

Otherwise, they didn't see the need.

I would have signed any of their applications at any time, and told them so.

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

Most UPC preachers that I know will use young men who aren't licensed, especially if they are among their fellowship group.

The card doesn't seem to mean as much as it used to.

I pastored four men in kansas who had strong ministries, but didn't care to have a license.

They all said if they ever wanted to pastor a church, they would think about it then.

Otherwise, they didn't see the need.

I would have signed any of their applications at any time, and told them so.

That's good. Maybe some don't feel comfortable signing the AS, but I think your point if probably more accurate.

[Carpenter]

The old school UPC guys see refusal of a young person to get a license with the organization as refusal to sit under leadership (rules)...

I think this changed with the split a couple of years ago, and also could have been a sentinel event in diluting the UPC as a formal organization.

There is some accountabililty in holding a license because if I hear correctly, a dude that has been married 3 times can't get a UPC license, but amazingly he is used throughout the UPC fellowship.

[Coonskinner]

I think organizations with a strong hierarchial structure and a powerful central governing arm are on their way out.

Connections with likeminded brethren are too easily made these days with modern communications and conveniences.

A centralized organization just isn't as helpful as it used to be.

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

I think organizations with a strong hierarchial structure and a powerful central governing arm are on their way out.

Connections with likeminded brethren are too easily made these days with modern communications and conveniences.

A centralized organization just isn't as helpful as it used to be.

I believe you summed it up right there!

[*AQuietPlace*]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

I think organizations with a strong hierarchial structure and a powerful central governing arm are on their way out.

Connections with likeminded brethren are too easily made these days with modern communications and conveniences.

A centralized organization just isn't as helpful as it used to be.

I think this is a big part of it, and also why the younger generation isn't as big on joining organizations. Modern day groups are being formed online through message boards, blogs and facebook. That's filling a lot of the need these days that was formerly filled by organizations.

[ReformedDave]

Originally Posted by Carpenter

This is huge...think of the big names that have passed off the scene in the last two years...major names, Kilgore, Pugh, Becton, Elms, Ewing, Mangun...

I think the next 10 years are going to be pivotal in the organization...

Also, if you take a look at professional organizations, the membership is WAAAY down...the part of our culture that liked to belong to social groups and identified as such is in decline...how many young guys do you see driving around those little cars in parades wearing those silly little shriners hats?

I outta touch these days. When did James Kilgore pass?

[Coonskinner]

Originally Posted by ReformedDave

I outta touch these days. When did James Kilgore pass?

Thank the Lord he hasn't yet.

Brother Kilgore is still with us.