What is an Independent? Basically, this is a man who separates himself from organizational governance, and is focused solely on Christ and the lost. This is not the case for every minister, but for the ones I know.
What is an Independent? Basically, this is a man who separates himself from organizational governance, and is focused solely on Christ and the lost. This is not the case for every minister, but for the ones I know.
That is another addition to "The Definition"....I like that!
What is an Independent? Basically, this is a man who separates himself from organizational governance, and is focused solely on Christ and the lost. This is not the case for every minister, but for the ones I know.
Good one! I've seen both sides now..and have come to realize much more than I had ever anticipated..I enjoy this more.
Independents I've talked to compare district presbyterships to "having kings and lords over you."
That may be true, but when the Independent pastor goes ape-poo-on-the-brain (entertains deviant theology) his parishoners are without recourse. One guy losing it results in a whole church set adrift, if not worse.
At least with an organization, the lay leaders can petition the district. But it isn't as though a letter or two results in "district stormtroopers" evicting errant pastors from office and parsonage. UPC pastors serve according to the by-laws of their local assembly, and those by-laws can be modified to the benefit of a pastor.
It's more of an accountability group than tiers of management, at least what I've seen of it. And the good-ole'-boys club can come in to play with this and generate coverups and worse.
Neither system is perfect. Both have their strengths and weaknesses.
But organizational affiliation offers greater assurance of doctrinal continuity to the congregation, admittedly at the expense of the "job security" of the pastor.
So my take on Independents is that they are railing against an inaccurate construct.
Yeah look at the consistent position on salvation that is offered by the UPCI.
Yes, without recourse because Independent pastors often own or control the ownership of the church building. So, in the instance of an errant pastor, the congregation loses the blood, sweat, tears, time, materials and cash money they have invested in the church property.
Sure you can leave, but you're leaving close brothers and sisters, and a part of yourself, behind.
An organizationally affiliated church congregation can (theoretically) swap the errant pastor for a (hopefully) truth-loving new pastor in the same church and congregational setting.
Of course in reality pastoral changes are usually associated with mass departures, church splits, blatant nepotism, and other unpleasantness.
The situation offers no easy choices, and, like I said, both systems have their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to this.
You apparently don't know very many independents. Independent churches are are governed like any other local assembly. With a constitution and bylaws and some sort of oversight. I've never met one that wasn't. You appear to be railing against an inaccurate construct. Best get your facts in order before you spout off like this.
Maybe folks who don't want a bunch of needless organizational drama and religious politics to interfere with the winning of lost souls and bringing glory to Jesus Christ!
Maybe folks who don't want a bunch of needless organizational drama and religious politics to interfere with the winning of lost souls and bringing glory to Jesus Christ!
Hog wash your just rebelious by nature. If not you would be chomping at the bit to bring yourself and your church under the umbrella of an organization.
Didn't you know that James was the first General Superintendant of the UPCI
not needing a social group's blessing to spread the gospel...
I tend to agree with this one.
Or, they don't agree 100% with everything the organization does, so instead of being a part of something they don't support 100% they feel it's best to step out on their own.
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Master of Science in Applied Disgruntled Religious Theorist Wrangling
PhD in Petulant Tantrum Quelling
Dean of the School of Hard Knocks
Hog wash your just rebelious by nature. If not you would be chomping at the bit to bring yourself and your church under the umbrella of an organization.
Didn't you know that James was the first General Superintendant of the UPCI
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