What is a Happening Church to you? What is a Dead church? - Page 12

Hoovie · #**111** 09-03-2007, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stmatthew

Bro Stephen,

I can honestly say that I have not been in contact to any degree with the circle you seem to know of. I know of a few independents here and there, but most of them embrace such off the wall doctrines such as even the devil being saved, that I would not claim them as OP.

In fairness, when I say the "vast majority in my circles" I am including non OP. The point being, there is no real connection of dress standards and one's view of the Godhead and Christology.

Even if limited to OP or UPC, I think most constituents (Pastors may have a different ratio) do not see Baptist and AOG as lost or non Christian. To be sure... I have never remotely believed this, (even when I tried to LOL!) in the 23 years I have been UPC.

Rico · #**112** 09-03-2007, 07:50 PM

I am at work right now and enjoying a very dead day. If I had no other choice, I suppose I would go to an AOG church, as I have stated in the past. However, I don't generally visit trinitite churches. I believe it takes Jesus name baptism to be saved, so that basically leaves trinitites out. I understand that many apostolics believe salvation happens at repentance. Those are the ones you will find saying trinitites are saved.

pelathais · #**113** 09-03-2007, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Praxeas

What is a happening church? Programs programs programs? Great music? A built in cafe? People coming to believe in Jesus, repenting, being baptized and being filled with the Holy Ghost? The gifts operating?

For what it's worth, I have had "happening church" in a prayer meeting or in a bible study. Dead to me is nobody is worshiping, nobody prays, nobody new ever comes to church, nobody is getting saved and the Spirit just is not moving. I don't consider a Joel Osteen experience happening

Yes, all of the above. And maybe more, if more is needed.

A "happening church" is a place of community. A place where new friendships happen and old ones are maintained. It's a safe place to raise the kids and you feel good about bringing guests.

A "dead" church is one where most of the people have concluded that they wouldn't want to bring a guest "at this time..." (for whatever reason). "Rot" has set in when "this time..." becomes "a while..."

RandyWayne · #**114** 09-03-2007, 08:25 PM

Well, my wifes old AoG church was not exactly "happening". Too many old ultra-con farmers in attendance who demanded that at least 50% of the song service be out of the hymn book.

In most issues dealing with religion, Conservative = stubborn.
Martin Luther would NOT have been a conservative, nor would Isaac Newton, or Copernicus.

Rico · #**115** 09-03-2007, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

Well, my wifes old AoG church was not exactly "happening". Too many old ultra-con farmers in attendance who demanded that at least 50% of the song service be out of the hymn book.

In most issues dealing with religion, Conservative = stubborn.
Martin Luther would NOT have been a conservative, nor would Isaac Newton, or Copernicus.

Maybe to them old timers songs from the hymn book are happenin songs. The apostolic church has that same problem between generations.

seguidordejesus · #**116** 09-03-2007, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stephen Hoover

In fairness, when I say the "vast majority in my circles" I am including non OP. The point being, there is no real connection of dress standards and one's view of the Godhead and Christology.

Even if limited to OP or UPC, I think most constituents (Pastors may have a different ratio) do not see Baptist and AOG as lost or non Christian. To be sure... I have never remotely believed this, (even when I tried to LOL!) in the 23 years I have been UPC.

So do you consider yourself PCI, 3-stepper, what? Just curious.

Hoovie · #**117** 09-03-2007, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seguidordejesus

So do you consider yourself PCI, 3-stepper, what? Just curious.

I would prefer to feign ingnorance of these terms.

But one can't rightly do that and read much on AFF - right?

I was PCI before I knew what it meant, and certainly before I knew it was anathema.

seguidordejesus · #**118** 09-03-2007, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stephen Hoover

I would prefer to feign ingnorance of these terms.

But one can't rightly do that and read much on AFF - right?

I was PCI before I knew what it meant, and certainly before I knew it was anathema.

Interesting. Just out of curiosity, how does one become "saved" according to the Amish? (I'm referring to the group you were formerly part of, but can't remember precisely...pardon my ignorance).

RandyWayne · #**119** 09-03-2007, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seguidordejesus View Post
So do you consider yourself PCI, 3-stepper, what? Just curious.
I would prefer to feign ingnorance of these terms. But one can't rightly do that and read much on AFF - right?

I was PCI before I knew what it meant, and certainly before I knew it was anathema.

Perhaps the best response would be "We are not God. HE can save who HE wants and WE cannot judge."

Hoovie · #**120** 09-03-2007, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seguidordejesus

Interesting. Just out of curiosity, how does one become "saved" according to the Amish? (I'm referring to the group you were formerly part of, but can't remember precisely...pardon my ignorance).

The Mennonites and Amish consider themselves born again Christians through their acceptance of Jesus Christ as their Savior. Their relationship to God is as other Christians would relate.

On the question of assurance of salvation however, they may vary from other Christians. While beliving it is possible... they may not say so, and rather express a "hope" for such. In some circles of Mennonite and Amish faith it is seen as arrogant to ploclaim one is "saved".

I was Old Order Mennonite.