Did you mourn leaving the UPC?

[Rudy]

Originally Posted by lilyrose

The house meetings mentioned on this thread are something that sound very beneficial. I do attend a Bible Study of a neighbor and it's been very good to talk and connect with people and discuss the Bible on a real level. One thing I haven't liked too much about the UPCI is the shallowness of friendships formed. People seem to be afraid to be real with one another, or even if this level of friendship is reached, it can all quickly be dissipated by various church related reasons, such as ones mentioned on this thread . You can't form real friendships in a UPCI environment, at least not from what I've experienced. I've definitely been burned by people I thought were true friends. There is a culture of gossip too, at least in my home state, that although the Bible mentions against gossip WAY more than a standard of dress, I never heard preached against. Unfortunately in the UPCI church I first attended, the pastor's wife was a toxic gossiper. Gossip is a sin, but was never preached about from the pulpit, because they were major gossipers. I look back and I think I should have left that particular church a long time before I did. The UPCI church I attend now is worlds apart from the environment of the one I "got in church" at. At any rate, I really do hope to find a church to attend that is not hung up on outward standards. I know they're out there, but not sure where to go. It's exhausting on so many levels when trying to find a church home.

I'm in that boat right now. I'm wanting to relocate in Florida. No luck so far.

[Searching1977]

Hi. I'm new to the forum. I want to leave the UPC, but don't know where to go. I wasn't brought up UPC, but have been a member since 2001. I would love to find a church that still preaches Oneness and Baptism in Jesus' name, but doesn't follow strict man-made dress standards, but I can't seem to find one in my state. I've looked everywhere in hopes that I will come across something. I'm looking for a place that places more emphasis on a relationship with Jesus Christ than Apostolic identity.

[ILG]

Originally Posted by Searching1977

Hi. I'm new to the forum. I want to leave the UPC, but don't know where to go. I wasn't brought up UPC, but have been a member since 2001. I would love to find a church that still preaches Oneness and Baptism in Jesus' name, but doesn't follow strict man-made dress standards, but I can't seem to find one in my state. I've looked everywhere in hopes that I will come across something. I'm looking for a place that places more emphasis on a relationship with Jesus Christ than Apostolic identity.

Hello, I will pray for you as you make this transition. Many of us here have been through it before. Know you are not alone!

[Searching1977]

Thank you! It's a relief to see that others have been/are in the same boat that I am.

[ILG]

Originally Posted by Searching1977

Thank you! It's a relief to see that others have been/are in the same boat that I am.

Yes, there are many! There are also many here who are still in the UPC, so this forum is a mix! But many of us remember well how hard it was to leave. Many of us have landed in different places in our journey. You will no doubt find a number of others who have left and landed in churches that are non-standards/Acts 2:38 churches like you are looking for. (Not me for the record, but many here have!)

[Searching1977]

By chance, would you have an idea of a way to search for these said churches? I've found some in other states, but I live in Georgia and haven't found any here.

[ILG]

Originally Posted by Searching1977

By chance, would you have an idea of a way to search for these said churches? I've found some in other states, but I live in Georgia and haven't found any here.

I think the best way is to start a thread on this forum asking if there are any non-standards oneness churches in GA. That might get the attention of some people here who either know or can point you in the right direction!

[Searching1977]

I will do that. Thanks!

[obriencp]

Searching,
realize too that there are other organizations that teach what the UPCI taught sans the strict standards. The PAW is one that I can think of. Some might be put off because they're primarily an african american organization, but they don't discriminate by any means. They just seem to be the most prevalent oneness organization in the black community while the UPC seems to be the most prevalent oneness organization in the white community. Obvously, times have changed and neither is trying to remain "segregated" (for lack of a better term), but there are some cultural differences that make some more comfortable worshipping with people with maybe more in common.

Check out the PAW you may find what you're looking for.

[Searching1977]

Thank you. I'm open to any suggestions.