Changing Denominations

[jezebelslayer]

Originally Posted by marthaolivia

Rhoni:
I walked out of church approximately 30 years ago ( an independent-AMF-) because Of a lot of what I perceived then as plain ole interfering church ladies, and when my husband left because he said he could not live 'that way' meaning Apostolic, my then pastor told me that my place was with my husband. That didn't happen. Anyway, I could never forget about God, and it was only His love, mercy and compassion that I am in church today (UPC) I still don't fit the 'mold' and some people in church openly tell me that I am doing everything wrong since I trim my hair and wear a little make-up, but now I'm like a duck--I let the remarks roll off my back. My pastor has never been negative toward me in any way. He's the greatest! He has said from the pulpit that he is not our police but our pastor. All I can say is that it is between me and God now. I don't worry about what others think of me.

From some of your posts, I have sensed a lot of hurt and anguish. Who am I to judge you? I have never walked in your shoes but I understand. I only wish you the best in whatever decision you make. Just never let go of His hand.

Finally some very kind and compassionate words .... before I get yelled at I know there were a few others with kind words to share but most of the posts here have been vicious. It shocks me!

[Neck]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

Rhonda,

I don't understand why you do this to yourself.

Because over the years in the court room of the UPC.

There have been many witnesses for the prosecution and none for the defense.

[Neck]

Originally Posted by Arphaxad

I think we all need to get our eyes off people and more on Jesus.

ARPH

That I do agree with and it has taken me two years of attending my current church to do just that.

After 40 plus years of being in UPC and having everyone think that I believed the standards code.

I heard some of the most hateful and terrible things about good people.

It was not a loving concern in any way.

It was score keeping and gossip.

Don't forget that if you take away the words of the person who has left a church.

That is one thing.

What you can't take away is their experience and the attitudes that were watched over the years....

[LadyCoonskinner]

If my post to Rhoni seemed a bit too harsh, I apologize. I do not apologize for what I said, but I do apologize for my tone.

[TJJJ]

Originally Posted by LadyCoonskinner

If my post to Rhoni seemed a bit too harsh, I apologize. I do not apologize for what I said, but I do apologize for my tone.

It was pretty hard.

[tv1a]

I haven't read through the thread yet. But has anyone else welcomed you to the club?

I may ruin my reputation of being hard nosed, but tears came to my eyes when I read your post. My prayer is more people become christians, and less become apostolic/pentecostal, charismatic, baptist, methodist, presbyterian, etc.

All I want is Jesus. Leave the denominational baggage in the dumpster. Don't go digging it out again. Living without the label may be difficult at first, but things will go better.

Originally Posted by Rhoni

It is time. I have tried, tried, fought it and fought it but kept doing the same things over and over again. I am no longer Pentecostal/Apostolic. A good friend told me, not too long ago in fact, that I should join a Methodist church and forget about it. Well, a Methodist I am not, but I am now officially..."A Christian".

Blessings, Rhoni

[rgcraig]

Okay, just a few things.

Rhonda, I think for so long your identity was being a preacher's wife. You found your fulfillment in being in that role. There is something still there that you can't let go of and it has caused you to not be able to find a good fit.

Without bringing up the past (as you said you weren't going to do), you had to give up being a wife, a preacher's wife and caring for a church all at once. You have wandered ever since trying to find a fit and can't.

I don't know how to fix it, but I think that's part of the root of the problem.

[Elizabeth]

Originally Posted by Blubayou

Read most of the posts on this thread and it kind of depressed me. Rhoni- we are all on a journey of discovery in Chirst- I understand you have been hurt- by your friends that you trusted- HE is an expert in hurts and healing those hurts- Keep Christ at the center of you life, keep searching, and digging- He will guide you and heal you. Take a break if you need to- but come back and play with us soon.

Good advice.

[Sweet Pea]

I have no idea what cause Rhoni to go off the deep-end this time.... It is obvious that she has hurts and I'm sorry for that.... the blood that Jesus shed at Calvary covers every aspect of our lives and I pray that somehow she can come to terms with the hurts and be completed healed emotionally and physically -

HOWEVER, I don't think LCS was too harsh - I too get tired of people referring to us as cultish just because we have certain standards and/or personal convictions. IMHO - Rhoni was much more harsh to LCS than the other way around!

Rhoni - I am sincere when I say I pray you find the peace that passeth all understanding! HE is the peace-speaker - and we know him by name!

[Sister Alvear]

Well, we never know how the nail hurts until we walk in the shoes of the one the nail pierces.