Your experience when you dropped "dress standards"

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Rico

Sister, in churches where preachers use fear to get their point across, the people use fear when dealing with others. In churches where the preacher doesn't use fear tactics, the people don't use them either. People follow the example laid out for them. It's only natural for them to do so. See what I'm getting at?

I do, I was just making a counter point.

I didn't grow up in a church where the pastor was like that, however, the pressure was there because it was an outward sign of your spirituality, which fostered judmental attitudes.

I obeyed things I didn't agree with out of respect for others. I will still do that if I know someone is going to be offended.

[bkstokes]

Originally Posted by StMark

Do you think there is any parallell between leaving
standards altogether and changing doctrine??
many here that have done so say it is true

This is not a cause and effect relationship. I even wonder how strong of a correlation it is.

I still teach and apply Acts 2:38. I believe it more today then when I left the standards over 6 years ago. Do I fellowship with Trinitarians? Yes, I do this because my conservative oneness brethren did not and do not accept my family and me (Oh sure they accept us in the sense that just because my wife doesn't look like them they think she has no experience with God). This is my concern with standards -- not that others do them -- but that they begin to do judge by appearance and not by trying the spirits.

[Rico]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

I do, I was just making a counter point.

I didn't grow up in a church where the pastor was like that, however, the pressure was there because it was an outward sign of your spirituality, which fostered judmental attitudes.

I obeyed things I didn't agree with out of respect for others. I will still do that if I know someone is going to be offended.

I will be glad when the church gets over thinking that way. Hopefully, I will see it come to pass in my lifetime.

[Encryptus]

Originally Posted by Rico

Sister, in churches where preachers use fear to get their point across, the people use fear when dealing with others. In churches where the preacher doesn't use fear tactics, the people don't use them either. People follow the example laid out for them. It's only natural for them to do so. See what I'm getting at?

Well said, Renda maam, I personally agree with him. For too long many Apostolic organizations have been ruled by fear, control and manipulation from the top down.

Without the right standards you are lost, without the right Apostolic covering you and your ministry cannot be blessed.

As some else pointed out, even HG baptism and the gospel often take second place to control, dress code standards, and thank God we are not like them type sermons in far too many churches.

Some people on the pews can recite chapter and verse about what their pastor is against and would be speechless if asked to explain grace, mercy, and how to give a real, transparent personal testimony.

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Rico

I will be glad when the church gets over thinking that way. Hopefully, I will see it come to pass in my lifetime.

Me too, Rico.

[AmericanAngel]

Originally Posted by Rico

Sister, in churches where preachers use fear to get their point across, the people use fear when dealing with others. In churches where the preacher doesn't use fear tactics, the people don't use them either. People follow the example laid out for them. It's only natural for them to do so. See what I'm getting at?

Don't know if you were addressing me, but it wasn't the preacher...it was the sisters and a few brothers that would hail fire and brimstone in private conversations. It's intimidating (to me).

[AmericanAngel]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

I do, I was just making a counter point.

I didn't grow up in a church where the pastor was like that, however, the pressure was there because it was an outward sign of your spirituality, which fostered judmental attitudes.

I obeyed things I didn't agree with out of respect for others. I will still do that if I know someone is going to be offended.

This is most probably my answer too. Thanks Renda.

[Rico]

Originally Posted by AmericanAngel

Don't know if you were addressing me, but it wasn't the preacher...it was the sisters and a few brothers that would hail fire and brimstone in private conversations. It's intimidating (to me).

I wasn't addressing your situation specifically, AA, but I certainly understand how that type of intimidation feels. I've been there. In fact, I lived for quite some time in fear of splitting hell wide open after I left one church for another.

[OnenessWoman]

Originally Posted by HeavenlyOne

Her career teacher asked her about her faith and how important it was. Becca told her that living for God was the most important thing to her and she was actively involved in her church. I was proud of her. She witnesses to kids all the time and isn't ashamed.

I'm proud of her. A year ago she wouldn't clap, sing, and would rather just sit in church. Now, she claps, sings, worships, and is an altar worker. I love it.

That's beautiful!

[OnenessWoman]

Originally Posted by tbpew

It means pastors as guides, working in concert with
apostles as guides
prophets as guides
evangelists as guides
teachers as guides

being ensamples of following the leading provided by the Spirit of truth.

Well said!

Doesn't the bible still say that there is only ONE mediator?

I have seen some people who have made it clear that they believe their pastor will be the one to save them...as if they are little Jesus'.