CC1, you also missed what I was saying as well, there was a time when you could go to a UPC Church & it was different, separate, distinct.
Now I could go into many UPC Church's and there isn't anything different than the world.
I disagree - there's always been UPC churches that "look like the world." And those "worldly looking" people are usually the loved ones of saints who worked very hard dragging them to church hoping that there wouldn't be some self righteous saint who will destroy the fruit of their labors.
There has always been a spectrum of standards as well. I was told once to never settle in the Tennessee district because they are so "loose." Yet the family of one of those "loose" preachers also showed me some of the greatest kindness when I was on the road alone. I've always appreciated that.
I go into UPC churches today and what I see the most is death. There are many exceptions, but if you travel a bit you will see it.
Are there some things (that are tradition) that letting go of wouldn't necessarily lead to "not knowing God"?
Absolutely Renda! I think that things need left to the spirit's unction in a believer's life and grace should be taught more and clothesline less. Relationship to God needs taught more and connection to relatives less. I think the principles of being careful what you take in with your eyes and ears need taught and being sensitive to the Spirit and not teach against T.V. and Movies. I think distinction between the sexes and not clothelsine listings...
I disagree - there's always been UPC churches that "look like the world." And those "worldly looking" people are usually the loved ones of saints who worked very hard dragging them to church hoping that there wouldn't be some self righteous saint who will destroy the fruit of their labors.
There has always been a spectrum of standards as well. I was told once to never settle in the Tennessee district because they are so "loose." Yet the family of one of those "loose" preachers also showed me some of the greatest kindness when I was on the road alone. I've always appreciated that.
I go into UPC churches today and what I see the most is death. There are many exceptions, but if you travel a bit you will see it.
Head east, go north on I-95 until you cross the Canadian border, take the Trans-Canada highway 1 hour to Fredericton, go to Baseball Hill and enter our UPC doors...I promise you there is no stench of death, but so much Life it will smack that hat off of ya
Get a backbone and stand up for what you believe instead of being subject to shame.
It is difficult, I remember how disappointed my mom was every time I would leave the house in carpenter or golf shorts. I can imagine the pressure a young preacher with a name feels.
I would love to have an hour to talk with Brother Dan Scott from Christ Church to pick his brain about exactly this topic.
My FIL knows and has worked with his father for years and years.
So, for example, if his father preaches against shorts...the son should go out and wear shorts just to prove a point? (which you refer to as "getting a backbone? )
Carpenter, it's just not as easy as you make it seem.
Sure, there are times when I would love to walk away from it all. But then I think of all of the love, sweat, time and tears I have poured into it and I realize how much of a hole would be left in my life if I walked away.
It's not as easy as just demanding change like a petulant child. As frustrated as I often get, I still think this organization is the best thing going - bar none. Additionally, I have a great relationship with my District. My Presbyter and District Superintendent are two of the greatest men of God I know.
Do I hope things change? Absolutely!
Am I working toward that change? Of course.
But I do my best to remain cooperative and kind, to respect our common heritage, to realize that time and patience change many things that war cannot.
Head east, go north on I-95 until you cross the Canadian border, take the Trans-Canada highway 1 hour to Fredericton, go to Baseball Hill and enter our UPC doors...I promise you there is no stench of death, but so much Life it will smack that hat off of ya
Well, that's the Atlantic District... they're not real UPC.
So, for example, if his father preaches against shorts...the son should go out and wear shorts just to prove a point? (which you refer to as "getting a backbone? )
And what good would you expect that to do?
Besides "getting a back bone" the young man might enjoy a breeze on an otherwise stifling day.
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