My visit to a UPC Church~Shocking Details~ - Page 3

Sherri · #21 11-21-2008, 03:36 PM

Thank you for starting this thread.

ForeverBlessed · #22 11-21-2008, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhoni

It is my opinion that most people in UPCI churches do love God and they try to be multi-cultural. I am not sure a church of 150-200 is a significant % of the local population to make a significant impact in a community.

I will say that churches with Pastor's who "used to be UPCI" as much as they claim to be enlightened or free from the legalism they were subjected to through the years...continue to have a very similar mind-think/paradigm if you would in regard to the authority of the Pastor. This amazes me.

The whole point to Christ's coming to live and die for us was so that He alone would be the mediator between God and man. It is amazing to me the number of sermons or teachings I have heard in the past couple years where Jesus' role as Chief Shepherd and the Pastor are used interchangeably. We are no better than the Catholics in needing a pope, or the Jews in the old Testament demanding a King.

If we indeed are free from legalism and walk in grace then we know that the Pastor's main responsibility is to feed the sheep of Christ's pasture by preaching the word. Obedience to the Pastor is justified by quoting the scipture about the Pastor having to give account... This does not mean he is responsible to give us unwarranted advice or extra-biblical instruction, but he is responsible for being apt to teach and rightly dividing the word of God he preaches. The Pastor is absolutely not responsible for my soul or salvation.

This is my opinion and I have been wanting to say this all week.

Blessings, Rhoni

I agree with you Rhoni, they are responsible for feeding the sheep...and they are accountable for what they teach...they are under strict guidelines so to speak to deliver the Word... we on the other hand should be obedient to the leadership. 1 Peter 2:13 speaks of our obedience is as unto the Lord (here extending even to law/authorities..even flawed ones).

I feel it is so it is important to be in the right church so that we can submit and honor the leadership...so we don't make their job harder. Heb 13:17

As for our personal walk and relationship with God...there is no one responsible for it but us.. Pastors sure won't be standing before God with us..

Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

we should be walking close enough to God to hear his voice... John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

Cookin-with-Stoneking · #23 11-21-2008, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhoni

It is my opinion that most people in UPCI churches do love God and they try to be multi-cultural. I am not sure a church of 150-200 is a significant % of the local population to make a significant impact in a community.

I will say that churches with Pastor's who "used to be UPCI" as much as they claim to be enlightened or free from the legalism they were subjected to through the years...continue to have a very similar mind-think/paradigm if you would in regard to the authority of the Pastor. This amazes me.

The whole point to Christ's coming to live and die for us was so that He alone would be the mediator between God and man. It is amazing to me the number of sermons or teachings I have heard in the past couple years where Jesus' role as Chief Shepherd and the Pastor are used interchangeably. We are no better than the Catholics in needing a pope, or the Jews in the old Testament demanding a King.

If we indeed are free from legalism and walk in grace then we know that the Pastor's main responsibility is to feed the sheep of Christ's pasture by preaching the word. Obedience to the Pastor is justified by quoting the scipture about the Pastor having to give account... This does not mean he is responsible to give us unwarranted advice or extra-biblical instruction, but he is responsible for being apt to teach and rightly dividing the word of God he preaches. The Pastor is absolutely not responsible for my soul or salvation.

This is my opinion and I have been wanting to say this all week.

Blessings, Rhoni

Again the issue is unhealthy leadership, I think this chuch and hopefully many model healthy leadership. To be out of balance either way is extreme.