Another Television Article

[BoredOutOfMyMind]

Originally Posted by Truly Blessed

While I agree with MJ that an exodus of a large number of ministers from the UPCI will weaken it as an organization, and that those leaving won't be as strong an influence outside the organization, I can't agree with his assertion that those leaving would "shrivel and die" because they had allowed this one issue to consume them.

I thought you left over the PCI/PAJC issue, not television?

[Truly Blessed]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

I think I have been a very vocal advocate of removing the mention of television from our manual, but I do have the ability to be objective and reasonable.

It is the height of sarcasm to push a divisive issue whilst at the same time telling all others to forsake division.

PP, in the ebb and flow of any organization there will be issues that arise that not everyone will agree on. Because someone has vocalized their support for one side of an issue doesn't mean they can't value unity as well. I don't see MJ as being guilty of telling anyone not to express their opposition to the proposed resolution, but rather to accept the vote and move beyond it and simply live by their own convictions rather than leave.

[Nahum]

The technology wars in the UPCI, from the middle 1950’s into the twenty-first century, has caused us unrelenting turmoil. This latest crisis is only another battle in the larger conflict. However this battle gets resolved has no bearing on my commitment to my organization. If the vote goes against me, I’ve had my say and I’m happy with that. I will remain a part of the UPCI and will cooperate in harmony as I always have. If it goes the way I would like for it to go, I will not gloat. I will understand the chagrin and disappointment that will settle on the hearts of the opponents. My plea is that our commitment to unity would continue to outweigh our desire to contend for our viewpoints.

Does anyone reaally believe he will be content "just to have his say"? Or will this issue keep surfacing every once in a while?

I do agree with the idea that our media stance was wrong to begin with.

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by Truly Blessed

PP, in the ebb and flow of any organization there will be issues that arise that not everyone will agree on. Because someone has vocalized their support for one side of an issue doesn't mean they can't value unity as well. I don't see MJ as being guilty of telling anyone not to express their opposition to the proposed resolution, but rather to accept the vote and move beyond it and simply live by their own convictions rather than leave.

Perhaps, but I can see the UC's point.

This was voted down in Salt Lake, and tabled last year. We have now had over four years of division regarding this same push for change. I feel it should be dropped permanently if it fails this year.

We need to either deal with the status quo, wait for technology to eliminate the debate, or go our separate ways. This constant pushing is unhealthy.

[Truly Blessed]

Originally Posted by BoredOutOfMyMind

I thought you left over the PCI/PAJC issue, not television?

I didn't leave over any one particular issue. It was a combination of issues and a sense that the organization was not the right fit for where I was at that time in my ministry.

I was simply saying that an appeal to the greater picture and the consequences of leaving may have impacted my decision. In hindsight I can say that it is not wise for a person to surround themselves only with those who agree with him when making such important decisions as one to leave an organization he has belonged to for many years.

[BoredOutOfMyMind]

Originally Posted by Truly Blessed

I didn't leave over any one particular issue. It was a combination of issues and a sense that the organization was not the right fit for where I was at that time in my ministry.

I was simply saying that an appeal to the greater picture and the consequences of leaving may have impacted my decision. In hindsight I can say that it is not wise for a person to surround themselves only with those who agree with him when making such important decisions as one to leave an organization he has belonged to for many years.

So if the Ohio resolution passes, would you consider coming back?


** I do not think it will**

[Truly Blessed]

Originally Posted by BoredOutOfMyMind

So if the Ohio resolution passes, would you consider coming back?


** I do not think it will**

Why would I consider returning to the UPC based on the TV issue when that issue had nothing to do with me leaving in the first place? Actually we have been very blessed during the last 10 years of ministry. The congregation we established as Christian Life Center in Chipman has done very well and flourishing under the capable leadership of the young man whom I had mentored.

While we have had our challenges here at Peoples Church, we have been blessed to add more than 120 to the church in less than three years. We have also planted a new church in Costa Rica that is running over 150. I have many opportunities to minister overseas as well as here at home. God has been very good to us. We will always cherish our years in the UPCI and look forward to reconnecting on a fellowship level with many of our friends within the UPC. There is much that I appreciate about the UPC. I hope there can be a mutual respect for many years to come.

[gowinsouls]

TV threads are very popular for some reason lol

[Thad]

I didn't read all the letter but it sounds a little similar the one he wrote last year as time drew nearer to the GC