Whither Shall I Go If I Leave Thee?

Originally Posted by Pastor G

Is there a problem with that district?

No problems that I know of. As mentioned earlier, I will probably stay where I am, but I feel a responsibility to know what else is going on in the world.

I have never even considered leaving the UPCI, and part of that is because I don't see a clear view ahead outside of this fellowship. The UPC has its share of warts, moles, imperfections, and downright weirdness. However, many might use the cliche of "Better the devil you know..."

Without malice, I am very curious to know what church life (read "ministerial fellowship") is like outside the loving arms of the UPC. I've had these blinders on for a very long time, and it would be nice know if, of all the choices available to me, that I'm not being irresponsibly obstinate.

Originally Posted by Pianoman

It all depends if you think the UPCI is too conservative or too liberal!

If you think it's too liberal, the AMF or the Tulsa group should be to your liking.

If you think it's too conservative, GLOBAL or NCO might fit!

With all due respect, Pianoman, (which is awfully hard to say with that avatar staring at me), I didn't really intend for the question to be about whether an organization is lib or con. The question really is about the quality of the fellowship.

Issues like foreign and home missionary support, outreach/evangelism/Sunday School materials come to mind. Are attitudes between fellow ministers in a given organization comparatively more or less judgmental? Things like that. What is there about the general experience of belonging to "X" organization that might would make a leaner fall in that direction?

[Pastor G]

Originally Posted by Queryful

No problems that I know of. As mentioned earlier, I will probably stay where I am, but I feel a responsibility to know what else is going on in the world.

I have never even considered leaving the UPCI, and part of that is because I don't see a clear view ahead outside of this fellowship. The UPC has its share of warts, moles, imperfections, and downright weirdness. However, many might use the cliche of "Better the devil you know..."

Without malice, I am very curious to know what church life (read "ministerial fellowship") is like outside the loving arms of the UPC. I've had these blinders on for a very long time, and it would be nice know if, of all the choices available to me, that I'm not being irresponsibly obstinate.

IMO, you are not going to find anything better than what you are in now... Just like you said, some junk goes on, but I have to believe crazy junk goes on in other organizations as well... You are in a district that pretty much doesn't step in you business and lets you do your own thing... And some pretty good guys are there to fellowship with, depending on what area you are in of course.... lol

[Sherri]

We are independent and we love it!!! I wouldn't have it any other way; God has tremendously blessed us and our group of churches.

[RevDWW]

Originally Posted by Queryful

No problems that I know of. As mentioned earlier, I will probably stay where I am, but I feel a responsibility to know what else is going on in the world.

I have never even considered leaving the UPCI, and part of that is because I don't see a clear view ahead outside of this fellowship. The UPC has its share of warts, moles, imperfections, and downright weirdness. However, many might use the cliche of "Better the devil you know..."

Without malice, I am very curious to know what church life (read "ministerial fellowship") is like outside the loving arms of the UPC. I've had these blinders on for a very long time, and it would be nice know if, of all the choices available to me, that I'm not being irresponsibly obstinate.

I would guess it all depends on how, what attitude and spirit, you leave in. If you leave with a right attitude, most that fellowship with you now would probably continue to do so. If you change greatly in your doctrines or standards stand it might be a bit different.

What would you not be able to do, that you might want to do, if you left the UPCI?
What would you not be able to do, that you might want to do, that you can't do in the UPCI?

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by Queryful

Greeting to all from a former (and possibly future) lurker. As my handle implies, I'm just full of questions.

Instead of being a productive worker, I have read hours upon hours of point and counter-point, thrust and parry, etc., etc. I can't decide if all of this is clarifying or muddifying. But here is my question. If I should decide to leave the most blessed and holy UPCI, where would I go? I really don't want to try to flounder around on my own as an independent.

Blessed and Holy UPCI?!?!

Originally Posted by Praxeas

Blessed and Holy UPCI?!?!

Didn't you catch the "tongue in cheek" there?