UPCI GB Meeting - what would you want to tell them

[CAD/JPY]

Thanks to all who have posted so far. I had to think a little longer about this, but I believe this is what I would ask the GB for....

"Please create an atmosphere that younger ministers (I am thinking ages 20 to 40) can ask questions in, without fear of being shot down, criticized, or labeled. Allow us to ask questions, even tough questions, and then give us a chance to question your answers. Understand that we aren't doing this out of rebellion or disrespect, but because we have a genuine concern over what we are inheriting.

Furthermore, as difficult as it may be for you, you must create open communication between this younger generation. If you want to understand us, and influence us, then you must be prepared to put in the time! District Superintendent, when was the last time you called up that "relevant preacher" and took him for lunch or to a hospital visitation, simply to hang out?? Don't expect us to make the effort, we are still trying to sort out who we are, what we stand for, and what is relevant in our lives. Many younger preachers would be scared to death of calling up their District Superintendent or board member and asking him or her to go out for lunch... or even just for a coffee. Understand, this is difficult... but as our leaders, we are trusting you will make the time.

Sure we have questions about standards, apostolic heritage, holiness, etc. I would think that is only normal, and should be encouraged. However, we are going to find the answers to these questions, with our without elder minister's involvement. We will leave that choice up to you....

[SDG]

Originally Posted by "GL"

As a UPC pastor, I feel that you've greatly overstated the EC movement within the UPC. I think that that may have to do with how some are defining it. Many of us are doing church differently, but our theology has not changed or "evolved." The true EC movement involves much more than stylistic changes.

Absolutely ... calling this Emergent Church is a joke ... I know the Harrelson brothers have gone at great lengths to define the Emergent Church ... CW's definition is in LEFT FIELD.

All but a simple query of on Google as to the tenets of the real emergent church movement and comparing it to these men is LAUGHABLE and intellectually dishonest.

Coffee houses and beards ... are not emegent church.

[SDG]

Originally Posted by CAD/JPY

Thanks to all who have posted so far. I had to think a little longer about this, but I believe this is what I would ask the GB for....

"Please create an atmosphere that younger ministers (I am thinking ages 20 to 40) can ask questions in, without fear of being shot down, criticized, or labeled. Allow us to ask questions, even tough questions, and then give us a chance to question your answers. Understand that we aren't doing this out of rebellion or disrespect, but because we have a genuine concern over what we are inheriting.

Furthermore, as difficult as it may be for you, you must create open communication between this younger generation. If you want to understand us, and influence us, then you must be prepared to put in the time! District Superintendent, when was the last time you called up that "relevant preacher" and took him for lunch or to a hospital visitation, simply to hang out?? Don't expect us to make the effort, we are still trying to sort out who we are, what we stand for, and what is relevant in our lives. Many younger preachers would be scared to death of calling up their District Superintendent or board member and asking him or her to go out for lunch... or even just for a coffee. Understand, this is difficult... but as our leaders, we are trusting you will make the time.

Sure we have questions about standards, apostolic heritage, holiness, etc. I would think that is only normal, and should be encouraged. However, we are going to find the answers to these questions, with our without elder minister's involvement. We will leave that choice up to you....

Mentorship is sorely missing ....

[revrandy]

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

Absolutely ... calling this Emergent Church is a joke ... I know the Harrelson brothers have gone at great lengths to define the Emergent Church ...

but a simple query of on Google as to the tenets of the real emergent church movement and comparing it to these men is LAUGHABLE and intellectually dishonest.

Coffee houses and beards ... are not emegent church.

If it were just coffee houses and beards that would be okay but some of what is seemingly being born out of these types are interesting and sickening at the same time...

[revrandy]

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

Mentorship is sorely missing ....

No doubt you and I agree here...

Mentorship is somewhat sacrificed by cruises, multiple vacations, family before others...and so on...

[TRFrance]

Originally Posted by "GL"

As a UPC pastor, I feel that you've greatly overstated the EC movement within the UPC. I think that that may have to do with how some are defining it. Many of us are doing church differently, but our theology has not changed or "evolved." The true EC movement involves much more than stylistic changes.

I tend to agree with this.

Originally Posted by revrandy

If it were just coffee houses and beards that would be okay but some of what is seemingly being born out of these types are interesting and sickening at the same time...

Would you care to elaborate on that?

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by revrandy

If it were just coffee houses and beards that would be okay but some of what is seemingly being born out of these types are interesting and sickening at the same time...

Without naming names, what are you talking about?

[SDG]

Originally Posted by mizpeh

Without naming names, what are you talking about?

Enter the hearsay .... check out the VL sounds off thread ... for a taste.

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

Enter the hearsay .... check out the VL sounds off thread ... for a taste.

I already have. I've read VL's posts. I would like to know what RR finds so offensive.

[StillStanding]

Originally Posted by CAD/JPY

Thanks to all who have posted so far. I had to think a little longer about this, but I believe this is what I would ask the GB for....

"Please create an atmosphere that younger ministers (I am thinking ages 20 to 40) can ask questions in, without fear of being shot down, criticized, or labeled. Allow us to ask questions, even tough questions, and then give us a chance to question your answers. Understand that we aren't doing this out of rebellion or disrespect, but because we have a genuine concern over what we are inheriting.

Furthermore, as difficult as it may be for you, you must create open communication between this younger generation. If you want to understand us, and influence us, then you must be prepared to put in the time! District Superintendent, when was the last time you called up that "relevant preacher" and took him for lunch or to a hospital visitation, simply to hang out?? Don't expect us to make the effort, we are still trying to sort out who we are, what we stand for, and what is relevant in our lives. Many younger preachers would be scared to death of calling up their District Superintendent or board member and asking him or her to go out for lunch... or even just for a coffee. Understand, this is difficult... but as our leaders, we are trusting you will make the time.

Sure we have questions about standards, apostolic heritage, holiness, etc. I would think that is only normal, and should be encouraged. However, we are going to find the answers to these questions, with our without elder minister's involvement. We will leave that choice up to you....

This post should be an alarm clock to UPCI leadership! It's time to WAKE UP and smell the coffee!