Why are You a Part of Something You Hate?

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by Felicity

I understand what the issue of the thread is. I was just surprised that after pastoring as long as you have you still don't take financial support from the church so curiosity posed the question.

I also know what it is to sacrifice and go without. We've been willing to give all if necessary. It's been our attitude through the years really.

Yes, that's the point. There is a difference in attitude. Some give all, while others expect everything for nothing.

[QueenEsther]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

Okay, I bumped the thread I started yesterday that Boom mentioned.

It had 7 post from all day yesterday.

Seems that everyone enjoys the fussing threads more.

I'm sorry, I didn't see it until today.

[StillStanding]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

What do we all have in common? A grave dislike for the UPC, and pastors, and churches?

My moderate friend, methinks you're having a bad day! Sorry!

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

You know, I love a good agrument! But this has risen to a level of stupidity.

That someone expects to get paid for being an usher, or greeter, and if they are not the church is cheap, the pastor is a thief, and life is unfair.

I planted a church, work full time, have a wife and three kids, just finished writing a book, and teach dozens of bible studies. I have never recieved one paycheck for my pastoral ministry in my church. I put it all back.

I guess life is unfair? What a bunch of selfish whiney-babies!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We need revival!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bless the Lord.

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by Newman

AHHHH..... Looking at the Bigger Picture.....

1. The opposite of love isn't hate; its indifference. I think there is much angst because posters still care a great deal about the organization/church/culture that shaped their lives.

2. I fear that those who are particularly hostile and disrespectful were treated in like mannor; and that is where they learned it from.

I confess to hearing one minister on the televised/web tell his people all kinds of negative things about themselves and being dumbfounded that he was in leadership. Thankfully, I am not personally aquainted with such leadership style.

3. There is a difference in being a pastor and putting in free time for now and being a saint and putting in free time.

The pastor obviously can expect an annuity like stream of income for his work down the road; unlike the musician who has no hope of such outcome.

Which isn't to say that it is right or wrong to seek payment; but merely to point out that the playing field has different levels and payouts.

There is truth in your post.

BUT, are there no positive aspects to involvement in church, annd in pastoral saint relationships - EVER?

I do not preach negativity to the church I pastor. They are a great bunch of people.

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by Pianoman

My moderate friend, methinks you're having a bad day! Sorry!

Pianoman, don't you ever see the group think of this forum moving a certain way? Every once in a while we need a calibration.

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

What do we all have in common? A grave dislike for the UPC, and pastors, and churches?

It's all in the perspective. I don't get all involved in those threads, so I don't see that it's the majority here.

What we all have in common is UPC roots - from those roots some grew strong oak trees, some weak willows just blowing in the wind, some fruit bearing trees, but they are all trees.

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by QueenEsther

Amen!!
You have posted EXACTLY what has been going through my head as I have been reading on here over the last few days and weeks.

Praise God!!!!!!

[Felicity]

I'm not terribly enthused about what we're with (organization-wise) in regard to some things. I have complained a fair amount but then one day I decided that I would change my attitude and use whatever bit of influence I have in a positive way to affect things for the good.

Last Summer at a regional meeting I told the Moderator of ACOP that I had decided to quit complaining (yes I was honest and told him that I had done a fair bit of that ), that I was going to pray for him that God would use him, lead him and anoint him in a greater way than ever before. He was SO genuinely appreciative!

My husband's attitude and desire has always been to serve and cooperate and be a team player of what he was part of. And that's exactly what he has been. He has never expected anything for it either and has given and worked sacrificially with no self serving motive.

Hoping I'm ON topic here.

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

It's all in the perspective. I don't get all involved in those threads, so I don't see that it's the majority here.

What we all have in common is UPC roots - from those roots some grew strong oak trees, some weak willows just blowing in the wind, some fruit bearing trees, but they are all trees.

Maybe. I just wish someone would post something POSITIVE about ministry.

Sometimes I feel like I am before a firing squad on here.