Why are You a Part of Something You Hate?

[Newman]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

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

Of course there is; otherwise there would only be INDIFFERENCE.

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

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

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

Maybe you are taking the weight all on your shoulders and you shouldn't!

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by Felicity

I'm not terribly enthused about what we're with in regard to some things. I complained a far amount but then I decided that I would use whatever bit of influence I have in a positive way.

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) and that I was going to pray for him that God would use him, lead him and anoint him in a greater than ever way. 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.

Felicity, you never tear down ministry. There are many of us that take issue with some ideology, but we never run down the ministry or God's church.

You are always on topic!!!!!

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

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

Don't include me in that mess! I like my pastor and my church and my tithes go to God...The UPC is full of my brothers and sisters. You're only listening to the squeaky wheels.

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

Maybe you are taking the weight all on your shoulders and you shouldn't!

I doubt it. I betcha some other ministers feel the same way, and aren't as bullheaded about it as I am.

[Felicity]

Newman has been blessed and privileged indeed to grow up under the kind of leadership her church has and has modeled. I've been there several times and know some of who have been and are in pastoral leadership. Wonderful humble sweet people who have grown a wonderful church.

Like begets like.

[Felicity]

Pastor P..........

It would be so great to talk with you in person I think. Never know ..... maybe someday you'll make a trip west or we'll make a trip southeast a bit.

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by Felicity

Pastor P..........

It would be so great to talk with you in person I think. Never know ..... maybe someday you'll make a trip west or we'll make a trip southeast a bit.

It would be nice.

Hopefully everyone knows I really enjoy this forum. I have made great friendships here. It just drives me batty when the entire board is full of anti-ministry threads. It seems to happen every now and again.

[StillStanding]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

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.

I believe the center position on AFF moves from day to day depending on which posters are present. I hope you notice that I never AMEN a post criticising the UPC or it's people. As a child growing up in a UPC pastor's home, I have a great respect for those that choose to follow that calling.

I have an even greater respect for those that are not in their ministry to get rich. I appears that you have your priorities in order. I pray that one day your church is blessed enough to totally support you.

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

I doubt it. I betcha some other ministers feel the same way, and aren't as bullheaded about it as I am.

I can understand a little better where you're coming from seein's how you aren't even supported financially (you put it all back into the work) and why you feel there are a lot of selfish complainers around. But even if that wasn't the case, the truth is, there are.

We're a spoiled selfish generation of people overall. You travel overseas and you see and understand that in an even greater way!