The Future of the Oneness Pentecostal Movement

[Elihu]

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

That's not as much of a problem when you are being compensated as a minister ... but some of the Levites in the house are supposed to pull 2 shifts ....

I am bivocational.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by shamgar1

...
I have begun to reach out to other Oneness churches for fellowship.

That sounds like a good thing to me.
In my opinion, organizational affiliation or non-organizational affiliation should not be a factor in fellowship.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by shamgar1

Did the young man leave the UPC?

No. My pastor/super is wise enough in dealing with most of these things. There's a new UPC church as of 10 AM tomorrow.

Kind of bittersweet, because the "young" man (not so young any more, just junior in experience) spent 30 years working in and supporting the church he was thrown out of. He was one of the founding members - and that was when he was young.

It occurs to me that a lot of what I say about "young" men involves experiences I had when I was in that age range. Now I'm watching my children and nephews spread their wings. Though several are preaching, only one nephew is UPC licensed, out of a rather large supply.

And, that UPC "kid" is attending a Bible college I was forbidden to attend because of their "real problem with compromise out there...!" Instead I spent one year at an institution that had its board vote twice to close the place down - two times in the one year I was there! And the fraud indictments... do I get a ban for that BOOM? You remember?

LOL and Crying Out Loud!

[SDG]

Originally Posted by shamgar1

I am bivocational.

Yet are you compensated for both ... imagine the local licensed minister who is making ... lets say 25,000 to 30 k a year with 4 kids and a stay at home spouse... after taxes, tithing, and dues ... while having no other time to work for salary or any other income source ... it can be almost impossible.

[Elihu]

Originally Posted by pelathais

No. My pastor/super is wise enough in dealing with most of these things. There's a new UPC church as of 10 AM tomorrow.

Kind of bittersweet, because the "young" man (not so young any more, just junior in experience) spent 30 years working in and supporting the church he was thrown out of. He was one of the founding members - and that was when he was young.

It occurs to me that a lot of what I say about "young" men involves experiences I had when I was in that age range. Now I'm watching my children and nephews spread their wings. Though several are preaching, only one nephew is UPC licensed, out of a rather large supply.

And, that UPC "kid" is attending a Bible college I was forbidden to attend because of their "real problem with compromise out there...!" Instead I spent one year at an institution that had its board vote twice to close the place down - two times in the one year I was there! And the fraud indictments... do I get a ban for that BOOM? You remember?

LOL and Crying Out Loud!

In my experience, any minister under sixty is considered a "young man" in the UPC. He is expected to hold his tongue at business meetings until that age. Funny when you consider we have congressmen, senators and even presidents with much experience and input before the age of 45.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Scott Hutchinson

I'm independent and I have nothing agains't the UPCI brethren ,I'm willing to walk in any doors God opens up ,but I'll not try to make things happen if God is in something it will work out.

Scott,
I don't remember this if you've told us.
I'm assuming you work at a secular job to support yourself.
You say you are independent.
Is your pastor independent?
Do you do a certain amount of preaching/teaching in your local church?
Do you preach a certain amount in other churches (with your pastor's approval)?

[Elihu]

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

Yet are you compensated for both ... imagine the local licensed minister who is making ... lets say 25,000 to 30 k a year with 4 kids and a stay at home spouse... after taxes, tithing, and dues ... while having no other time to work for salary or any other income source ... it can be almost impossible.

Amen, and the worst thing is when he pays those dues - sacrificing to do so - only to hear that his sacrifice is dishonored through incompetence on many levels.

Originally Posted by shamgar1

In my experience, any minister under sixty is considered a "young man" in the UPC. He is expected to hold his tongue at business meetings until that age. Funny when you consider we have congressmen, senators and even presidents with much experience and input before the age of 45.

Hold your tongue. That translates as: shut your mouth and let us accomplish our agenda without any interference.
I am glad to be Independent now.

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by Shamgar

I have begun to reach out to other Oneness churches for fellowship.

What kind of churches? Are they in harmony with the doctrine you preach and the holiness standards you're comfortable with, adhere to and expect from those you pastor?

Am I asking too many questions? Oops! LOL!

[SDG]

Originally Posted by shamgar1

Amen, and the worst thing is when he pays those dues - sacrificing to do so - only to hear that his sacrifice is dishonored through incompetence on many levels.

Only to be pressured to give more at rallies and conferences so that someone can make budget .... and impress the invited speaker w/ a hefty honorarium