Blacks and the UPCI

[PraiseHymn]

First off, let me start by saying I am new to the forum and this is my first Thread on here (so welcome me ). I had a few questions so that I could get rid of my misconceptions about the UPCI! Let me commend the UPCI for keeping the Apostolic standards as other oneness organizations are falling by the way side due to a lack of preaching the doctrines of the Lord Jesus Christ. Seemingly pastors are more eager to fill there congregations with people that want to hear about miracles and financial blessings then how to live a holy and sanctified life before the Lord.

Here are my questions. I have never been a member of a church that is majority white. All my life I have attended an African American church. Instead of Charismatic leaps for joy, we like to "cut a step" or "have church!" Instead of Holy Laughter we "jerk and quake and quicken" when the power of God falls in our services (I'm Church Of Our Lord Jesus Christ). Currently my organization is NOT progressive at all, and its only a minority of us who want to progress into something that’s more then an emotional satisfying church service. I am thinking about joining a UPCI church when I move back to ATLANTA but am extremely afraid of how I will be received.

First thing first, as a male, I enjoy wearing facial hair. Can someone explain to me the "no facial hair" rule? The African American church has never had a problem with facial hair and well, I just don’t get it.

Next, I have 2 TV's! What in the world am I going to do with them if I join the UPCI. Sell them? Throw it away? And uh, after I do that, what are my alternatives for no longer watching TV? I have no problem with the tube, since I am Holy Ghost filled, I allow the Spirit of God to tell me what’s right and wrong to watch.

Finally, the black apostolic church has a misconception that the UPCI is a racist organization. Help me understand if this is true or not. How will I be received as a black male. I have a calling on my life and plan on getting ordained if I come over. I believe in wearing clergy collars and robes when I preach. (side bar). Uh, help me understand why I don’t see any African Americans in upper clergy positions in the organization.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post. I genuinely have a concern and just want to know first hand from people who might already be a part of this organization.

(by the way, I posted the same post over at GNC, just wanted to see what the folks at AFF had to say about this subject).

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by PraiseHymn

First off, let me start by saying I am new to the forum and this is my first Thread on here (so welcome me ). I had a few questions so that I could get rid of my misconceptions about the UPCI! Let me commend the UPCI for keeping the Apostolic standards as other oneness organizations are falling by the way side due to a lack of preaching the doctrines of the Lord Jesus Christ. Seemingly pastors are more eager to fill there congregations with people that want to hear about miracles and financial blessings then how to live a holy and sanctified life before the Lord.

Here are my questions. I have never been a member of a church that is majority white. All my life I have attended an African American church. Instead of Charismatic leaps for joy, we like to "cut a step" or "have church!" Instead of Holy Laughter we "jerk and quake and quicken" when the power of God falls in our services (I'm Church Of Our Lord Jesus Christ). Currently my organization is NOT progressive at all, and its only a minority of us who want to progress into something that’s more then an emotional satisfying church service. I am thinking about joining a UPCI church when I move back to ATLANTA but am extremely afraid of how I will be received.

First thing first, as a male, I enjoy wearing facial hair. Can someone explain to me the "no facial hair" rule? The African American church has never had a problem with facial hair and well, I just don’t get it.

Next, I have 2 TV's! What in the world am I going to do with them if I join the UPCI. Sell them? Throw it away? And uh, after I do that, what are my alternatives for no longer watching TV? I have no problem with the tube, since I am Holy Ghost filled, I allow the Spirit of God to tell me what’s right and wrong to watch.

Finally, the black apostolic church has a misconception that the UPCI is a racist organization. Help me understand if this is true or not. How will I be received as a black male. I have a calling on my life and plan on getting ordained if I come over. I believe in wearing clergy collars and robes when I preach. (side bar). Uh, help me understand why I don’t see any African Americans in upper clergy positions in the organization.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post. I genuinely have a concern and just want to know first hand from people who might already be a part of this organization.

(by the way, I posted the same post over at GNC, just wanted to see what the folks at AFF had to say about this subject).

Call Wayne Francis.


(314)-837-7300.

[Truthseeker]

Originally Posted by PraiseHymn

First off, let me start by saying I am new to the forum and this is my first Thread on here (so welcome me ). I had a few questions so that I could get rid of my misconceptions about the UPCI! Let me commend the UPCI for keeping the Apostolic standards as other oneness organizations are falling by the way side due to a lack of preaching the doctrines of the Lord Jesus Christ. Seemingly pastors are more eager to fill there congregations with people that want to hear about miracles and financial blessings then how to live a holy and sanctified life before the Lord.

Here are my questions. I have never been a member of a church that is majority white. All my life I have attended an African American church. Instead of Charismatic leaps for joy, we like to "cut a step" or "have church!" Instead of Holy Laughter we "jerk and quake and quicken" when the power of God falls in our services (I'm Church Of Our Lord Jesus Christ). Currently my organization is NOT progressive at all, and its only a minority of us who want to progress into something that’s more then an emotional satisfying church service. I am thinking about joining a UPCI church when I move back to ATLANTA but am extremely afraid of how I will be received.

First thing first, as a male, I enjoy wearing facial hair. Can someone explain to me the "no facial hair" rule? The African American church has never had a problem with facial hair and well, I just don’t get it.

Next, I have 2 TV's! What in the world am I going to do with them if I join the UPCI. Sell them? Throw it away? And uh, after I do that, what are my alternatives for no longer watching TV? I have no problem with the tube, since I am Holy Ghost filled, I allow the Spirit of God to tell me what’s right and wrong to watch.

Finally, the black apostolic church has a misconception that the UPCI is a racist organization. Help me understand if this is true or not. How will I be received as a black male. I have a calling on my life and plan on getting ordained if I come over. I believe in wearing clergy collars and robes when I preach. (side bar). Uh, help me understand why I don’t see any African Americans in upper clergy positions in the organization.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post. I genuinely have a concern and just want to know first hand from people who might already be a part of this organization.

(by the way, I posted the same post over at GNC, just wanted to see what the folks at AFF had to say about this subject).

Everyone needs to just worship with their OWN kind, keep it simple.

[Thad]

Originally Posted by PraiseHymn

First off, let me start by saying I am new to the forum and this is my first Thread on here (so welcome me ). I had a few questions so that I could get rid of my misconceptions about the UPCI! Let me commend the UPCI for keeping the Apostolic standards as other oneness organizations are falling by the way side due to a lack of preaching the doctrines of the Lord Jesus Christ. Seemingly pastors are more eager to fill there congregations with people that want to hear about miracles and financial blessings then how to live a holy and sanctified life before the Lord.

Here are my questions. I have never been a member of a church that is majority white. All my life I have attended an African American church. Instead of Charismatic leaps for joy, we like to "cut a step" or "have church!" Instead of Holy Laughter we "jerk and quake and quicken" when the power of God falls in our services (I'm Church Of Our Lord Jesus Christ). Currently my organization is NOT progressive at all, and its only a minority of us who want to progress into something that’s more then an emotional satisfying church service. I am thinking about joining a UPCI church when I move back to ATLANTA but am extremely afraid of how I will be received.

First thing first, as a male, I enjoy wearing facial hair. Can someone explain to me the "no facial hair" rule? The African American church has never had a problem with facial hair and well, I just don’t get it.

Next, I have 2 TV's! What in the world am I going to do with them if I join the UPCI. Sell them? Throw it away? And uh, after I do that, what are my alternatives for no longer watching TV? I have no problem with the tube, since I am Holy Ghost filled, I allow the Spirit of God to tell me what’s right and wrong to watch.

Finally, the black apostolic church has a misconception that the UPCI is a racist organization. Help me understand if this is true or not. How will I be received as a black male. I have a calling on my life and plan on getting ordained if I come over. I believe in wearing clergy collars and robes when I preach. (side bar). Uh, help me understand why I don’t see any African Americans in upper clergy positions in the organization.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post. I genuinely have a concern and just want to know first hand from people who might already be a part of this organization.

(by the way, I posted the same post over at GNC, just wanted to see what the folks at AFF had to say about this subject).

My Pastor is black, I'm white and work on staff for him. Our church is mixed. AND we have CHURCH!!!!
www.upcmerced.com
Much of the UPC is getting over the facial Hair factor(finally). There was a good reason for the rule at one time(i can explain it) but i don't think it holds anymore.

[Barb]

Originally Posted by Thad

My Pastor is black, I'm white and work on staff for him. Our church is mixed. AND we have CHURCH!!!!
www.upcmerced.com
Much of the UPC is getting over the facial Hair factor(finally). There was a good reason for the rule at one time(i can explain it) but i don't think it holds anymore.

My fomer pastor used to say that it was a sign of rebellion...he didn't provide Scripture and I didn't ask...

[SDG]

You raise legitimate concerns and issues ...

I've seen the dichotomy and , dare say hypocrisy, that exists in the org regarding the race issue....

When I was in the UPCI ... those of us in the NY Metro District had a different experience than most districts ....

Our district board was diverse ... as were our district events. Our diversity was celebrated and encouraged ... among the Hispanic, white, West Indian, African-American brethren.

Sadly, the history of racism in Pentecostalism and Oneness Pentecostalism has been a topic that has been avoided ...

I was glad to see the UPCI ... D. Bernard and others apologize recently for many of the mistakes of the past .... the org still has some growing to do in this area.

FYI ....

Here is the present board ... for NYMD ... my dad served on it for several years before his passing.

Superintendent
Rev. Arthur A. Thomas
Oneness Rehoboth Apostolic Church

Secretary-Treasurer
Pastor R. S. Carter
New York Metro District

Section 1 Presbyter
Pastor Sibblies
(Bronx & Westchester County)

Section 2 Presbyter
Pastor Mitchell
(Manhattan, Brooklyn & Staten Island)

Section 3 Presbyter
Pastor Davis
(Queens & Long Island)

Originally Posted by Truthseeker

Everyone needs to just worship with their OWN kind, keep it simple.

What does this mean? It doesn't sound good at all...what is someones OWNKIND.....I thought we were all part of MANKIND...I hope this isn't what is sounds like...


BTW...I am no relation to Truthseeker....I had to add the Sister so people would know the difference....

[Theophil]

Originally Posted by Truthseeker

Everyone needs to just worship with their OWN kind, keep it simple.

Say what? Is this a joke?

[Thad]

Originally Posted by PraiseHymn

First off, let me start by saying I am new to the forum and this is my first Thread on here (so welcome me ). I had a few questions so that I could get rid of my misconceptions about the UPCI! Let me commend the UPCI for keeping the Apostolic standards as other oneness organizations are falling by the way side due to a lack of preaching the doctrines of the Lord Jesus Christ. Seemingly pastors are more eager to fill there congregations with people that want to hear about miracles and financial blessings then how to live a holy and sanctified life before the Lord.

Here are my questions. I have never been a member of a church that is majority white. All my life I have attended an African American church. Instead of Charismatic leaps for joy, we like to "cut a step" or "have church!" Instead of Holy Laughter we "jerk and quake and quicken" when the power of God falls in our services (I'm Church Of Our Lord Jesus Christ). Currently my organization is NOT progressive at all, and its only a minority of us who want to progress into something that’s more then an emotional satisfying church service. I am thinking about joining a UPCI church when I move back to ATLANTA but am extremely afraid of how I will be received.

First thing first, as a male, I enjoy wearing facial hair. Can someone explain to me the "no facial hair" rule? The African American church has never had a problem with facial hair and well, I just don’t get it.

Next, I have 2 TV's! What in the world am I going to do with them if I join the UPCI. Sell them? Throw it away? And uh, after I do that, what are my alternatives for no longer watching TV? I have no problem with the tube, since I am Holy Ghost filled, I allow the Spirit of God to tell me what’s right and wrong to watch.

Finally, the black apostolic church has a misconception that the UPCI is a racist organization. Help me understand if this is true or not. How will I be received as a black male. I have a calling on my life and plan on getting ordained if I come over. I believe in wearing clergy collars and robes when I preach. (side bar). Uh, help me understand why I don’t see any African Americans in upper clergy positions in the organization.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post. I genuinely have a concern and just want to know first hand from people who might already be a part of this organization.

(by the way, I posted the same post over at GNC, just wanted to see what the folks at AFF had to say about this subject).

The UPC does have some history of being racist. some of my white Brethren cringe when i say that but we might as well tell the truth and stay saved. however, it has really improved in fact, at our national convention this year, I had family who said it was like being in heaven- totally international. one of the fastest growing segments of the UPC is in the Hispanic community. Many Blacks are coming up too. Bro Haney is our Leader and has a great perspective on race relations.
Almost all the claifornia churches are International- out here it's not a big deal at all. It's still a little different in the south and some parts of the midwest but they are coming along too

[Sandra]

Originally Posted by Truthseeker

Everyone needs to just worship with their OWN kind, keep it simple.

This is just WRONG!