Apostolic Identity Letter to UPC Districts

[harleypreacher]

I'm in a district on the east coast and received a letter in the mail last week about Apostolic Identity, and as I researched it, I realized it was a cut and paste word for word from DB's letter to the South Texas District last September. Just a question, is this going out to all UPC Districts now? I thought it was misleading since it really didn't originate from my district board, but was an exact copy from DB when he was district superintendant. Here is what it states:

Apostolic Identity.

We are thankful for the tremendous revival and growth that we are experiencing. At the same time, we must acknowledge that a few ministers have begun to question some of our Apostolic distinctives, particularly some aspects of holiness in outward appearance and possibly some aspects of the doctrine of salvation. The District Board unanimously and firmly believes that we must maintain our Apostolic identity on these biblical doctrines of the new birth and holiness, while continuing to press for revival and growth. As a District Board, we take seriously our responsibility to ensure that all our ministers adhere to these scriptural teachings. The District Board has adopted a plan of action and has asked me as district superintendent to follow up on these matters. We understand that the local church is self-governing, that the pastor has authority and responsibility to lead the local church, and that there is room for diversity of opinion and application in many areas. We also understand the need for wisdom, patience, and tolerance in both evangelism and discipleship, proclaiming the life of faith and not legalism.
However, we expect that those who are used in public leadership, such as preaching, teaching, and leading in worship, will reflect the values of the New Testament church as understood and proclaimed by the UPCI. If some ministers are seeking direction on these issues, we are available for personal discussion and guidance, and we will provide tools and forums for further study. We don’t want anyone to leave our fellowship, but if some have made a definite decision that they do not believe and will not implement these teachings, then they are no longer in harmony with the UPCI, and the most consistent decision is for them to withdraw.

[KWSS1976]

LOL

[DAII]

Originally Posted by harleypreacher

I'm in a district on the east coast and received a letter in the mail last week about Apostolic Identity, and as I researched it, I realized it was a cut and paste word for word from DB's letter to the South Texas District last September. Just a question, is this going out to all UPC Districts now? I thought it was misleading since it really didn't originate from my district board, but was an exact copy from DB when he was district superintendant. Here is what it states:

Apostolic Identity.

We are thankful for the tremendous revival and growth that we are experiencing. At the same time, we must acknowledge that a few ministers have begun to question some of our Apostolic distinctives, particularly some aspects of holiness in outward appearance and possibly some aspects of the doctrine of salvation. The District Board unanimously and firmly believes that we must maintain our Apostolic identity on these biblical doctrines of the new birth and holiness, while continuing to press for revival and growth. As a District Board, we take seriously our responsibility to ensure that all our ministers adhere to these scriptural teachings. The District Board has adopted a plan of action and has asked me as district superintendent to follow up on these matters. We understand that the local church is self-governing, that the pastor has authority and responsibility to lead the local church, and that there is room for diversity of opinion and application in many areas. We also understand the need for wisdom, patience, and tolerance in both evangelism and discipleship, proclaiming the life of faith and not legalism.
However, we expect that those who are used in public leadership, such as preaching, teaching, and leading in worship, will reflect the values of the New Testament church as understood and proclaimed by the UPCI. If some ministers are seeking direction on these issues, we are available for personal discussion and guidance, and we will provide tools and forums for further study. We don’t want anyone to leave our fellowship, but if some have made a definite decision that they do not believe and will not implement these teachings, then they are no longer in harmony with the UPCI, and the most consistent decision is for them to withdraw.

Are you kidding .... lol.
Bernard may take the cut and paste trophy ... or maybe your DS.

Templates R Us.

[TheLegalist]

hmmmm interesting. Not a UPC person but hey if you believe what you believe a line must be drawn somewhere.

[warrior]

It would be great if people would leave salvation and the Bible out of the list is rules of dress. There is no scripture to justify half of what is being done. They just need to create something that says this is the requirement for our organization and what we believe to be appropriate. That way they can have their rules without all the questions. just my opinion.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by harleypreacher

...
At the same time, we must acknowledge that a few ministers have begun to question some of our Apostolic distinctives, particularly some aspects of holiness in outward appearance and possibly some aspects of the doctrine of salvation....

You wonder why we cry "revisionist history" some times?

What he calls "Apostolic distinctives" and identifies as "outward appearance" holiness and "doctrine of salvation" have never been monolithic in the UPC ever since its birth in 1945. When the UPC was formed in 1945 the reason for the ambiguous fundamental doctrine statement was because of differences of opinion among the ministers on the plan of salvation or new birth. And, "outward holiness"? There have always been differences among UPC folks on that. Look at some of the hair lengths and jewelry in old UPC pictures.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Sam

You wonder why we cry "revisionist history" some times?

What he calls "Apostolic distinctives" and identifies as "outward appearance" holiness and "doctrine of salvation" have never been monolithic in the UPC ever since its birth in 1945. When the UPC was formed in 1945 the reason for the ambiguous fundamental doctrine statement was because of differences of opinion among the ministers on the plan of salvation or new birth. And, "outward holiness"? There have always been differences among UPC folks on that. Look at some of the hair lengths and jewelry in old UPC pictures.

If DKB and the UPC leadership are trying to convince the constituency that everyone in the UPC has always believed in the three step plan of salvation and the same outward appearance holiness, that is either ignorance or deceit.

[harleypreacher]

Originally Posted by DAII

Are you kidding .... lol.
Bernard may take the cut and paste trophy ... or maybe your DS.

Templates R Us.

DB's letter was sent out September 2009, the letter from my DS was sent out last week, just wondering if DB may have told them in their annual general board meeting in St. Louis to send his letter out to everyone in each district, just thought it was strange and misleading.

[The Lemon]

hmmmmm...haven't seen this letter yet, and I am north of Georgia. Very interesting..

[commonsense]

Originally Posted by Sam

If DKB and the UPC leadership are trying to convince the constituency that everyone in the UPC has always believed in the three step plan of salvation and the same outward appearance holiness, that is either ignorance or deceit.

Amen