Hello!

[Papa Bear]

I've been reading on this forum for several months. Finally registered this week. I was in the UPC for 20 years, until I wasn't, about 20 years ago. The "ultra-conservative movement" came to be after I left, I guess. At least I didn't know the terminology.

I don't attend church anywhere now. 2 of my 3 sons are in an ultra-con church. My youngest is more liberal. (He's the one that calls me Papa Bear, hence the username.). I shall remain anonymous as to not further deteriorate my relationship with my 2 oldest sons, please understand that. I'm not hiding a sordid past or anything.

I won't post much, I'm just curious. I sort of like to watch you smack the trolls around, go back and forth about doctrinal issues, and discuss the Bible. As for my beliefs, I believe in a Creator. I was turned way off by this "pastoral authority" mindset years ago, and remain so today.

I don't consider myself a rebel, I just like to do my own thinking. Thanks for the forum.

[MawMaw]

Hidy and welcome!

[good samaritan]

Welcome to the forum. I am fairly new here myself and I have enjoyed it. Not everyone agrees, but I haven't noticed anyone carrying any bitterness about it. Will pray for you for direction in your life. I would advise you to just seek God and his direction. I totally understand how you feel about some of those things, but just seek God on the place that he wants you. I believe God places us where he wants us to be.

Sometimes that being said we are placed in a trial of our faith. Good rule of thumb to decide whether a pastor is just being a dictator is to feel out his motivation. A lot of times holiness pastors are really good men with a love for people and God, but their expectations can seem overwhelming. They are really just trying to keep you safe (their motivation is you) hence a potentially good pastor. Remember you don't have to do anything that you don't want and a good shepherd leads the flock and doesn't drive it.

If it seems that a pastor seems to be about self promotion then I would beware. I have heard of men going around asking for personal favors all the time. To me that is a red flag. When leadership seems to want you to serve them instead of serving you it is out of order. It is very important to be in the right church and I understand how it is not an easy decision.

[Carl]

Welcome Papa Bear!

[FlamingZword]

welcome

[KeptByTheWord]

Papa Bear, we are glad to have you here! Please join us in the discussions, hope to hear from you soon

[ixoye_val69]

Welcome to the forum Papa Bear!