From MOW's own mouth

ManOfWord · #1 08-08-2007, 01:28 PM

I have received phone calls amidst speculation as to why I have left. Today is the first time I have logged since July. It is not and NEVER has been my intention to control anything that goes on here on this forum. I am not an owner and I have nothing invested here other than time. My comments here MUST NOT be construed as trying to hurt this forum or do anything negative in any way whatsoever.

I am FOR truth and have repeatedly stated that we NEVER need be afraid of truth or telling the truth, including why I or anyone else has left this forum, their organization, or what have you. It is truth that sets people free. I am FOR freedom of expression of ideas on this forum whether they be pro or con UPC or any other organization. Truth is truth.

I have NOT left because of anything to do the "Ohio Church" thread.

The truth is, IMO, that there is a "tension" that exists between two viewpoints on the Admin team. Those two viewpoints have caused tension on more than one occasion. Even in the midst of that, I have NEVER been treated any other way by any member of the Admin team other than with respect and kindness. However, I am not and NEVER will again be UPC. My viewpoint is at odds with some others when it comes to the level of truth that can be discussed and issues that are "fair game" on this forum.

Since I am not an owner, I do not feel that it is fair for me to "pull" the direction of this forum in any way. However, it became a source of frustration for me to go back and forth on these "control" issues. I have no desire whatsoever to re-hash those issues. I have been out of the UPC for over 10yrs and have no desire to go back and fight those battles. For that reason and that reason alone, I chose to leave so as not to cause continued friction from my point of view. The last thing I want to do is cause trouble. No one asked me to leave, quite to the contrary, I was asked to stay. I love everyone here including every single one of the Admins who have treated me kindly.

IMO, the two viewpoints can't co-exist. There is too much pressure from the outside. (purely my opinion)

In the church I pastor, we have had to deal with some extremely difficult issues, one being child molestation from one of our SS staff. He currently is prison. I hid NOTHING from the church, the police or anyone. Since we dealt with it "head-on" and other issues as well over the years, we have not even landed in the paper in a negative light. If you hide nothing, people have nothing to "dig" up.

I have gone on record stating that when truth is stifled on this forum, in any manner, I'm gone.

You all are a GREAT bunch of people who have blessed me abundantly. You are greatly appreciated. Please don't be upset if I'm no longer here. I have not hidden my true identity, phone numbers or email address. I have nothing to fear from anyone.

To contact me, go to:

www.newlife-church.org

For you "lazy" folks out there

419-625-6110 Office
419-239-3429 Cell
419-433-4127 Home
manofword@newlife-church.org Email

May you ALL be blessed above measure!!!!

MOW (John Adams)

revrandy · #2 08-08-2007, 01:30 PM

Awe.....Here you went and told the truth.. and spoiled my fun...

God Speed!!

Randy..

mizpeh · #3 08-08-2007, 01:32 PM

Can't you stay as a poster?

freeatlast · #4 08-08-2007, 01:34 PM

God bless MOW...you've always been the voice of reason around here. i'll miss you.

Ferd · #5 08-08-2007, 01:35 PM

Please dont miss the reason why..... that part is important.

mizpeh · #6 08-08-2007, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ferd

Please dont miss the reason why..... that part is important.

The reason is a little nebulous. Two opposing viewpoints in the admin team that can't coexist. Is that saying libs and cons cannot coexist in the unity of the Spirit of Christ which puts us all in the same body to further the kingdom? or is MOW tired of the constant struggle? MOW stay and be a voice of reason and love despite the disagreements.

Margies3 · #7 08-08-2007, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ferd

Please dont miss the reason why..... that part is important.

John, I am so glad that you came on here and posted this....... There is nothing worse than speculation. Now we all have the facts. Thank you!!

And Ferd, you are so right! Perhaps now is the time for everyone (admin and all of us) to sit back and do a little self-evaluation. I'mnot saying that anyone needs to change. Please don't take it that way. But sometimes it is healthy for us to STOP, take a deep breath and do a little soul searching. If God tells us to change, then we should change. If we're ok, then stay as you are.

But give it some thought.

HeavenlyOne · #8 08-08-2007, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ferd

Please dont miss the reason why..... that part is important.

And there is more to it than meets the eye.

StillStanding · #9 08-08-2007, 01:54 PM

I understand your frustration if the truth about a situation is being censored! Frank and open discussion is the life blood of this forum. Sometimes the truth can bring a negative light on the UPC.

I also understand those that take offense to negative input about their organization. My personal family has flaws (I know that this comes as a shock!

), but I don't like to hear others people outside of our family bring them up!

MOW, I hope you reconsider leaving, because I have always enjoyed reading your posts! As you know, I agree with you almost 100% of the time. In fact, if you pastored in Nashville, I would probably attend your church.