Thread: What are you doing today?

Originally Posted by FunFromOz

The reasons I gave were:

Unfortunately, but not unexpectedly if we look at Biblical and Church history, <xxx> has changed direction since its inception fifty years ago. Were we students of history things may have been different, but we weren't and so now:

• Rather than being a Church, we are a Community Organisation;
• Rather than employing and being led by pastor/teachers, we employ a manager and "leaders" and PAs;
• Rather than having members who are a part of a Church, we allow people to partner with <xxx> if they are prepared to go wherever <xxx> goes;
• Rather than valuing things like "The Word and Prayer" and "Evangelism", we value "Integration" and "Hospitality";
• Rather than preaching the Gospel, warning men of the consequences of their sin and calling them to repent, we refer to sin (which is rarely mentioned anyway[1]) as simply "an unhealthy way of living", and we don't tell people to repent.

These changes have occurred over time, but one of the consequences of these changes is that we've invited to <xxx> two speakers who support same-sex marriage; one of whom we were aware of beforehand, and the other we still publicly endorse even though we've known of his views for years.

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[1] In 2018 I heard the word "sin" said in a message by a <xxx> person only the once, and then only in passing. I did not hear it said by a <xxx> person in the time we refer to as a time of "invitation" at all that year.

Yea, I'd have to go too. What type of church is this? Sounds like mainline structure.

Originally Posted by Pentecali

Yea, I'd have to go too. What type of church is this? Sounds like mainline structure.

It started out as a independent Charismatic church and was probably the first one in the city. It had a major +ve affect on the churches in the early 70s, though also causing lots of tension in traditional churches.

It initially became associated with a local (AU/NZ) Charismatic group (CRC) but later moved to being part of a broader Pentecostal group (AoG in Oz).

The founding pastor was with us for 30 years. At 66 he passed the church over to his son-in-law then passed away two weeks later.

The SIL is a gifted leader but in no way a pastor. As such what he says "sounds good" but lacks a Biblical basis. He can motivate, encourage, inspire even, but teach Bible truths? No way. He says things people are willing to hear as lots do.

Although he was told by experienced, wise, older men that he couldn't have both a community church and a power of God church he decided he could. Although he wouldn't acknowledge it he now has a Community organisation that holds religious services.

As to the structure, that reflects his abilities, but also his fallenness. But I won't go there.

Originally Posted by FunFromOz

These changes have occurred over time, but one of the consequences of these changes is that we've invited to <xxx> two speakers who support same-sex marriage; one of whom we were aware of beforehand, and the other we still publicly endorse even though we've known of his views for years.
.

That's enough to leave any church

Originally Posted by Cardinal TT

That's enough to leave any church

The first speaker didn't actually mention it, he was there to speak on something else (leadership), but a book of his was sold on the night and in it he expresses his views.

The second I didn't hear speak as I was away. I wouldn't have gone anyway. However the group she (and that's another hot [but shouldn't be] topic) works for has this in its "Diversity Statement":

"We affirm that in the Body of Christ there is no distinction or hierarchy according to racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, or social identity and economic status. (Galatians 3:28)" in the same statement they go on to say that they are "an Equal Opportunity employer, committed to nondiscrimination and affirmation of people of color, women, and LGBTQ staff, and to increasing the ethnic and racial diversity of its staff."

Someone organised for her to come so should have known the above. While promoting her speaking engagement to staff our manager read a praising quote on her Christianity from the Huffingtonpost (praise for Christianity from the left is always credible ) and so I did send him a copy of the above.

OK, they may have not said anything, but that fact that they were allowed to speak to us, and that the gentleman is still endorsed by us four years later (I won't go into how) says heaps.

In the bicycle shop today. Keeping things light, it's been a wonderfully active 2 weeks.

Went to Waffle House. Cut the back yard. Cut some limbs down from a few treesin the back yard that have been hanging real low. Took a shower. That's about it so far. :)

Attended a Church Meeting with the Leadership/Ministry Team to discuss and finalize plans to re-open on Sunday...

I used to be "peace" around here, and now, John has helped me back to my original forum name. Thanks to him!

... and that was an answer to an above question whether I used to have another name than Irene :)