Not sure if I understand ....

[Pete in MI]

Last Sunday our Pastor commented that God the Father is a Patriachial name and "that we don't know that God is a He." Huh???? My mind says God created man in His image...Adam was a man right? A he? And then He gave Eve - a female to Adam, right?

If His image was Adam and Adam was not a man, i.e., a he then 'what was Adam'? Logic like this could make one start thinking evolution.

That was confusing enough - then the Pastor commented that "we don't know for sure who will go to Heaven or Hell or even if there is a Heaven or Hell." I don't know where he is getting this but it sure doesn't sound Biblical to me or Sherry.

Then the Pastor quoting John 16:7, using 'The Message' proceeded to tell us that "the Holy Spirit...It is our friend."

(John 16:7

 

[rentasquid]

n/t

 

[steve in so la]

Pete - I would get myself to another church that has strong, Bible based sermons. Next thing yours will be saying is that same sex marriages are ok. The Lord knows what is being said there - bail out, Steve in so az

 

[Joe G]

It's time to brush the dust off your sandals and find another church that does. I've heard some strange stuff, but that's absolutely way out there

 

[Pete in MI]

as we have put a lot of time in with the church and the Brothers and Sisters there. Being a new building for the church we feel part responsible to see to the success not the failure of this church. Having Casey involved in activities at the church is helping - we hope - to help her be a better Christian and she is bringing in kids who don't know Christ - maybe the only Jesus they have seen will be someone at that church.

I think we should at least get the Pastor's explanation for what he said. We think maybe because he is trying to get more people to come to the church - bring in tithes and donations to be sure the rent is paid so to speak, he may be more lenient to bring people in. Sad part is he may bring in those who don't know God's Word and lose those who do. We will be seeing him tonight and see if we can get him alone in his office to explain why he said what he said and if he plans on clarifying that to the rest of the congregation.

I would hope others are bringing this to his attention as well. One thing God doesn't need is a wishy-washy pastor causing confusion of the Word in people's hearts and minds.

As for congregational theology as opposed to the Pastor's theology....the congregational (United Methodist Church) theology is probably worse than the Pastor's theology.

We have spent a lot of time checking out other churches up here since we moved here and none have been what we were seeking. This church is the closest - or was - to our home and it is in another town about a half hour drive away. With gas prices as they are we are wondering how we can commit the time we want to the church ... feel like we are being negligent not spending more time there.

Well, will let ya know if we stay or go and what 'logic' is going on. I am thinking that despite our feelings, God's Word HAS TO come before our wants, hopes and desires and that we will have to seek and find another church.
Sure hurts to just say it let alone have to do that but the Word is a divider - a Sword of Truth going beyond flesh and bone.

We appreciate the thoughts of our Brothers and Sisters in Christ. We want to be on the right side of God's Word and have God on our side. Thank you and God bless you.

 

[VT Dave]

Those very things drove our Pastor and a few of his followers away from our last church. It was not the pastor but the "ruling" members that caused the conflict here. You're on the right track as to having him explain his reasoning, but be prepared to leave if the answers do not fit in to your beliefs. You could always meet in homes with like minded brothers and sisters till a solution can be worked out.

God will bless this in his own way!

Dave

 

[rentasquid]

I would also not only ask the pastor the basis for his thoughts, but the biblical evidence. Hopefully he isnt basing too much of his theology on a paraphrased bible, which can often change the feeling and meaning of a scripture. I like to hear some of the modern paraphrases, but I think this is what happens when they are used as the sole teaching tool. My thoughts and prayers will be with you on your decision.

J.

 

[Mike from MI "Iron Brigade"]

First be sure to pray about this. That you and Sherry have the right words to speak, that the pastor has an open heart to what you have to say.
Certainly he must know that teachers of the word will be held accountable for their teachings.
Speak in love not anger, and don't look so much as the time you have invested in that church, but how many lives you touched while there.
God will lead you down the right path!

 

[warthog]

n/t

 

[VT Dave]

n/t

 

[Gunnar of bradford MN]

get out , its a levened lump , or should i say moldy