The are Church SPLITS over the silliest things..

[Stan]

ANYONE else seen this?

Am reminded of a time when the police were called because there was a Davidian in Church saying is 'stuff'. The officers shook their heads and could not believe they were called..

[Woody]

I believe that the church manual allows for this. Our buildings are privately owned and we can allow who we want. We do not want doctrines contrary to the fundamental beliefs taught in our churches. I hope I am understanding what the issue is and that I am not way off base. If I am ... please correct me. But that is my take on what I think you are talking about.

I've been in a church that had to call the police. Not pretty though.

[Amelia]

seen what?

[Dr. Shane]

I was in a church that expelled a member. Well, his membership wasn't with that specific Adventist church so they couldn't disfellowship him. When he returned, they got a restraining order on him. When he returned again, they called the police. He was a "historic" Adventist and teaching members they could live without sinning. He was peaceful and mild-mannered and drew the sympathy of many. It split the church. After the entire ordeal, church attendance decreased by 50% and the pastor was transferred to another conference. It didn't turn out good for anyone involved.

[Woody]

He was peaceful and mild-mannered and drew the sympathy of many.

That is a good way to be deceptive. People can be drawn to those kinds of people. But like you said ... if he is not accepting the teachings of the church ... what are you going to do with someone who can influence those who come to hear the teachings of the Bible as represented by the SDA church?

[Jeannieb43]

If he's merely attending the church service [and not standing up and speaking out during the sermon or anything else disruptive], my vote would be to leave him alone. We can't censure the members just because they don't dress as we do or believe exactly as we do.

I think sometimes our smaller church become too zealous in trying to "purify" the congregation. We can't assume the role of trying to "cleanse" the congregation; none of us is perfect. Let the wheat and tares grow together till the harvest, is what Jesus said.

[Woody]

If he's merely attending the church service [and not standing up and speaking out during the sermon or anything else disruptive], my vote would be to leave him alone. We can't censure the members just because they don't dress as we do or believe exactly as we do.

I think sometimes our smaller church become too zealous in trying to "purify" the congregation. We can't assume the role of trying to "cleanse" the congregation; none of us is perfect. Let the wheat and tares grow together till the harvest, is what Jesus said.

Some very good points Jeannie. Very Good. Unless he is actively disturbing things with his meek and mild manner ... then let the wheat and the tares grow together. I think TRUTH will be evident and will stand. We should not be afraid to study and compare and expose error and truth.

Way to go ....

[Stan]

I know of one split when a person said... what about the festivals? Should we or should we not..??

All he asked was a question, and was branded as a heretic.

[Woody]

Quote:

All he asked was a question, and was branded as a heretic.

I know the feeling.

[Stan]

You do not stand alone :)

[CyberGuy]

Quote:

I was in a church that expelled a member. Well, his membership wasn't with that specific Adventist church so they couldn't disfellowship him. When he returned, they got a restraining order on him. When he returned again, they called the police. He was a "historic" Adventist and teaching members they could live without sinning. He was peaceful and mild-mannered and drew the sympathy of many. It split the church. After the entire ordeal, church attendance decreased by 50% and the pastor was transferred to another conference. It didn't turn out good for anyone involved.

I do not think the church could enforce that. Freedom of speech would protect the man from prosecution. As to private ownership the Association at the conference owns the church not the church itself so calling the police to throw out a man simply because they do not like his beliefs is stupid. that is like throwing out a catholic because people believe he is part of the beast in revelation. It makes adventists look like an intolerant bunch of people who are acting like a private club rather than a church.

[Parade Orange]

we are a private club

[Woody]

Quote:

we are a private club

That would be a true statement. We vote on who we want to be able to join. If you are not a member ... you can be removed from the premises.

[DrWhoCompanion]

Freedom of speech would not apply in this private setting.

[Guest charis]

I've never heard of anyone be bodily booted out of church during services....except for one time in the 70's when a guy on drugs got up and started shouting out the "truth" and interrupting the service. But by then, the incident was the topic du jour for the rest of the service and for a couple weeks afterwards.

In my view at that time, I found it the most interesting thing in church I'd ever seen.

[Woody]

So much for freedom of speech. And he was just telling the truth.

As a one recently said ...

Quote:

"Children want real people who stand for the truth at any cost and to their own hurt. Not the flakes that are floating around today."

[Dr. Shane]

Quote:

I do not think the church could enforce that.

Actually, the gentleman challenged the church board in court. He was well prepared showing the church board did not follow the church manual and quoted the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy. The judge ruled the church board had the legal authority to obtain the restraining order. But their victory was shallow because the attendance dropped by 50% which had to impact the tithe and offerings dramatically.