Christian Challenge International

"Ask the Pastor"

We frequently receive questions in email from people about doctrine, practice, etc. From time to time we will post the questions and the answers here on the web page. If you'd like to submit a question, simply email our pastor at Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org or use the form below.

March 1, 2002

Dear Friend,

Your questions came to me through our 'Ask the Pastor' page with
no email address or name given. This is why I am responding on
that page. If you would like to make this dialogue more personal,
feel free to write me on a personal basis.

> Dear Bro. Buddy:
>
> This is my first visit to your web site. I read your posts on the
> [unnamed group] and am aware you are a former UPC affiliate. Can you
> give me any idea of how many ministers like yourself have left the org?
> And how many of the UPC churches have dropped their affiliation?

If you will write me personally, I can direct you to someone who is a
better source on the numbers who have left the UPC. I let my
license drop in 1971, and formally left the group in 1974. But I left
before the greater exodus took place.

Seems there was a major loss of UPC ministers beginning in 1990.
(The Salt Lake City conference was the initial cause.) My sources
tell me that the UPC lost about 400 ministers in Texas alone, and
about 1000 ministers world wide. How accurate this is I have no way
of knowing.

I don't know how many UPC churches have dropped their affiliation.
I do know that more and more UPC ministers are expressing
concerns over the organization, including their standards and their
basic salvation teachings. I expect them to continue to lose
ministers until something is done to correct the situation.

> I have been a UPC member for close to 30 years, but obviously due to my
> group membership, am seeking other avenues.

I understand. You may be surprised at the ministers who share your
concerns. There are a couple of organizations that have been
formed by ex-UPC ministers. I'm not a member of either one. Write
me personally and I'll direct you to someone who can help.

> I am not mad at my pastor, haven't had a falling out with another
> saint, etc. In reading some of the other posts, I am aware that my case
> may be a rarity. An important issue for me is the amount and degree of
> separation between the world and the church that is expected in UPC
> churches. In the city where I live, if a church member involves
> themselves in city council meetings, local elections, school board
> meetings, etc., it is questionable.

I belong to two ministerial groups in Central Louisiana. You never
see a UPC minister at either one. This doesn't speak well of the
mind set of Pentecostal ministers.

> I have other questions, but I really would prefer not to have my
> questions made public on this forum, or my name revealed.

Your privacy is honored. Since you wrote me on the 'Ask the Pastor'
and didn't give an email address to respond do, I had no other way
to answer your questions. Feel free to write me personally.

The Lord bless you,

Bro. Buddy

Buddy Martin - 'Ask the Pastor'
Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org
http://www.ChristianChallenge.org/