Enough Already!

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On Tue, 01 Oct 1996 21:24:40 GMT mbasset@iconn.net (Mark Bassett) writes:

>2 thoughts Chris...
>
>1 - I hope you are smarter than this, and have a little patience

This situation has lasted for many years now.  Try 1976 for starters.

>2 - Talking about the shortcoming of pastors and parts of the church
>where there are identities involved in public is defintely not wise,
>and I gotta say that I not only won't read the notes, but will
>probably instruct my mailer to ditch this thread in a little folder
>called "trash".

I never talked about anyones shortcomings.  I just told the facts as
I was told them from *both* sides of the coin.  I left the name of
the church and its pastor out to protect their identity.  Many know
the church I attend so it was pointless to hide that fact.  

Now, this situation is not rare.  In fact, I know of a very similar
situation
of 2 other churches in the same town not to far from here.  
One church calls the other one names, and refuses to fellowship them.
I am also positive that it is happening in many other churches, states,
etc.
I have heard the stories and seen the problems.  To sweep this under
the rug is crazy.  It IS a problem and it needs to be discussed.   Once
again, the reason I brought it to everyones attention was to see their
opinions and possibly what they have done in a similar situation.  
I note your opinion however do not feel I am wrong for expressing
my feelings toward what I feel to be a childish game played between
churches.  

>Sorry! Nothing personal! I know you are upset, but theres no real
>chance of doing any more than getting a lot of others upset too, here.

Once again I ask, when does this situation get discussed?  This is
not what God intends for those of the same faith to do, or any faith for
that matter..  We should not be acting better than the other nor should
we be the critic of them. I felt that if there was a problem in between
the two pastors, then they should of discussed it.  Neither should 
preach to their saints about how bad the other pastor is, from the
pulpit.  I cannot help but be involved and hurt since I personally was
unrightly judged and preached about from the pulpit.  Not only is it
improper, it is also crazy to think someone would do that when they never
met you.  He went by where I
went to church and from that, I was a bad person.  

To add to the original post and my feelings, I have never bad mouthed
the other pastor.  I stated he preached a pretty good sermon.  I also
noted
what was rumor and what was fact.  When I visited this other church,
I went with all rumors put aside.  I did not want that to effect my 
views of this church.  What I found was many of the things were just
that,
rumors.  But at the same time, I also found a line of truth about the
situation.  

As for me, I feel I have done a great part in diffusing some of the 
situation so far.  Yes, I was preached about and looked down upon
from some of the saints there, but I have also fellowshipped with some
of the saints there and was able to lay rest some of the rumors.  By my
visiting the church and seeing a girl from there, I have also made a 
contact between the churches.  For the first time in years, my church
was invited to a function at the other church.  We have invited them 
for years to visit but to no avail.  Maybe now, by attending their
functions,
both churches might start fellowshipping again.  It is a small part piece
of a great big puzzle, but it is a start.  To say I am doing wrong would
be
crazy.  

UPDATE:
It has been brought to my attention from a saint at this other church
that their pastor has backed down from many of his previous stances and
views in the past few months.  He is in their words, easing
up on some of his harsh views.  God is answering prayers and I am for 
one eager to see the results that are forthcoming.
 
God Bless, and no offense taken Bro Basset.  8)

Chris Sterrett
sterrett@juno.com
-------------------------------
Apostolic Bible Church
Acts2.38@juno.com