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Part 2: I'm Optimistic / Pessimistic About the Apostolic Movement because . . . May 5, 2008 By the
Readers of ninetyandnine.com For our 2007
Readers Demographic Survey, we asked
our readers two simple questions: I'm optimistic
about the Apostolic Movement because . . . I'm pessimistic
about the Apostolic Movement because … Last
week we gave you the first taste
of the answers, but there were many more. Kudos to Shirley McDonald for putting in the hard labor of organization and first-proofing. It's never as easy as it looks. --------- Optimistic: “People are drawing closer to God.” Pessimistic:
“People are turning God's free gift into something one must
earn.” Optimistic: “People need God's freedom and love.” Pessimistic:
“We have added too many of our own traditions to call ourselves
'Apostolic' anything.” Optimistic: “We have a lot to offer to the current American generation and to the world at large; we have Jesus. People today are stressed out, overburdened, overwhelmed, confused, and basically lost. They need Him.” Pessimistic:
“I'm still reeling from the split in the organization. What
does this say to the world about the unity of the body of Christ?
We are so busy squabbling amongst ourselves over man-made rules,
that we are completely ignoring the hurting people all around
us that desperately need Jesus. They don't
care about our standards or if we watch TV; they just want to
see God in us and have us show them who He is. I feel like weeping
when I think of how my own home church broke away from the UPC
organization. The end truly is not all that far off and the fields
are ripe for harvest, but the laborers are too busy worrying over
the insignificant details to notice. That's just my two cents
worth, and obviously is not the opinion of my church or pastor.” Optimistic: “I believe God is getting ready to move in ways we have never seen before in our metro areas and the areas where the UPCI, ALJC, PAW and others are not paying enough attention to or harvesting in, such as domestic violence and homeless shelters and jails. Yes, we have a token presence in some of these, but not like we should. “ Pessimistic:
“We tend to want to flavor the picture in the direction we
want in who we permit and who we deny. I will explain. We censor
people from speaking that God has sent to minister to us and call
us back into alignment with the word of God. Even on our Apostolic
web sites, we tend to post a lot of fluff . . . and not
what the Spirit is saying to the church in this hour. He that
hath an ear, let him hear.” Optimistic: “There are people who are on fire for God and who don't care what other people think about them. There are also countless opportunities for us to get involved in our communities and outreach and for us to share our faith with the people around us.” Pessimistic:
“People get so caught up in petty things which don't really
have any influence over our belief systems and let them tear our
organization apart. We talk about unity, but yet it is nowhere
to be found.” Optimistic: “I see more and more people seeking God instead of following men.” Pessimistic:
“We aren't moving fast enough.” Optimistic: “I'm encouraged at the veritable insistence on doctrine in the church. There is also an indefatigable element to the Apostolic Church. Throughout the ages, Truth has marched on. Revival is happening now overseas and here in North America.” Pessimistic:
“There's no pessimism. There's a belief that many will 'fall
away' as they always have. Once the gospel becomes centered on
individual greatness and our own acceptance, we will lose even
though it looks like we win. But Truth will march on. “ Optimistic: “While I think we are making strides in becoming mainstream, I think there is still a very narrow-minded attitude about people who are not 'one of us.' Pessimistic:
I also think churches are beginning to water down the message
to fit in and that is something that should never happen.” Optimistic: “If we stay prayed up and revival ready . . . God can work in a miraculous way.” Pessimistic:
“We have strayed so far from our pioneered paths of holiness
and righteousness. The seared conscience of things that used to
be sin is now just something that needs to be kept up in the times
that we are living in. Don't worry about if things are God-approved
just as long as it feels right to the carnal self and not with
the spiritual aspect.” Optimistic: “It's only going to grow and that means new life and that in turn means exciting times living for God.” Pessimistic:
“I think we major on the minors. Our purpose is to reach
the lost. But we get lost in making them look 'right' and trying
to shape them when we should leave that to God. As only He can
do.” Optimistic: “He is going to present to himself a church-bride that is glorious.” Pessimistic:
“Half of us are busy trying to make everyone look right and
the other half are preoccupied with materialism (and some have
issues with both).” Optimistic: “It's harvest time and you can feel it everywhere you go. We're all saying the same thing: God is getting ready to move, and the Apostolic church is going to be involved. It's so great to be on the cusp of this great move of God.” Pessimistic:
“I'm concerned about the young adults and youth in our organization.
They're still seeking out who they are, and what they're going
to do for God. Will they be ready to lead the next generation
Apostolic?” Optimistic: “There seems to be a new focus on reaching outside of the church to those in need” Pessimistic:
“The tremendous infighting still exists.” Optimistic: “Jesus really is the same yesterday, today and forever, so His church should be as well. The Book of Acts church saw 3,000 saved in one day! The church can see this happen, too!” Pessimistic:
“I sometimes worry if things get too political within the
organization(s). I wonder if Peter or Paul ever feuded over who
will be the new music director or who is the youth leader. Yes,
politics and gossip will surely hinder the spirit's capability
to work in any setting.” Optimistic: “Consistency in sharing the Word of God with others will develop mature spirituality, which will be reproduced in others. We need to get back to the basics of biblical doctrine, and quit following traditions of men.” Pessimistic:
“Too many men desire positions of power proclaiming their
ideas about spirituality. True spirituality comes from within
by digesting the Word of God. At times I leave a church service,
when there has been nothing but 'worship' and felt empty because
the Word did not go forth.” Optimistic: “We're at a place to move forward or fall apart, and I think we're moving forward.” Pessimistic:
“Some people are so caught up in issues from the past that
they want to cause us to fall apart.” Optimistic: “God is good. Many churches are breaking free from tradition and looking at new ways to do things and reach people. Loving others and servitude are being stressed rather than having newcomers look the 'part.' It's exciting to see a relevant modern-day church that stands for what's important and what's right as opposed to being caught up in the political side of things.” Pessimistic:
“Even though there are churches that are changing and moving
to reach the needs of today's world, there are still too many
(the vast majority) stuck in the rut of traditionalism and legalism.
I'm tired of my faith being looked down upon because someone had
a bad experience at a church where the saints and leadership abused
their power and were too judgmental to look past the outward appearance
and see the soul in need of love and compassion inside.” Optimistic: “We stand for the only truth that matters. We have the awesome revelation of the Mighty God in Christ. We are a caring and compassionate people.” Pessimistic:
“There are some who do not hold to the best interests of
the movement and they have compromised the unity of the body because
of their out of date ideas on how to proclaim the Gospel to the
World” Optimistic: “We have the Truth!” Pessimistic:
“We don't share the Truth enough.” Optimistic: “I have read the back of the book and we win.” Pessimistic:
“People get involved and often make a mess of things.” Optimistic: “It's the Body of Christ, born of His Spirit and Blood, destined for glory and to reign forever with Him. I've caught a glimpse of what He's doing in the world and in the Body in these momentous times.” Pessimistic:
“I'm not pessimistic about the movement. I am burdened for
brothers and sisters who can't see the forest for the trees. There
is so much to do and the laborers are few. I'm praying the Lord
of the Harvest to send forth laborers.” Optimistic: “It hasn't died . . . yet.” Pessimistic:
“Inanimate objects are more important than living organisms.” Optimistic: “The doctrine is correct.” Pessimistic:
“Non-doctrinal issues have taken the forefront.” Optimistic: “We have a sound theological interpretation of God's plan for salvation.” Pessimistic:
“Many issues are deemed as theology that are actually cultural
interpretations. Also, although women are able to active in ministry
in many of the AP denominations, it is not actually encouraged
in any way.” Optimistic: “God is in control.” Pessimistic:
“Man attempts to be in control.” Optimistic: “There are still genuine believers who believe the Bible and love Jesus and most importantly try and reach out to their brothers and sisters.” Pessimistic:
“There is not enough love of God in our churches. People
lack concern for brothers and sisters in church. For example,
I just started picking up a sister to church. She even asked the
pastor and his wife, but they ignored her and only scolded her
for not coming to church, knowing full well that she did not have
transportation. That is sad. “ Optimistic: “Of the relevance and progressiveness our leaders. All without the loss Jesus-name conviction!” Pessimistic:
“Of the lack of young ministers and the apathetic attitude
of today's generation.” Optimistic: “God is in it!” Pessimistic:
“Human traditions are in it.” Optimistic: “It possesses in its structure extreme flexibility for people of different beliefs to still be brothers.” Pessimistic:
“Many of its ministers confuse methods with morals and reject
new approaches to reaching emerging generations.” Optimistic: “It's becoming more progressive.” Pessimistic:
“Of the disunity and backbiting among us rather than focusing
on the world outside.” Optimistic: “It's the only true way to Heaven.” Pessimistic:
“Standards continue to deteriorate; Pentecostals are so judgmental;
there is no room for difference of opinion, etc.” Optimistic: “It's getting back to the roots of the Great Commission.” Pessimistic:
“Too much negativism and judgment amongst each other.” Optimistic: “I see individuals stepping up and taking control of their own salvation and ministries and allowing themselves to respectfully disagree with the traditions of men that have infiltrated many Apostolic organizations.” Pessimistic:
“I feel there is too much legalism. There was a reason
Jesus got cranky with the Pharisees.” Optimistic: “I am old school, I don't believe in television, I am committed to serving the Lord and witnessing to those who are reflecting my past. Jesus is Lord! I love Jesus!” Pessimistic:
“There are such different standards between the saints of
the Lord? Why, there is one God, so there should be one set of
guidelines!” Optimistic: “The world needs Jesus!” Pessimistic:
“Things are becoming too bureaucratic.” Optimistic: “We are living in the greatest hour to be an Apostolic.” Pessimistic:
“A lot of division in the body and many saints not knowing
what the Bible specifically says.” Optimistic: “We are moving onward even though the old timers don't want to.” Pessimistic:
“Some are hindering revival with traditions of men.” Optimistic: “I'm Pentecostal, but not Apostolic. I know holiness is right . . . commanded by a loving God for His glory and the good of His children.” Pessimistic:
“I cannot embrace the Apostolic faith because Scripture clearly
supports the Trinity. Jesus is the way to God the Father . . .
and a right relationship with the Father and Son allow us to know
and experience the indwelling of the Holy Ghost.” Optimistic: “We preach the power of transformation. Few denominations seem to focus on change, and we offer the opportunity for radical lifestyle realignment.” Pessimistic:
“Of the division in the movement. I feel as though previous
generations have let us down over the television issue. For years
they have preached that each subsequent generation will be the
one to lose the message; however, the division that they are bringing
about now will hurt the Movement more than ever. I'm also disappointed
because I believe they're taking away the opportunity for the
next generation of leaders (people under 40) to come together
and lead this Movement to higher heights.” Optimistic:
“God brought me to this movement 20 years ago with no real
connection to any pentecostals..of any kind! Now I was praying
and asked Him to lead me to the truth and promised Him that if
He would show me truth that I would never leave it. I dare say
that Jesus is more faithful than I am and so He will never leave
us or forsake us either! Thankful for this wonderful church...yes
I am!” Optimistic: “Congregations are beginning find abundant life as we focus more on relating to God and worry less about traditional protocol. “As we come
to know Him and have more faith in His limitless power, we realize
that we have what the world needs and thus we will be more open
about publishing what we know of Jesus Christ.” “2. Young
people often have a distorted view of God because the crush of
all kinds of entertainment eats away at the time God desires to
spend with us.”
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