Terry's Thoughts on UPC Isolation

I am a new visitor to your site, so I am not sure if this is a subject that has already been discussed ad nauseum. I'm not mad at anyone in particular, have no axe to grind or personal vendetta vs. a specific minister.

As a 26 year member of UPC churches, however, I am beginning to doubt our efficiency in spreading the gospel if we isolate ourselves in the community in the name of "holiness".

When I first received the Holy Ghost, even attending a PTA meeting on a church night was preached against. While granted there have been some inroads made in that area, for the most part I see our churches as a whole backing away from involvement in all sorts of things that are not sinful, but that would put them in contact with the unchurched.

As it stands, the only place the lost might have contact with UPC members is at the gas station, the grocery store, or at a restaurant after church on a Sunday night. And then when we're in a revival, we expect them all to come when we haven't done one thing to show ourselves friendly. We have virtually closed off every avenue through which we might have a chance to witness, while also becoming stagnant Christians. I am not sure I can define myself this narrowly.

As someone who is no longer a "babe" in the Lord, I feel I have observed for some time now our chasing our tail, so to speak. We want our churches filled, but heaven forbid that we have any interests/hobbies outside the church that might be the basis for meeting a sinner. Everything can't be wrong.

---

Posted March 17, 2002

---