[LWC]

LWC, be careful not to offer up a "strange fire". If you feel condemed in accepting the "practice of man" just for the sole purpose of maintaining your position or for just not wanting to upset some in the congregation, IMO you might want to consider a position with a congregation that may be more undenominational. Always remember the Methodist Church, along with the Baptist Church, the Presbyterian Church, etc., etc., etc. are all just denominations or sects set up by man. In other words dont be a hypocrit bowing to the desires of mankind and dilute or alter the words and wishes of God. Take a hard line stand in whatever the word of God says. There are no consequences when one is obedient. There are consequences however to disobedience. I read into the word of God, that he abhors lukewarmness. If you are going to be a pastor, you better learn real quick to dot the ''I's" and cross the "T's when performing your duties as a pastor. Only then will you ever be respected by your congrgation. Any tendency to waiver will soon become apparent, and thus IMO ultimately lead to disrespect. Dont ever be wishy washy in the pulpit. You're not trying to be a leader of a country club, you know? It is your job to lead others to heaven, not to be anybodies buddy.Dont be afraid to create a wave or two for the sake of righteousness. Oh by the way, did I mention anything about offering up a "strange fire"?


From what I read, a woman should not hold a position as a pastor.

That come off very wrong. I was not saying that I am thinking this because of obligation, I promise. Every pastor that I have ever met disagrees with something from their denomination. They will strongly defend that thing if asked about it, but they are willing to let certain things be more important than others. I have known Baptists that wouldn't care if women were pastors, Methodists that are uncomfortable with the Baptism of babies, etc....

However, on the basics of faith they stand firm.

I know that I am probably the most nondenominational person, I have ever met BUT I also know that God has called me to the current churches I serve. If the day ever comes that God calls me to a church that is not UMC, that is where I will go. I have held ministry positions in 3 different denominations, so as I have stated the things that are not essential to faith are not that big of a fight for me, and they shouldn't be for others. One thing the Church has too much of is division. We, as the Church (notice the capitalization, so I mean church worldwide) have spent too much time pointing out our differences, as opposed to working together. If Christian denominations worked as hard together in the US telling others about Christ, as they do in overseas missions, Satan wouldn't stand a chance here.

What I am saying is that matters of true importance I stand firm in: Jesus is the only way, the belief in the Trinity, that God came to save the world not condemn it, The Great Commission, that we are called to live like Christ, etc....

The non-essentials as I listed in my earlier post are not as important to me. I am not being a hypocrite or wishy-washy (even though I have great respect for you pointing that out, we are called to watch out for our neighbor and you did just that), I am just flat out saying that things like that are not as important to me as others, so I don't even take time to worry much about them.