Forum rules

I thought the sticky note on forum rules was balanced and well thought out.

If there are current members with honest questions or concerns, feel free to chime in. I have seen great GC churches and some which have left me cold. Anyone who read my posts in detail will discover I love my brothers in sisters in GC. I got a lot out of the two years I was in from 2005-2007. I saw a good side. I can see why many stay. I have a love for two completely different GC churches in North Texas. It was time for my wife and I to move back to Ohio; nevertheless the fellowships will be missed.

I have had recent incidents which have left me siding with the forum. The posts are there to read. I like to refer to the parable of the Good Samiritan. Many former members of abusive groups feel left for dead. There are former GC members who still smart from their experiences. I wish I could sugar coat it and say it never happened. I wish I could explain it away. Unfortunately I would not be honest with myself, the readers and the Lord. I do not have silver coins to give to an innkeeper, but I do understand why the forum is a place of refuge.

Puff is right, the forum should not be a bully pulpit. I owe a former GC member an amends in that regard. It was brought home during a pastors conference. The pastor recounted as a new Christian an encounter with a group of people who knocked on his door. They were not the white shirt wearing clean cut dressed men with the black badges. The reader can figure it out for himself. He was ready for doctrinal fight. He studied up and blew them away. He felt great until an older Christian man asked if they were coming back. He felt six inches tall. I felt the same way. I have won many an arguement with a friend in GC, but nearly lost her for all eternity. Today we are reconciling. There are days where we have to agreeably disagree. It is OK to have a difference of opinion and perspective. Take what you like and leave the rest.