It's about time I introduce myself.

[disciple]

I have only been on this site for a couple of weeks now,but I am learning much from the people on this site.
I am a christian,and have been for 24 years now.My occupation is a little different.I am a Pastor so I get to think about these topics all the time,and even get paid for it lol,I love to read,especially theology,and I love to interact with people from all persuasions,especially with those outside the church.I hate hypocrisy and religiousity,especially when I see it in myself.I have always thought that religion and the people who try and practice it are the things that hinder people from coming to God the most.Our church receives people of all types and we try and learn about God and the Bible,striving to maintain a non-judgmental attitude.

I am on this site because I have found I grow the most in my faith when I hang around those that aren't christian,sometimes I get very tired of religious people who are always judging others instead of loving them as Jesus commanded.Hanging around you guys and learning from you helps me to learn the hang ups people are having with God and christianity,it definately gives me some fodder for my sermons lol! I am looking forward to learning more in the days ahead,and interacting with anyone who desires,thanks.Disciple.

[jetson]

I am glad you are getting something from joining and participating - and a proper welcome to you!

May I ask why you don't put a space between your sentences?  It makes them more difficult to read.

Here is an example.There is no space between these two sentences.

Here is an example.  There is a proper space between the sentences.

No offense meant towards you, just a friendly suggestion!

[disciple]

Thanks Jetson,
Something weird happens when I post. The box seems to shrink when I write a certain amount so I am trying to save space. My writing disappears so I cant see it,I dont know why?

[disciple]

I will put a space between my sentences from now on. Thanks for the heads up

[jetson]

The box is a fixed size, and it will allow you to type quite a bit before it runs out of space!  Just remember not to hit the return key as it will automatically return at the right edge (unless you want to insert a new line, of course.)  After you enter enough characters, a scroll bar will appear and allow you to keep typing up to the maximum number of characters (I don't know what the max is!)

[disciple]

Thanks Jetson, it's a good thing to be shortwinded, this way our posts have a better chance of being read.

[sky]

Welcome disciple. How long have you been a pastor?

 Also with your computer if you have trouble with the features like quoting and your reply box jumping it may be you need to check your 'compatibility mode' I can't remember where its found on my computer right now, but I had trouble seeing what I was typing if I had more than a couple of lines. It might be under view or tools. I use firefox and I don't have that problem. I did have that problem with IE8.

[disciple]

Thanks sky, I have been a Pastor for 14 years now, 10 years in the current one where we are serving.
I will look into the problem or just keep my posts shorter lol.

[sky]

I like short posts too. What country do you live in? A pastor in one church for 10 years  seems like a long time now days.

[disciple]

America,the land of the free!

[sky]

Home of the brave...Good luck on the forum, there's some nice people here. Some days I get a bit weary and the rhetoric steals my joy, but I get it back too...Do you ever worry about deconversion? do you know what that is?

[disciple]

I'm not sure what you mean by de-conversion,but if it's what I think you mean, no!
I trust that I am kept by the power of another. If left to myself then it would be possible, but no one is able to snatch you from the Fathers hand. 

[sky]

John 10:29

"My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand."


A comforting Scripture, thanks for that...

[disciple]

Rest in your faith,

[sky]

Yep, I never believed in de-conversion anyway...

[Mooby the Golden Sock]

I'm not sure what you mean by de-conversion,but if it's what I think you mean, no!

It's a bit of a neologism meaning to convert from religious faith to atheism.  The "de" emphasizes the loss of faith rather than the transformation of faith.

Have you talked to Vynn yet?  He's a former pastor who deconverted a couple years ago while posting on this site's predecessor.  He might be an interesting fellow for you to talk to.  I don't know how much he checks the site anymore, though, because he's a bit frustrated with the staff here.  Try sending him a PM if you're interested.

Welcome to the site!

[disciple]

Thanks mooby, appreciate the info on deconversion, you make it sound like detox lol!

[Mooby the Golden Sock]

I think some of the atheists may actually see it that way, especially those who view faith as a type of mental poison.

[disciple]

Sure, I think I can understand why they would see it that way. Since i've been a christian though my problem has never been with God, but with those who often misrepresent Him. I've learned to often distinguish between the two, God and religion that is. Religion can be mind control, but God ? No ! He wins us by love.

[Servant of God]

  Welcome to the forum disciple, hope you enjoy your stay here 

                              God Bless 

[Assyriankey]

Home of the knave...