At Crossroads -- Cf's Vision Discussion Thread - Please Vote in Poll Thread

[Brennin]

Somewhere buried in the last thread someone posted something about allowing non-Christian mods in the Discussion & Debate area only. That might be a good compromise.

 

[JimfromOhio]

It's those with the extreme attitudes (in all directions) that need to be dissuaded from holding moderator positions. This is a truism whatever religious beliefs any may hold.

Some may consider one extreme and the other is not while another person is the opposite. we will have to consider the extreme-much that is good and much that is bad.

Biblically, I want to protect what God has commanded me to do. If non-Christians wants to power their way to administrating CF, then I would object. Moderating CF in non-Christian/open areas was never a problem for me. Now my concern is allowing one in will cause more problems down the road. In the past, unbelievers have walked in within our faith change and weaken our Christian organizations.

 

[D'Ann]

Sounds like a good argument for keeping moderation and ministry formally separate. If mods have no need to proselytize in an official capacity, making it clear that their duties are janitorial, not ministerial, ought to remove that temptation.

Aaaah... that is what some would think, but... many people come to CF searching and sincerely seeking and the first people they will turn to is a moderator and thus... being a moderator is not only janitorial, but also ministerial... it's a combo platter. Also, there will be Christians who are struggling and they will seek out a moderator to ask questions and request prayers.

So, being a moderator is 2 things... that go hand n hand... janitorial and ministerial. That is why only Christians should be moderators. But at the same time, those who are not Christians should still be able to serve CF in some other capacity. Why? Because all of us who are apart of this community should serve in some capacity or another.

P.S.: You ROCK!

 

[ScottBot]

Sounds like a good argument for keeping moderation and ministry formally separate. If mods have no need to proselytize in an official capacity, making it clear that their duties are janitorial, not ministerial, ought to remove that temptation.

Make no mistake, I am here to do both. My primary mission is to strengthen the faith of those that are faltering, spread faith to those that are seeking, and lastly, to help facilitate fruitful conversation between they who's opinions differ. If my capacity to do #1 or #2 is compromised by #3, I will give up # 3 in a heartbeat. If this site is changed fundamentally so that #1 and #2 are meaningless, there are an abundance of other places online to ply my trade.

 

[ZACTAK]

I didn't say that CF isn't, or shouldn't be, a ministry. Merely that the moderators don't need to be ministering.

How can those in charge of the ministry not be witnesses? If they do not believe Jesus is God, then how can they fulfill the desires of the ministry? They can't!

 

[Mary_Magdalene]

How so? How is it "the way of man" to ensure that a Christian ministry actually remains just that...a Christian ministry?



I don't think anyone is saying we need to revert to exactly the way things were before the 7-7-7 reforms. I know I and many others have applauded the underlying principle of encouraging more interaction between Christians and non-believers, and that is something I would like to see going forward. But the fact is that the present means of attempting to accomplish that principle are not justified so long as CF continues to view itself as a ministry.



Christian ministries are run by Christians, guided by Christians and seek to bring the Gospel to those who are NOT Christians. CF in its present state is run by Christians and non-believers, guided by Christians and non-believers, and is telling some non-believers that they are Christians (and by implication don't need the Gospel).

I assure you that is NOT the side you want to be standing on when "the doomsday book is written." Please do not stand there and imply that those of us who want to preserve this as a Christian ministry are concerned with separating ourselves from "those who are found unworthy." The whole point of ministry is taking the Gospel to those who are in need, but compromising that Gospel in order to do so will ultimately end in failure.

I wish to see this continue as a Christian ministry.

 

[Debi1967]

Well I am shutting up for now

Everyone raise your hands and say hooray!!!!

See everyone tomorrow and you all have a great night!

 

[justanobserver]

When you look back at History....most of the people God has used to spread his word and teachings, are people that you would not consider to be Christian or believers in God at all.

Womanisers like Sampson

Drunks

Liars

People who tried to run away (and got swallowed by a whale)

Even the persecutors of the Faithfull in Christ Jesus, as was the case with Saul of Tarsus.

This forum is a called to be a drawing point for non believers....or it would not have under gone change in the first place.... who is it that Draws men to Christ ?

His will be done !


Peace

good post!

 

[kimber1]

Aaaah... that is what some would think, but... many people come to CF searching and sincerely seeking and the first people they will turn to is a moderator and thus... being a moderator is not only janitorial, but also ministerial... it's a combo platter. Also, there will be Christians who are struggling and they will seek out a moderator to ask questions and request prayers.

So, being a moderator is 2 things... that go hand n hand... janitorial and ministerial. That is why only Christians should be moderators. But at the same time, those who are not Christians should still be able to serve CF in some other capacity. Why? Because all of us who are apart of this community should serve in some capacity or another.

P.S.: You ROCK!

i disagree, respectfully. there's no reason why if a seeker happened to inquire from a nonChristian mod that that mod couldn't send them to a Christian mod and get the help they were looking for. none whatsoever.

 

[ScottBot]

I wasn't speaking hypothetically. In the long run, who cares about $40.00 a year. For me, its the principle of the thing, and what I believe to be a Godly obligation to be a good steward of the resources with which I have been blessed.

 

[Sothron]

Aaaah... that is what some would think, but... many people come to CF searching and sincerely seeking and the first people they will turn to is a moderator and thus... being a moderator is not only janitorial, but also ministerial... it's a combo platter. Also, there will be Christians who are struggling and they will seek out a moderator to ask questions and request prayers.

So, being a moderator is 2 things... that go hand n hand... janitorial and ministerial. That is why only Christians should be moderators. But at the same time, those who are not Christians should still be able to serve CF in some other capacity. Why? Because all of us who are apart of this community should serve in some capacity or another.

P.S.: You ROCK!

I think your point about mods being de facto figures of authority and "witness" if you will is a very good one. This is the main reason why I am opposed to having a non-Christian be a mod in any forum. It is not that I do not think they are incapable of doing a good job. I believe that by its very nature a mod commands a certain degree of respect and authority and having non-Christians in these positions quite frankly sends a mixed message.

 

[GraceInHim]

I didn't say that CF isn't, or shouldn't be, a ministry. Merely that the moderators don't need to be ministering.

depends on which forum one moderates.. moderated in theology and did not see ministering by mods, we usually called a site chaplain to minister to someone who seemed in need. The faith icon checks was always a problem for me, now this is away with. A good thing

 

[Axver]

Sounds like a good argument for keeping moderation and ministry formally separate. If mods have no need to proselytize in an official capacity, making it clear that their duties are janitorial, not ministerial, ought to remove that temptation.

This is easily one of the most sane and sensible posts on the thread.

ANd for those who have signed on to the first premise and contributed to the financial well-being of what was advertised to us as what you've indicated, can we make a case to have our money refunded? If the premise of this site were changed, it would be exemplary of a classic bait and switch.

This, on the other hand, is a gross and unwarranted over-reaction.

It is roughly equivalent to this: for those of us who signed on to the premise that a primary reason this place exists is to discuss Christianity and contributed our time to the active well-being of the site, can we make a case to be compensated for all the time we have expended?

If your answer is "duh, of course not", then there's the answer to your question too.

 

[JimfromOhio]

When you look back at History....most of the people God has used to spread his word and teachings, are people that you would not consider to be Christian or believers in God at all.

Womanisers like Sampson

Drunks

Liars

People who tried to run away (and got swallowed by a whale)

Even the persecutors of the Faithfull in Christ Jesus, as was the case with Saul of Tarsus.

This forum is a called to be a drawing point for non believers....or it would not have under gone change in the first place.... who is it that Draws men to Christ ?

His will be done !


Peace

While its true that MANY of us were like them.... sinners. Can God use me despite my sinful past? I have found that God uses unqualified people to accomplish God’s spiritual purposes. Here are the following God’s CHOSEN/CALLED unqualified people to serve Him.
1. Lot got drunk and committed incest.
2. Abraham doubted God and committed adultery.
3. Jacob deceived his father.
4. Moses murdered.
5. David murdered and committed adultery.
6. Jonah got angry with God (in a sinful way)
7. Paul (Saul) murdered Christians
8. All 12 of Jesus disciples were not qualified to be the Apostles however Jesus called them.

God will use ordinary good people as well as ordinary very sinful people to accomplish great things. Through out the history (in the past 2,000 years), God uses people of limitless backgrounds who can minister “together” (unity) for Christ. God works all things together for His purposes.

Can God use unbelievers BEFORE or AFTER they were convicted by the Holy Spirit to know Christ?

 

[Lisa0315]

Well, I personally feel that if this thread resulted in the ousting of non-Christian moderators, then, it would only be a matter of time before they would be disallowed from participation in the rule making process. Then, in another short time period, it would be back to the same ole same ole.

I think this is just yet another attempt to turn new CF back into old CF.

I am going back to cast my vote for #1 just to try to help keep new CF alive. If anyone else was on the fence, I hope you will follow my lead.

Lisa

 

[Concetta]

With all due respect D'Ann, I feel that a good moderator would know when to refer such religious questions or prayer issues to the appropriate help. Also there are some non religious, non spiritual areas of the board such as fellowship areas that a non Christian mod could be an asset. GBU all

 

[sparklecat]

Aaaah... that is what some would think, but... many people come to CF searching and sincerely seeking and the first people they will turn to is a moderator and thus... being a moderator is not only janitorial, but also ministerial... it's a combo platter. Also, there will be Christians who are struggling and they will seek out a moderator to ask questions and request prayers.

It's fairly simple to refer them to a Christian in those cases.

 

[Lisa0315]

I chose option 1 even though I am against a name change. I am voting for option 1 because I feel it is important that we keep new CF alive instead of going back to the old CF regime of closed doors, politics, and hidden agendas.

Lisa

 

[MartinM]

So, being a moderator is 2 things... that go hand n hand... janitorial and ministerial. That is why only Christians should be moderators. But at the same time, those who are not Christians should still be able to serve CF in some other capacity. Why? Because all of us who are apart of this community should serve in some capacity or another.

It's becoming fairly clear that most of the disagreement here is simply over the role of the moderators. I seem to recall that it was proposed on the original thread that moderation and ministry be split formally; moderators would perform the janitorial duties, and a separate (Christian-only) group would be set up to handle ministry. That way, all members are represented in those who enforce the rules, and there's a highly visible group of Christians who can serve as the official representatives of the CF ministry. Would that be acceptable?

P.S.: You ROCK!

Oh, now that definitely deserves some cookies.

 

[ravenscape]

sparklecat ROCKS as mod!

QFT!

I haven't weighed in on the poll yet, nor have I voted. I think both options are flawed, and I don't expect to cast a vote given the options available.