A new CF, an old vision

[No Swansong]

You don't know me at all, then.

There is more to me than the venomous lies posted in the CR.

Actually neither my comment nor my opinion has anything to do with CR.

 

[flaglady]

280+ post in 2½ hours - that must be some kind of record!! That's a post rate of 2-3 per minute!

 

[Protinus]

I just think that Christian Forums is no longer entitled to that name. Let's call it was it is...
POLL

I would add the subtitle in place of yours: "A brave stab at hope".

 

[No Swansong]

Mods aren't pastors, so I don't understand what that requirement has to do with anything.



We may have been told that, but that is not what most do. We spend our time going over reports, issuing warnings and infractions, that isn't spreading the good news,

There are more ways to minister than to preach the Gospel.

 

[joyshirley]

I'm curious about the voting thing that will be taking place and wondering how many "sock accounts" will be created in order to sway the vote?

Sock accounts occurred to me too, with regard to the rules formation Erwin writes of.....

Quote
a. Changing the site rules - simpler, less legalistic, and more open
b. Changing the way rules are developed or changed - wikify it! The rules process should be a member-initiated community-propelled, and consensus driven, not something that a minority can decide on.


Perhaps Erwin will do away with all accounts bar one's original one or something, for those who have more than one account, and put something in place to prevent their creation.....dunno how but I suppose he could do it somehow.....to counteract that possibility.....

 

[thiefinthenight]

 

[spiersdodgerblue]

Praying for God to be in control here on CF.

 

[GreenMunchkin]

Neither do I. But there are many non-Christians who aren't like that on CF also.

Oh, duck, I know I'm not trying to have a dig at non-Christians. Am sorry if it's coming across like that.

I really am specifically talking about the type I described. It would cause nothing but problems...

 

[scraparcs]

If this is indeed the case then, by definition, a Non Christian cannot fulfill this responsiblity...

You might be pleasantly surprised.

 

[MtDoraAngel]

Fully support you Erwin. Looking forward to the change. God Bless.

 

[Tychicus2]

But it isn't a question of compassion...?

Hopefully, there will be very few rules to even adhere to, but am speaking specifically of people who are well-liked within their own circle, but scornful of faith.

It's not about how compassionate or honest they are, cos many theists are lacking in both.

But if someone thinks Christianity is "delusional" and "for stupid people" - terms that have cropped up in GA *repeatedly*, I don't think someone with those views should be in a leading role within a Christian environment.

True...

How would the gifts of the Spirit be operational in one who denies the Spirit???

 

[No Swansong]

If this is indeed the case then, by definition, a Non Christian cannot fulfill this responsiblity...

Well evidently not anymore.

 

[JulySheMustFly]

AMEN!
I am so thrilled to hear this.

I look forward to the culture change the most!

 

[PaladinValer]

280+ post in 2½ hours - that must be some kind of record!! That's a post rate of 2-3 per minute!

Maybe...but I remember a rather heated debate in GT about 1.5 years ago which was rather similar in terms of posts per minute.

 

[JacobsDream]

I joined staff to help out, it actually takes more out of me as staff than when I was not a staff member.

I can't thank God enough for you, Erwin and the grace, strength and wisdom he has bestowed on you and like you have so often said and continue to reiterate, it is by His grace and his grace alone.

From reading your post, your frustration is very obvious and it is always wise to ACT when cool headed and not out of frustration.
A lot of change is not always better than some change because you can never know what the outcome WILL be.

Building is an exercise in incremental improvement. Radical is often hasty and wasty
Thesame goes for every aspect of life.
I'm not worried about loosing my staff position. I think staff should remember that their position is a privilege and not a right, to be a volunteer and work for God and not for man. God sees the work being done and even under a staff title or not, it is what God sees that counts. God is no respecter of persons.

-------------------------------------------------------------

12 months from now, what will identify CF as Christian?
Church is seldom successful as predominantly a democracy. The congregation in a Church can not always choose its shepherd correctly. It wouldn't be an effective church any longer. CF is not far from the likes of a virtual church, body of Christ where people are guided and strengthened in their walk among other things.


Is an etheist welcome in Church: YES.
Can an atheist decide whom becomes the Pastor, whom volunteers or who is a deacon, elder etc: NO.

CF is not different from the above picture.

My suggestion:
Erwin, look at your Church home, your congregation that you are very much a part of and see how it functions. Shape CF after it.
I'm sure that the "new" CF will be radically different from the body of Christ you are a part of in your own Church.

Don't react out of frustration. Your reaction speaks volumes about how much you care and the loving heart you have, to have as many ears as there are individuals here.

I suggest that you work on a way to reduce the gap between mods and the rest of the members. What keeps the "Christian" in CF if ANYBODY can show up and decide?

Not enough love, too much judging? Make the rules more leanient, but don't throw them out of the window (which is what you appear to intend).

Look at all the Churches you have been a part of, Churches that you approve of and a part of and model CF after it.
Too radical is more detrimental.

Cast you cares on God. Don't cave under the pressure or God is not really shouldering your burden, at least most of it.
You have at least a dozen staff, Alpha etc that you can get together and pray about this with. Don't just decide on your own and it appears to be the case. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Joykins]

Praying for God to be in control here on CF.

He is in control whether we want him to be or not


May the mind of Christ, my Savior,
Live in me from day to day,
By His love and power controlling
All I do and say.
May the Word of God dwell richly
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph
Only through His power.
May the peace of God my Father
Rule my life in everything,
That I may be calm to comfort
Sick and sorrowing.
May the love of Jesus fill me
As the waters fill the sea;
Him exalting, self abasing,
This is victory.
May I run the race before me,
Strong and brave to face the foe,
Looking only unto Jesus
As I onward go.
May His beauty rest upon me,
As I seek the lost to win,
And may they forget the channel,
Seeing only Him.

 

[praying]

There are more ways to minister than to preach the Gospel.

No doubt, no doubt indeed.

 

[kiwimac]

I just think that Christian Forums is no longer entitled to that name. Let's call it was it is...
POLL

Please! This is still Christian forums, that won't change because we are going to be treating folk like grown-ups you know.

 

[scraparcs]

Oh, duck, I know I'm not trying to have a dig at non-Christians. Am sorry if it's coming across like that.

I really am specifically talking about the type I described. It would cause nothing but problems...

I know. Now let's count in binary.

True...

How would the gifts of the Spirit be operational in one who denies the Spirit???

[BIBLE]Philippians 4:13[/BIBLE]

 

[CaDan]

True...

How would the gifts of the Spirit be operational in one who denies the Spirit???

The Spirit blows where it will.

Might Christians not be more cautious, more open and just in their judgments and attitudes towards the great non-Christian religions of the world if they were completely convinced of the fact that the Holy Spirit, who is revealed in and through the Church, is the free Spirit of the Lord of the whole world, who is revealed in and through the Church, is the free Spirit of the Lord of the whole world, who is at work where he wills?​

Hans Küng ~ The Church, pp. 176-77.