| Author | Message | ||
| Treasurehntr Registered user Username: Treasurehntr Post Number: 32 Registered: 7-2007 |
I believed they had forgotten about me, certainly wish they had. One of the church elders came by yesterday. Apparently the new SDA pastor is driving to bring back former members. This one caught me off guard and this elder is VERY pushy. By God's grace I did not lose my temper. Please pray for me. I'm not a debater and I don't like being cornered. Many of us here are is situations where SDA's are trying to force us back into the denomination. My prayers are with you all | ||
| Randyg Registered user Username: Randyg Post Number: 454 Registered: 12-2004 |
I am so sorry for this type of encounter you had. Obviously, this type of thing happens, as it happened to you. I am surprised that this approach was used, and I would suspect most Adventists would be embarrassed to know that this goes on. I certainly know all the ones I know would be. What I hear more often from those members that no longer attend church is that NO one has bothered to even call. I suspect we have to look at these types of situations as unseemly as they are, as an opportunity to share what God has done for us. However, the cold call, unannounced visit is highly inappropriate. I would under those circumstances, tell them to phone and request a visit. That way, you can tell them an appropriate time, or to forget it. Randy | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 6711 Registered: 12-2003  |
Treasurehntr, I am so sorry. The unexpected push is so hard to deflect, but praise God He kept you cool. If this should happen to others, I do agree with Randy that it is appropriate to tell them you cannot talk to them at that time. Suggest they call for an appointment--which you may or may not make with them. Colleen | ||
| Agapetos Registered user Username: Agapetos Post Number: 1021 Registered: 10-2002  |
Sorry to hear about it, TH. I wonder if they realize how cultic that kind of thing appears. | ||
| Treasurehntr Registered user Username: Treasurehntr Post Number: 33 Registered: 7-2007 |
The blindside approch is very cultic, Agapetos. It establishes superiority by catching prey unaware, and it wins absolutley nobody. SDA use this when witnessing to potential converts too. Ever see SDA using the Sabbath or State of the Dead on other Christians? | ||
| River Registered user Username: River Post Number: 1411 Registered: 9-2006  |
I wonder about this. Is the Christian never allowed to show anger? Never allowed to rebuke someone? Just remain “cool”? Just always peaches and cream? If a Christian shows anger or indignation he is always labeled as un-Christian. Are we always required to be mousy, docile, no matter what comes our way? What if Treasurehntr had became angry? I am not questioning anyones post, I just wonder about it is all. River | ||
| Laurie Registered user Username: Laurie Post Number: 101 Registered: 6-2007 |
River - Jesus showed us his anger, indignation and rebuke many times. The money changers in the temple? He called the pharisees snakes, vipers, all kinds of names. Laurie | ||
| Helovesme2 Registered user Username: Helovesme2 Post Number: 1048 Registered: 8-2004  |
Treasurehunter, I'm so sorry! I've seen it done by SDAs a number of times, but it is one of the standard methods of visits at least some of SDARM church workers - and not just if you've left the church. The local field leader (when this field was very small) seemed to make a point of either showing up out of the blue, or showing up hours before an agreed appointment. It made me feel invaded. I'm thankful to no longer be a part of that. Blessings, Mary | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 4245 Registered: 3-2004  |
Treasurehntr, I think it is okay to show some anger as one would do to an unexpected phone call asking for money or trying to sell you something. There is an SDA church being started 5 minutes from me. I would love to have one of them come by my house, not so I could get angry but so I could share Jesus with them. Diana | ||
| Reb Registered user Username: Reb Post Number: 658 Registered: 5-2007 |
I am sorry to hear that Treasurehntr. So far the SDAs aren't trying to get me back. They KNOW that is gone. People that know me know that I am extremely stubborn and when my mind is made up on something, I don't budge if I know for sure that I am right. And since in this instance I know I am right there is no budging for me. I have made it clear to my SDA freinds that it is nothing personal. There was talk about what could be done to "make it right" with me and I made it very clear that the only thing that would make it right would be to drop EGW, the Investigative Judgement, Sunday Law Teaching, and the other Adventist "distinctives" and preach ONLY the TRUE Gospel. (Which of course they won't do). Stand firm. I'll pray for you. | ||
| Lucybugg Registered user Username: Lucybugg Post Number: 81 Registered: 2-2007 |
The pastor from our former church came to the hospital when I had my surgery last Tuesday. I didn't mind because I still love him dearly. One of the church members sent me a lovely get well card and enclosed a copy of the flyer for the upcoming evangelistic series. Of course, it's about prophecy and this is NO mention of it being a SDA function. In fact, instead of saying it is at the Decatur SDA church it says at the Decatur Church and Community Center. | ||
| Bigal Registered user Username: Bigal Post Number: 94 Registered: 9-2006  |
Lucybugg, where are you? Sounds like we might live close to each other. I know a bunch of formers in this area now. Would love to get together with you if the Decatur church you attended is in Decatur, AR. I live in Gentry, AR. Alan | ||
| Bigal Registered user Username: Bigal Post Number: 95 Registered: 9-2006 |
Lucybugg, I just noticed you live in or near Dayton, OH. Sorry about that. Thought you might be from the local Decatur SDA church here in Arkansas. Oh well maybe we can plan to meet in heaven. Alan | ||
| Lucybugg Registered user Username: Lucybugg Post Number: 82 Registered: 2-2007 |
Alan, Actually I live near Dayton, TN. I wish I could find some formers in my area. | ||
| Bigal Registered user Username: Bigal Post Number: 96 Registered: 9-2006 |
Goodnight, I was way off. Well actually you are only one state over. HA! Alan | ||
| 91steps Registered user Username: 91steps Post Number: 168 Registered: 8-2005  |
Treasurehntr, go to your local hardware store and get the biggest No Solicitors sign you can find and place it on your door. Now SDA's will say that doesn't apply to them, but if they persist tell them you will call the police. I put one on our door several years ago when I was recovering from surgery and got tired of people coming around looking for donations, selling things, etc. To date we have not had any religious groups come to our door. |
