It's very interesting how differently various denominations/churches interpret certain verses. This morning my church ordained four deacons. Something was said about ordaining and laying on of hands, and I've been thinking "this I gotta see!" The ordination seemed about like a wedding, vows and such. Laying on of hands was funny--the pastor had them kneel, and then the two pastors and the two deacons walked BEHIND them and put a hand on their shoulder and prayed for them. One at a time--first person prayed for first deacon, then moved to second deacon while the second prayed for the first. First time I've ever heard more than one person praying out loud at the same time in a Baptist church, though! Also one of the only times I've seen more than just one or two men there wear ties. :)

mary

http://celticanglican.wordpress.com/...arie-bradshaw/

I added this to my blog as a special guest devotional, with the authors' permission. It makes an excellent point about denoms. that consider themselves alone to be "the truth".

AJtheIrishLass

After watching all the media coverage about the Jeffs trial in the past week, I've been thinking a lot about things I've read in books from those who have left his group. One of the things that's been in my mind is the isolation that goes on in many groups.

How do those in a position to do so help those who were raised in an environment where their knowledge of the outside world is minimal? This must present a whole new set of challenges.

Do you see much hope for those in such situations who truly want out?

AJtheIrishLass

Based on Psalm 17

Poor David seemed to have had more than his share of enemies and accusers. It often seemed as though he was literally surrounded by enemies. He had faith that God would ultimately vindicate him, and he held fast to this belief.

Whoever said words can't hurt you obviously never went through such an ordeal with others. False accusations, slander and lies, when unchecked, can lead to even worse problems in peoples' lives. I've gone through it myself, and have seen it happen to others. In the case of others, it's especially shameful when those who cause the most hurt are those you pray, break bread and fellowship with.

As David knew, God knows all about these hurtful deeds. God is on the side of the abused and oppressed, and will protect them. Don't be afraid of what they can do to you!

AJtheIrishLass

Most of you know I recently joined a mainstream church. Going there's been interesting at times... They can quote a verse and understand it completely differently than me, can use a Bible term I've thought I understood and mean something else by it, and sometimes have a very different perspective that I do on things. This week there's been more of that...

Two weeks ago there was a business meeting. There are some major changes being considered, and a few that already took place (someone resigned a position). I missed the meeting, but two days ago in class the meeting was discussed. Emotionally. In front of everyone. And the door of the class wasn't even shut or guarded! Eeek! hee hee Seriously, though, at my former church people got in big trouble for much less than was said in class. People only disagreed with the pastor's decisions in very private places with very close and trusted friends... if they even did that much. When I left, there were two women who called me begging me to come back... and begging me not to tell their husbands or the pastor that they'd even called me. They didn't even trust their husbands to "reach out to a backslider". There were some things that were only discussed in a car or in the privacy of a member's house, just between two people. And even then in hushed voices.

So now I'm in a church where people begin talking about something openly and emotionally. I don't know any of the ones in that class, and wasn't sure at all what was going on, whether to just leave or stay or speak up or hold my tongue or what to do. It scared me. Above that, this was one of those "I'll have a special meeting after the meeting and if you need information come ask me" type things--which always meant extremely dangerous water-taboo topics and no room for disagreements or discussion-in my former church. There are a few people I trust, but only one really knows much about my background and could easily answer my questions. The pastor. I'm not allergic to him (I ran from any pastor for a long time after leaving) so I asked.

He seemed very open and honest with me. He gave me some information about how the church operates, briefly explained what was discussed in the meeting, offered information about the doctrinal point that led to the resignation, and apologized if that was too much information.

I'm finding myself in a very nice place. Different language, different culture. New "foods" (Bible teachings), different clothes, whole different outlook. It's weird sometimes. We live in the same country, in the same town, but I feel like I'm from a different planet. I like their culture. But sometimes something about it still surprises me. From now on I don't think I'll need to explain "due to past experiences". I can just say, "well, I think I'm experiencing a little culture shock right now. Could you explain...?" And as I look back over...

mary