Paul Black - All Comments

re: The Big Tent? -- Differences in Attitudes Among Pastors Influence Church Discussions

Howard Sallee — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 20:22:22 GMT

I served in a congregational fellowship for 25 years before coming to the UMC. We had no bishops and no strong denominational order, but there was a great evangelistic fervor among most pastors and church workers.

We need for pastors, I think, to stop looking for support elsewhere and do what they know is best for their congregations.

I am retired now, but if I were back in the game, I would pray hard about where I was to serve and plan to never leave unless the Spirit of the Lord told me to.

If I wanted a bigger church, I should grow one. Of course, that is over simplification and I know it.

re: From Gutenberg to Google: Its Implications

Paul Black — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 04:22:29 GMT

I believe that Sweet was saying that the Church has lost the experience portion of our faith. There has been so much focus on "Jesus and Me" that the Holy Spirit has not been emphasized. Part of this has been due to over-emphasis or excesses by other groups that we have "run away" from the Spirit or at least limited its effect by "putting it in a box" that is easily managed and controlled.

re: From Gutenberg to Google: Its Implications

Beth Fender — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:22:28 GMT

Excellent insights. Can you say more about what Sweet meant when he said, "It's time to coax the Holy Spirit out of hiding in our church"? I'm not so sure the Spirit is hiding. Churches can certainly suppress the work of the Spirit - or ignore the Spirit entirely. Was this what he meant?

re: The Big Tent? -- Differences in Attitudes Among Pastors Influence Church Discussions

Keith A. Michaels — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 15:45:04 GMT

I think part of the problem is the lack of support from Bishops and their cabinets. It is like there is no connection from the supervisory levels. At least this is my perception.

re: He invested himself in others

Howard Sallee — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 23:48:42 GMT

Great commentary on your uncle, Paul.

BTW, I count it a privilege to be attending the church where your father serves his retirement years.