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Post by Admin on Aug 12, 2010 18:54:07 GMT -5
The aim is to provide this board for workers and ex-workers to chat, kind of like over a coffee while the rest of us eavesdrop from nearby tables. All in an idyllic al fresco setting (dream French Riviera café). Waiter, two more lattes please! This is the space for all us eavesdroppers to whisper conspiratorially...
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Post by Alan Vandermyden on Aug 12, 2010 20:48:05 GMT -5
This is the space for all us eavesdroppers to whisper conspiratorially... Can we listen in?
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Post by Rob Sargison on Aug 13, 2010 17:14:32 GMT -5
Well I'm sitting here imbibing a large Cappuccino, with Cinnamon, my wife is enjoying a Chai Latte.
We're all ears.
Garcon!!!!!
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Post by emy on Aug 13, 2010 18:47:19 GMT -5
However, the silence is deafening!
I'm hoping there will eventually be response.
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Post by Scott Ross on Aug 13, 2010 18:57:51 GMT -5
Al posted a bunch of really interesting questions for other workers/ex-workers. I hope that some of our members will take the time to answer those (and maybe ask some of their own) For you workers out there reading that are still in the work, (and we know you are there....) you do not have to be logged in or registered to be able to participate. You are also welcome to email me and I can add your thoughts to the board if you prefer not to post to the board. Some of you have already shared thoughts in the past with me, and I hope that if you are reading here you will add your thoughts to the Coffee Talk thread. I think this is a great way to identify what sorts of problems the workers encounter in their everyday life. I can't imagine that it would be a very 'easy' job, even though a lot of people have talked about how the workers don't do much. Perhaps some people will get a different view as to the challenges that face a worker, plus by sharing those parts which were the most satisfying and rewarding maybe it will help professing folks understand what you guys needed/need the most in your everyday lives. Scott
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Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2010 20:32:15 GMT -5
Well, given how well our karma experiment worked out, maybe some are reluctant to post their thoughts here. I'd love to hear more about what it's like to be in the work, as my only knowledge has been from the outside. I was trouble by the work when I was younger and talked myself out of it, but I have a soft spot in my heart for all who have offered and stepped out on the "water" in faith for however long they were able.
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Post by eyedeetentee on Aug 13, 2010 20:32:59 GMT -5
Oh goody! I need to round up my crew and get started on those 'special' brownies.
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Post by Alan Vandermyden on Aug 13, 2010 21:02:09 GMT -5
I'll begin posting a bit later.
Coffee Talk here in Kaimuki has an awesome assortment of freshly baked scones, cobblers, cakes, cookies, bars, etc. A new combination every time I've been there, though I've never been able to get them to remove the calories.
Anyway, you can choose a pastry and/or a drink, grab a chair . . .
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Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2010 21:56:26 GMT -5
As long as they have decaf, I'll be there!
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Post by Admin on Aug 14, 2010 8:12:56 GMT -5
This is the space for all us eavesdroppers to whisper conspiratorially... Can we listen in? Of course, we'll whisper loudly... (and hey, notice that guy sitting at that table on his own. Obviously waiting for his companion in the meantime, he's talking to himself, sounds rather interesting... poor chap, he's lonely)
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Post by Admin on Aug 14, 2010 8:32:58 GMT -5
Maybe a logical place to start is the initial "offering for the work" and then "starting out": .... As I try to remember things now, the overwhelming feeling is one of awe at suddenly being in such a new position, which entailed an entirely new relationship with the friends. I was suddenly being told "how much we appreciate your sacrifice," as well as being asked for my "sage" advice, as if I knew anything! Excuse me sir, I couldn't help but overhear your comment, while finishing my coffee and brownies at that table there... I hope you don't mind, I have a question or two. You mentioned that some regarded your new job as a "sacrifice". Did you regard preaching the gospel as sacrifice? Or did you see it as a privilege and blessing? Was it an exciting adventure of walking by trust each day? Or did you feel a sense of duty, more like a burden? Did the way the friends suddenly worshiped you become a hindrance? Give you a big head at times? Is it a form of idolatry? Here, let me buy you another coffee while we sit and chat
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Post by Alan Vandermyden on Aug 14, 2010 10:17:52 GMT -5
I'll post early this afternoon (HI time!) - Jayne and I will be busing up to Waipahu (west of Pearl Harbor), for the funeral of her co-employee's mother-in-law this morning. Had to get out my long pants and iron an "aloha shirt" last night - Remember, I'm an "ex-worker" - I no longer dress up every day!
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Post by ts on Aug 14, 2010 18:27:54 GMT -5
Are there really some current workers who post here??? Do they post anonymously? Why? Would it hurt their ministry if they told the truth here and put their name to it?
I would like to speak to a worker if you are out there and want to chat.
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Post by Scott Ross on Aug 14, 2010 21:19:35 GMT -5
Are there really some current workers who post here??? Do they post anonymously? Why? Would it hurt their ministry if they told the truth here and put their name to it? I would like to speak to a worker if you are out there and want to chat. Yes there are registered members that are current workers on the TMB. What would be the difference between them using their real names and you using your real name? Posting here as a known worker has gotten a lot of unwanted attention sent their way. Rather than ask questions and accept the answers as being from that individual worker there were those that expected them to speak on behalf of all the workers. Scott
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Post by Alan Vandermyden on Aug 14, 2010 22:01:10 GMT -5
It's going to take real work by all of us to create a space in which all - workers and non-workers, professing and non-professing, Christian and non-Christian, can feel safe. Many of us have been hurt, but most of us have probably lashed out and hurt others too . . . and that makes others leery of opening up and talking to us. I see many on here, in various positions, who are attempting to honestly "open up," and I respect that.
We all have a story to tell, and we all need to listen.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2010 22:37:18 GMT -5
I'd love to hear Nathan B's story. Maybe he has told it elsewhere and I've missed it because I'm fairly new--but I get the sense that he also feels like he is continuing his calling too, just in another manner.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2010 23:27:31 GMT -5
Nathan, Sorry I didn't use the word calling---I didn't mean to be offensive but for the life of me, I couldn't think of the right word. Thanks, and I look forward to your post.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2010 14:48:38 GMT -5
Al, When you get a chance, would you talk about how you learned about doctrine? Did anyone walk through what the F&W's believe and don't believe? What was okay to talk about and what wasn't?
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Post by Alan Vandermyden on Aug 15, 2010 17:39:21 GMT -5
Al, When you get a chance, would you talk about how you learned about doctrine? Did anyone walk through what the F&W's believe and don't believe? What was okay to talk about and what wasn't? I'll think on this for awhile before posting, as I generally find that thought-out replies say it better . . .
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Post by Admin on Aug 15, 2010 18:03:54 GMT -5
Al, When you get a chance, would you talk about how you learned about doctrine? Did anyone walk through what the F&W's believe and don't believe? What was okay to talk about and what wasn't? Sound of shuffling chairs as we all try to move a little closer, ears cocked...
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2010 20:49:21 GMT -5
Admin, Can you send another coffee over to the man over there talking about doctrine? I've got a few more questions and his answers are helpful.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2010 21:47:04 GMT -5
I'm swigging decaf and snacking on a molasses coffee and mumbling to myself .... Lately I've been thinking that both the workers and the friends would benefit from a little more structured teaching. I believe we are taught by the Spirit, and that we individually have a relationship with God, and I'm happy with that....but if I just professed, what would I know about what we believe? I remember Robert Gustafson (new in the work then) saying that he was knocking on doors handing out cards and someone asked him why we had a homeless ministry and he didn't know. We don't need "catechism", but some guidance for the new professing person and the new worker would be helpful.
I'm just thinking out loud....I love the fellowship and the meeting in homes and the ministry, I just sometimes feel like I should know more than I do. The fault is mine, but I just wonder if I'm alone in feeling the way I do.
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Post by emy on Aug 15, 2010 22:01:49 GMT -5
I'm swigging decaf and snacking on a molasses coffee and mumbling to myself .... Lately I've been thinking that both the workers and the friends would benefit from a little more structured teaching. I believe we are taught by the Spirit, and that we individually have a relationship with God, and I'm happy with that....but if I just professed, what would I know about what we believe? I remember Robert Gustafson (new in the work then) saying that he was knocking on doors handing out cards and someone asked him why we had a homeless ministry and he didn't know. We don't need "catechism", but some guidance for the new professing person and the new worker would be helpful. I'm just thinking out loud....I love the fellowship and the meeting in homes and the ministry, I just sometimes feel like I should know more than I do. The fault is mine, but I just wonder if I'm alone in feeling the way I do. I wonder if you have read this thread on establishing a doctrine? It may help you understand why we don't! professing.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=nt&action=display&thread=15159
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2010 22:09:04 GMT -5
Emy, Yes, I read that thread and thought it was likely that we within the fellowship were likely to disagree with each other over almost everything! so much for "in essentials, unity"! I don't mean that we need a creed, it just seems like it would be helpful to study the various verses that support XX as well as the verses that present a different view of XX.
And I can imagine the difficulty in watching us on TMB go 'round and 'round over grace, faith and works!!!
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Post by ScholarGal on Aug 15, 2010 22:25:20 GMT -5
Several years ago, I was traveling with a young professing woman. I noticed that in the blank back pages of her bible, she had carefully handwritten the locations of verses used to support many of the practices of the friends and workers (workers in pairs, meetings, bread & wine, long hair, women preaching, etc.). After finishing her course at university, this woman went in the work. Based on what I saw written in the back of her bible, I expect she was much better prepared than most new workers to answer questions about why "we" do things the way we do!
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Post by emy on Aug 15, 2010 22:38:46 GMT -5
Emy, Yes, I read that thread and thought it was likely that we within the fellowship were likely to disagree with each other over almost everything! so much for "in essentials, unity"! I don't mean that we need a creed, it just seems like it would be helpful to study the various verses that support XX as well as the verses that present a different view of XX. And I can imagine the difficulty in watching us on TMB go 'round and 'round over grace, faith and works!!! It might be that there are fewer essentials than we think thus greater unity. I am not really widely traveled, outside of the US, but where I have been, I have been quite impressed at the unity. My personal feeling is that it doesn't come from "worker control." Control has been attempted by far greater "personalities" and there has been less success!
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Post by Learning Patience on Aug 16, 2010 9:03:28 GMT -5
Are there really some current workers who post here??? Do they post anonymously? Why? Would it hurt their ministry if they told the truth here and put their name to it? I would like to speak to a worker if you are out there and want to chat. Yes there are registered members that are current workers on the TMB. What would be the difference between them using their real names and you using your real name? Posting here as a known worker has gotten a lot of unwanted attention sent their way. Rather than ask questions and accept the answers as being from that individual worker there were those that expected them to speak on behalf of all the workers. Scott Correct. A couple of workers have told me that reading sites like these are like eating rat poison.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2010 9:36:55 GMT -5
ScholarGal, That's exactly the sort of thing I was thinking of for new workers and perhaps new friends. I agree with LP that we are amazingly united, as one would hope since we are taught by the same Spirit. The reason this popped up is we have a brand new member who wasn't raised in the fellowship and I can see she's feeling a bit overwhelmed. She'll be fine, but I was just thinking of how I'd feel in her shoes the first time I stood up wondering if what I was about to say was 'right' or not, much less being a new worker!
I've been asked questions and had to go do some digging later to make sure I answered correctly. Some of the questions were things I'd never thought about before.
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