AME Today has become very boring to read. The same people are always talking to each other. Why don't others participate. Are u intimidated by the regular pundants or are they just boring in what they have to say. It's like these folks are just stoking each others ego's. Lets get some new folk to talk about subjects that affect us and not use AME Today to talk to each other.

-- Anonymous, January 19, 2001

Answers

Jessica;

I've actually thought about this myself. It would be great if a broader diversity of views were presented but for whatever reason more chose to read than to electronically write. I understand that for some the discipline of writing requires far more energy than reading. I happen to write a lot so transferring those skills to this arena is rather easy. But, let's be proactive and accent the positive. What topic[s] of interest would you like to initiate discussion? QED

-- Anonymous, January 19, 2001

Hi, Jessica, welcome to the board. I would love to hear from you. It is always fun meeting new people on the board. What church do you belong? And please spare us from ourselves and post a question, it would be great to have your input. Love Denise

-- Anonymous, January 19, 2001

Jessica I have just received notice that you posted a fake email address. I am sorry that you did not respond honestly. This board is what we make it. If the questions are boring, post something that is interesting, but at least those of us that so post give a real email address so that we can be in dialog with others on the board. We post because we love God and the AME church. We post because we want to grow spiritually and intellectually, we do not post to entertain. So Jessica please post a question that we can respond to, and I promise some lively discussions.

-- Anonymous, January 19, 2001

Sister Denise, Sometimes a little too lively? Ha ha. I agree. A rut can develop on a BB just as it can anywhere. Toss out a subject Sister Snowe. What's on your mind?

-- Anonymous, January 19, 2001

Whether Jessica Snow posted a "fake address" or not, I have no way of knowing, BUT

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2001

My first post got input before I was ready to send it. Nevertheless, I stopped participating as it did seem that only certain persons were writing and talking to each other. I personally didn't feel edified by such "chit chat." I would like to respond to Brother Price and Sister Brenda but my post would consume too much space. I do respond to some contributors personally for that reason. We must also remember that all (posters) are not at the same place in their spiritual growth and understanding of the Word of God. Additionally, even though the A.M.E. Church as a denomination stands pretty much in the circle of Biblical Orthodoxy, these are days of great Biblical and Spiritual divisiveness. If a poll were taken, you would probably find that a great number of A.M.E.'s are Biblically deficient about how they understand the Word of God. Denise rejoices in accessions to the church by their professions of faith in Jesus Christ. Well and good. However, ALL members of our churches SHOULD "...be ready ALWAYS to give an answer to every man that asketh you a REASON OF THE HOPE THAT IS IN YOU with meekness and fear." (1 Pet. 3:15b) That takes knowledge of the Word of God and not necessarily knowledge of African Methodism which has its place as an historical referrant. These are days of spiritual apostasy and AME'S are affected as well as any other denominational Christian. The Word of God tells us, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: BECAUSE MANY FALSE PROPHETS ARE GONE OUT INTO THE WORLD." (1 John 4:1) The Christian Church today, is under attack from without and from within. During World War II, they talked about "Fith Columnist among us", that is, spies who went undetected masquerading as Americans. Today you have "Christians" within the church denying the very Lord who purchased their salvation at great price (e.g. The Jesus Seminar; e.g. retired Episcopal Bishop John Spong) If you say you never heard of these persons then I say, you need to sharpen up your "spirit of discernment." The operative word today seems to be that"all religious roads lead to the same place." If you buy that, then you're in REAL TROUBLE. Christianity is "Inclusive" according to John 3:16, but God, through Jesus Christ sets the standard of acceptance, not you or I. One may not like it, and it doesn't change or alter God's plan one whit, but the Word says, "He that believeth on the Son, hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son, shall not see life, but THE WRATH OF GOD ABIDETH ON HIM." (jOHN 3:36) Top me brothers and sisters, these are substantive issues for the church in this new millenium, for the Lord can come for his saints ANY MOMENT. ARE YOU READY??

Peace, Harold L. Turner

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2001

Rev. Turner, what are you trying to say? I don't get it.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2001

Rev. Turner, I like Mary did not understand your post either. Though you mentioned my name. I did not understand your inferrence. The church that God has given me to start is only six weeks old. Those that come to my church have not been to church in years or have never attended church. So good biblical teaching has to be the foundation. I explain the origin of the Apostle's Creed, we say each word out loud slowly, so that we can digest the full meaning of the creed. So I do agree with you regarding education being a priority in the church. In regard to this "Discussion Board" that is exactly what it is an opportunity for a discussion, so yes there will be a continuation from one thread to another. And yes there will be a sense of familiarity with one another. Which is fellowship. This discussion board is a ministry of love, given to us through Rev. Fisher by God. We honor God when we can learn to love one another even with our differences. I am a daily contributor because it is very isolating being on this mission field called Montana. But now I think I will stop contributing to the board in the hope that others will have a chance to have their voices heard. There is so much work to be done for God, let us put aside differences and take up the sword of justice in the name of our lord and savior Jesus Christ. God Bless all of you!!

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2001

Sister Jessica,

You have unlimited opportunities to voice your opinion and express your ideas. I regularly post on this board and find it challenging at times. However, I do not place the blame on the participants, I place it on myself. If the board lacks a variety of topics, then I must correct the problem by sharing in regular input...that means doing more than reading and complaining about the lack of content.

Pastor Denise is very excited about her new church, I love hearing about her success. I hope that she continues sharing herself...I love her ENERGY!!!

I look forward to your suggestions,

In Love and Light,

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2001

Discussing Discussion

Some people are participants and some people are lurkers.

It does not matter how many, or how few people post.

The fact there is a strong core of regular participants in the discussion area is the strength of this Discussion Board. Each one is vital in their own way to the overall success of the board.

There never has been an "outsider" tag placed on any newcome to the discussions. All are welcomed with open arms, even if they bring diverse views to the table.

I would hope the voice of one would not silence the voice of many. That all would continue on with business as usual. God will increase or decrease this cyber flock via His will. New voices are added when God sees a need to bring more of His vision to the forefront through a new voice, or to bring to the gather a grain of sand, perhaps at first an irritant, around which an eventual pearl may develop.

Neither this discussion area, nor the people who frequent it the most, have done anything untowards. It will grow at its own pace and in rhetrospect, it would have been more accountable for Sister Jessica to have started a string that would have added to the overall richness of the discussions going on, rather than to stand against the wall and complain about those dancing in the center of the room.

I may not know each dance step I see played out in this discussion but I do not that each step is guided by God and I thusly appreciate it.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2001

Wow! To my sisters in the Lord, Brooks, Rogers and Sutton. I'm embarrased that my post confused you. Perhaps the first sentence of my post was missed, or at least its intent (?). Confusion or offense was not intended. Please forgive if that is the case. Let me try to clarify. My response in the post was MY reaction to the intial thread posted by Jessica Snow. Why? Well, for over the past few days, weeks (?)of the on-goingnes of the BB, when I peeked in to read the posts, what I saw was apparantly what Jessica saw, conversations that APPEARED to be "private" conversations among several of the faithful posters who were the ONLY posts seen day after day. Since it generated no special interest for me, I had no inclination to desire to participate. Remember what a famous poet once said, "Oh would the gift be given us, to see ourselves as others see us." Perhaps I was the poorer for not joining in at some place. Then, in my post, I made a segway into discussing doctrinal issues which was what was being discussed on the BB recently. Perhaps that is where I lost you and it caused some to say, "What are you trying to say?" For whatever its worth, I apologize for the obfuscation, but I will continue to look in and see if I can contribute anything of substance to the on-goingness of the BB and to the edification of you my brothers and sisters in the places where you are doing a mighty work for the Lord. The fear of being mis-understood will be there, but perhaps that is the price of true freedom, isn't it?

Peace, Harold Turner Zion AME Church Delaware, Ohio

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2001

Reverend Turner, I found your entry very edifying. I especially enjoyed your stressing the importance being well grounded in the Word. I'm sure Sister Denise agrees, and is working hard with her flock in that area.

Here's why this is important in addition to the fact it's the right thing to do. I believe we're on the verge of a tremendous move of God that will result in an explosive harvest, persecution, and the reduction of denominational walls.

Sunday I preached a message telling the people to get well, get strong, and get serious because they'll be needed to handle the wave of baby Christians. Our 3 staff pastors won't be able to handle it. We'll need laity who know how to lead people to salvation and the baptism in the Holy Spirit. They'll need to know how to cast out demons, and pray for deliverance and healing. They'll need to be able to disciple and teach. Too many remain immature for too long. They're satisfied with their walk and stagnate. We need to remain hungry, and if we (like Israel) fall away when times are spiritually easy, God is perfectly willing to change the environment.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2001

I have stated it before and will again that I LOVE AME TODAY!. I look forward everyday to reading the discussions. Although I do not contribute daily, that is because of a never ending work schedule, I do add my 2 cent from time to time. Some topics are not inspiring to me but I enjoy the interchange between others. Many times I cannot understand what's going on and then someone add something to the discussion and my eyes are open. How discussion boards are suppose to operate I do not know. But I have tried other and they do not offer the depth of knowledge, experience and Christian witness that is on this board. So on a personal note to the regular contributors please do not stop my horizon from expanding. Continue to share what God has given you. "Praise God from whom All Blessing Flow"

-- Anonymous, January 24, 2001

So, Jessica, lets you and I "talk to each other", ok? I am always eager and anxious to meet a new friend in the Lord.

-- Anonymous, January 25, 2001