exclusivity: a new debate

Full Quiver · Postby **Full Quiver** » March 30th, 2008, 10:10 am

This will not be the age old debate on exclusivity so allow all your presumptions and assumptions to be put aside. Yes, we all know that the CoGoP did espouse exclusivity for many generations. Some deny this but historical records prove this fact. Until all the books are burned, rewritten, the audio and video recordings are buried this truth will remain.

I do know that now, supposedly anyhow, the CoGoP does not believe they are the exclusive body of Christ. This forum should be an example of that. I would like to point something out though.

Since CoGoP is just another organization among many, just another denomination among thousands, just a church among churches then why do SOME still make back handed comments about leaving? If church is church then does it matter who goes where? Is it really anyone's right to say where we go? Could it be considered judging to say you should have stayed in the CoGoP?

When I see people make remarks about people leaving especially I can't believe they left, you cut and ran, you abandoned us, etc. then it appears that those people are saying we are it and you left. The us and the we should be Christians and not a specific denomination or organization unless you do really believe your brand is IT.

ready, aim, fire

free · Postby **free** » March 30th, 2008, 10:54 am

Gerald Creasy · Postby **Gerald Creasy** » March 30th, 2008, 12:49 pm

rough_rider · Postby **rough_rider** » March 30th, 2008, 2:39 pm

Mister Ed · Postby **Mister Ed** » March 30th, 2008, 4:38 pm

Sink or swim: I'm outta here!!!!

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Paully_44 · Postby **Paully_44** » March 30th, 2008, 5:10 pm

Pastor Bill · Postby **Pastor Bill** » March 31st, 2008, 10:41 am

heard a great message on this from our state overseer on Saturday.

He said that the church is the earthly expression of God's kingdom, NOT a denomination or organization, These should not be considered two different things.

He also said if the Kingdom of God is not in our church (cogop as a whole) than he didn't want to be a part of the church!

Exclusivity may have been in the past (he freely admitted that this was how it was once taught, and he once believed) but that we should reject it completely.

This is also a SO that invites pastors from other organizations to minister to us, encourages us to work with those outside our organization, and partners with ministries that have nothing to do with the CoGoP.

I don't know if that answers your question or not, but personally, I feel we can worry so much about the sign over the door that we miss out on the Jesus that should be in our hearts.

crispfin · Postby **crispfin** » March 31st, 2008, 10:47 am

When I see people make remarks about people leaving especially I can't believe they left, you cut and ran, you abandoned us, etc. then it appears that those people are saying we are it and you left. The us and the we should be Christians and not a specific denomination or organization unless you do really believe your brand is IT.

Well one thing is, some people have denominational pride. They like where they go and if someone says something or does something they take as a slight they fell they have to defend it. Sometimes this is done uncharitably. And as far as COGOP/TCOG goes there are bad feelings and angry narratives that have come from both sides (I have relatives in both, I've heard the he said/they said), and so animosity continues. Give it a generation and people will just shake their heads over the whole thing.

Jude 2