What are the differences of Baptist and Assemblies of God?

[Flynmonkie]

I am considering an Assembly of God preschool for my son and wanted to make sure there were no real doctrinal differences. The school curriculum seems no different than any other Christian based school. Punishment is Time out one minute per age year of the child. Bible stories are a part of the daily curriculum.

I have tried to research and I do not find much of a difference between the two except the charismatic influence. Which anymore charismatic could be a word to describe some of our mainline Baptist Churches. But speaking in tongues, unless we are speaking of different languages is not something I necessarily agree with. But I did not find that to be much of an issue. This would not have anything to do with preschool curriculum, other than we are all bestowed spiritual gifts. To which I agree. I wondered if anyone had some information on this? Is there anything I should be aware of? Thanks!

[HumbleMan]

An AoG church is pretty much like Baptists. They are autonomous in church government. They are a pentecostal denomination, believe in the trinity, and do believe in the gifts of the Spirit being valid today, but don't believe in tongues for salvation. They believe in progresive sanctification (vs the CoG, who believes in sanctification upon salvation). They are evangelical, mostly conservative, and mostly fundamental, but since they are autonomous, there can be differences.

I don't know a whole lot more than this, but I do know that that the members I've met have been extremely nice.

Good luck on finding a pre-school. Ours are in a UMC daycare/preschool and loving it. They go to church every Friday, read bible stories, etc.

[MrJim]

No spankings? Haven't ya heard "Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction will drive it far from him". Get that rod out ;)

[Flynmonkie]

Well, I went in and spoke with them about it this afternoon. I just could not find enough out there on the net. Actually, I don't see anything too different. :confused: I probably would in their worship style - but they probably would think me strange for being a bit more solemn by their standards! They did express concerns that they *thought* Baptists believe OSAS :doh: and we can sin all we want and no problem :eek: You can imagine the conversation that ensued after that!! I explained that is not what the Baptists I know believe. Of course they believe if we are doing something wrong (sinful) we should stop! But I told them the Holy Sprit helps in conviction with that. They had no idea that Baptists believe in Spiritual Gifts. I shocked them to tell them at my church we actually have classes to teach how to find our spiritual gifts! But speaking in tongues have been an issue. But ultimately those I know feel that is something between a person and God. She admitted to me she never has had this happen, but her attitude was very much the same as mine "We cannot know ones heart condition". It is between them and God IOW non-essential to salvation or even a "relationship" with God. In fact she told me that the pastor said sometimes those that are the most "energetic" about worship can sometimes be those that are the least in the right kind of relationship with God, or the least "filled" with the Spirit. So of course this can never be a deciding factor.

Overall, I am really exited. I believe this for now will be the right place for my son. But I plan to pray more about it and pay another couple of visits. But there is no “Baptist” school nearby, and I really want him to have the exposure to Bible stories and prayer and Jesus. The whole thing is difficult because I have never taken my children to childcare. I tried it for 6 weeks early on with this one and it wasn't a great experience. So I have been staying home with him. But I need to get back out into the workforce (God willing) and I wanted to find someplace that can re-enforce our values in a structured "school" environment. There is no question in my mind these people are strong Christians.

Menno- I spent the first six grades in private Christian school. They used paddling as a punishment. One time I had been paddled so hard for dropping a pencil during a test that I needed crutches. I had blood clots on my rear end...So Miss Monkie gets a bit prickly when others touch her children..

But other than that.. My motto is “Children should be beat and beat often" :D

;) Just kidding... but I have to say that my boys seemed to ask for it every few months. But overall spanking is a very last resort for me, and has always been. But it can be a viable option!

[DiscipleOfIAm]

The following is based upon one person's experience with one AoG church. This is not to say all are like this. Please no hate mail!

My wife grew up in AoG. They have a "denomination" and the local church has to follow the denomination's rules. The local church has to give the denomination a certain amount of money. The "prosperity doctrine" is taught a lot. I've heard friends say they grew up thinking they were always going to Hell becuase they were always "backsliding" in the eyes of the church. If they didn't go up to the front during the alter call, they were "talked to" after services. Very gossipy church, this one. They teach that if you aren't filled with the Holy Spirirt by evidence of speaking in tounges, then you aren't really saved because all saved people would be filled with the Holy Spirit. Very liberal denomination in my opinion. Potential for a lot of false teaching in the AoG and pentecostal churches. Most attendees believe pretty much everything the pastor says. Not many check it out for themselves in the Bible. Some of the things my wife told me about what they were taught, I showed her it was false and she never knew the difference. They seem to be slowly moving towards a Word Faith type thing.

All this is just from her experiences with her particular AoG church. We have "visited" other AoG churches and for the most part all the people are nice and friendly. Some are more conservative. I think it depends on where you live. I don't think they would corrupt your child in a daycare setting! Actually, we as a married couple, attended mainly pentecostal and AoG churches until recently (the last year).

Good luck!

There used to be a poster here that had a website about why he left the AoG and pentecostal movements. Very good reading, not sure if he still posts here or not. Not sure if this it or not, but I did find this: http://www.wayoflife.org/fbns/17%20Reasons/17reasons01.htm

God Bless!

[Flynmonkie]

Thanks for this.. you know I did not get this at all from them. In fact, I found them even more accommodating that I think us Baptists can be at times. However, I think with any denomination you are going to find each church differs. Even with Baptists, moderate to extreme you know? They made a point to tell me those issues were not indicative of salvation. Actually, she explained to me that there was a split in the church recently because they have moved to a more relaxed view of dress etc.. I guess I could tell horror stories about some Baptist churches too. But I just could not find any basic doctrinal issues. As opposed to Catholicism of course we are very different there. It wasn't until recently that I realized that AOG churches were Christian churches. I had no idea they were so similar. I almost considered them like the "Mormon’s” with a attitude! But it is because of things such as this poster has said that I held concerns that I might not be getting the whole picture.

I still think it funny that they thought Baptists thought we could sin willy-nilly with no regard for repentance and still consider ourselves saved! I always heard that about Catholics but never about Baptist.. ‘course neither is true…. In my experience.

[jochanaan]

I've visited AoG churches, Flynmonkie, and always had a blessed time. Of course, there are variations in belief and practices among churches in any major denomination--especially ones as loosely organized as Baptists and apparently Assembly of God. But from what you reported of your interactions with the school people, I don't think you have anything to worry about. :)

[Dmckay]

AoG is very similar to Baptist in many ways. Just like there are a great deal of differences between Baptists so also with AoG. Doctrinally they are fairly similar in most respects. The one area of major difference between them and Baptists And between AoG churches is a more urgent emphasis placed upon the Holy Spirit. Some are just Pentecostal or Charismatic in their beliefs. However, I have met some AoG members who are militant in their Charismatic beliefs, as in you aren't saved unless you have been baptisted by the Holy Spirit as a secondary experience and evidenced by your speaking in tongues.

That isn't to say that all AoG are as redical. My mother-in-law grew up in the AoG and her mother was the Pastor. over the last 30 years we have had some interesting discussions as well as some barnburning arguments. On many things we have just agreed to disagree. However, if she hears something from an AoG preacher it doesn't matter what it is, how how stupid it is, She will go to her death before she admits they might be wrong. An example, she heard an AoG preacher on TV state that every Isreali soldier carries a softball sized tactical nuclear bomb in their backpack. I have shown her documentation on the weight of the fissionable material for such a device. I have also shown her how much weight the shielding necessary to keep the radiation from killing the carrier would be. I have tried to explain that it would be impossible for an individual to carry, much less throw like a hand grenade such a device. I have also explained that the blast radius would kill the user. It doesn't matter the Pastor that said it knows much more about it. He says he has actually seen them, so he must know.

When I asked her, "If this is true, don't you think that the Arabs would be killing Israeli soldiers, stealing their bombs and using them against Israel?" Her response, They each have an angel soldier who watchs over and fights for them. Then why do they need an atomic bomb? Just in case.

As far as discipline, wouldn't you rather that be under your control?

[DiscipleOfIAm]

However, if she hears something from an AoG preacher it doesn't matter what it is, how how stupid it is, She will go to her death before she admits they might be wrong. An example, she heard an AoG preacher on TV state that every Isreali soldier carries a softball sized tactical nuclear bomb in their backpack. I have shown her documentation on the weight of the fissionable material for such a device. I have also shown her how much weight the shielding necessary to keep the radiation from killing the carrier would be. I have tried to explain that it would be impossible for an individual to carry, much less throw like a hand grenade such a device. I have also explained that the blast radius would kill the user. It doesn't matter the Pastor that said it knows much more about it. He says he has actually seen them, so he must know.

When I asked her, "If this is true, don't you think that the Arabs would be killing Israeli soldiers, stealing their bombs and using them against Israel?" Her response, They each have an angel soldier who watchs over and fights for them. Then why do they need an atomic bomb? Just in case.

As far as discipline, wouldn't you rather that be under your control?

That's funny. I had a similar experience with my mother-in-law. The pastor of her AoG church told the story of the scientists who found Hell on earth. Of course, we all know it was a hoax and totally untrue, but he still preaches that it is true and she believes it 100%. You could have the guy who made the story up come to her home and explain it was a hoax and she would still say the pastor is right, that it is a true story.

But, to the OP, I still think you're okay with preschool there. I don't think there would be any problems at all.

Good luck again!

[Flynmonkie]

As far as discipline, wouldn't you rather that be under your control?
Why sure! I would love to continue as I have for 2.5 years as a SAHM, but I am not so sure finances are going to allow this, not to mention I am concerned that if I wait much longer - I am going to have a difficult time merging back into the workforce. I left my career to stay home with my son, a big surprise! It has caused a huge dent in finances. We have no problem giving up things, but when our basic needs are barley being met, things are becoming more expensive including insurance --it makes me a bit nervous, as if there is something I should be doing. I already have spent months of interviews/applications with nothing forthcoming. I have been told either overqualified, or that others with education are filling the positions. There are so many out there right now that are degreed individuals accepting salaries they probably never thought they would see after their education. The market is that bad here. One of my best friends is a statistician or a statistical accountant working towards her CPA but she just had to accept a position with no benefits, no paid holidays and $13.5 and hour! This whole thing is hard for me because my older two, had never seen child care, short of pre-k classes part time a few months before start of kindergarten. I believe in staying home if at all possible at this age or until Kindergarten. But I leave it in Gods hands. As I have said many times. You do what you can do and when you have done all you can do and you cannot seem to do anything more – Give it to God.

But at this age, you deal with hitting and biting etc.. So Time Out I feel is appropriate consequence to teach. But their overall outlook is to first try to say no, then to deviate attention to something else. Time out is only if it becomes a problem.

All of the children were "well adjusted" and happy there it seemed. So I wouldn't think this is the case if they were experiencing some sort of abuse or neglect. I planned our meeting to show up, unannounced a bit before pick up time. I hoped to watch the reaction of the children when the parents arrived, they all were very happy to see them, but continued to interact and play. This leads me to the assumption that there is some form of comfortable attitude there, even a normalcy. I also observed a seemingly genuine “love” for the teachers. Which was nice. I had a short time that I sent my son for about 6 weeks to an individual, a pastor’s wife. My son could not wait to get out of there every day and hated being left- even after weeks. We have strong suspicions about what might have gone on at that home. Because my son started displaying a “lashing out” attitude of anger he had never expressed before. Once I realized the church, which initially had been expressed to me as non-denominational. I later found was a KJO cult that had some very twisted ideas on how we as Christians should deal with sinful people or even non-believers (kill ‘em all – no joke) To which I immediately yanked my son out of there. The church later closed (Praise God). So far we have “made it” barley on my husbands income alone, I have resigned myself to think that if I don’t find work, God has other ideas for me. But I still continue to look. I have been offered a position but it is a small salary, I am considering taking anyway just to get back into the workforce. So this is why I am searching for childcare/preschools.

DiscipleOfIAm thank you for that added link. These are things that I will defiantly keep an eye out for. I have a feeling (I hope unless they are pulling the wool over my eyes) that these people dealt with an extremist bunch. However I am still going to read more about his objections and concerns. But this is exactly what I had been hoping for, people that found issues and what they might have been. I have been in that same boat where everything looks like it should be perfect, but this couldn’t have been further from the truth. They explicitly made a point to me that just because you have not experienced certain things – has nothing to do with salvation. This was very much a concern I had.

[MatthewPoole]

See this links please... baptistbibleman.home.comcast.net/pentecostalism.html (http://baptistbibleman.home.comcast.net/pentecostalism.html)

Like... Uh Night and Day Doctrinally. and some if not all, are cult-like in nature.

-MP

[Flynmonkie]

Mr Poole! I do not even have time to address the few "doctrinal" issues I have with this position of the Baptist faith right now.. but believe you me..

It looks like one extremeist comparing to another extremeist group rather than a Christian in a Baptist Denomination to a CHristian in a AOG denomination.

Put simply there is much I do not agree so far on what I read in the "Baptist" postion represented. :scratch:

I can say this - the penacostal/ charasmatics did much for the Baptist denomniation because until I believe the 60's they never even recognized spiritual gifts of the belivers - even worse - many did not believe that we actually were given them! I will catch up with this later when I have more time to address. But I can tell you from the bit I read from this persons slant on Baptist - it is not the SBC Baptist position I am a member of - if it is, someone needs to enlighten me!

[MatthewPoole]

Mr Poole! I do not even have time to address the few "doctrinal" issues I have with this position of the Baptist faith right now.. but believe you me..

It looks like one extremeist comparing to another extremeist group rather than a Christian in a Baptist Denomination to a CHristian in a AOG denomination.

Put simply there is much I do not agree so far on what I read in the "Baptist" postion represented. :scratch:

I can say this - the penacostal/ charasmatics did much for the Baptist denomniation because until I believe the 60's they never even recognized spiritual gifts of the belivers - even worse - many did not believe that we actually were given them! I will catch up with this later when I have more time to address. But I can tell you from the bit I read from this persons slant on Baptist - it is not the SBC Baptist position I am a member of - if it is, someone needs to enlighten me!


Instead of starting an argument, We'll just have to agree to disagree.

Thanks for your reply. and your PM and your Blessings...

-MP

[DeaconDean]

If I'm not mistaken, the AoG churches are similar to CoC. Doctrine of the Holy Spirit filled person speaks in tonuges, etc. But I'm also thinking of the dress code. The Church of Christ used to require all women/girls to wear dresses or colocks. And women/girls could not wear any makeup period. I don't know if this is required in pre-school or not but you may want to consider it. If I'm wrong then I'm sorry.

[thepianist]

I am considering an Assembly of God preschool for my son and wanted to make sure there were no real doctrinal differences. The school curriculum seems no different than any other Christian based school. Punishment is Time out one minute per age year of the child. Bible stories are a part of the daily curriculum.

I have tried to research and I do not find much of a difference between the two except the charismatic influence. Which anymore charismatic could be a word to describe some of our mainline Baptist Churches. But speaking in tongues, unless we are speaking of different languages is not something I necessarily agree with. But I did not find that to be much of an issue. This would not have anything to do with preschool curriculum, other than we are all bestowed spiritual gifts. To which I agree. I wondered if anyone had some information on this? Is there anything I should be aware of? Thanks!

The only differences I can think of are: Assembly of God churches don't believe once saved - always saved. Also, they believe in tongues - and I don't mean other 'real' languages.

[Flynmonkie]

Instead of starting an argument, We'll just have to agree to disagree.
Thanks for your reply. and your PM and your Blessings...

-MP
MP! Just because we disagree on certain topics does not mean we are arguing! We just simply disagree. And no again thank you for the blessing to buy new clothes! :)

If I'm not mistaken, the AoG churches are similar to CoC. Doctrine of the Holy Spirit filled person speaks in tonuges, etc. But I'm also thinking of the dress code. The Church of Christ used to require all women/girls to wear dresses or colocks. And women/girls could not wear any makeup period. I don't know if this is required in pre-school or not but you may want to consider it. If I'm wrong then I'm sorry.

Well apparently there had been a recent split due to the relaxing of the dress code. They have a new pastor and apparently not as “strict” in this area. You also have to understand we live in a small town outside of the city, rural. There are built in people in our community and sometimes it is hard to implement change in just about everything. In fact, this is the only concern that I have – a couple of their children attend here. And this bothers me. But the teachers were wearing makeup and jeans. And she specifically said the split in the church is because of the leniency in dress code. Or the legalism that the pastor has curtailed, she felt it is better now. But the Church of Christ is a lot different from my recollection. They can almost seem cliquish or something. But I will keep my eyes open.

The only differences I can think of are: Assembly of God churches don't believe once saved - always saved. Also, they believe in tongues - and I don't mean other 'real' languages.

So far this is what my take on it is.

[Dmckay]

Flynmonkie,

I wasn't trying to offend you or make you feel guity. Believe me I understand the difficulies of needing two incomes just to make ends come close to being in the same state, much less meeting. I have found over the years that everytime I find myself worrying it is always because I am trying to accept responsibilities that G-d never intended me to take on in the first place. Usually it ends up I am trying to rush His timing.

An item that had a profound impact on my thinking was in the opening chapter of a book entitled Christian Child-Rearing and Personality Development by Meier. He said that by the time a child is 5 years old 95% of their personality is set in concrete and that at best we a left with shaping their values. The only way that major change comes after that is as the result of trauma. Paul tells us that, "My G-d can supply all my needs according to His riches in Glory."

After Christmas I was taking my daughter and granddaughter home. My daughter knew that something was bothering me and asked what it was. My son, a deputy sheriff, had purchased a very expensive item for me for Christmas. It was not something that I needed or really wanted. He was in the process of buying his first home, a real fixer-upper, and needs his money for other things. My daughter read me the riot act. She that me that all my life I had been making quite sacrifices for them, making sure that they had what they needed. Not always what they wanted, but always what they needed, and that they had always noticed that it was done without letting them know. She told me that I had set the standard for them and who did I think I was to not allow them to make little sacrifices for me? The best values are taught by example more often then caught by experience.

I don't know how they found out, but when we moved to Colorado for Seminary money was really tight for our first Christmas here. I had a pistol that I had a chance to buy when I first got out of the Army. I sold the pistol so that they would have Christmas presents. Several years later I looked into trying to find another of the same model. I found out that there were only 500 of that model made and very few had been imported to the States. Somehow my son found one of the few in the States in the possession of someone willing to part with it.

I am an old man. I don't target shoot anymore. After I taught my children how to shoot and handle weapons I stopped. My son's whole motive was knowing that I had given up something because their having a nice Christmas was more important and he wanted to let me know that he knew and appreciated it.

Meier also said in that first chapter that we believers have it backwards. We seem to think that G-d has provided children for the parent's sake. When in fact God made parents for the children and that our role it to pour out our lives and values into them, so that their desire is to live for Him.

For the thirty years of our marriage my wife and I have always arranged our schedules so that one of us was always with out children. We felt that our values and examples were better for them than someone we don't know. As a result, we have always had opposing schedules. One would work nights while the other worked days so that one of us would be with the children. We always homeschooled, because we knew how each of our children learned best. One of the few things we agreed with Dr. Dobson on is that children should only be punished for willful disobedience and not childish immaturity.

Had we not organized our lives the way we did I don't think that a day care center would have picked up on the fact that our son has a very sensitive spirit to the things of G-d. As a result of that we could see when he knew that an action of his was willful defiance and not childishness and that he expected to be punished. There were times that we would have laughed off what he did as being a childish, immature prank, but we had to punish him because HE knew that it had been and act of defiance and had to be punished.

As a law enforcement officer his spirit is still very sensitive to right and wrong and the leading of the Holy Spirit. As a result he is very effective in dealing with all types of situations where other officers have problems.

Our last child at home is now a senior and is getting ready to go off to school for pre-med. My wife and I are looking forward to renewing our relationship which we allowed to become secondary to making sure that our children love and serve the Lord with all their hearts, minds and souls.

[Flynmonkie]

Dmckay, Oh the wisdom you speak, actually it is refreshing. Yes sir, I completely agree with you. I too believe that a child needs his parents especially at this timeframe, or age. Their little egos need to be bolstered, and character molded. This is the reason I gave up a scholarship to keep my ex-husband in school years ago and have the ability to take care of my older sons now 17 & 15.5. I ran a medium sized cleaning company and took them with me to work to make ends meet there. Going back to work has been a struggle for me. In fact, God has brought me through some wonderful realizations about the difference between desires and need.


Since young motherhood my thought has always been that nothing is more important than the gifts God has given me. I also believe that if you don’t take care of those things God has given you – you may loose them. I believe in the proverbs 31 woman, but I believe that a first responsibility is effectively managing your home, then on to work outside the home. There is and can be a balance between the two. I have seen it. I have found this to be a struggle because the world seems to whisper in our ears every day that we should "be" somebody, “do” something. SAHM have never been very popular equated with the lazy woman that sits at home collecting welfare or watching soap operas and getting overweight. I tell you in my life this could not be further from the truth! Anymore being a SAHM has become almost impossible to do-- almost a luxury. Years ago I told people that one day, there will be so many two income families, those of us that want to stay home, will not be able to. It seems I am right, as I know other families that are going through this too.


I really worry about my retirement and future also. Unfortunately, in my first marriage when he left – I had nothing, no credit history I had to start from scratch. I fear that I am not being prudent about securing my own future if I were to loose my husband. (Ok I’ll admit it I am a worry wart – I know I know!) But I have learned that God will provide too. I have never had the conscience to run out and find a job to own “newer” things, or have in excess at the sacrifice of my children. This has been such a difficult decision. We have considered giving up our home to move into something cheaper, but this day and age, there is nothing cheaper than our mortgage even to rent I drive a 20 year old van, have no credit cards, pay cash for everything, take care of my sons toys and clothes and resell to turn for new age appropriate things, buy in bulk, cook at home, no cable or satellite etc-- the least I can ever owe in this world the better. But the normal living expenses just keep piling up. It truly is almost like we are tested every corner we turn! Without sounding like someone with emotional problems screaming spiritual warfare, seriously it literally can be marked by the date we turned our lives over to God. Since I have been home, without my income, it seems our finances have deteriorated, and getting worse.


In my husbands line of work there is not a set schedule. He has taken a Food and Beverage Director position at one of the larger hotels here. It is a good position in fact he is the youngest in the area. So it is a step in the right direction career wise, but he still looks every day for something that is a bit more stable with hours. So many of his hours are at night and weekends. I have prayed and prayed and prayed. Oh, I cannot begin to tell you how prevalent this issue has been in our life. And to this point I believe God had been telling me – no. Because it seems I am invisible to the world in my employment search. When I don’t get an answer to those prayers it is usually wait or no. Either that or I have not heard His answer clearly. And when I hear God it is usually quite clear! So I have been waiting. I have literally lived on faith (no exaggeration). That has been hard. Because sometimes it is hard for me to tell just exactly where my will and Gods will meet and shake hands.


In addition, my husband does not share the same values as I about staying home with our son—at least not in these circumstances. I cannot blame him, I have two free hands that can be used. I believe he is starting to become a bit resentful. I have held a part time at home business along with helping him in his home business, but that income is not enough. Remarkably, God has provided just enough to get through it. But I fear if I do not get out there - we are going to find ourselves in trouble. We are standing on that line that could go either direction. Health insurance is half of our house payment for a family so we have declined it. But yet one doctor’s visit can run a quarter of it. I cannot complain God has provided us a very nice home; I invested before I had my youngest. We are pretty simple from there, but our home is nice. We have food on the table and as I have said before – somehow when we have a need – remarkably it has been supplied – sometimes at the last minute – but it was supplied. (Even in the most unexpected of ways)


I know God has me on a path of learning right now, so that is what I have been doing – each day looking for what it is He wishes to teach me, or how He wants to use me for this moment. You did not offend me at all, I completely understood, and do. But honestly I am to the point that I am going to try it, and if it does not work – I will have my answer. Or maybe it is not about me - it could be about something else or someone else. Hopefully if it is not what God wants for my life, He will gently let me know it. Because I have expressed to Him my confusion so many times. Sorry for the long-windedness but it is just a touchy subject for me…

[jochanaan]

*sigh* One of the signs that this present system is corrupt is how few families can make enough to get by on one salary so that one parent--mother or father--can stay at home with the children. Perhaps the "work-at-home" movement can help; but something is definitely wrong. And despite all the talk of "economic recovery" I haven't seen it.

Flynmonkie, I have nothing but respect for you in your decision. I can only pray that your children will grow up unharmed by the economic necessities that have forced you to this. May His grace be sufficient now and always.

[Flynmonkie]

We are always going to not feel comfortable as Christians in this enviroment. I truly believe this. The more comfortable I am the more concern I have that I are becoming lax in my ways. I can enjoy the things God has blessed me with, but we are warned that we will not feel comfortable here. We will feel like we don't fit it at times.

You know, I see nothing wrong with women working outside the home. I truly believe God has placed very good people out there He has gifted as childcare providers especially for those whom do not have a choice (single parents). God always provides! One thing that keeps me sane is to know that no matter the situation, God is in control and will protect us. During that 6 weeks I worked before, I prayed every morning all the way to work. I thought then everything seemed ok, but something didn’t completely feel right. I chalked it up to my attitude about work and childcare. So I convinced myself to be happy with the job God provided and do this 100% for Him. But that is not at all what happened, it turned out that woman was very misled about Christianity, in fact she became quite angry at me for saying this is not what God wants from us. I still haven’t figured out why this happened, but who ever knows? I remember the last thing she told me that she thought I would be a nice person even if I wasn’t a Christian. Maybe it was that drama in her life and how I handled it that would prove change in her thinking? I might never know. Like I said sometimes I can hear clearly what Gods will is for my life and other times.. I feel I am walking blindly with my faith and prayer.

For me personally, I just feel rather strongly about the situation, dropping my children off to have others teach them their morals and ideas, while I go buy a bigger house or car etc.. I just don’t think it is right. Which is why I chose not to return to another position with the company I had worked for when my youngest was born. I worked 50-60 hours a week with a 3-hour daily commute! That is not what I consider conducive to a good home environment for children! At my age I also feel it is important to keep myself out there, if at all possible with a balance. This position I am thinking of is also where my husband works they have an accounting position open. Because of his hours many days he will only take our son for a couple of hours if at all. More than likely he will be off during the day 3-4 days a week. So it truly will not be that much time spent away from us. This is why I think this might be the answer even though it is half the salary I made before. But we still have to pay full time childcare rates even if he is only there a few hours a day and or one or two days a week. Kids do need social interaction with other children and he needs the preschool environment. With my older two I didn’t really have to worry about this much. We had a large family of children and there were two of them to keep each other company. My youngest is alone with a 13-year age difference between the older boys and he.

I have prayed about this and even though everything seems ok with this AOG center, something is bugging me. So I am going to check into another in the area. It is not Christian based, however they do pray at lunches and touch on Biblical topics such as Christmas. She said she has never had a parent complain about this but they would have to deal with it if they do. She came from a Christian based organization (Baptist) before and just started this center two years ago. She is not a built in “local” which is something I really want to avoid. They have their own ways here that I am not particularly fond of. Very un-accepting and standoffish and they teach their children that too. I had no idea this center had been under different management so I will go meet with them next week. Meanwhile I truly thank you so much for you help in all of this. :)

[MatthewPoole]

I can say this - the penacostal/ charasmatics did much for the Baptist denomniation because until I believe the 60's they never even recognized spiritual gifts of the belivers - even worse - many did not believe that we actually were given them! I will catch up with this later when I have more time to address. But I can tell you from the bit I read from this persons slant on Baptist - it is not the SBC Baptist position I am a member of - if it is, someone needs to enlighten me!

Quite frankly, The above statement is a crock... The Fundamental Baptists NEVER, EVER accepted the "Doctrine" of Speaking in Tongues, it's a false doctrine, invented by SATAN himself to decieve many, and as I can see, it has worked. The Apostate SBC, that's another story.

Hope this clears it up for you.

MP

:preach:

[JPPT1974]

*sigh* One of the signs that this present system is corrupt is how few families can make enough to get by on one salary so that one parent--mother or father--can stay at home with the children. Perhaps the "work-at-home" movement can help; but something is definitely wrong. And despite all the talk of "economic recovery" I haven't seen it.

Flynmonkie, I have nothing but respect for you in your decision. I can only pray that your children will grow up unharmed by the economic necessities that have forced you to this. May His grace be sufficient now and always.

One parent needs to stay at home with their children.
While the other works in order to make a living for them
Praying for your decision indeed Flynmonkie. :groupray: :amen:

[jochanaan]

Quite frankly, The above statement is a crock... The Fundamental Baptists NEVER, EVER accepted the "Doctrine" of Speaking in Tongues, it's a false doctrine, invented by SATAN himself to decieve many, and as I can see, it has worked. The Apostate SBC, that's another story.
But not all Baptists are Fundamental Baptists. A few even in my branch, the Seventh Day Baptists, are open to the possibilities. Or would you consider us "apostate"?

[ed2]

monkie,

keep researching if you are not comfortable. i am ag member, but there are ag churches that are extreme. for example, an ag church 3 miles from mine teach that women are not allowed to wear pants or makeup or jewelry except for a wedding band.

so keep researching this particular church. more than likely from what you have described so far, it will be ok. but don't take anyone's word for it, keep asking the folks there questions. we can never be too careful when it comes to our kids.

if you want to go to ag.org to see our 16 fundamental truths to see what the ag believes. hope this helps

God bless.

[Flynmonkie]

monkie,

keep researching if you are not comfortable. i am ag member, but there are ag churches that are extreme. for example, an ag church 3 miles from mine teach that women are not allowed to wear pants or makeup or jewelry except for a wedding band.

so keep researching this particular church. more than likely from what you have described so far, it will be ok. but don't take anyone's word for it, keep asking the folks there questions. we can never be too careful when it comes to our kids.

if you want to go to ag.org to see our 16 fundamental truths to see what the ag believes. hope this helps

God bless.

Ed2! First of all WELCOME! :wave:

I am certainly glad to have you in fellowship!

Yes, I did research this - that is why I posted this. I found only two "differences" is the "loss of salvation" issue and the "tongues" issue. I found it surprising! Actually, because even in the Baptist churches I see this division and difference? Some believe in these things and some do not - but somehow we are completely different denomination names. Rather odd! I believe charismatic is more involved in the Baptist church than one cares to admit. My pastor readily acknowledges the wonderful things we have learned from it. As I said before not too long ago, the Baptists did not even recognize spiritual gifts!

Yes, the director of the program explained that is what had been going on at this church (legalisms) and the new pastor there put a stop to it. Which caused division. I am excited to get a chance to meet him. I am checking another place but this is still under consideration.

[MatthewPoole]

But not all Baptists are Fundamental Baptists. A few even in my branch, the Seventh Day Baptists, are open to the possibilities. Or would you consider us "apostate"?


Well, you 7th Day Baptist, you claim to up hold the teachings of the Word of God. Yet, you ordain Women Pastors... When the Bible CLEARLY Says....:

This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (1 Timothy 3:1-4 KJV)

Notice the highlighted words above?

It's says HIS, not hers, But HIS! and MAN and HUSBAND... It's a MAN'S Job!

and Yet, YOU GUYS Ordain WOMEN! and that's WRONG!

and that, my friend, makes your 7th day Baptist group, Apostate!

MP

[HumbleMan]

Matthew, if you want to discuss beliefs that are considered heretical by some, let's take it to another thread, and not derail Fly's thread.

[Flynmonkie]

Well, you 7th Day Baptist, you claim to up hold the teachings of the Word of God. Yet, you ordain Women Pastors... When the Bible CLEARLY Says....:

Notice the highlighted words above?

It's says HIS, not hers, But HIS! and MAN and HUSBAND... It's a MAN'S Job!

and Yet, YOU GUYS Ordain WOMEN! and that's WRONG!
MP

So The Holy Spirit is sexist? And God wants women to be demeaned and for Christians such as yourself to make a point of this? Who cares if a woman speaks the truth, because it comes out of a woman’s mouth it is no longer considered truth? I highly disagree with your assessment. Please take this to another thread. Thanks brother. ;)

[ed2]

Monkie

Thanks for the warm welcome. I hope that everything works out for you.

God bless

[JPPT1974]

So The Holy Spirit is sexist? And God wants women to be demeaned and for Christians such as yourself to make a point of this? Who cares if a woman speaks the truth, because it comes out of a woman’s mouth it is no longer considered truth? I highly disagree with your assessment. Please take this to another thread. Thanks brother. ;)

I don't think that the Holy Spirit means to come off sexist at all.
It is just that the Bible says that the Holy Spirit wants the man to lead the church.
Like become the head of the church.

[RED that's ME]

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