Everyone's Apostolic is without question intended to be a site dedicated for Apostolics...meaning, there is a certain expectation that the site remain a Godly place of fellowship...it is never intended to be the "perfect" place, but it is a place of love...
We have guidelines in place to protect the integrity of the site not to condemn anyone. We have no specific requirements to be a member of the site except that one follow our guidelines. This is a place of fellowship not an exclusive club...we are a people of God that at our very core express love one toward another...if we have not charity then everything else has no point. What has pushed me to write this today? The following letter:
"Bro. Howell--I am a pastor's wife in NC and first off I love this website. I recently became unemployed, after 10 years, because my father was diagnosed with cancer. I had to leave my job to help to take care of him and my mother. So this site has become a lifeline to me. I have been encouraged by others and I in turn have been blessed to be able to reciprocate and give back encouragement. Today I was very disheartened with this site!!!!! I had a connection with a young girl in a neighboring town--on this site---she openly revealed that she was no longer in church-yes a backslider. We had been communicating for several months. She messaged me today and stated that she was getting off the site due to the fact that she had continually got messages stating that she needed to get off this site because it was for APOSTOLICS--not backsliders. I was appalled! What better place for a backslider to receive encouragement than on a site full of HOLY GHOST filled people..........When I logged on this evening--sure enough, she's gone. I am mortified--she has two young children--three souls may just be lost. I am not putting blame anywhere, but I think we apostolics need to rethink who we are and why we are here. Yes this is a great place to meet people, reconnect with people and build relationships--show off pictures, learn hairstyles, how to lose weight, etc---but this could also be a great place for restoration! I know that there are a lot of hurting people in the world AND in the church. There have been people soooooo wounded in church, their confidence in people shattered. I know, because I have 6 siblings that are backslidden. I would love if they would get on a site like this and connect with someone that could possibly minister to them. I apologize for taking up so much space, but I had to get this off my heart. In 2009, my goal is to be REAL--a person that is willing to show grace and mercy to someone, just like I have been shown grace and mercy. Thank you for your time. God Bless."
May God have mercy on the individual that hurt this child of God.
How I see things...we work hard to protect the integrity of the site, yet do not strive to condemn anyone for what they believe, their level or walk in God, or their doctrinal belief. We have guidelines that are intended to establish a culture of love. We have established an environment, that’s all. As a member, you have the opportunity to be a witness…and believe this, everyone is a witness, whether a good one or a…well not so good one. Does this mean…anything goes? Of course not…we are Apostolics, but we are not an exclusive club as mentioned earlier. We are a people of God. We aren’t to let the world be our influence, but be an influence on the world. We stand by our principals and sell them, in love, to others. We don’t pry their mouth open and shove it in…we feed them with loving care and chew the meat up for them if they can’t do it themselves. Compassion defines us.
Now…We love everyone, but understand if some do not agree with our position or philosophy of managing the site. Everyone’s Apostolic isn’t for everyone…and we are okay with that.
Clarification…EA is a private invitation only website that grows because other members invite friends and loved ones. EA does not advertise to grow membership and it is not our purpose to be the largest Christian social network on the web at any cost. We aren’t going to lose our identity as Apostolics, so everyone must follow our guidelines regardless of an individual’s background. To be more specific regarding membership…EA is intended for Apostolics; however, if someone has a friend or loved one that they wish to invite that is not Apostolic but feel that EA could be a blessing to them, great, invite them and we will welcome them with loving kindness. Now, with this said, if any member, regardless of their faith, begins to teach a doctrine that is contrary to the Apostles doctrine, or they condemn us for our beliefs, they will be swiftly removed from the site. We do have a policy of zero tolerance for false doctrine and antagonist and make no apologies.
In closing, I want to express my appreciation to all that help us with our efforts. I give honor to the ministry involved with EA and their unwavering support, prayers, and wisdom. I express gratitude for the thousands of saints that make EA what it is…a place that touches and blesses lives. Most of all, I thank our Lord, Jesus Christ, for His guidance and blessings on the EA community. Together, may we impact our world in a dimension that has never before been witnessed. We are on the home stretch…let’s make it count.
Lord Bless,
John Howell
President
Everyone’s Apostolic
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