02-26-2011, 12:21 PM
Hello to old members, new members and those considering becoming members.
When this forum was launched in 2008, it was with a goal of opening a door to fellowship with other believers, reach out to those of differing views and simply share Jesus Christ. With that was a very large learning curve. I have not been on a lot of forums and have never run one before. The learning curve included Starting with no forum rules, to writing rules, and learning how to use them, which became an issue.
Mistakes have been made, and even the issue of having three administrators, while the purpose was good, it has become obvious it is less effective in discussions than I would have thought. Over time comments have been made that suggested the forum was top heavy, the admins were like a gang who pounced on members, etc. Part of the issue was many regular members don't post. So we felt an obligation to dialogue with whoever joined into a discussion. It was never the intent to 'gang up' on posters, because each admin was posting as an individual member and believer first. The admin capacity was only active when having to deal with forum rules that members might violate. However, the perception became that people were inundated with posts by the admins rather than other members. I sincerely apologise if that was the perception.
Secondly, as life behind the scenes changed for each of us, individually each of the admins have had a heavy personal load. It has affected the way responses have been made at times, and in turn, I know I have violated the very essence of sharing the love of Christ and abiding the forum rules myself. For those whom I have offended, I am sincerely sorry for being rude, unkind, impatient or similar in what I have responded with.
In thinking things through the last while, I have felt as God has laid things on my heart, that changes needed to be made. Rose had decided to step back as admin a few days ago due to her personal load right now and will be posting as a member when she can. Sheep Wrecked has felt I should do what I feel God wants me to do on these issues.
I have felt it necessary to revamp and just be the administrator of the forum as it will make it less top heavy. It will allow members to freely discuss without the constant overhanging sense of being restricted by the label of admins talking with them. Instead, members can dialogue on the same level as other members, agree or disagree, and hopefully show mutual respect. I will continue to post as a fellow member---please realize that means I really am dialoguing as a believer first. I don't believe I am always right nor do I have all the answers. I do believe God's Word does, and it's to that we must turn to determine truth and error, sound doctrine and not. Hopefully any admin duties can be kept private and behind the scenes and not spill into the forum as they have been doing. That has also been a mistake in not knowing exactly how to deal with those issues. For those who have concerns or problems please contact me via pm or email.
I am thankful God is so patient and continues to lead, even when mistakes have been made. I hope each who comes to the forum and website will be blessed, edified and encouraged to run the race, and those who do not know Him, will in full sincerity Seek God. He has promised if we seek Him, we will indeed find Him.
Mat 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
Mat 7:8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Joh 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Joh 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Psa 145:18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
Psa 145:19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.
Jer 29:12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
Jer 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
