FGBMI Invitation

[123me]

I was recently invited to a Fellowship Gospel Busisness Man Institue lunch, which I had to decline, but allowed the man who invited me to put me onto an email list., so I keep getting invitations, which is fair enough. So far I have not been able to attend.

Is it OK to attend lunches with these? I Just thought they were a local group of Christians sharing a Lunch and testimony, so thought in the spirit of ecumenism it would be worthwhile going along one day, but have researched a little and it suggests they have Pentecostal roots? Are they are a church I wonder. In no way do I want to be proslytetized to, I m happy to share common Christian values if they respect me as a catholic. Anyway if there are any Catholics who have knowledge about them then please let me know.

The reason why I didn’t say no is because I didn’t think they were a church denomination, and thought their ‘members’ may include Catholics, but I would like to make sure.

 

[PietroPaolo]

Well, they aren’t a “church,” no Protestant group is (they are ecclesial communities). I’m not overly familiar with this particular group, but is sounds like they are just Christian businessmen trying to have some fellowship. You might ask them if they’d have a problem with you being a Catholic. Their reaction ought to tell you if it is ecumenical or not.

 

[PDXSeeker_1975]

It’s Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI). I went to a few of their meetings with a group from my church in my pentecostal/non-denominational days. I think the reaction you get will just depend, since there are so many faith traditions and denominations represented in those groups. I do remember a friend of mine who is a cradle Catholic went to one of the meetings with us (long before I ever considered Catholicism myself) and felt pretty uncomfortable with some of the things that were said by the “speakers”, but again, YMMV.

 

[123me]

Thanks for your replies. kind of confirms what I thought.

I did say I am Catholic when I bumped into him, but before ever going I’ll say it in writing.

I think I may just go one day just to show I care about ecumenism, is that we have the Gospel Message in common ( but I am not the best Catholic when it comes to ecumenism even though I joined only 5 years ago I am finding myself to be a bit Intolerant of false teachings, and Having to avoid topics like Eucharistic adoration etc)…

I just hope they don’t ask me to give a testimony, my first confession was hard enough, and I suffer from social phobia, so large groups are hard I don’t mind testifying to one or two though.

But if they are good hearted Christians a pint and meal / chat would be most welcome. Although prefer pint only as the meals are a bit expensive for me.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

I was a member for several years. I was vice-president of the chapter near my work and never encountered any problems. I lost connection when I changed jobs many years ago. Haven’t had occasion to find a new chapter.