Quote:
Originally Posted by Pressing-On
I agree that "naive" is a much better choice of word than "ignorant".
As to the new converts being the only ones that are not aware of the "candy stick" mentality. You are probably right, BUT......
Let me share the story first. You may remember me telling this.
Brother Billy Cole was preaching at BOTT some years ago. He, in a normal tone, said, "God is doing great things."
The audience does not respond.
He elevates his voice. "GOD IS DOING GREAT THINGS!!!"
Loud clapping and verbal response. He talks a little longer and does the whole thing again, beginning with the normal tone of voice. Same exact response.
He then goes on to say, "Do you see what you did? You did not respond to what I said. You responded to how I said it! Someday we will learn."
I have observed through the years that the congregation, largely, is waiting for instructions on when to respond and how to do that. I think it is unfortunate that this occurs.
So, really, the "candy stick" kinda sweeps over the new converts and grabs the seasoned saint. JMHO.
|
I do understand what you're saying.
I think it takes some spiritual maturity to respond just as well to what a soft-spoken missionary or elder minister will say just as well as someone who speaks loudly, charismatically and really grabs your attention. (As opposed to
paying attention)
That's largely cultural, too, don't you think? We are media-trained to respond to what is loud, bright, colorful, exciting and *gasp* entertaining! Furthermore, the
church culture has (IMO) squelched spontaneous worship in exchange for dictated worship, so even in a highly charged, liberated atmosphere, folks are still trying to do what they are "supposed" to do. I have seen people stop worshiping when the music stopped--not because they wanted to, but because they didn't want to be disruptive or be out of order.
This brings up something else interesting that I just thought of...does it ever seem like music is a "cover" for worship? It seems that sometimes people are too embarrassed to really call out to God and really express themselves, unless there is music or singing loudly assisting them or playing over them so they are sort of unnoticed....hmmmm. Perhaps we have made folks feel so self-conscious about expression and worship that they only time they feel comfortable doing it is when the music is up.
btw, I was at that BOTT. I remember BC doing that!
Threaded Mode
