Disturbing Trends or Christian Maturity?

[CC1]

Originally Posted by Sissy

This story is a little different then the thread. Back in the 80's, we were in a store front church. (My in-laws started a the church in their living room in 1973 - shortly after, they purchased a store front building.) The small church was a very worshipful church. For about several weeks it seemed that no one worshipped, kind of lazy, sat there and stared at my FIL. So, my MIL grabbed the hands and "pulled" the people, that normally shouted, out of their seats and told them to shout and dance before the Lord. Thankfully, I was on the organ and she didn't get to me, but I know some were uncomfortable and some shouted & danced away! Needless to say, she never did that again. Bless her heart - she is polish! *grin*

Now in 2007, as a worship leader, I have tried to encourage people to raise their hands, or stand if they physically can and worship. I don't want to come across as being demanding, but I do think sometimes people may need a little prodding. It is always good for them to see the worship team and myself being an example in worship too.

My husband has said to the congregation, one time or another that it is good to speak in tongues especially if it has been a long time since you have spoke in tongues. I don't think he has ever told everyone to speak in tongues at once, but I know that when the Spirit is flowing, majority of the church is speaking in tongues at the same time. (I'm not talking about the gifts of the Spirit - message in tongues comes either one, two no more than three before someone interprets) I'm glad that tongues come very easy for me (it didn't always) and I usually speak in tongues about every time I pray. Thank God for the Holy Ghost!!!

Sissy,

Thanks for your post. Do you think perhaps sometimes in Pentecost people get too preoccupied with getting a "reaction" or "response" from the congregation rather than results?

My fear is that worship becomes almost competitive. Demonstrative worship becomes a measuring stick by which ones spirituality is judged.

It is possible to have a deep relationship with God without dancing, shouting, leaping, etc. It bothers me that those things many times are the yardstick with though.

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by CC1

Sissy,

Thanks for your post. Do you think perhaps sometimes in Pentecost people get too preoccupied with getting a "reaction" or "response" from the congregation rather than results?

My fear is that worship becomes almost competitive. Demonstrative worship becomes a measuring stick by which ones spirituality is judged.

It is possible to have a deep relationship with God without dancing, shouting, leaping, etc. It bothers me that those things many times are the yardstick with though.

If it is, then it is a FALSE measuring stick. AND, I might add one that is very easily conjured and duplicated in corporate worship.

Originally Posted by CC1

Sissy,

Thanks for your post. Do you think perhaps sometimes in Pentecost people get too preoccupied with getting a "reaction" or "response" from the congregation rather than results?

My fear is that worship becomes almost competitive. Demonstrative worship becomes a measuring stick by which ones spirituality is judged.

It is possible to have a deep relationship with God without dancing, shouting, leaping, etc. It bothers me that those things many times are the yardstick with though.

Your welcome. I wouldn't recommend pulling people out of their seats and demanding them to shout/dance or speak in tongues. However, I do belief as a worship leader, it is my responsibility to be sensitive to God's Spirit and create an atmosphere for people to worship any way they want. I agree with you, demonstrative worship should not determine someone's spirituality at all. Demonstrative worship should not be competitive as well. But I do believe one should show a little emotion if they can at all. Afterall, when people got healed, touched by Jesus, or the felt the presence of the Lord (David) they didn't just say "thank you" and quietly walk away. There was dancing, leaping, crying...

I hope this makes sense.

[Sherri]

I was in a large AG church in Hawaii a couple summers ago and the guy was all fired up preaching and then he yelled, "Can I get a runner?" This guy hops up and runs around the building. He yelled again, "Can I get another one?" People went nuts and started running all over the building. It was really funny watching it from the balcony as visitors.

Originally Posted by Sherri

I was in a large AG church in Hawaii a couple summers ago and the guy was all fired up preaching and then he yelled, "Can I get a runner?" This guy hops up and runs around the building. He yelled again, "Can I get another one?" People went nuts and started running all over the building. It was really funny watching it from the balcony as visitors.

I'm an emotional person so I don't have any problems with shouting, dancing, leaping (never ran) but I have marched in the aisles. Sometimes I go to church tired, weary, worn out and maybe not feeling my best but there's something about worshiping and getting a little emotional and before you know it I have energy and feel quite chipper by the time church is over! I'm afraid sometimes we become just a little lazy.


3 weeks ago an older man came to the front of the church for prayer and my husband and the other ministers anointed him with oil and prayed for him. He was having problems with his eyesight- to the point that the doctors didn't want him to drive anymore. So when they finished praying for him - he told my husband he said "I'm going to walk around this sanctuary 7 times just like they walked around Jericho." When he started walking, numerous of people followed him with the faith that God would touch his eyes. When he was finished he said he wasn't completely healed but his eyes were somewhat better! Sometimes it may look foolish but who would have thought spittle and dirt would heal eyes too? It is always best to obey.

[CC1]

Originally Posted by Sherri

I was in a large AG church in Hawaii a couple summers ago and the guy was all fired up preaching and then he yelled, "Can I get a runner?" This guy hops up and runs around the building. He yelled again, "Can I get another one?" People went nuts and started running all over the building. It was really funny watching it from the balcony as visitors.

Was this in Honolulu? If so what churches do you recommend? I will be there one Sunday in February. In all honesty though since we are only going tobe there four days before we get on the ship for the five days back to Los Angeles I probably will have private chapel on Sunday, but I would like to know about churches there!

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by Sissy

Your welcome. I wouldn't recommend pulling people out of their seats and demanding them to shout/dance or speak in tongues. However, I do belief as a worship leader, it is my responsibility to be sensitive to God's Spirit and create an atmosphere for people to worship any way they want. I agree with you, demonstrative worship should not determine someone's spirituality at all. Demonstrative worship should not be competitive as well. But I do believe one should show a little emotion if they can at all. Afterall, when people got healed, touched by Jesus, or the felt the presence of the Lord (David) they didn't just say "thank you" and quietly walk away. There was dancing, leaping, crying...

I hope this makes sense.

Sissy, I know this response was not for me... but please let me explain why I have difficulty with this.


The response of those touched by the Lord was the natural outflow of their encounter with Jesus. It is true, most people do get emotional when a miracle occurs in their heart and life, but never do we read in scripture where believers are told to become emotional in order to show or prove they had an encounter with Jesus.

IMHO.... this is counter productive and fosters a pseudo worship that is not focused on spirit (inner man) and in truth (without pretension).

Originally Posted by Stephen Hoover

Sissy, I know this response was not for me... but please let me explain why I have difficulty with this.


The response of those touched by the Lord was the natural outflow of their encounter with Jesus. It is true, most people do get emotional when a miracle occurs in their heart and life, but never do we read in scripture where believers are told to become emotional in order to show or prove they had an encounter with Jesus.

IMHO.... this is counter productive and fosters a pseudo worship that is not focused on spirit (inner man) and in truth (without pretension).

I am assuming you are married. Do you ever think of your relationship with your wife similar to a type of relationship with Jesus? In other words, you tell your wife you love her, but never display any emotions...

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by Sissy

I am assuming you are married. Do you ever think of your relationship with your wife similar to a type of relationship with Jesus? In other words, you tell your wife you love her, but never display any emotions...

uh.... sometimes are more emotional than others.... But yes, at times I tell my wife I love her without great emotion. This simply does not speak of a lack of sincerity nor a lack of commitment I have for her.

But I will say this; When she has to (or chooses to) ASK for a display of emotion, it most always defeats the purpose.


PS since this post is dealing with my real marriage relationship, I must say, my wife and I will both testify to a very solid and rewarding marriage relationship. (not perfect - just close )

Originally Posted by Sissy

I am assuming you are married. Do you ever think of your relationship with your wife similar to a type of relationship with Jesus? In other words, you tell your wife you love her, but never display any emotions...

I know you did not ask me but I wanted to answer this. I would never jump up and run around the house screaming to prove I loved my husband.