Do u allow Running,Shouting,Dancing in your church

[Mrs. LPW]

Originally Posted by Pianoman

I agree with the judging part, but I have known more than a few that danced before the Lord in church and later it was revealed that they had major sin in their life at the time.

I won't begrudge anyone rejoicing in the Lord. I think it's a beautiful thing.

I know some quiet folks who had sin in their lives too. I think we need to move past the fact that there are people pretending in every church, all across the world.

We should never throw the baby out with the bathwater. If we do, we'll be losing something very precious.

You are right, how high someone jumps should never be a gauge of their spirituality... but of course we shouldn't really be looking around and judging one another to begin with eh?
I don't think there are as many people who assume if you jump and shout and are demonstrative, that you are spiritual... as some may think. Most pastors I've been under used the quote "It's not how high you jump but how straight you walk when you come down" many times.

[Esther]

I have not read this entire thread and don't have time to right now.

I will say I believe you must do what you do "unto the Lord" and NOT to man.

David danced before the Lord. He chose to do so. He is my example.

[ForeverBlessed]

Originally Posted by Mrs. LPW

Why did you feel that way?
I've been in church many times when people were jumping and shouting and I wasn't... I didn't feel less spiritual at all.

I feel the same way, I don’t look to see what others are doing… That is one reason I like the fact my church dims lights for the majority of the service… the focus is on the pulpit area. I hear a lot of people don’t care for that, but I think it is great. On the other hand, you can’t help notice some people.. and it is a good feeling to watch those who are getting a blessing in worship like that….the joy is contagious.

Personally, I am a quiet person…I get demonstrative w/dancing depending on the type of service.. but I cry more than anything in church. That is a common emotion shown by me though… I cry when emotions over take me.. happy, even when angry. (which can really confuse people)

Sorry if some might think it is judging because I couldn’t attend a church that doesn’t promote outward demonstration…. I guess if it is judging… it isn’t people, but the lack of free flowing of the Spirit….that is what I couldn’t live with. I don’t associate sin or lack of sin to worship…. we are all sinners and striving to be right…. that doesn’t interfere with worship or praise in my opinion. Many things are overcome in those times of worship.

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Pianoman

Good post! I have a few comments in response.

1. I only mentioned "shouting" because that was the subject of this thread. Although I agree with your comments about those who sing or play musical instruments, those things are not generally tied to one's supposed spiritual thermometer like shouting is.

2. I don't have a problem with anyone rejoicing before the Lord. Many times it may be a release from their everyday life. The point I was trying to make is that rejoicing before the Lord is not necessarily a spiritual determinator.

I completely agree with you on that. We shouldn't look at a person worshiping and think that they are more spiritual because of their exuberance, nor should we allow ourselves to question their sincerity because we are aware of mistakes or sins in their lives.

3. Just don't judge others when they don't dance and shout like you do. It is not the personality of some people to do that. When they were in the world, they were not the type to "party" or hoop and holler at ballgames. They are reserved and shy. This is their personality and in no way reflects on their love for God.

Two things:

1. I am not a highly exuberant person. Not much of a dancer, can be a little loud. Shyness, though, can be caused by a person being too aware of self, or self-conscious, and can even be evidence of selfishness. (self-centeredness)

2. I don't believe we should choose our worship based on what our personality is--God does expect more from us, than just whatever is in our comfort zone.

See: Story of Cain & Abel. Cain gave God what he "felt" like giving, and was angry when God didn't accept his offering. So while I agree with you on principle, I do believe God cares about us doing things His way. Of course, "His way" doesn't have to be dancing, shouting or otherwise swinging from the chandeliers.

3. Okay, 3 things. God does change us completely--I have seen shy sinners become enthusiastic saints. To some extent, our personality is part of how God created us, but in some cases it can hinder us from ministry and wonderful experiences, so maturity allows us to decide to step out of certain bounds.

I agree that we shouldn't expect certain types of worship--there are many biblical modes of worship that don't require a person to make a bold statement. But there are just as many that do. God does like variety, and He certainly extends that to worship, as is evidenced in scripture.

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by MrsMcD

You are so right! I am a quiet person by nature and I can't tell you how many times I have felt less spiritual than everyone else that was screaming, jumping, running, etc.

My mother is a very quiet person. She will lift her hands, and worship and pray, but you won't hear it unless you are standing next to her, or unless everyone else is quiet.

However, she's the greatest prayer warrior I know. I hear her at home every day, and I have a feeling that matters to God MUCH more.

[MrsMcD]

Originally Posted by Mrs. LPW

Why did you feel that way?
I've been in church many times when people were jumping and shouting and I wasn't... I didn't feel less spiritual at all.

I guess mainly because the pastor is telling people to get out of their comfort zone and run, jump, shout, etc. It's as if whatever someone is doing isn't good enough. I will do whatever he ask but not because I feel led to.

[ChTatum]

The only demonstrative worship I do not like is leaping. Because of my size, all of me doesn't stop at the same time, there may be a few jiggles after my feet quit.

LOL!

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by ChTatum

The only demonstrative worship I do not like is leaping. Because of my size, all of me doesn't stop at the same time, there may be a few jiggles after my feet quit.

LOL!

[Sister Alvear]

I am not too good at keeping time...so I am OUT OF ORDER>>>ha...

[dizzyde]

Originally Posted by Sister Alvear

I am not too good at keeping time...so I am OUT OF ORDER>>>ha...