Aisle Running and Dancing a Virtue to be Taught? - Page 3

Digging4Truth · #21 10-26-2011, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Praxeas

Pentecostals are performance oriented. They have to feel/believe something is happening and so they demonstrate

That, my friend, is the truth. It brings up another subject that I have been trying to get the courage to present here. I may have to think more on it.

Digging4Truth · #22 10-26-2011, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoovie

Why do I hear entire sermons (live and on-line) devoted to how we respond (in physical demonstration) to the presence of the LORD? What is up wid dat?

Seems truely and inherently counter-productive to focus so much on the by-product and response, rather than preaching the cross and letting happen what will.

I think that it is a very real possibility that this, like many other things, has to do with perceived pentecostal culture. Without certain things many seem to feel as though they have lost their identity. It is what they identify themselves by and, therefore, it is very important that they do what is necessary to instill and maintain the importance of these things in the minds of those around them.

Otherwise, without stressing the importance of these things, it might eventually cease to happen.

Hoovie · #23 10-26-2011, 07:13 AM

Thanks for pointing out the spelling guys! Lol

Just to be clear, it's not that I am particularly opposed to physical demonstration. Just that I find myself growing further and further away from a culture that seems to focus on what we are "feeling" and our obligation to show how we feel via some bizarre physical demonstration.

At least one evidence being offered as "proof" for what is felt, is the physical reaction of
the crowd. The problem is, this physical demonstration can and is easily manipulated and imitated. This is obviously true - that is why there often is an uncanny focus of how people should be acting at church. Clearly, running, whooping, and total abandonment Shockamoo is held at high premium in many gatherings.

Point is, while I would not discount the possibility of these happening as an impromptu reaction in worship, I think if it is manipulated, elicited, or demanded it is cheapened and means little or nothing at all.

Dagwood · #24 10-26-2011, 07:23 AM

I think it would be more reasonable and acceptable for the pastor to allow the congregation to respond as they feel necessary, instead of point-blank telling folks to run and shout. From what I've seen in recent years, many have wept, shouted an occasional "Amen!" or "That's right/good," etc. But, I have yet to see one running the aisles as I've seen in previous years. I must also note the difference between a small country church (where I used to attend) vs. a larger, more urban church (where I attend now). Two totally different demographics and spectrums.

If running and dancing is the thing to do for some, I'm fine with it. But, I won't teach or emphasize it to my children as exclusive worship...

scotty · #25 10-26-2011, 07:38 AM

I agree with Dagwood. It is not something that should be taught or even encouraged. It will happen naturally if it is to happen at all. We have "runners" in our church as well as "dancers". It is not something that one person does and the rest follow suit. Its almost like ones spiritual personality for lack of a better term. For some its just their style of worship. When we have a great move of God while the praise team is singing then there is a good chance Bro Jason is going to run, Sis Jessica will fall to her knees, face to the floor, crying, Sis Makalia will be dancing in place in tears, etc etc. Nobody really "copies" anyone and there is not an emotional wave that rolls through the church and everyone follows suit.

And most of all, its not an every service, every alter call, every move of God, happening.

Reminds me of an old Clint Black song:
It's holding tight, It's lettin go
It's flying high and laying low
It lets your strongest feelings show
And your weakness too

It's a little and a lot to ask
An endless and a welcome task
Love isn't something that we have
It's something that we do

Digging4Truth · #26 10-26-2011, 07:40 AM

I've been a part of services where a brother ran the tops of the pews on occasion.

That's always exciting.

Amanah · #27 10-26-2011, 07:48 AM

this one always cracks me up, the guys does a sommersault right into the baptistry

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLmjV...layer_embedded

Dagwood · #28 10-26-2011, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotty

I agree with Dagwood. It is not something that should be taught or even encouraged. It will happen naturally if it is to happen at all. We have "runners" in our church as well as "dancers". It is not something that one person does and the rest follow suit. Its almost like ones spiritual personality for lack of a better term. For some its just their style of worship. When we have a great move of God while the praise team is singing then there is a good chance Bro Jason is going to run, Sis Jessica will fall to her knees, face to the floor, crying, Sis Makalia will be dancing in place in tears, etc etc. Nobody really "copies" anyone and there is not an emotional wave that rolls through the church and everyone follows suit.

And most of all, its not an every service, every alter call, every move of God, happening.

Reminds me of an old Clint Black song:
It's holding tight, It's lettin go
It's flying high and laying low
It lets your strongest feelings show
And your weakness too

It's a little and a lot to ask
An endless and a welcome task
Love isn't something that we have
It's something that we do

What I love to see most of and seem to be blessed by, is when someone or a group of people drop to their knees because the presence of God is so strong.

And, the song you mentioned is one of my favorites by Clint. Thanks for reminding me of it. There's a lot of truth to it on so many levels...