Discussing Church 27
This charismatic church meets in an old, run-down building, originally built for shared-tenant use. It looks abandoned and forms our first impression.
Consider these four discussion questions about Church #27:
1. With a half dozen equally accessible doors, we don’t know which one to use. Regular attendees know which entrance to head to; guests do not.
What changes should you make so that you don’t hamper people from entering your church?
2. We sit and an unpleasant odor assaults me. I eventually grow to accept it, but I never like it.
What offensive smells and other distractions do you need to remove from your church? (And don’t cover one smell with another.)
3. During their “testimony and prayer” time, each person who prays does so loudly, to the point of shouting.
How do your prayers come across?
4. They encourage us to worship any way we wish, but during the sermon the minister chastises us: “Forty percent of you did not worship God today.” He does indeed have expectations in how we worship, and he judged us as falling short.
What worship expectations does your church have? What needs to change?
Though I expected at charismatic experience, unnecesaary issues got in the way.
[See the prior set of questions, the next set, or start at the beginning.]
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Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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2 replies on “A Charismatic Experience”
Hi Peter. Although I do not self identify as a “charismatic “, I do believe that Biblically speaking, all true believers have been gifted with grace-gifts in order to minister effectively in God’s name. This is one reason I find it unfortunate that this term has been co-opted to identify as particular sect of Christian churches. Amongst that group, I’ve personally found that a certain type of worship style is expected or else it’s not seen as true worship. I believe that disciples should be allowed to worship in a way that expresses their true love for God in what He has done for us in Christ. No one should be pressured to worship in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable. God looks at the heart, not the outward expressions.
Robert, you’re so right. Only each person and God knows if we’re worshiping with a pure heart.