Sunday, February 22, 2009
New and different
A couple of weeks ago I went to a Bible study I was invited to by the girl who does the massages at the chiropractor I was trying out. It was nice, the people were really friendly and from what I could tell, there wasn't anything wrong with the doctrine. I did notice however, that the way they prayed was exactly the way my friend Lauren's church prays(she's pentecostal). I thought that that was kind of interesting, since they classify themselves as non-denominational. I figured I would try their church tonight, and it was certainly a new experience. They are a spanish speaking church(so they have those hearing devices which enabled me to hear it translated into english), and I'm pretty sure that although they are "non-denominational" the pastor or those in charge must have come from a pentecostal church. They talked about speaking in tongues, and again prayed the way Lauren's church does(I really don't know how to describe it very well, they got up and walked around, and prayed out loud with a sort of chanting rhythm). Again, what I understood of the message(the girl translating was just bi-lingual, not an interpreter, so I had a hard time following most of what was going on) didn't seem off, but I don't really know. It was really nice though, it was like being back at COC again. They were happy to see me, and made me feel welcomed. It's the kind of church you can get involved in, instead of just showing up and being another number. I don't think I'll go back, mostly because of what I've already mentioned, and it's kinda far to be driving to every week(10 miles, 20 min. drive) but it does seem that if it weren't for the discrepancies and the distance it's really a church I could have become very happy with.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
I'm guessing that you didn't do any signing yourself.
In general, smaller churches are more like that (friendlier and more welcoming-they know every new face). If you are willing to travel a bit there probably are several such churches in the area that would meet that criteria-just not so close to Biola.
Mom
Abbey, we drive 20-25 minutes to church every week, and have been for nine years! It isn't so bad, really. Do you have any reasons for disagreeing with Pentacostal prayer/theology, or is it just "different"? If you liked the church, it might be worth learning more about the theology and then making an informed decision, rather than just not going back because it seemed different. Sometimes different can be wonderful. :)
I second the opinions of your loved ones:) We were attending church at our home church for 15 years and then were called to leave and go to another church 30 minutes away. We are all being fed. Spiritual needs are being met. We miss our old church family but nothing compares to being obedient...even if it means taking a step of faith.
No mom, I didn't actually do any interpreting. :)
As for the Pentecostal theology, the problem is mostly their belief of speaking in tongues. And the fact that they don't believe in the trinity. Now granted I don't know if this particular church does not believe in the trinity, but they do believe in speaking in tongues. While this is not a "saved or not saved" issue, it would bother me to be told every week that I don't have the Holy Spirit because I don't speak in tongues. The distance was more of a "one more thing that makes it hard" than a real problem.
Post a Comment