The Pentecostal Paradox: As the Global Chorus Grows, American Tongues Fall Silent
If you are a Pentecostal this is a great article and you must read it.
If you are a Pentecostal this is a great article and you must read it.
"Speaking in tongues has arguably been the most emphasized charismata of the modern Pentecostal movement. Although the leading Pentecostal denominations in the world all emphasize this gift, some do so more so than others. In fact, the largest Pentecostal organization in the world, the AG, considers tongues "the initial, physical evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit"—and refers to this as its "distinctive doctrine." It is considered the primary tangible evidence that a Christ-follower has experienced a "second work of grace," called the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, which believers are (according to doctrinal statements) supposed to "ardently expect" and "earnestly seek," Oddly, however, it seems that this hallmark phenomenon over the past decade has on many fronts been deemphasized, displaced and, in some cases, even placed on hold within churches that still consider themselves "Pentecostal."
Wow... someone is talking about this and I don't mean old timers. I can go to Pentecostal churches and to some Baptist churches and see no difference. The contemporary worship that used to define charismatic churches can be found in many mainline churches and that's good. I am all for good worship to be sure but when that is all that now distinguishes us I am concerned. Do we still believe in Acts 2:4?
My denomination had an outpouring in a national youth meeting a couple of years ago and there were kids being baptized in the Holy Spirit by the score. There were manifestations (like tongues, tears and being slain in the Spirit) and a few leaders and churches were very critical. I know we have come a long way when it was "anything goes" and we have progressed in many ways from the old legalistic days but when tongues and the gifts are no longer part of the Pentecostal experience, even in the church setting, I wonder where this is going. Is it all about what someone might think? Is the influence of the church growth/seeker sensitive movement stifling Spirit-filled churches?
What do you think?
Wow... someone is talking about this and I don't mean old timers. I can go to Pentecostal churches and to some Baptist churches and see no difference. The contemporary worship that used to define charismatic churches can be found in many mainline churches and that's good. I am all for good worship to be sure but when that is all that now distinguishes us I am concerned. Do we still believe in Acts 2:4?
My denomination had an outpouring in a national youth meeting a couple of years ago and there were kids being baptized in the Holy Spirit by the score. There were manifestations (like tongues, tears and being slain in the Spirit) and a few leaders and churches were very critical. I know we have come a long way when it was "anything goes" and we have progressed in many ways from the old legalistic days but when tongues and the gifts are no longer part of the Pentecostal experience, even in the church setting, I wonder where this is going. Is it all about what someone might think? Is the influence of the church growth/seeker sensitive movement stifling Spirit-filled churches?
What do you think?
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