An Ode to Pentecostalism

[Lisa Robinson]

I am not a Pentecostal/Charismatic. I used to be though. But I dove into a course of study that had me re-examining some things I believed, particularly related to the sign gifts, speaking in tongues and validity of modern day prophets and apostles. I also discovered that extreme fringes of this movement have promoted some things that I don't believe correspond to biblical truth, i.e. word of faith, new revelations, etc.

Given the direction my biblical studying has brought me thus far, the natural tendency is to vehemently oppose any vestiges of this movement. The tendency, I think, is to regret that time was wasted in a movement that I no longer am in alignment with. However, I have discovered that while I have come to reject some of the pentecostal/charismatic teachings, I do welcome and embrace others. I do cherish and appreciate the time and experiences I have gained. No need to throw the baby out with the bath water. I also think it's interesting that God keeps bringing pentecostal folks into my life. It is humbling.

So I thought I would express my ode to Pentecostalism, those characteristics about the movement and its people that I have come to respect, appreciate and maintain in my heart as I continue on this journey.

1) Pentecostals know how to pray: It's not that non-pentecostals don't but I have found an affinity towards prayer that pentecostals have, all night if need be. Pray without ceasing, pray for governing authorities, pray for perseverance, pray for each other...that is what we are commended to do.

2) Pentecostals know how to praise: These folks are not ashamed to lift up hands, shout and dance. Praising God is what we were designed to do. David danced before the Lord and maybe so should we, considering the Spirit that dwells within us. No need to be boring or rigid.

3) Pentecostals expect things to happen: Sure this is part and parcel of the full continuation of gifts as represented in the early church. But I have to admire the heart behind it, which says we will not limit God and how He wants to move. Its a heart that says we expect great things from God. Considering the transcendent, omniscient, omnipotent, holy, righteous and sovereign God whom we serve, who has demonstrated His mindfulness and love for us through the cross, who has communicated His power to us through His word, should we not expect Him to move in mighty ways? I know I do.

Yes, these are characteristics worth pondering and worth appreciating.

[Miles Harris]

Lisa, I enjoyed reading your comments, as well as the comments of others. I am currently a penticostal. I agree that there are many teachings in many penticostal churches that may not be sound,but that isnt in ALL charasmatic type churches. The very qualities that you say you appreciate: the ability to pray, lively worship, and an exitement for God stem as an outgrowth of Spirit-filled living. It is the same Holy Spirit that causes that vibrancy, that also manifests gifts of Healing, tongues, prophecy, etc. Of course there are always excesses, but that doesnt mean we disgard it. Certain denominations stopped using musical instruments because of excessive in inappropriate uses. Not only does the Bible support the use of instruments, it enhances the experience of worship in the same way spiritual gifts should be used in the church to edify the body of Christ. In many of those same churches, there is an element of worship that may be missing because they chose not to use instruments. It is the same with the Gifts.... our experience( and we should all have an experience with God- think about all the people in scripture who did) is enhanced when the gifts are used within the guidelines of scripture, and when not used, our experience is diminished. I hope Im not being overly repetitious here. I guess the old saying is true: " Don't throw the baby out with the bath water". Do I believe that a person should speak in tongues in order to be saved, no- nor do I think that claim can be supported by scripture. However God provided the gifts to edify the church, so when we deny the place of the gifts within our church and within our lives, it may be that we are denying God the place He desires to occupy within those places as well.

[Steve Robinson]

As a pastor of a multi-cultural church that is inter-denominational I believe we must learn to accept one another. My background is pentecostal but I pastor a church that has a Catholic as our Praise & Worship leader. Also Methodist, Assembly of God, Episcopal Charismatic and Pentecostal as well as a host of others make up both our leadership team and congregation.

The reason we are a multi-cultural, ethnic and generational church is because we don't preach division just the bible. "My house shall be a house of prayer for all nations." If you add all nations you will add all different Christian religious experiences. I believe that is one of the reason our church has really started to grow.

Over the years I have learn that each denomination and theology looks to promote itself as the absolute right way of doing things. There are extremes in every denomination including those who are non-denominational.

I have recently form a friendship with several pastors in my community: Presbyterian, Chasmatic Epsicapal, Southern Baptist, and Evangelical Friends. We are all different but we have learned to repsect and appreciate each other's beliefs and theology.

Because there are extremes we still must hold true to the bible. A friend of mine told me the other day that he did not believe the gifts or tongues are for today and that they stopped in the Book of Acts. I asked him to show me where that was written and obviously he couldn't. I know people who state that they even know what Jesus wrote in the sand when the women was taken in adultery.

I grow up where if you weren't pentecostal and spoke in tongues you couldn't make it into heaven, also obviously false. Lisa, like me remember there is not time wasted on your way to discover who you are in Christ.

Lisa, I was were you were 10 years ago when I wanted to reject everything that I have learned but I learn to embrace my experience because it taught me faithfulness and consistency. Do I believe everything that happens in the pentecostal church is of God, absolutely not. But neither do I believe Calvin, Luther and other great men of the faith have all the answers to my theology.

I strongly believe the church is weak simply because we like to point out our differences than our likeness. We are like Christ and that makes us family regardless of what is written outside the doors of our Christian experience.

Peace,
Steve

[Apolojedi (Daniel Eaton)]

Great thoughts. I have a friend that went on a mission trip to Africa with me. He was a former Assemblies of God evangelist/lay-preacher. I *loved* to hear that man pray! I thought your comments on this topic were spot-on. I have two blog posts ready to post here (I'm trying to space them out) that touch on this topic. One is about some of the logical conclusions that I don't like where Word-Faith leads. The other mentions expecting things to happen and how, in many ways, Dispensational theology doesn't. :)

[Lisa Robinson]

Bob, I would absolutely agree with you. I think the promotion of sign gifts and charisma, in general can tend towards a reliance on sensation rather than on teaching to achieve spirituality. Because that can get boring compared to the zeal. I also have discovered that in general, this due to employing a hermeneutic that does not differentiate too much between the Old and New testaments.