Paradoxology: The Image of Protestant Evangelical Worship, pt 7

Blog-within-a-Blog

Seven Mistakes Every Church Should Avoid
Whether you agree with any or all of the "mistakes" mentioned in this article, it is certainly worth the read and can serve as a helpful springboard for discussion on the biblical/theological/historical nature of the Church.
Why men have stopped singing in church
A fascinating discussion is unfolding at churchformen.com regarding the disappearance of singing (especially by men) in most churches with a contemporary bent. Although I consider worship to be much more holistic and diverse than what the author is focused on, the discussion there is nonetheless a worthwhile read.
The Anglican-Episcopal Divide Widens Further
NT Wright offers a honest and somewhat heavy-hearted perspective regarding The Episcopal Church (TEC) in the U.S., and their decision to further formalize their decision to appoint to all orders of ministry, persons in active same-sex relationships. This marks a clear break with the rest of the Anglican Communion.
"I Am Second"- Incredible Personal Stories
Personal testimony stories are a dime-a-dozen on the internet. YouTube and a plethora of other sites offer them. But you will NEVER find striking personal stories about life and loss and struggle and victory and faith like you will encounter at www.iamsecond.com. This is a resource site you MUST visit for yourself and then bookmark.
Charles Wesley's secret code diary cracked by priest
An Anglican priest has unlocked the 270-year-old secrets of Charles Wesley's coded diary, throwing light on the turbulent relationship that he had with his brother John in the early years of the Methodist movement they founded... The “hidden” material offers an insight into Wesley's fierce determination to prevent the Methodist societies from breaking away from the Church of England, and disagreements with his more influential older brother.

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June 02, 2005

The Image of Protestant Evangelical Worship, pt 7

Many are predicting 1 billion pentecostals worldwide by the year 2020.

Do scenes like the one above renew your hope in the growing interpersonal dimension of protestant evangelical worship? Or do you see all of this somewhat differently?

June 02, 2005 at 05:47 AM | Permalink

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It's not a bad picture. My initial reaction is that there is an element of reconcilliation happening. I'd like it better if the white guy would come down off the stage and stand (or better yet, kneel) with the black guy on the same level. I'm not necessarily talking about race here, but rather, the evangelical propensity for elevating "servants" to a loftiness that isn't biblical. We are all one in Christ.

Peace,

Mike

Posted by: Dr. Mike Kear | June 02, 2005 at 08:26 AM

I agree with Mike...there still seems to be in the pic the image of "one above the other". As a person who did many years of ministry behind an altar rail, separated from "real people" because of tradition, symbolism and clergy-centricity...I believe it is time for the clergy to get off their pedestals...give up their need for Christian stardom and let the church be the Church again...all brothers and sisters doing the journey of faith together AS equals before the Lord. By the way, thanks for your blog. One day, I'd love to meet you. I'm a friend of Benjy's and a fan of what God is doing in your church. Know that you are prayed for! In Jesus, Robin, YLI/APU

Posted by: Robin | June 02, 2005 at 09:31 AM

" I'd like it better if the white guy would come down off the stage and stand (or better yet, kneel) with the black guy on the same level."

Dr. Mike -- here you go: double-click here

Posted by: Chris Monroe | June 02, 2005 at 09:37 AM

As someone who would be classified in the Pentecostal fold, I say that the growth in Pentecostalism is great, but only so long as it promotes sound doctrine, unwavering discipleship, and keeps the emotionalism in balance with wisdom and knowledge. My fear, though, is that too many charismatics have gone off the deep end for Pentecostalism to remain "pure," so to speak.

Posted by: DLE | June 02, 2005 at 09:44 AM

Robin, thanks for the insights (and the encouragement). I'd enjoy meeting you as well.

Posted by: Chris | June 02, 2005 at 09:49 AM

"so long as it promotes sound doctrine, unwavering discipleship, and keeps the emotionalism in balance with wisdom and knowledge."

I'm with you there, Dan. Growing up in a pentecostal/charismatic setting, I really appreciated how my pastor (who had a PhD from Fuller)worked hard to counter the negative stereotypes (e.g. charismatics are simpletons and wacko's).

Posted by: Chris | June 02, 2005 at 09:53 AM

Chris, thanks for the secondary pic. It brought a smile to my face!

Peace,

Mike

Posted by: Dr. Mike Kear | June 02, 2005 at 09:56 AM

Oh, boy. It's another Rorshach Test.

Well, here are a couple of possible captions:

• Pastor, I'd suggest strengthening your underarm deodorant.

• I'll keep him distracted, while I pick his pocket.

• Hey, stop blowing hot air into my ear.

Posted by: Oengus Moonbones | June 03, 2005 at 06:30 AM

Hmmm? I never thought once of "race" or the thought of "I'm on the prayer team, you are one in need, let me pray for you".

I kinda thought the black guy is very tall, but on his knees (on the steps) and the pastor/elder is laying hands on him.

Although the guy in the suit looks like a church staff member; but who knows?

I've been in gatherings where people spontaneously pray and lay hands on each other. You may have a stranger lay hands on you and bless you, give you words from Holy Spirit. Everybody plays and participates on the same playing field.

Posted by: Matt | June 03, 2005 at 10:02 AM

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