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?

Comments

[Dr. Mike Kear]

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

[Robin]

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

[Chris Monroe]

" 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

[DLE]

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.

[Chris]

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

[Chris]

"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).

[Dr. Mike Kear]

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

Peace,

Mike

[Oengus Moonbones]

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.

[Matt]

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.