Can I raise my arms in a church that isn't Pentecostal?

Fantastic quesion. No idea though

Sure, you can do a lot of stuff, anywhere you want!
Be prepared to be thrown out, though.

More seriously, however, they are the way that they are for a reason. If you go to a church that doesn't raise hands, why would you raise your hands?

Best wishes,
goldenboy

goldenboy said:

Sure, you can do a lot of stuff, anywhere you want!
Be prepared to be thrown out, though.

More seriously, however, they are the way that they are for a reason. If you go to a church that doesn't raise hands, why would you raise your hands?

Best wishes,
goldenboy

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Trouble s of course, that if one goes to a church where people don't raise their hands, then even f one or a few people want to do so, they maybe don't, because no-one else does..so it's kind of a vicious circle.

If you feel like raising your hands in worship, do it. Who do you want to please? God, or man? If they don't like you worshiping in such a Biblical manner, maybe you need to find another church. Sit in the back.

I'd bet that there ARE others who would like to raise their hands. Perhaps you are placed there to start a trend!!!

When I go home to my parents' church and feel the need to raise my hands, I will hold my hand at my side palm up or out but I keep it low. When we are singing if I know the song my eyes are closed, I am worshiping not looking around. But from the years I did not attend a Pentecostal church it is distracting to have someone raise their hands.

God knows your heart, He understands. I view it as Paul did Being all things to all people 1 Cor. 9:19-23 so that he was not a stumbling block. You need to know what God is saying to you in the situation.

Elisha1961 said:

When I go home to my parents' church and feel the need to raise my hands, I will hold my hand at my side palm up or out but I keep it low. When we are singing if I know the song my eyes are closed, I am worshiping not looking around. But from the years I did not attend a Pentecostal church it is distracting to have someone raise their hands.

God knows your heart, He understands. I view it as Paul did Being all things to all people 1 Cor. 9:19-23 so that he was not a stumbling block. You need to know what God is saying to you in the situation.

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Yes, this is the thing..trouble is, it can also be a stumbling block, perhaps, for those who WANT to raise their hands...and the thing is, if nobody ever does it...then EVERYone's probably thinking, I'd better not do it, in case it upsets someone.
Perhaps (unless you're attending the church as a one-off), you could approach the minister, and ask him what HE thinks....if he says yes, go ahead, then fair enough; if he raises his hands (lol) in shock and horror and says it'd cause no end of problems, then, well, I s'pose you'd have to go along with that.

It depends on the church you attend. If you feel the Holy Spirit leading you to raise your hands, then go ahead and raise them. Just keep in mind though, that the Apostle Paul instructs us, when visiting other churches, to respect their traditions.

edit Quote from GodDreamer: not sure why didn't work
Perhaps (unless you're attending the church as a one-off), you could approach the minister, and ask him what HE thinks....if he says yes, go ahead, then fair enough; if he raises his hands (lol) in shock and horror and says it'd cause no end of problems, then, well, I s'pose you'd have to go along with that.[/quote]

I agree with talking to the Pastor especially if you are planning on staying or visiting regularly. There maybe others who have asked and by talking to him he will be more open to the idea.

I remember the conversations after church visiting with the relatives when someone had shouted Amen after the Pastor made a good point. LOL It was quite the scandal in our backwoods Reformed Church.

Go for it man! Worship is all about abandoning one's self and letting the spirit move you closer to God. If lifting your hands in worship takes you there than giddy up

I believe that if the Holy Spirit is moving you to lift your arms in surrender to him and in adoration for the God of the universe than I say do it.

YES! I went to a Presbyterian church downtown one day as we were in town and not near Lake mary wher we live. The church was old time preaching (great btw) and old time singing of hymns. The music started and I got excited! I was so blessed and moved my arms went up like a holdup! It was like I was asking to be excused to go to the restroom! I almost started jumping when people started singing with joy!

Afterwards the pastor and several members came up to me to meet me and grin at and with me! It seems I started several others doing the same thing! If I went to this church regularly I have no doubt a lot more hands would hit the sky!

If God is in ya, and you gotta praise Him, who can stop you? Who would want to??

the.Sheepdog said:

YES! I went to a Presbyterian church downtown one day as we were in town and not near Lake mary wher we live. The church was old time preaching (great btw) and old time singing of hymns. The music started and I got excited! I was so blessed and moved my arms went up like a holdup! It was like I was asking to be excused to go to the restroom! I almost started jumping when people started singing with joy!

Afterwards the pastor and several members came up to me to meet me and grin at and with me! It seems I started several others doing the same thing! If I went to this church regularly I have no doubt a lot more hands would hit the sky!

If God is in ya, and you gotta praise Him, who can stop you? Who would want to??

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Excellent point!
Besides, if you hide your praise, the rocks may do it!
Get them arms up!

Best wishes,
goldenboy

Sure. I find strength in people who stand for what they do in a service. After a few weeks, other people start to feel comfortable doing it too. You'd be surprised how many people are Charismatic and demonstrative at heart in liturgical churches.

And God is at work too -- it's not all about people's perceptions.