A few questions as I'm thinking about attending a Charasmatic church...

[korvus]

I'm looking at the Charismatic Christian movement for a bit and I'm thinking of checking it out by visiting a church for one day. But first I have a few questions:

* What is the music like? There are churches that have the usual guitar+drum+singing combo and I'm wondering if Charismatic churches go for the contemporary style of worship too.

* I've heard from people on the internet that there's a lot of cult mentality and it's hard to enter and leave a church, but idk.

* How literally do they take the Bible? Are they into word-for-word literal interpretation or a high-critical interpretation of the Word?

* I do a lot of spiritual experimentation and when I enter a church, will anyone notice my spiritual stew that follows me all the time?

Thank you for your time.

 

[Bob Carabbio]

"* What is the music like? There are churches that have the usual guitar+drum+singing combo and I'm wondering if Charismatic churches go for the contemporary style of worship too".

The likelyhood is that they'll do the same Contemporary Soft Rock stuff that most do these days. There'll probably be a keyboard or two, and maybe Brass/woodwinds. The music is LIKELY to be loud, and energetic.

* I've heard from people on the internet that there's a lot of cult mentality and it's hard to enter and leave a church, but idk.

The chances are that unless the church is small, they won't even know that you're there. If it's an TOXIC church with a DOMINATING style of ministry, then it SHOULD be obvious, and you can Easily just walk away.

"* How literally do they take the Bible? Are they into word-for-word literal interpretation or a high-critical interpretation of the Word?"

They'll probably be Biblical literalists, but they may apply interpretations that aren't that same as what you're used to.

"* I do a lot of spiritual experimentation and when I enter a church, will anyone notice my spiritual stew that follows me all the time?"

Chances are that nobody other than the "Greeters (if they have 'em) will even notice you at all, unless you do wierd things, or behave in a manner calculated to bring attention to yourself.

 

[lismore]

Thank you for your time.

Hard to say. You probably wouldn't know for sure until you've visited the church.

 

[Yahu]

I'm looking at the Charismatic Christian movement for a bit and I'm thinking of checking it out by visiting a church for one day. But first I have a few questions:

* What is the music like? There are churches that have the usual guitar+drum+singing combo and I'm wondering if Charismatic churches go for the contemporary style of worship too.

* I've heard from people on the internet that there's a lot of cult mentality and it's hard to enter and leave a church, but idk.

* How literally do they take the Bible? Are they into word-for-word literal interpretation or a high-critical interpretation of the Word?

* I do a lot of spiritual experimentation and when I enter a church, will anyone notice my spiritual stew that follows me all the time?

Thank you for your time.

Since most charismatic churches are made up of people that left some fundamental denomination after getting the baptism of the Spirit, they can vary greatly from congregation to congregation. Most are strictly, Word based and take it litterally but of course people carry in their baggage from what ever denomination they came from.

For example, I know of a Presbyterian pastor that got the Baptism then taught on the gifts of the Spirit and revival came to their church. The entire congregation was expelled from the denomination. So do they still follow other doctrines that came with them?

There is no standard since each church stands upon its own understanding of scripture. In my case, the pastor was expelled from the 'Christian Church' denomination but the congregation had come from many different backgrounds. My family came out of the Phymouth Brethren.

Now you will get more constancy if you go to one of the Charismatic denominational churches like the Church of God.

There are both advantages and disadvantage to non-denominational charismatic churches. There is no standardized doctrine dictated by a larger denomination. That can be either a good thing or a bad thing on any doctrinal stand. Most allow freedom to follow scripture and agree to hold differing opinions instead of dictating specific doctrine.

Now as far as cult mentality, that's news to me and I joined it while in the 8th grade and am 49 now. Now some aspects could have a cult mentality like the WoF movement IMO. There are WoF verses non-WoF type independent churches.

Now Im not sure what you mean by spiritual stew but if you have been involved in the occult, there may be those with discernment of spirits that can even see into the spiritual realm. Several people I know have that gift. We have had people involved in witchcraft walk in the doors. Lets just say the spirits with them didn't like it.

 

[Jedi.Kep]

I'm looking at the Charismatic Christian movement for a bit and I'm thinking of checking it out by visiting a church for one day. But first I have a few questions:

All churches will have certain personality traits much like people do. You'll have to attend many more than just 'one' to get a balanced viewpoint.

* What is the music like? There are churches that have the usual guitar+drum+singing combo and I'm wondering if Charismatic churches go for the contemporary style of worship too.

It seems that many have the contemporary worship style now a days. If you see alot of grey hair in the pews, you may only hear a piano.

* I've heard from people on the internet that there's a lot of cult mentality and it's hard to enter and leave a church, but idk.

Again, it goes back to the personality of the church. Just like people, some are friendly, some are mean, some are judgmental, some are loving, etc.

* How literally do they take the Bible? Are they into word-for-word literal interpretation or a high-critical interpretation of the Word?

I've seen both. Loving to the point of allowing sin in the door to so closed off that women can't wear pants and no one can watch a movie or dance and everything in between.

* I do a lot of spiritual experimentation and when I enter a church, will anyone notice my spiritual stew that follows me all the time?

No idea how to respond to this. Spiritual experimentation? Ummm....

Thank you for your time

Thank you for yours.

 

[SharonL]

A charismatic church is usually people who have received the infilling of the Holy Spirit (a feeling of a personal relationship with Jesus) - the music is very anointed usually and the feeling of the presence of the Holy Spirit is very noticeable.

The Bible references are no different. Nothing about cults or doing weird things. Most people there just want to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and worship of our Loving God. You won't feel anything different, except a closeness and the desire of wanting a close relationship with Jesus. You will love it.

 

[korvus]

Now Im not sure what you mean by spiritual stew but if you have been involved in the occult, there may be those with discernment of spirits that can even see into the spiritual realm. Several people I know have that gift. We have had people involved in witchcraft walk in the doors. Lets just say the spirits with them didn't like it.

No idea how to respond to this. Spiritual experimentation? Ummm....

I'm not part of a wicca circle or practice any conventional witchcraft.

I do however experiment with astral projection, hypnotism, and tulpamancing.

This is much of a just-in-case factor, as a lot of these things have their psychological sides to them, though I've recently become interested in the metaphysical aspects as well.

 

[jannikitty]

I'm looking at the Charismatic Christian movement for a bit and I'm thinking of checking it out by visiting a church for one day. But first I have a few questions:

* What is the music like? There are churches that have the usual guitar+drum+singing combo and I'm wondering if Charismatic churches go for the contemporary style of worship too. Yes, most do but some use both contemporary style and also some traditional songs..like How Great Thou Art., Amazing Grace, etc. Larger services with more than one service and sometimes more than one campus may gear their songs to those who usually attend a particular service. Like our Sunday morning 9:00 a.m. is attended by many old timers so music includes milder contemporary worship and not as rockin as others. I am a senior but I go to one with contemporary worship as I simply like it and feel that is where I am to be.

* I've heard from people on the internet that there's a lot of cult mentality and it's hard to enter and leave a church, but idk. It's always good to be careful whereever you go; but most charismatic churches are not controlling of their membership like a cult would be. People often come and go.

* How literally do they take the Bible? Are they into word-for-word literal interpretation or a high-critical interpretation of the Word? Literal but also open to interpretations and accepting the context in which something was originally written.

* I do a lot of spiritual experimentation and when I enter a church, will anyone notice my spiritual stew that follows me all the time? The charismatic churches I have attended tend to be visitor friendly. Some of them offer various programs you can sign up for and many of them have small groups where people often give love and support to others as we all go through various stages of growth and also deal with problems..No guarantees that someone will not be as sensitive as you would like..but that happens every where. The charismatic churches I have attended as a matter of policy reach out to others to love them no matter where they are and no matter what baggage they may still be caring. But the church is not just a place to go to worship and hear a sermon but also a healing place for all of us..In charismatic churches the trust is definitely in that the Holy Spirit will work on us and sometimes that is through others. So love but not indifferent to needs is usually the mode of operation I have received, been a part of, and have grown because of for many years.

There are no guarantees in any church that there will not be conflict and sometimes challenges. The church IS people..so not perfect. Only Jesus is perfection.

My suggestion is to test the waters wherever you go and see how it goes. Usually by six weeks you can see what kind of practice and atmosphere is provided there..in other words..Does it have biblical based teaching? Is it inspiring people..are needs being met? Are the people friendly? Are there opportunities to get to know people and make friends. Does this church reach out to the community (e.g. city, etc.) or it is simply an exclusive bless me atmosphere. Do they endeavor to bring people to Christ and then to provide a place where they can grow and learn Christian living. Does it feel like family? (in the best sense of that word, that is... ]

Thank you for your time.

Hope this helps. You asked some great questions.

 

[Tee_w]

I'm not part of a wicca circle or practice any conventional witchcraft.

I do however experiment with astral projection, hypnotism, and tulpamancing.

This is much of a just-in-case factor, as a lot of these things have their psychological sides to them, though I've recently become interested in the metaphysical aspects as well.

I just like to say that not all spirit beings are good or helpful but since many of them masquerade as something that is good and helpful we need a means to test whether they are in fact what they claim to be. Reading the Bible under the guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit is the way forward for Christians. At this point I would like to add a personal testimony. My Mother was hypnotized once and as a consequence an occult spirit come upon her and was passed on to me through her, probably at my conception. The reason I know this was because of the effect it had in my life. I thought that hypnotism was harmless and could be used in certain types of therapy to help people with various issues, until I got involved with the Charismatic movement. I started going to a Christian Charismatic Church which had been birthed out revival, there was a powerful spiritual presence that I became aware of as I entered the building. It was a presence that gave me a strong sense of purity and holiness, it was beautiful. The term used by the apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans and by the Hebrew people is the Spirit of Holiness and this what I believe I was experiencing. However at the same time there was something going on, on the inside of me, I can only describe it as an inner conflict, a sense of fear … This sense of fear would start to bother me about an hour before I was due to go to the Charismatic Church I found that praying in tongues lessened the effect of the fear... It wasn't until I had specialist ministry and had the occult spirit and several other spirits expelled from me that the fear went. It is hard to express in words the difference this made to my life. Some people have a wonderful experience when they are baptized in the Holy Spirit, for me being baptized in the Holy Spirit opened the door to revelation and a deeper understanding of the Bible; but it was not the wonderful euphoric experience others often have. However, when Jesus set me from from those spirits through the power of his shed blood my mind and my emotions that had been bound and oppressed for years were set free, I felt like a new man it was amazing!!! And I was so thankful to God for setting me free. Psalm 89:1 (AV) and a song based on it became my song. I was now able to flow in the Holy Spirit and know God my Father and Jesus my brother in a greater and more intimate way and I am forever thankful.

Blessings,
Tee

 

[Bob Carabbio]

"I do however experiment with astral projection, hypnotism, tulpamancing.
I've recently become interested in the metaphysical aspects as well."

Then you're opening the door WIDE for demonic deception. IF you're already dealing in these areas, you may find that the "Spiritual entities" that you're playing with, and who are deceiving you, won't APPRECIATE your going into a Christian environment.

You're ALREADY playing with stuff that's MUCH MORE "CULTISH" that you're ever likely to run into in a "Charismatic CHurch".

I'd suggest that, for your own good, you should IMMEDIATELY drop all the metaphysical, and occult activities, and Destroy (don't sell or pass on to others) any appliances, or books related to them - because they WILL destroy you if you allow 'em to.

Simple as that.

 

[now faith]

Ecclesiastes 12:6 Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern. 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. 12:8 Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.


I will not respond or discuss this subject,Bob has given the best advice

 

[Andrea411]

Ecclesiastes 12:6 Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern. 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. 12:8 Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.


I will not respond or discuss this subject,Bob has given the best advice

amen and amen

 

[talitha]

Good answers, especially Bob.

I hope some people will notice your "spiritual stew" and deal with it, to be honest. That is some heavy duty stuff, and it would tend to attract cultish things. The "spiritual stew" could possibly lead you to the worst, most cultic church around, just to mess with you or to help you come to the conclusion that the church is just whacked, better left alone.

 

[Willie T]

Frankly, it sounds like this would just be a waste of a Sunday morning to you. You're talking games and mental experiences. Kind of shallow.

Have you felt anything that might be a tugging from God? Probably not, right? So, what's the attraction for you? You wanna see if you can "out-game" them, or something? Why should it matter to you what "they" might think about whatever you would be doing?

Seriously, why do you want to go to someplace like that?

 

[hopeinGod]

I'm looking at the Charismatic Christian movement for a bit and I'm thinking of checking it out by visiting a church for one day. But first I have a few questions:

One day isn't long enough to make a decent assessment. First, however, you must have been saved at one time in your life. Do you have a testimony regarding the moment you gave your life to Jesus?

* What is the music like? There are churches that have the usual guitar+drum+singing combo and I'm wondering if Charismatic churches go for the contemporary style of worship too.

Contemporary music in the church is not what God wants. It came about by a need to draw into the church the unsaved, i.e. the young, more impressionable types. It is a mighty poor and powerless method and is not supported in Scripture, all those mosh pit sort of "worship" services.

* I've heard from people on the internet that there's a lot of cult mentality and it's hard to enter and leave a church, but idk.

It is not Scriptural to meet in a "church" where there is little to no congregational participation, and normally overseen by a single leader. That, in itself, creates the atmosphere for such domination.

* How literally do they take the Bible? Are they into word-for-word literal interpretation or a high-critical interpretation of the Word?

Normally they are more into "revelation" than they are the written Word. And most of what is preached is unbalanced, one-sided, leaning toward a much less loss of self than the discovery of how to get what one wants or demands from God through methodologies and formulas. The revelations come in all shapes and are geared to take the verse that "God takes the foolish things of the world to confound the wise" to the extreme.

* I do a lot of spiritual experimentation and when I enter a church, will anyone notice my spiritual stew that follows me all the time?

You can hide easily is a megachurch without ever being seen. If you decide for a smaller group, then be prepared to be approached and analyzed as to where you stand and what you believe.

Thank you for your time.

I wish you the best, and hope you are serious about finding the Lord.

 

[AGTG]

I'm not part of a wicca circle or practice any conventional witchcraft.

I do however experiment with astral projection, hypnotism, and tulpamancing.

This is much of a just-in-case factor, as a lot of these things have their psychological sides to them, though I've recently become interested in the metaphysical aspects as well.

Christianity forbids such practices because they are demonic. We worship Father God through Jesus' Holy Spirit because His atoning death on the cross, and subsequent resurrection from the grave, gives those who repent of their sin seeking forgiveness access to Father God by the righteousness of Christ.

The power of the Holy Spirit is far greater than the power of any demonic entity. Indeed, demons cringe and cower at the presence of Christ in a believer.

But... The power of the Holy Spirit manifests according to His purposes (though we are encouraged to eagerly seek the gifts for ministry). Primarily, to spread the gospel message with signs and wonders, to heal the sick, to give sight to the spiritually blind, to set those captive to sin free, and to bind up the broken-hearted.

The Spiritual gifts are noted in the New Testament and are quite powerful when functioning in a surrendered saint of God. The only one that can be activated by the freewill of the believer, however, is to pray in tongues to edify, comfort, or build oneself up.

All the others manifest according to God's will, and always with a purpose. People who aren't interested in doing God's will won't see much action in these areas, I'm afraid. Which is why most of the church reads about the Spiritual gifts, but don't walk in them.

Since you're intrigued by spiritual power, come to the cross, turn from your sin and seek forgiveness, surrender your life, and let Jesus use you to do good works which were laid down from the foundation for you to walk in. That's the first spiritual power a lost person needs to find. Then, Jesus will take you from there and teach you in His righteousness.

 

[parsley]

Generally I agree with the posts above, but will add a few things.


* I've heard from people on the internet that there's a lot of cult mentality

Cult mentality usually promotes total devotion, denial of self, obedience to leaders, sometimes sleep deprivation or long-term fasting... things that take people out of their self-driven nature and make them more yielded (to the cult).

With those mini-definitions in mind, I have noticed a twinge toward this direction, because of what others said above about people leaving other churches to create their own ideal church where God leads them. When devoted to that premise, people think of themselves as the better church in the region, and they pour themselves into it.

Or they tend to group everything the church is doing into the "of God" category. The people I have met in Charismatic churches did a lot of reading and listening to sermons, Bible study, praying and fasting. They put a lot into it, so they expect a lot from each other and themselves.

Once in a while that leads to a cult-like feeling, especially when children grow up in an intense household. But people are always free to go, and usually speak their minds even if they get flack for it.


* and it's hard to enter and leave a church

Quite the opposite! That is one thing I love about these churches -- people are so free in their expression that they walk around, sit stand kneel dance... and if you want to stretch your legs or go get a drink of water, you don't get any glares.

I have been to all-night prayer services where people brought pillows and took naps so they could stay until the end.

As others said, "nobody will notice" ...there's a lot of eye-closing going on. Enough that I tell people to watch their purses and valuables.


* How literally do they take the Bible? Are they into word-for-word literal interpretation or a high-critical interpretation of the Word?

Most Charismatics I have met had very intense beliefs, but they did not always match each others'. Some will attend a conference or read on a topic and bring what they gained back into the fellowship, good or bad.

* Making up a star of my own.

As a new person wondering how to fit in, it would be helpful to know that most Charismatic churches that encourage people to speak from the microphone....
-They will almost always be happy if people read a paragraph from scriptures,
-Generally be happy if you want to lead others in a prayer,
-Will usually want to screen what you have to say if you have something subjective to deliver like prophecy.

If you want to jump in the aisles, make sure they don't already have a team of dancers or flag people with practiced movements, who need the space.

* Stew
Overall, what I like most about Charismatic churches, is that believers take proactive responsibility for spiritual environment, praying for everything that comes to mind... it is a place of action. The people want an interactive experience, not for entertainment but to work.

From the outside, critics see worship expression and movement as mindless emotionalism, but generally each worshiper is doing something with intent and purpose.

A service is an hour or two of getting things done in the spiritual realm.