I need some thoughts

[Shannonkish]

I am a Charismatic Christian. I didn't grow up this way... and if you asked the church I grew up in.. they would tell you that Satan is what has caused me to leave their church...

I started searching for the truth myself. Living in the Bible belt I hear all kinds of things. I went to a SB church and heard them saying that in order to speak in tounges you have to have an interpeter and it just so happens no one in the SBC has the gift of tounges.. ironic isn't it?? On the other hand.. I heard Charismatics tell me that I could speak in tounges..

I was confused and sought the Lord on the issue for about 3 months. Then the day came when he confirmed some things in my heart and I realized that both the SBC and the charismatic church was correct.. If you have the GIFT of tounges you need an interpeter.. however, as a christian I can be filled by the spirit with the evidence of speaking in tounges...

My SBC didn't like this too much. I finally decided to move churches... because mine was DEAD!! I started attending an incredible church.... and then I moved for school...

Now here I am at Southern Baptist school (it is where God called me) in the middle of the bible belt... I can't find a church that I like... there are LOTS of SBC but I don't want to go to a place that doesn't acknowledge my gift.

what do I do?

 

[Hitch]

This problem is not confined to 'tongues'. It crops up in all kinds of doctrinal differences, practices and customs. Its likely you will have lifetime of searching for that little church where the porrige is just right. Watch out for the bears.

A question might help.


You go to an SBC school. You are surrounded by SBC churches and appearently havent found one of the local pentecostal churches to your liking.
The question is; Why not keep your gift to yourself?
Since you cant interpret the primary value is your own edification so it doesnt matter a bit that a church or school frowns on or fails to emphasize this specific.
Had you been placed in a very poor church you wouldnt think of flaunting big wads of cash and flashy cars. I dont see much difference.
take care

Hitch

 

[Anthony]

The Church is the body of People. One day a group of guys I was meeting with said, Bob is leaving the church. I was shocked, Bob is leaving Christianity? They said no stupid, he is leaving our church.

If your a Christian, you can't leave the church, but only change locations. Church is about worship, and hearing Gods word. But that's not it, you also need discernment and study of God's word on your own.

When it comes down to doctrine issue - major on the majors, and minor on the minors. Spiritual Gifts do not determine your faith, just as Birthday Gifts don't determine your age.

 

[Lottedah]

He is right. Dont listen you sound in the right to me. I believe speaking in tongues is the evidence of the holy spirit. I think what Paul meant is dont be selfish. I know some really stupid, selfish churches that push people out. That is worse then not speaking in tongues without an intrepreter!

 

[BarbB]

The pastor in my local Methodist church speaks in tongues, so since the congregation would be up in arms (they don't even much cotton to contemporary music) he uses his gift in his private prayers. I would like to be the same.

Check out Assembly of God or Vineyard churches.

 

[Andrew]

Shannonkish,

My Pastor was given the left foot of fellowship when he received the Baptism of the Spirit and spoke in tongues. He was the youth president then.

So, dont feel bad. Its a blessing in disguise. Once a Christian is baptised in the Holy Spirit, I dont see how he can remain in a "dead" church! There will be so much your spirit/Spirit craves for that you just need to get filled/spilled.

My advice is quite different. I myself left a rather "dead" church (although there were contemporary services to cater to the charismatic youths) and was led by the Lord into a really fantastic church (all that I ever envisioned after I was Spirit baptised) where I have grown by leaps and bounds where the Word is concerned. People who have left other "dead" churches to join this one all say the same thing.

My point is that you should not settle for less, and that spiritual growth is very important, and depends largely on the church you attend or the ministry you sit under, your leades etc. There's a saying: The congregation can't rise above the pastor/leadership. eg if he believes up to level 3, then the congregation can only believe up to level 3.

Why hide your tongues/gifts? Did God give them to you so you could hide them for fear of what others said or thought? Trust God that he will lead you to a good church. One where the Spirit is present and given free reign to do as He pleases, whether it's speaking in tongues or laying hands on the sick.

 

[victoryword]

Ron Phillips is a Southern Baptist who is also an open and bold Charismatic. Many SBC churches have been influenced by Ron's ministry. They all remain in the SBC while still practicing the charismata and teaching - *gasp* - Charismatic doctrine (healing, gifts, etc.). Perhaps you can contact someone in Ron's ministry and they might be able to tell you about any churches in your area that are Charismatic SBC.

http://www.ronphillips.org/aboutus.htm

Otherwise, I would just join a nondenominational Charismatic church if I were you.

 

[hal]

I became Charismatic 26 years ago at the age of 64. Although I attended many Charismatic functions I remained active in a Methodist church (dead by some definitions). It still isn't charismatic but I have seen many, many people become charismatic through our teaching and example. I believe if you o a search on a search engine you will be able to find a charismatic church. I suggest you ask the Holy Spirit to direct you to the church where He wants you to be a witness. My present ministry is to promote Mark 16:15-20 directly and also through my website. Do a search on "hal weeks healing". hal