Looking for a church

[dreadnought]

I agree, I have been trying for almost 4 years now.
I came to realization there were things that were already imprinted, and became the DNA of the church, and impossible to change.

Some jobs are bigger than others, but nothing's impossible. You have the Lord on your side if you're doing things his way.

 

[ripple the car]

Some jobs are bigger than others, but nothing's impossible. You have the Lord on your side if you're doing things his way.

Well said.

 

[dreadnought]

Well said.

Thank you.

 

[chevyontheriver]

My longest background is Catholic charismatic and I am familiar (and cherish) some theologies such as Ignatian, Carmelite, and Franciscan. However, my wife was Baptist, it's hard for her to adapt to liturgy-based services.

Liturgy is something that has had to grow on me. When I was younger I did appreciate the predictability vs some other kinds of services where I never had a clue what they were going to do next. Now I appreciate the bits of silence my pastor is building in to the mass. There are supposed to be moments of silence but it has become rare in our hectic world and we feel odd just being silent for 30 seconds.

What I really love with Catholic charismatic is how the theology prevent the charismatic to get carried away, thus blurring the distinction between Holy Spirit and human emotion.

Yes. One of the weaknesses of Pentecostalism is that it really can go anywhere and everywhere. Catholic theology has put some bounds on it. I appreciate that.

 

[1watchman]

One can connect with God in their heart daily, so it need not depend on the local denomination, which may place the greater emphasis on Bible study ---rightly so, I believe.

To qualify this, I would say: The Bible-only fellowship worldwide that I know of speaks of the essence of Bible as our only authority for the faith, and that must be without inventions, innovations and deletions of Scripture. The elders therein guide things, but not reign or rule. The priesthood of all true believers is valued (note 1 Pet. 2). On the Lord's day, it would primarily include worship at the Lord's Table for the collective remembrance worship with the Lord's Supper; a Bible study time ---with classes for children while adults meet for study; special gospel meetings for the public; weekly prayer meetings for saints; general fellowship gatherings of the local saints for various times such as Bible conferences in some cities; summer camps; special activities; etc. One can see more about this fellowship which has been going on for over 190 years now by visiting at the Biblecounsel.net web site. I find it rewarding.

 

[TheLordIsMySheperd]

Some jobs are bigger than others, but nothing's impossible. You have the Lord on your side if you're doing things his way.

Amen.
I have been discerning, to see if the Lord wants me to wait, do something, or find another church.

 

[TheLordIsMySheperd]

Liturgy is something that has had to grow on me. When I was younger I did appreciate the predictability vs some other kinds of services where I never had a clue what they were going to do next. Now I appreciate the bits of silence my pastor is building in to the mass. There are supposed to be moments of silence but it has become rare in our hectic world and we feel odd just being silent for 30 seconds.

Yes. One of the weaknesses of Pentecostalism is that it really can go anywhere and everywhere. Catholic theology has put some bounds on it. I appreciate that.

Yep yep... I am surprised there is no Protestant denomination (yet) that has the good balanced/harmony between theology stronghold and Spirit-filled.

 

[Mary of Bethany]

Yep yep... I am surprised there is no Protestant denomination (yet) that has the good balanced/harmony between theology stronghold and Spirit-filled.

There are a couple of charismatic Episcopal type groups. I don't know anything about their theology.

www.iccec.org www.cec-na.org

 

[Mary of Bethany]

My husband attends an ACC parish, and I did also before converting to Orthodoxy.

Mary

 

[1watchman]

Amen.
I have been discerning, to see if the Lord wants me to wait, do something, or find another church.

Hello friend. I thought to invite you to visit the sound site at www.biblecounsel.net to see something of what is believed to be much of God's intention for His testimony in the world. One can ask questions there.
I know of several assemblies in California as part of this worldwide fellowship, if you might be interested. - Ever in Christ by grace alone, 1watchman

 

[Albion]

There are a couple of charismatic Episcopal type groups. I don't know anything about their theology.

www.iccec.org www.cec-na.org

Both of those have all but collapsed after promising starts.

 

[Truth Lover]

I think you would like the Catholic charismatic renewal. Here is a link to the national organization: | Catholic Charismatic Renewal - National Service Committee
I think every diocese in the US has a renewal office, so you could ask them about local connections.

I was wondering, is there a church or denomination in U.S. that fit these criteria:
1. Spirit-filled, but strongly rooted in the Scripture.

At every Mass, there will be a reading from the Old Testament, one from the Psalms, and one from the Gospels. On Sunday, there is also a reading from an Epistle.

2. Accept/value personal revelation, but guided by/based on strong Biblical exegesis principle.

Personal revelation is very valued, by not binding to the same degree as Scripture. For example, the Rosary, Lourdes and Fatima apparitions, Sacred Heart devotions, etc. are from private revelation.

3. Heart focus / application and theological reflection, but value/take academic/head-knowledge seriously.

While Catholics have a very well developed theology, spirituality, and intellectual tradition, there are many faith sharing groups that support spiritual development. These are often warm, loving communities within the larger church. You just have to ask around.

4. Has inner healing/prayer ministry.

One of the Sacraments is Anointing of the Sick for those with serious illnesses. You will find charismatic prayer groups that provide healing ministry.

5. Real presence in communion - or value/treasure communion time as a set-apart/special intimate moment with God.

The Real presence is dogma for Catholics. The Eucharist is the central focus of Catholic worship. It is the source and fountain of graces. You can receive Communion every day if you wish.

Other pluses: You can find a Catholic Church within an easy drive from almost anywhere you go. The Catholic Church is the original church founded by Christ. It is the only church that has had an unbroken line of leadership since 33 AD. Christ promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against it. You can be certain that it will not change dogma or doctrine with changing popular opinion.

The process of becoming Catholic begins by calling a local parish. Most parishes have faith instruction sessions, called RCIA, that begin in the fall and last until Holy Saturday.

I love being Catholic!