I have often found that different denominations/types of churches have different stereotypes that may or may not actually reflect a churches beliefs and/or actions. take for instance the pentacostal/charismatic churches (from which is my own background). so often this type of church is viewed as the weird kid on the block, so to speak. certain beliefs or practices within this rather diverce type of church make it to some extent seemingly ostracized from the "normal" churches. we're crazy people who run around speaking supposed "other languages" in an insane manner. I've heard the term "crazy pentacostal" used to refer to the stereotype of pentacostal/charismatic churches. this may be true for some churches but is this the same for all? no indeed it is not.
I'm not going to discuss the theological backing of what we do in my church, i'm just saying that i know that God works in my church and accomplishes great things. need i be one whom everyone becomes wary of because i go to one of "those" churches, when really i'm not as crazy as my church's stereotype would have me be? I should hope not. my church is careful when an act of the Holy Spirit occur to make sure that it is indeed the Holy Spirit. I recall a time when a member of our church gave a word of knowledge and something didn't seem quite right. with that same said person's permission, classes were actually held to discuss the issue for the benefit of all. does this sound like the stereotype you thought of? I hope not.
perhaps in coming from a different denomination (or the same for that matter) you see a stereotype that people have of your church/denomination which may not necessarily be true or fully accurate. I invite any and all to discuss this issue and to help others understand a little better where you come from. please also feel free to ask those of other denominations if certain stereotypes you've been taught about them are true and accurate.
I'm not going to discuss the theological backing of what we do in my church, i'm just saying that i know that God works in my church and accomplishes great things. need i be one whom everyone becomes wary of because i go to one of "those" churches, when really i'm not as crazy as my church's stereotype would have me be? I should hope not. my church is careful when an act of the Holy Spirit occur to make sure that it is indeed the Holy Spirit. I recall a time when a member of our church gave a word of knowledge and something didn't seem quite right. with that same said person's permission, classes were actually held to discuss the issue for the benefit of all. does this sound like the stereotype you thought of? I hope not.
perhaps in coming from a different denomination (or the same for that matter) you see a stereotype that people have of your church/denomination which may not necessarily be true or fully accurate. I invite any and all to discuss this issue and to help others understand a little better where you come from. please also feel free to ask those of other denominations if certain stereotypes you've been taught about them are true and accurate.