The Pentecostal Experience.

[sincerebliss]

I've never been to a Penetecostal church, but I believe I'd like to. There is a church in my area titled "Greater Faith." Well, what I would like to know is what is it like in a Pentecostal church? What should I expect? Is everyone speaking in tounges? Ect. I'm a little nervous about going somewhere unknown. Any help or information would be great.
Thanks bunches,
Alicia

 

[Presbyterian Continuist]

I had the same experience when I was young, about 19 years old. My experience had been Presbyterian mainly. (40 years later I am a Presbyterian elder, but that's another story)

I was nervous because my father had just had a big debate with some mormon elders that came around home. I thought that if there were anyone like that, I would run a mile. When I arrived, the people were so friendly and accepting. I had never experienced that in a church before. During the service people did speak in tongues and prophesy. I found this absolutely fascinating. I didn't feel one bit spooky. To me there was an atmosphere of peace and joy. People looked as if they were having fun. The singing was enthusiastic and with plenty of rhythm with a piano and organ going full bore. They had traditional hymms and choruses, but they sang them in a way that made them really rock.

When the preacher came to preach, he preached on David and Goliath. He used up the whole stage to preach his sermon and acted half it out. I had never seen preaching like this in my life. He made it come alive for me. I thought that if Christianity meant so much to him and these people, then that is the sort of Christianity that I wanted.

Of course in any church there is the lunatic fringe who are wierd and spooky and there are plenty of them in Pentecostal churches. Pay no attention to them. Find out who the elders and leaders are and ask them all the questions you want. You will be relieved and pleased with the answers.

I suggest you arrange a personal visit to the pastor (take a friend along with you) and ask him what to expect and how to discern the difference between genuine worship and the lunatic fringe type of stuff. He will be very helpful to you.

Good luck. Send me a private message when you have been there and let me know how you got on. I'd love to know.

Best wishes

 

[sincerebliss]

Thanks tons!