The Pentecostals are too strict!

[Vanessa85]

I grew up Pentecostal and in Spanish is called Pentecostes. I'm not liking how strict the penecostals are. I'm going to attend a non denominational church. Do you think a church who prohibits you to do alot of things and just confuses you that you then think everything is a sin should be a good church to attend to?

 

[football5680]

Truth is the most important thing and is what we should be searching for. If the Church has the truth then our perception of whether it is too strict or not is irrelevant because rejecting the Church is a rejection of God. The Church we choose should not be based on what seems to be the easiest to live with. It is much easier to simply reject God and live however we want but if you want to believe then you should do whatever God wants. I don't think Pentecostals are correct but if hypothetically they did have the truth then you should accept whatever the Church is teaching.

 

[Goodbook]

You test all things by the word of God in the Bible, so its a good idea to be reading the Bible - before you go to church. If it doesn't line up with God's word, then you don't have to attend. Don't just go to church to get the bible spoonfed to you. God approves of those who study his Word. You need to be feeding on his Word every day. The Bible is not hard to understand. when you ask God for his wisdom, He will reveal it to you. He will not turn anyone away who asks.

Jesus wants you to be part of His church, not a man made one. God is not the author of confusion. If a particular church confuses you, don't go.

 

[graceandpeace]

I grew up Pentecostal and in Spanish is called Pentecostes. I'm not liking how strict the penecostals are. I'm going to attend a non denominational church. Do you think a church who prohibits you to do alot of things and just confuses you that you then think everything is a sin should be a good church to attend to?

Well, without specific examples, it is difficult to offer an answer. In general though, churches that have long rule books about every arbitrary thing are on my "no" list. My past experiences with Pentecostal churches were overwhelmingly negative.

As for church, keep in mind that there is really no such thing as a "non-denominational" church. All such a designation means is that the church does not share a connection with the wider Christian community in one of its traditions; basically, it's on its own as an isolated denomination. Also, every "non-denominational" church I've ever encountered was essentially Baptist or charismatic/Pentecostal in everything but name.

Perhaps take time to educate yourself on Christian history & doctrine, & of course seek the truth.

 

[Life2Christ]

There is a difference between strict and obnoxious. Jesus was against those who were too sanctimonious to the point of excluding others. When my grandmother got saved she went to a church that called her out because she had lipstick on.

 

[seashale76]

I grew up Pentecostal and in Spanish is called Pentecostes. I'm not liking how strict the penecostals are. I'm going to attend a non denominational church. Do you think a church who prohibits you to do alot of things and just confuses you that you then think everything is a sin should be a good church to attend to?

If you're told you can't cut your hair, or can only wear skirts, or can never wear makeup or jewelry, or you can never watch TV or listen to secular music, or dance (except in church), or drink, or you're made to feel lesser/unspiritual because you don't speak in tongues ever or often, then that would get old really quickly. Often, in some Pentecostal churches the emphasis is placed solely on those things, as if they actually reflect the reality of the heart (which they do not). Holiness standards are not nearly as important as other things, and people often forget that.

I was raised Pentecostal (not the long hair dresses/skirts only type) but I left when I could too.

 

[Purge187]

If you're told you can't cut your hair, or can only wear skirts, or can never wear makeup or jewelry, or you can never watch TV or listen to secular music, or dance (except in church), or drink, or you're made to feel lesser/unspiritual because you don't speak in tongues ever or often, then that would get old really quickly. Often, in some Pentecostal churches the emphasis is placed solely on those things, as if they actually reflect the reality of the heart (which they do not). Holiness standards are not nearly as important as other things, and people often forget that.

I was raised Pentecostal (not the long hair dresses/skirts only type) but I left when I could too.

The United Pentecostal Church adheres to the whole Holiness Standards thing, which is probably why they have the reputation that they do. The more legalism, the wider the window of opportunity for the enemy to convince you that God is angry when you fall short of those rules and rituals. Bishop Evan speaks from experience in this excellent sermon:

[PART 3] Judgemental Christian (pentecostal) Legalism Exposed - YouTube

 

[stan1953]

Not all Pentecostal churches are the same, especially if they are not associated with a main stream denom. The most important thing is to get into a church that teaches the Bible, and that you use the Bible properly.
After that it is about fellowship and growth.
I pray God leads you to that.

 

[Krillin]

I love my charsmatic brethren, but the pentacostal churches I've been to didn't sit well with me. At one of them the preacher (knowing that methodists were attending) came up between worship songs to tell us that 1) God had to save him from methodism. 2) That John Wesley was in hell. And 3) that if we didn't learn to speak in tongues we would end up there as well.

Needless to say our youth group at the time didn't stay long after...

 

[OGM]

I love my charsmatic brethren, but the pentacostal churches I've been to didn't sit well with me. At one of them the preacher (knowing that methodists were attending) came up between worship songs to tell us that 1) God had to save him from methodism. 2) That John Wesley was in hell. And 3) that if we didn't learn to speak in tongues we would end up there as well. Needless to say our youth group at the time didn't stay long after...

That is really bizarre!!!

I have been to quite a few Pentecostal churches growing up in Northeast Corridor between New York City and Boston. None of them were ever like that. As a matter of fact we used to share resources with the local Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian church. I used to attend their services too. The Pastors were all good friends.

We used to go to movies, sporting events and even to Broadway to see a play on occasion. We had our Church Picnic at the beach and we all loved to swim.

My point is...I hope you do not think all Pentecostals are mean freaks.

 

[Shattered-Reflections]

Others have already made good points. The most important thing is to understand the Bible and God, so if someone says, "don't do this" or "do this" you'll have some idea if they have any authority to say it.

I have no experience with Pentecostal churches, but if you're specific church community isn't focusing on forgiveness and grace just as much as holiness and biblical truth maybe it is time to find a new church.

Just remember there needs to be both Grace and Truth. Truth without Grace is judgmental legalism. Grace without Truth is sentimental mush that has no power. Neither one has saving power and is contrary to the Gospel.

 

[stan1953]

That is really bizarre!!!

I have been to quite a few Pentecostal churches growing up in Northeast Corridor between New York City and Boston. None of them were ever like that. As a matter of fact we used to share resources with the local Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian church. I used to attend their services too. The Pastors were all good friends.

We used to go to movies, sporting events and even to Broadway to see a play on occasion. We had our Church Picnic at the beach and we all loved to swim.

My point is...I hope you do not think all Pentecostals are mean freaks.

Yes this has been my experience as well. I was saved in a Pentecostal church in 1971, but never experienced the likes of which seem to give Pentecostalism a bad name today. Although Benny Hinn did show up for one weekend of services, but back then he was normal, or at least appeared to be.

Sadly one of the weirdest Pentecostal preachers today is a Canadian by the name of Todd Bentley, so I have two reasons to feel slightly embarrassed because of him. He is Canadian AND he is Pentecostal.

Anyway, my point is ALL denoms have their problem examples.

 

[Purge187]

I've been visiting a local UPC, and they've been very nice to me. The bishop even gave me a free DVD from the church resource room to help with some issues I'd mentioned.

 

[stan1953]

I've been visiting a local UPC, and they've been very nice to me. The bishop even gave me a free DVD from the church resource room to help with some issues I'd mentioned.

I seem to recall something in the back of my mind about UPC but I don't remember(age) and they're SoF seems to be OK so go for it. Of course remember the Biblical admonition to test all things.

 

[seashale76]

I've been visiting a local UPC, and they've been very nice to me. The bishop even gave me a free DVD from the church resource room to help with some issues I'd mentioned.

Be wary. The UPC doesn't believe in the trinity, iirc. That's a deal-breaker belief.

 

[parsley]

Vanessa, you can be encouraged that it's not your imagination-- many people have written about the Pentecostal denominations adding more strictness than necessary.

We are not saved by our goodness or modesty. We are saved by God's decision to save us! His grace, His provision of a sacrifice to cover all our sins once, for all .... the good news is that the kingdom is already at hand, with us, within us!

We make other choices that we feel glorify God, but these are personal choices. A long dress is not going to make a difference in how much God loves us. Yes, we should not lead others into temptation or expose too much skin; but I think you know how much you're comfortable with.

A non-denominational church is no guarantee of more sensible customs, since each one is different. Try out a few! Go visit some other churches and see how people live out their faith differently.

 

[LoricaLady]

Messiah did not create thousands of denominations. The first law of logic is: Two contradictory statements cannot both be true. Since everyone of the denominations is in disagreement with the others in some way, this means either they are all wrong in some way/s or only one of them is right.

How do you find what is the truth then? You go to the Source, the Bible. There are 66 books. They don't disagree with one another if you read it rightly. There is the actual Word of the One Who cannot lie or be confused.

All your life keep asking the Holy Spirit for guidance and truth and a spirit to study the Word deeply. You may be utterly amazed at what He begins to teach you, more and more as time goes by.

No "Pentacostal" or any other religion is to be your God. We have all gotten into trouble by just sitting back and letting this and that person, at Church, on the radio or t.v. do our thinking for us. "You need that no man should teach you" (in fact they will often be great sources of confusion and sometimes even deliberate deception) "But the Holy Spirit will teach you."

I'm not saying there aren't some good teachers, some people who are presenting some profound truths. But I'm saying those truths are often mixed in with error and only the Holy Spirit, only and ever the Holy Spirit, can open your eyes to where those deceptions, and the truth, fully lie.

Praying for you to come into all truth through His mercy and grace.

 

[Purge187]

Be wary. The UPC doesn't believe in the trinity, iirc. That's a deal-breaker belief.

Yeah, the whole shape-shifting Modalism thing never made much sense to me.

 

[Albion]

I grew up Pentecostal and in Spanish is called Pentecostes. I'm not liking how strict the penecostals are. I'm going to attend a non denominational church. Do you think a church who prohibits you to do alot of things and just confuses you that you then think everything is a sin should be a good church to attend to?

No. But I'd also say that this isn't a matter of "strictness" exactly. It's what they are adamant about.

And much of that, in Pentecostal churches, deals with matters that they've made much more important than they are.

I'd suggest first deciding on what doctrinal profile any church has or, in your mind, OUGHT to have. Then find churches which teach that and, lastly, see how each of them enforces those principles.

 

[OGM]

Yes this has been my experience as well. I was saved in a Pentecostal church in 1971, but never experienced the likes of which seem to give Pentecostalism a bad name today. Although Benny Hinn did show up for one weekend of services, but back then he was normal, or at least appeared to be.

Nowadays, if I tell someone I was raised in a Pentecostal Church...they often either feel sorry for me...or they get a little nervous (if they don't already know me). Some even say, "I would have never figured you to be a Pentecostal!" I chuckle of course. But I find the stereotype is very persistent. That being said, I know stereotypes are often based in truth. I have personally observed some radically restrictive behavior and rules that caught me by surprise. The thing is, some of the rules can be so weird and old school...you have absolutely no idea you are offending someone. My Grandfather was a State Bishop down South so he would act as a liaison and help smooth over issues when I visited. I was seen as a kind of oddball down there but we all ended up lovely each other in the end. They just know I was "different". They usually would attribute that to being raised around the Big Apple. Now that I think about it...it seems that the Pentecostal stereotypes people have are stronger now then in 1971. Has some of these Churches gotten stricter over time? I am not sure how to answer that question because my scene was far more laid back.

Sadly one of the weirdest Pentecostal preachers today is a Canadian by the name of Todd Bentley, so I have two reasons to feel slightly embarrassed because of him. He is Canadian AND he is Pentecostal.

That is okay...it is no reflection on you. Here in the United States we have all sorts weird folks too.

Anyway, my point is ALL denoms have their problem examples.

Amen to that!