I get annoyed by people who say they love Jesus, who know lots about God, but who seem to be completely emotionally disengaged with their faith. They never feel like just dancing around praising God, or shouting that God's awesome, or be so struck by the beautiful grace of God that they can do nothing but weep.
But I'm afraid of people who leave their ability to think, to read and wrestle with the scriptures behind and do nothing but sing, dance, shout, yell, fall over... who question people who aren't quick to believe anything, who preach worldly self help, or a mixed up Gospel.
A couple of weeks ago I heard about the "Lakeland Revival" after watching a video by Justin Peters. The "Revival" is led by this rather scary looking bloke called Todd Bently (especially when he is punching someone!). It has been announced that he is leaving his wife. This is not good. Read John Piper's reflection here, or another reflection by a Charismatic pastor here
This all leads me to wonder, where is the middle ground? I have always gone to churches that are very stiff and proper. With sound teaching, but afraid to really engage with the emotions. Yet, when I go to things like Youth Alive, or other Pentecostal type events, I almost always find that emotion has taken over from any thinking whatsoever...
It's difficult... But my prayer is for Biblical Revival. Not a dry, passionless, intellectual revival. But a whole of life, intellectual, spiritual, emotional revival. Where the Gospel is preached clearly and the bible is taken seriously, and where people are so moved by God they can do nothing but jump, and shout, and praise! That would be powerful.
Good post Chris.
I like when I agree with you:)
I revival that can think and feel with all its strength will indeed be a powerful one!
John
I prefer the middle ground too. A few weeks ago I visited a friends Vinyard church in Michigan. They seemed to be incredibly balanced. They talked about the Spirit as if he were alive and living and working in their lives but they weren't fainting in the isles or speaking in tongues every two seconds. This is the only Vinyard church I've ever gone to so I don't know much about them other than they seemed really moderate and balanced.
Don't you always agree with me John? :p
I often agree with you, not sure about always, but often:p hehe, maybe always agree - but not totally.
I've always been curious about the Vineyard church, they've always come across as having quite a good balance. I've heard they generally run their meetings in thirds - 1/3 praise and worship - 1/3 teaching and 1/3 'ministry'/prayer etc. Lovely couple at my church have a Vineyard background and are always interesting to talk to.
You might be interested in convergence by sam storms. It talks about a divide in churches of the preaching of the truth or the power of the spirit and expression in worship. he has set up his enjoying god ministries to try and bridge the gap. he also has very well written articles to read for free on his site.
I feel the sam too, actually once I use to mock people in the more expressionist worship but now I'm investigating the charismatc and see it as a good thing.