Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Interesting column in Christianity Today on Pentecostalism, which now represents at least a quarter of all Christians:
Ministry practitioners, denominational leaders, and scholars whom I have talked to have noted three prominent trends in North American Pentecostalism: a marked decrease in speaking in tongues in public worship; fresh developments in Pentecostal eschatology; and a broader engagement in compassionate ministry and social concern.
All three trends deserve comment, but I want to highlight the last trend: On numerous fronts and in an increasing number of ways, Pentecostals are engaging in compassionate ministries and social change.
Interesting column in Christianity Today on Pentecostalism, which now represents at least a quarter of all Christians:
Ministry practitioners, denominational leaders, and scholars whom I have talked to have noted three prominent trends in North American Pentecostalism: a marked decrease in speaking in tongues in public worship; fresh developments in Pentecostal eschatology; and a broader engagement in compassionate ministry and social concern.
All three trends deserve comment, but I want to highlight the last trend: On numerous fronts and in an increasing number of ways, Pentecostals are engaging in compassionate ministries and social change.
I would say the last is true of The Movement, based in Niles, Ohio. I've been attending there for a couple of months now. They really have a heart for helping the community. They helped clean up along the banks of the Mahoning River; they volunteer at the Warren Family Mission and they've started a community garden to give fresh vegetables to the needy. They're also planning to have an outreach of their own in the downtown Warren area.
I also think that The Movement is one of a number of churches that fits this mold.
Pentecostal churches were historically never very involved in social ministies because of their focus on the Great Commission, individual religious experience and in the preparation for the End Times.
It's an interesting change of direction and focus for Pentecostal churches.
I should add that not everyone in the Movement practices the gifts of spirit as understood by the Pentecostal movement, and it is not an "essential".
I would say the last is true of The Movement, based in Niles, Ohio. I've been attending there for a couple of months now. They really have a heart for helping the community. They helped clean up along the banks of the Mahoning River; they volunteer at the Warren Family Mission and they've started a community garden to give fresh vegetables to the needy. They're also planning to have an outreach of their own in the downtown Warren area.
"The Movement"? They are announcing exactly what they are and it's no more special than any other group to pop up ever. You seem easily dazzled by this though. There is nothing new under the sun you know. Especially when it comes to religion. Movements are just that.
"The Movement"? They are announcing exactly what they are and it's no more special than any other group to pop up ever. You seem easily dazzled by this though. There is nothing new under the sun you know. Especially when it comes to religion. Movements are just that.
I would say the last is true of The Movement, based in Niles, Ohio. I've been attending there for a couple of months now. They really have a heart for helping the community. They helped clean up along the banks of the Mahoning River; they volunteer at the Warren Family Mission and they've started a community garden to give fresh vegetables to the needy. They're also planning to have an outreach of their own in the downtown Warren area.
wow.....I know I've seen this somewhere before...almost like there was a thrad recently that was closed down.....
Interesting column in Christianity Today on Pentecostalism, which now represents at least a quarter of all Christians:
Ministry practitioners, denominational leaders, and scholars whom I have talked to have noted three prominent trends in North American Pentecostalism: a marked decrease in speaking in tongues in public worship; fresh developments in Pentecostal eschatology; and a broader engagement in compassionate ministry and social concern.
All three trends deserve comment, but I want to highlight the last trend: On numerous fronts and in an increasing number of ways, Pentecostals are engaging in compassionate ministries and social change.
Pentecostalism HAS come along way. They're starting to consider some of their theology, and think bigger than just the moment, and the experience. I think that's a good thing.
I also think it's a great thing that they're thinking of helping the poor, doing good things, etc. I just hope that it doesn't take their eyes off of the main point--Jesus, and His Gospel. Unfortunately, I think that's what happened with some liberal churches in America (not that Pentecostals are liberal--just using an example).
_____________________________ Book of James Chapter One
26If anyone thinks that he is religious and does not bridle his tongue, but instead deceives himself, his religion is worthless.
27 A religion that is pure and stainless according to God the Father is this: to take care of orphans and widows who are suffering, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
_____________________________ Book of James Chapter One
26If anyone thinks that he is religious and does not bridle his tongue, but instead deceives himself, his religion is worthless.
27 A religion that is pure and stainless according to God the Father is this: to take care of orphans and widows who are suffering, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
Outstanding short quote. Titus goes into a little more detail. A good summary passage is in chapter 3: when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
But the best short quote is in chapter 2:Jesus Christ, 14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
There are some people who say that you "can't do enough to please God," and while it is true that you can't earn salvation, it is clear that doing good works IS pleasing to God. It is good to see any body that emphasizes that and sets up opportunities for its members to participate in the work of the kingdom.
"The Movement"? They are announcing exactly what they are and it's no more special than any other group to pop up ever. You seem easily dazzled by this though. There is nothing new under the sun you know. Especially when it comes to religion. Movements are just that.
The Movement is the name of the church.
In Christianity there have been scads of "new things under the sun" - from the Counsel of Nicea, to the Reformation, to the first and second Great Awakenings, to Vatican II, The Jesus Movement and so one.
The Church will never stop evolving, changing, reforming, breaking off, coming together, or growing.
That is because, like it or not, there is a scriptural basis for this. We are a Living Body. The Body of Christ on Earth.
Change and movement are part of life.
The Movement took it's name from this idea and the fact that things that are alive, move.
Dead things do not move. The name has several layers of meaning. It also may refer to the Movement of the Holy Spirit.
Don't be so literal, OK? There are not many new churches in this millennium that are being named "First" or after the name of a street or town. It's interesting to me as one who studies language and culture, that these new names and new churches have names that are more descriptive of the church and it's vision, than ever before. From Elevations Church in North Carolina, to Simple Church in Ohio.
The Movement is one of a growing number of churches that are using new methods yet adhering to ancient beliefs to excite a new generation and interest people in attending church, and encountering Jesus.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
