Growing up in Pentecostal churches...

The pulpit at Stadtkirche Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany, 

altarpiece by Lucas Cranach in the background.


Growing up in Pentecostal churches, 

there were missionaries and miracles 

and messages in tongues. 

There were revival meetings

where God's power was supposed to move. 

And one evangelist that prayed for me 

to receive the “Holy Spirit,” 

by which I think he meant 

that I should speak in tongues. 


And I discerned I wasn't very spiritual.

Comments

  1. Unknown2/7/16, 6:48 PM

    I had no idea you were such a wonderful, profound thinker and writer. I have transitioned from So. Baptist to American Baptist to non denom to "trans" denom following my music vocation. Now I am a Methodist by choice. Certainly not high church, but compared to So. Baptist - maybe. I have learned a lot about liturgy and the life of church community celebrated in Advent, Lent, Easter. It is fascinating to me and has enriched my spiritual experience in church community. I have never had the privilege of visiting one of the great cathedrals in Europe. I hope to someday. I did visit "Our Lady of the Angels" in L.A. It was, of course, very modern and yet there was a weight there - maybe a bit of God's glory that I glimpsed through the architecture and art. I left with a sense of having been in the presence of divinity. I'm not saying I don't experience that in my small Methodist church - but it was somehow more intense, more physical, very impactful. Thank you for your insights. I look forward to reading more from you. (I am Katie's sister)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Loren Paulsson2/9/16, 8:36 PM

      Hey, thanks for your kind words. I remember you!

      You should definitely take the opportunity to go see some of the great old churches in Europe. Sounds wonderful.

      Delete
  2. Jody Lee Collins2/13/16, 9:29 AM

    Loren, your East Wenatchee 'connection' got my attention as I read this (I clicked on over via Glynn Young's Saturday Good Reads).
    We're in Seattle area, Foursquare folks :-)
    Growing up faith-wise in the Charismatic movement I am learning of late how much we have thrown out that is so powerful liturgy-wise, wishing we could bring some of it back--the sacraments, the readings, the contemplation piece.
    At any rate I want to say well done--this is a such a great recap and very well thought out piece. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Loren Paulsson2/14/16, 6:07 AM

      Thank you for reaching out and for your kind words. Maybe someday our paths will cross. 'Till then...

      Delete

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