I think we have reduced worship to 20 minutes on Sunday, where you stand and sing and do other things and that is sad. In my opinion, if your style of worship draws attention to you then you are stealing Gos’s glory. If everyone in the place brings and instrument or is speaking in tounges then go for it. If you are the only one, what do you think?

To think that this post was an attack on someones culture is a stretch. Especially if you didn’t see the person.

I met the lady after the service and she seemed to be a nice lady who loved the Lord. I think her intentions were pure and I think once she hears the vision of what Lifepoint is trying to accomplish on the weekends then she would either choose not to bring instruments or go to a different church.

We don’t expect everyone that comes through the doors to know what our mission is and we know our church is not the model church for everyone. Most of all this lady was not shunned or treat differently, from everything that I saw, she was loved like everyone else.

I personally do not have a problem with personal expressions of worship such as tambourine playing. I don’t believe the issue is cultural but an understanding that there is a time and a place for everything.

During our weekend service our goal is communicate the love of Jesus to a disconnected world. Because of this goal, there are things we do and things we do not do. The reason I cringe when I see someone that is flamboyant during a service is because it becomes a distraction to those around them especially to those who are not familiar with such expressions.

1 Cor. 9 talks about how Paul does not cling to his way of doing things but instead becomes like those he around so that he might win some to Christ. Our Goal is the same.

I hope this adds a little clarity. Sorry for any confusion.

But I do suppose that there is a time and place for everything. I think if someone was really filled with the Holy Spirit and they felt like God was calling them to run, then maybe, just maybe, someone in the crowd would be like “woah, that’s something different! There must be something different about them to make them do something like that! I want that!” You know? So I’m praying that someone at your service got something out of that and was amazed at how that one person expressed their love for Christ.

But as for if I think it was right or wrong? Well in….uhhh, I feel bad… It’s when they are talking about spritual gifts and ..(Acts?).. tounges in particular. And they talk about how you shouldn’t do anything if it would cause someone outside of the church to not hear about God in the best way they can (my version of it). So I think in everyone in particular it’s different(those leading a church). Like sure, Africa would be the place to do something like that because of their culture. But I think each church needs to decide for themselves how they can best reach people. And if that’s in letting people run around then that’s great, and if that’s in just jumping up and down and rasing your hands that’s awesome too. As long as it’s God’s plan it’s the right plan. (haha, leadership conference rubbing off on me!)

Hope I didn’t take up too much of your time! I’m praying for you guys!

As a member of C3 with a daughter at UNCW, I planned to approach you at the Leadership Conference to introduce her to your church and plug her in to a Bible believing church. It appears that she will only be welcome if she denounces her culture.

Look at the census figures. Are we reaching the lost African American, Latino, etc kids (who also accept Christ prior to 21 years of age)? Or do we only covet the souls of lost WASP youngsters.

I don’t expect that you would EVER respond to this. I just had to express my views as someone called to integrate C3, a great influence on your life.

Connie