3 Comments

1. 

   Katie on Friday July 1, 2005 at 9:44 am

   I have adopted the title post-charismatic. In spite of spending 25 years with them, I never did really fit with the “other” charismatics. There are many truths I have gathered along the way that are still valuable to me. I think the best explanation of where I’m at with all things charismatic now, is that they are a part of my being rather than something that I do.

   I’ve waded into lots of movements.

   While the baptism of the HS(charismatic movement) is important to me, it also opened the door to pursuing the latest greatest of “cutting-edge teaching.”

   The word of faith movement was more toxic than helpful to me. It seemed to bring God down to the level of my faith and performance. The intercession, spiritual mapping movements were very similar in that aspect.

   We were involved in teaching and promoting the prophetic movement. I will always value the understanding of knowing God’s voice and walking with Him in that way. Some of the “staged” aspects of the prophetic I now question. In a pure form, an encouraging prophetic word can bring life to a situation. I think the gifts of the HS were intended to function in very practical ways in our everyday lives as we learn to apply them in that way.

   The renewal movement brought with it a deeper intimacy with the Father. However, now rather than “chasing” that by trying to create ethereal moments with Him, I am learning to experience His supernatural presence amidst the hectic moments of my life. I am finding this to be a wonderful way of worship and communion with Him, although it is very “non-religious” looking.

   Third-day teaching, a little too far out there for me.

   Healing and deliverance, some definitely good teaching and experiences. A few extreme weird moments also.

   What I have seen of the “apostolic movement” so far, seems false to me. My opinion is that it is a packaged movement created for the purpose of promoting conferences, books, and big-name leaders. Anyone can declare themselves an apostle, start a network, and find some sheep gullible enough to follow. I know that’s cynical, but I think what is being presented as the apostolic so far will be mostly damaging.

   I’ve stepped away from all the movements. From this point on, I will simply be a person walking with God. I enjoy the companionship of others who also walk with Him. Some of them attend churches, and some don’t. I know for sure that I will always be where He wants me to be, and I don’t need to worry about “catching the wave” to be “on board” with Him.

2. 

   robbymac on Friday July 1, 2005 at 5:12 pm

   Katie,

   We grok.

3. 

   len on Saturday July 2, 2005 at 12:13 pm

   I find myself a little puzzled.. I know we can leave organized religion behind.. but how do you leave God behind?

   Won’t he “walk with us by the way,” and as we talk about him, don’t our “hearts glow?”

   My wife and I left our “renewal” (read, hype and marketing) church behind five years ago. But we still are guided by dreams on occasion.. I still sit at my computer weeping in the presence of the Lord on the odd day… we still pray for people and see the Holy Spirit show up.. While most of our witness to His presence is just joy and peace, at times it is much more intense and unpredictable.

   When I was a boy, each week
   On Sunday, we would go to church
   And pay attention to the priest
   As he would read the Holy Word.
   And consecrate the holy bread
   And everyone would kneel and bow
   Today the only difference is
   Everything is holy now.

   Everything, everything,
   Everything is holy now . . .

   When I was in Sunday school
   We would learn about the time
   Moses split the sea in two
   Jesus made the water wine
   And I remember feeling sad
   that miracles don’t happen still
   But now I can’t keep track
   ‘Cause everything’s a miracle

   I deeply identify with Peter Mayer’s song.. my world has become increasingly sacramental. But while the Holy is often hidden in the cover of flesh, it sometimes flares forth, as Hopkins describes. Isn’t that the way it should be?