One of the more common trends we are now seeing is that many who are currently in the Pentecostal Church or were in the Pentecostal Church and are disappointed and disillusioned with what they have experienced are now finding their now spiritual home in the Reformed Church. Ex-Pentecostals are simply looking for a Church that more directly reflects and encapsulates what it is to be “The Church” as Christ commanded. NOTE: I understand that some in the Pentecostal movement (both parishoners and pastors) truly love the Lord and are born again and that all Churches inc Reformed Churches will not be perfect in their ability to be all that Christ expects of them. (As seen in the letters to the 7 Churches in Revelation).
So why would people be leaving a popularly attended and very inspirational Church event each Sunday for a basic Bible preaching Church with no lights, polished presentations and studio mixed band on stage?
In most cases; sooner or later true Christians (by the help of the Holy Spirit) want only what God wants as simplistic as that may be. It all gets down to what God expects of Churches (as based in the Scriptures) and for this reason, previous Pentecostals are grieved when God is not truly being glorified in His Church. (Psalm 115:1)
You might ask what are some of the issues that eventually grieve Christians in Pentecostal churches?
- A man centred and personality-driven message that doesn’t glorify God. (2 Corinthians 4:5)
- A lack of commitment to exegete and explain the text of scripture in its original context. (2 Peter 3:16)
- A focus on experience, feelings and personal judgment to be your guide as to what God is saying (Proverbs 28:26)
- A works-based religion “just keep praying, giving, serving and it will work out in the end” (Catholic) (Ephesians 2:8)
- An inappropriate amount of time and energy put into offering messages that focus on what you are giving to the Church as a mark of your godly commitment. (1 Timothy 6:5)
- A pastor who may never know the true condition of your soul with no personal discipleship practices that affect your sanctification towards greater holiness. (Hebrews 13:17)
- A generic promise that is given on frequent occasions that God is up to something new and the best it yet to come and that suffering is a mark of Gods displeasure with you. (Job 2:10)
- A lack of hearing the words that Jesus always used, sin, hell, repent, depart from me you who continue to practice sinful lifestyles, Church discipline, correction, rebuke, Satan, Eternal fire and brimstone and that only God is good. (Romans 16:17-18)
- A desire to change the community at large rather than to build up Christians in the faith. (Ephesians 4:12-13)
The above focuses of the Pentecostal, Catholic and Man centred religions in the world abound and unfortunately are not limited to these. For some in the Pentecostal movement, that question has to be inevitably asked based on their experience…..Is this the Church experience that the Apostles laid down their lives for us to have?
My own experience as a Pentecostal Pastor in the AOG/ACC Movement has shown me that God by His grace can help you to see the importance of ordering all that you do in Church to be both more Biblical and thus more Glorifying to Him without taking away from all the good stuff that comes with being in a Biblical Church. (eg) Dynamic Preaching, God-exalting worship and loving and encouraging fellowship from fellow believers etc. I personally have had to repent and change my ways and ensure that the way I lead the Church is according to our Lords expectation of worshipping Him “in Spirit and in Truth” (John 4:24) This means that true worship in the Spirit is done according to Gods written word (the Truth) (which the Spirit Himself authored) Anything that deviates from this standard of truth is in danger of being a distortion of “true worship” The issue of the worship of Christs Church is important. Getting it wrong at the communion table meant “premature death” for the Corinthians. (1 Corinthians 11:29-30) Instant death for Uzzah who touched the ark, And leprosy for both Miriam (Numbers 12:1,10) and King Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:19-20)
For Further Information;
- You can also read this article from an Ex-Pentecostal Pastor now serving in the Reformed Faith.
- Read “Confessions of an Ex-Pentecostal” who lives here in Adelaide.
- Of most recent times a landmark documentary has been made showing this trend called “American Gospel” You can get the full version on Netflix or watch the reviewed version with peoples comments on Youtube.
My encouragement to you if you are either not currently in fellowship or looking at finding a Church whose desire and chiefest endeavour it is to please God in all that it does in its Church Practice.. is to reach out to us (especially if you live here in Adelaide S.A).
You can also reach out to us by clicking on the “Ask a Question” button below and we can get back to you if you have any other questions.
Blessings Ps Wayne Harrison
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Gospel Community Church is a Reformed Church in Adelaide, An Evangelical Church in Adelaide, A Bible Preaching Church in Adelaide, A Gospel Preaching Church in Adelaide, An expositional preaching Church in Adelaide, An Acts 29 Church in Adelaide, A Gospel Coalition Church in Adelaide the City of Churches.