I've never been and i've been invited i just wanna be prepared.
2007-03-18 13:03:49 · 9 answers · asked by Just Wondering 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The services can be very, very emotional, with strange behaviour, such as in this video clip:
2007-03-18 13:31:25 · answer #1 · answered by SB 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've never been to an actual "Pentecostal" church, but ours has roots in pentecostal beliefs, if it is anything like ours, you may see a very upbeat praise and worship part of the service, with people clapping, dancing raising their hands to praise God, and other rejoicing in the Lord. Also, during and after the service you might see people praying or speaking in tongues, getting healed, or possibly even prophesying. If you have never been to a service like this it might feel a little weird, however I think the thing to keep in mind is that you don't have to do anything that you wouldn't normally do. Just go in there and worship God and don't worry about what other people are doing. I was a little uncomfortable when I first went, but that was just because I didn't know my Bible at all, and didn't know that everything they do is in it and applies to us today. So, I would just say to go and have fun, which for many would be a new experience in church.
God bless
2007-03-18 20:19:34 · answer #2 · answered by putonthearmorofgod611 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a Catholic, but I've been to a number of Pentecostal services. They vary from church to church. You'll probably hear some gospel music. It might be rather lively, and may or may not use electric instruments (guitar, bass, etc). People may tend to clap their hands, weep, or show more emotion than is customary in many other churches. If anyone, at any point in the service, begins to speak in another language, remain polite and silent. They're probably speaking in tongues. Usually, somebody will interpret for them, but in a few churches, this didn't happen. There will be a sermon, and possibly an altar call after that, in which people can go to the front of the church if they want to get saved, join the church, get prayed for, or anything of that nature. It's best to wear modest apparel at first. Some churches are very strict about clothing, while other allow jeans and T-shirts. Best to be on the safe side for a first visit.
2007-03-18 20:11:33 · answer #3 · answered by solarius 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
They can vary. It is not likely to be very sedate... not like a lot of the Protestant or Catholic churches. It's not really a ceremony.. unless you are talking like a wedding that is a ceremony. Anyway expect a lot of singing, speaking in tongues for some... Praying out loud ( and I mean loud) some all pray at the same time, some take turns. Expect people to weep, maybe dance in the spirit.
It certainly is a lot more active than most churches are. Are you going to Sunday night service? It can be a lot of fun.
Don't get scared or too alarmed. I don't think there are many that do the snake handling stuff, for the most part that is really frowned upon.
Expect to hear "testimonies" about what God has done for them.
I always kind of like Pentecostal. Not all of them, but i have had good and terrible experiences in them, just as I have had good and terrible experiences in other denominational services.
Hope this is a beneficial experience for you.
2007-03-18 20:14:08 · answer #4 · answered by thankyou "iana" 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I seriously doubt that you will see anyone roll in the floor. We do all pray at the same time, and you might hear somebody speak in "other tongues." We have lively music and a sermon. Nobody will try to force anything on you.
Read Acts 2 and notice the verse that says "this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel," then read Acts 10 and 11.
2007-03-18 20:15:53 · answer #5 · answered by supertop 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
have you ever been to a regular Christian service? It's pretty much the same. Only difference is, you hear alot of Hallelujahs, Praise God's, Amens, and Praise the Lord. You might hear someone speak in tongues, or several people will. But other than that, usually an up tempo service.
2007-03-18 20:28:38 · answer #6 · answered by kurious 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The music might be traditional, or contemporary. Some may dress in long dresses and not wear jewelry, some may. The service will be a "full gospel" so the working of the Holy Spirit may happen, such as speaking in tongues, people may fall out in the Spirit, and some may be healed, by the laying on of hands. If you are denominational, it will be a "bit of a shock". But go, and then study the Bible, and see if it lines up with the word of Gpd. (See Acts for one).
2007-03-18 20:11:05 · answer #7 · answered by RB 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
speaking in tongues... old guys dancing... people rolling around on the floor
pretty much like a camp for "special" children
2007-03-18 20:08:44 · answer #8 · answered by funaholic 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋
THEY WILL CRY FOR NOTHING.....DON'T CUT YOUR HAIR, SPEAK IN TONGUES, DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME ABOUT IT.
2007-03-18 20:09:11 · answer #9 · answered by Harvard 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋