Posts are the original thoughts and writings of Rev. Kelly Bates Oglesby
Living out the Christian faith through a community or denomination that differs from the one to which you are accustomed. Presently, as part of my seminary study I am serving as a pastoral intern with a Mennonite congregation. This is new experience for me and the congregation.
However, on my spiritual journey, God has blessed me to share and minister in Pentecostal congregations, Baptist - Free Will, American, Missionary, and Progressive, Apostolic, United Methodist, and Nondenominational Congregations. God gave me the understanding long ago of the need to connect and share with the Body of Christ in meaningful ways.
I understand there are times that traditions, trends, and lack of understanding that interferes with our fellowship and interrupts our worship. However, quieting the biases, pride, and fears of our ego will allow us to be still and be led by the Holy Spirit into Truth so that we may worship God with pure hearts.
Often I am asked do I miss the rhythm and vibrancy of my home congregation. Reflecting on this question, I find I do not have time to adequately respond to the inquirer. My home church is full of the Holy Spirit and believes in the Bible as our rule and practice of faith. We are Baptist by belief, Pentecostal by experience, Holiness according to the Word of God, and Saved by Jesus. At any given service there may be expressions of jubilant praise in Holy Spirit dancing, tongues of praise, shouting, rejoicing in song, prayers of thanksgiving, repentance, deliverance, exaltation, sermons, Bible study, testimony, solemn reflection, and however else the Holy Spirit leads. My point is that often we construct beliefs about people based on false assumptions or faulty information. We need to get to know the other members of the Body of Christ so that we can work together.
Have you considered becoming informed, involved with other believers so that our fellowship and worship within the Body of Christ becomes intimate and intentional?
