Thread: COURAGEOUS for church service?

Well, I'm a strong IFB, but I'm not typical - if that makes any sense. I grew up in GARBC and IFB churches. I remember watching movies at church. (Those services were my favorites followed by when a missionary stopped by with his slides!) I remember the pastor(s) including when my dad was in pastorate, always giving a short talk after the message. I still remember names of some people who were saved because they came to church to watch a film. Normally, they would not attend church.

Then on to straight IFB, and so many are against it or even having a cantata during a service, and I just don't understand why? I do not think the film should be shown and then dismissal.....I think some sort of discussion should be given, and I do believe probably some type of "invitation" for salvation (like perhaps what you would do at a funeral. That is, unless you have an altar call at a funeral.) After all, just like in my childhood, there may be someone who wouldn't think of attending a regualar church service, but might come to watch a film or hear a cantata.

I just wonder why so manyh IFBs are so dogmatic against it, and I don't really care if Raider or anyone else calls me a "stinkin' liberal" or not!

FTR, the service where it's being shown isn't until next month, but it is being "advertised" now.

Originally Posted by IFB Tea Party

My wife and I were on vacation in New Jersey a few months ago and stopped at a random Baptist church on our way back. I kid you not, the pastor played a portion of My Big Fat Greek Wedding during the sermon. He then said that Jesus and the disciples were similar to those in the movie in some way.

I wrote him a nasty note on the back of the bulletin, but I didn't give it to him or confront him after the service because my wife and I were on our honeymoon and I wanted to look like a gentleman.

Okay my friend. I am not chastising you or rebuking you but if you aren't aware of it there are places called "Florida, California, Hawaii, Alaska" etc. for vacations. I am not from the east coast but I just cannot comprehend NJ for vacation or a honeymoon. In my limited knowledge methinks that maybe even Indiana would be a better place for a vacation. PLEASE correct me if I am wrong. (It has happened once before!)

Originally Posted by patriotic

Well, I'm a strong IFB, but I'm not typical - if that makes any sense. I grew up in GARBC and IFB churches. I remember watching movies at church. (Those services were my favorites followed by when a missionary stopped by with his slides!) I remember the pastor(s) including when my dad was in pastorate, always giving a short talk after the message. I still remember names of some people who were saved because they came to church to watch a film. Normally, they would not attend church.

Then on to straight IFB, and so many are against it or even having a cantata during a service, and I just don't understand why? I do not think the film should be shown and then dismissal.....I think some sort of discussion should be given, and I do believe probably some type of "invitation" for salvation (like perhaps what you would do at a funeral. That is, unless you have an altar call at a funeral.) After all, just like in my childhood, there may be someone who wouldn't think of attending a regualar church service, but might come to watch a film or hear a cantata.

I just wonder why so manyh IFBs are so dogmatic against it, and I don't really care if Raider or anyone else calls me a "stinkin' liberal" or not!

FTR, the service where it's being shown isn't until next month, but it is being "advertised" now.

You and I grew up in very similar type churches and have taken somewhat similar church paths since. As the years have progressed I find myself looking at certain things differently. Some things that use to seem like big issues have lost their "bigness". I would not have a problem with a film on a Sunday evening. I do think there should be a short "sermonette" after the film.

Yes, Patriotic, you are a stinkin' liberal!!

Originally Posted by RAIDER

You and I grew up in very similar type churches and have taken somewhat similar church paths since. As the years have progressed I find myself looking at certain things differently. Some things that use to seem like big issues have lost their "bigness". I would not have a problem with a film on a Sunday evening. I do think there should be a short "sermonette" after the film.

Yes, Patriotic, you are a stinkin' liberal!!

Thank you. Coming from you, that's a compliment!

Seriously, there are more important things to be dogmatically for or against!

Originally Posted by patriotic

Thank you. Coming from you, that's a compliment!

Seriously, there are more important things to be dogmatically for or against!

I'm for Biblical standards and convictions and I attend a church where both are preached. As I look at some of the traditions of the brethren that we teach as the law of God, I have to scratch my slightly bald head. We disguise many of these behind the cover of "the way our Baptist forefathers did it."

Fabulous movie. My husband and my sons were very moved by it. IMO, it wouldn't hurt all husbands, and father's to watch it.

I wouldn't have a problem with our church showing the film on Sunday night at all. I watched it & it lays out several challenges in dramatic ways for Christian men & families.

Originally Posted by Smellin Coffee

I agree with what you are saying.

A year or so ago, our youth group did away with their weekly meeting and went to see "Save A Life". Afterwards, the group met at a local fast food joint, they got together and discussed what characters they related with in the movie, how Jesus would approach the situation and what personal changes they felt they needed to make. IOW, the youth leaders took the movie and used it to encourage a spiritual application.

I'm glad that some of the kids were able to ask questions and make observations, but I don't see how anyone was exercising their gifts per se. From what I can tell, "having church" is for the instruction and edification of the saints through the exercising of their gifts.

I guess I am just down on the pew potato status that most "pastors" have forced upon their congregations.

Originally Posted by BALAAM

Okay my friend. I am not chastising you or rebuking you but if you aren't aware of it there are places called "Florida, California, Hawaii, Alaska" etc. for vacations. I am not from the east coast but I just cannot comprehend NJ for vacation or a honeymoon. In my limited knowledge methinks that maybe even Indiana would be a better place for a vacation. PLEASE correct me if I am wrong. (It has happened once before!)

We spent three days in NYC...Manhattan. We were traveling through New Jersey on our way back home. I agree...nothing in NJ I really would want to see!

Originally Posted by patriotic

Well, I'm a strong IFB, but I'm not typical - if that makes any sense. I grew up in GARBC and IFB churches. I remember watching movies at church. (Those services were my favorites followed by when a missionary stopped by with his slides!) I remember the pastor(s) including when my dad was in pastorate, always giving a short talk after the message. I still remember names of some people who were saved because they came to church to watch a film. Normally, they would not attend church.

Then on to straight IFB, and so many are against it or even having a cantata during a service, and I just don't understand why? I do not think the film should be shown and then dismissal.....I think some sort of discussion should be given, and I do believe probably some type of "invitation" for salvation (like perhaps what you would do at a funeral. That is, unless you have an altar call at a funeral.) After all, just like in my childhood, there may be someone who wouldn't think of attending a regualar church service, but might come to watch a film or hear a cantata.

I just wonder why so manyh IFBs are so dogmatic against it, and I don't really care if Raider or anyone else calls me a "stinkin' liberal" or not!

FTR, the service where it's being shown isn't until next month, but it is being "advertised" now.

Jesus told stories (parables) from time to time, so I don't necessarily believe that every church service has to have 10 Bible verses to back it up.

As far as showing a movie, as long as it wouldn't be a stumblingblock for someone, I can't think of any Scripture that would forbid it.