Crunchy Christian Mamas in 2011 - Page 2

[big-mama]

My church is Baptist.  I want to do a bible study but don't know which one yet.  I used to do Beth Moore studies at my old church but this church doesn't do them. 

[AFWife]

I've never done a Beth Moore study but I've heard she's amazing!

Question: How do y'all feel about Christian concerts? DH and I were talking about it last night and we've both been to a few where it's like "Who are you here to celebrate?" I've been to a couple that were all about the *show* and at least one alternative Christian concert where we couldn't UNDERSTAND the lyrics! What's the point of praising God if we don't know what you're saying?

[big-mama]

I think, for me, it depends on the music - if you can understand what it being sung and if it is not unbiblical.  For example, I really like Casting Crowns.   If you can't understand it, then you don't know if its unbiblical or not.  That being said, I also like the old hymns,etc.  I would go to a concert of just about any type of Christian music as long as you can understand what it being sung and if it is not unbiblical.  Except probably rap.  I just don't like rap - I lean more towards country in my non-Christian listening so I just don't like the rap sound as a personal preference.  I don't really go to concerts though because there never seem to be any around here except in summer - seem to always be outside concerts -  when its 100 degrees and I just can't handle the heat.  LOL.

[goinggreengirl]

I want to join in! I posted in the christian chat thread awhile ago. To update, DH took a senior associate position at a friend's church and we move this weekend! We're very excited to be back in a church that's going somewhere. The past almost three years have been very disappointing and lacking in ministry opportunities. It'll be great to be near such good friends as well. It's only a two hour move but it feels so freeing!

[MrsSurplus]

Ooh... I'm glad I found you.  I have been a member on MDC for a while, but I don't check the boards regularly anymore...but would love to visit with more Crunchy Christian mamas!

We worship in a church of Christ - *LOVE* the doctrine...don't like some of the traditions.  After reading Crazy Love and Radical last year ... well, they just resonated with what I've been feeling...about there being more to my walk with Christ than what I've been experiencing.  So...the hubby and I are always looking to deepen our walk with the Lord and have really felt blessed with that.  What I REALLY want right now is a mama's Bible study.  There's a study at our church but it's mostly older women and I suspect that me and the gang would really wreck the party.  :)  I would love a study that encourages and welcomes mothers with children (in tow - not in a nursery)! 

[CrunchyChristianMama]

Clearly, given my screen name, this is apparently a thread where I belong. 

Originally Posted by Nazsmum 

I hope everyone is well today. The pastor/wife they are very nice. But I still don't like the church.

Let me ask this why do you bcome a member of your church???

For us it was a big step.  We've lived in KC for 2 years now and just became members of our church a couple months ago.  For us it was because we absolutely love our church.  I have never in my life wanted to go to church every Sunday the way that I do right now.  I seriously hate having to miss.  I see God working in such amazing ways both in my own heart and life and through the church in the community.  Becoming members is a way that we are partnering with the church in what they are doing and a way of showing our commitment to the ministry there.

If you are looking for a study that will rock your world, look into "Live A Praying Life" by Jennifer Kennedy Dean.  It's seriously been revolutionary for my prayer life and I've never been much of a pray-er or felt like I was "good" at praying. 

I love the idea of a word for the year....  I'll have to think on it for a while though.  The first ones that come to my head are prayer, surrender, grace, and gospel.  Definitely something to think about.

[MrsJPS]

Hi all! I wanted to offer some thoughts on the question about Christian concerts. I do think it definitely falls into the category of being right for some and wrong for others, sort of the "meat sacrificed to idols" type of thing discussed in I Corinthians and Romans. I understand how it could be considered wrong for the lyrics to not be understandable, but to offer another perspective, what about instrumental music written for the glory of God? Is music only God-honoring if there are clear words talking about God, and if not, it's necessarily "un-Christian"? What about classical music written by Christian composers? So that's just something to chew on about the lyrics thing. As for concerts that seem to be just for show and not for worship, I totally get that sentiment, and my DH and I have lost much interest in concerts that are seemingly more about drawing attention to the artist rather than the Lord, but at the same time, we all have to be careful about judging the hearts of the artists. There's a guy who leads worship at my church sometimes who's even a bit like this too, and I really have to struggle against judging his heart based on the way he leads worship, which seems more "concerty" than "worshippy". We can choose for our own reasons to not prefer certain artists, whether for the showy feel of their concerts or otherwise, but we just need to all be careful to concern ourselves less with whether others are truly worshiping and rather whether *we* are truly worshiping. I don't know that anyone could offer a sound argument from scripture proving that it was wrong to go to Christian concerts based on things like this, so like I said before, I think it's a matter of conscience and conviction...if you feel like you're doing the wrong thing by going, then please, don't go. Beyond that, we just need to concern ourselves with our own walk and not get too bogged down in that of others. That's my two cents. :)

[Nazsmum]

I had a good friend in a very popular Christian Rock Band.....I really never could get into christian rock music.....BUT we talked about this one time. The way that I see "christian rock" is it is entertainment. That is it no more no less. Worship is worship. Yes you can worship with any "kind" of music and you can worship in many different ways......BUT a rock concert is just a concert.

[big-mama]

My take on the understandability goes along with what MRSJPS says - its not about judging them its being sure of what I am doing and how I am worshipping.  If I don't know what is being sung how can I be sure I am not dishonoring God?  I do like Christian rock, for example Skillet but no Skillet song I have heard (haven't heard them all though) yet sounds like worship but most of Casting Crowns does.  It varies by group and by song within each group but for me, if I don' t know what I am singing or humming along to then I don't feel confident I am doing the right thing. 

[lilmom]

Hmm..Christian concerts..I think it would depend on the group. I don't know if I would feel it being super worshipfull though. I do like Jars of Clay, at least their older stuff, and I think I could see them. But it would still be just a concert I think. There are some Christian artists out there, where I enjoy some of their music but don't necessarily see them as worship at all. For example, Toby Mac. He has some catchy songs. He has some that have a great message too. But then he has others that really seem self-promoting to me and I realllllly dislike that, because to me that is very sinful and shouldn't have a place in Christian music. But again, I do think for the most part, it's entertainment.

FWIW, I am not fond of feeling like I am at a concert when I am in church. I prefer older hymns or sometimes choruses but not a band. Piano and organ I really love though. Especially a good pipe organ!

[AFWife]

Checking in! How is everyone?

[Nazsmum]

I'm still here.....still looking a Jesus and Him relationship with women........And praying for a good night sleep.

[goinggreengirl]

I'm here! We are moved to our new town and have been to a couple meetings at our church. DH is preaching next week for a youth service and then at the regular service that week. Gonna be busy!

[MrsSurplus]

I'm still here.  I had a question (sorry...I didn't have an opinion on Christian concerts )...  Any other ladies here cover?  Whether or not you do - are there any women in your congregation who cover?  I'm new to it and am curious about the different denominations and how the headcovering issue shakes out in other churches.

[CrunchyChristianMama]

I don't cover and neither does anyone is any congregation I've ever attended.  We currently go to a non-denom church that is part of the Acts 29 network.

[Nazsmum]

Originally Posted by CrunchyChristianMama 

I don't cover and neither does anyone is any congregation I've ever attended.  We currently go to a non-denom church that is part of the Acts 29 network.

 Acts 29 network?

No I don't cover. When I was in the dance minstry many of the dancers covered. We also danced in a women cirle and men circle

[AFWife]

I don't cover. I went through a curiosity period about it...but it never felt "right" you know? I always felt a bit awkward and silly. So, I don't do it.

[MrsSurplus]

No I don't cover. When I was in the dance minstry many of the dancers covered. We also danced in a women cirle and men circle

 I hadn't heard of a dance ministry.  What did you do?

[Nazsmum]

Well we danced. I was going to a messianic church where part of the worship is dancing to the Lord. It is Israeli folk dancing. I really miss it. In is a great way to worship the Lord. If you like to dance.

[CrunchyChristianMama]

Acts 29 Network FAQ

I used to do liturgical dance in church before I had the girls.  I loved it too and miss it!