Have I Changed? (What I Believe)

September 27, 2011 in Spirituality 9

If you’ve listened to more than two messages of mine, you know that I often speak about the spiritual journey. It shouldn’t surprise anyone, since the Bible often talks about our faith being a long distance marathon. To grow spiritually means to change.

Those who have been part of the church family with me for more than a few years recognize that I have changed. Some suggest the change is for the better, others are not sure they like the “new me.”

It’s interesting. I had a great conversation with another lead pastor a week ago about personal beliefs. Like me, he is ordained with the P.A.O.C. And, like me, he has found the need to rethink what exactly he believes.

You see, there was a time when I was very charismatic. I led people into a lot of the passionately charismatic expressions. Then, about twelve years ago, I questioned it all. To be honest, I saw a lot of people chasing after personal blessings (and the emotions associated with those blessings) rather than hungering for a life of sacrifice and holiness. I turned my back on anything charismatic.

In fact, I swung the pendulum far the other way. I wanted nothing to do with “things of the Spirit”. Emotions, feelings, miracles, etc. I became very conservative in my faith. In fact, for a season, I considered leaving the P.A.O.C., questioning if I still held to any of their values. It was in this season that we first launched Bikers’ Church. And, for the next five years, I struggled to find where I truly stood on many core beliefs.

Today, I’ve found myself coming out of that place. My faith has settled again. And, interestingly, I have found myself right back at where I was when I first became a Christian. I am a conservative Pentecostal. I feel most comfortable in my P.A.O.C. skin. Their core beliefs fit best in how I understand and view Scripture.

Those who have only known me for the past ten or twelve years would say I have changed significantly. But my journey didn’t begin twelve years ago. It began in 1982. Amazingly, I am right back to those same core beliefs that I held when I went off to Bible College in 1986.

So, what does that mean for the people I pastor? Well, I have always welcomed people who hold different views than I do. However, if I am comfortable as a Pentecostal, then obviously I will pastor as a Pentecostal. Hopefully, I’ve earned the trust and respect of people so that they will be open to learning and hearing why I am comfortable being Pentecostal. In fact, in the near future I will be sharing a message called, “Why I’m Pentecostal.”

Anyway, just some thoughts going through my head on a Tuesday afternoon.

  • Chantal

    It has been quite a ride, and yes, there have been many changes that have occurred since I first started attending the Bikers Church. There were times that I struggled with some of those changes, but if I look at it realistically, I know that it has all been for the better. My journey continues to be enhanced and my love for God grows daily. It is that growth that allows me to see that we are on the right path. I am not the same person I was 10 years ago, and I am grateful for that. So, good on you Rob, it means that God is preparing you, preparing us, for something even greater!

  • Tammy

    For over a year my friends had been trying to get me to come to Bikers Church, and I resisted. I chose to try and find my way through other various resources. From the moment I walked into Bikers Church, I have felt at home. I am so grateful to have found a place to call home. My heart was opened and I look forward to listening and learning . I am grateful for the passionate way that you share the word. As the month of October approaches I would like to say thank you to you Rob for all that you do, and all that you are.

  • Marianne Reil

    I’m always amazed at all the trimming and re-shaping the Holy Spirit does on me and how that means growth.…you’d think there wouldn’t be any left to me by now. I believe you to be a man of God and that you are constantly aware that you are leading a bunch of sheep and that you take that seriously to say the least. My second visit to City Church had me at Free — bibles, store, outreach to Vanier. Like Chantal below I was comfortable from the start. I couldn’t wait to make a difference, to contribute wherever I could. I pray that in the future, even when I don’t agree with you I will always have the strength of conviction to support you. You are my Pastor and I thank you for the leader and the teacher and the prodder that you are. May the Lord shine His face upon you!

  • Doug

    I would not say I’m Pentecostal. I think my problem may be
    similar to parts of your journey. I’ve been exposed to a fair bit of
    Pentecostal people and churches. Not all have been bad experiences, but I have
    seen major problems – churches disintegrating, phoney people, arrogant
    leadership, faith healing shows, slaying in the spirit, rolling in the isles,
    etc. After many years, I largely equate Pentecostalism with getting an
    emotional fix. The thing that attracted me to Biker’s Church
    was the sincerity and the open-minded approach to learning about God and our
    place in God’s world. With the momentum of an expanding church, I think it may
    be easy to fall into the whole emotional business of worship; possible to the detriment of everything else. I’ve heard Cam
    talk about worship and state that it’s easy for a half decent musician to work
    up a crowd into an emotional state –
    but he said that’s not what worship should be about. (And the same can be said
    for pastors and preaching.) As the church expands, will we loose ourselves and
    jump on some bandwagon of feel-good Pentecostalism or spiritualism. Will we be
    checking our brains at the church door? I’ve heard a pastor say that if people
    feel it’s ok to loose themselves in the fanaticism of a football game, why
    can’t we loose ourselves in God’s presence during our church services. I can’t
    say I agree with the analogy. Good post – and I am looking forward to the
    journey but cautiously optimistic about the growth.

  • Anonymous

    Let’s face it, no one “likes” change … and yet, most of us recognize that if we’re not changing, it’s likely because we’re dead! lol

  • Anonymous

    Thank you, Tammy!

  • Anonymous

    Thanks, Marianne … kind words from a great person!

  • Anonymous

    Doug, I hear your concerns and agree fully with you.

    It’s why I stressed the difference between charismatics and pentecostals … I don’t believe they are necessarily the same thing. Yes, God gave us emotions. He wants to stir us emotionally. But I don’t think it’s an emotions OR intellect. I think it can be both. 
    Heck, the Bible makes it clear that we are to study the word of God. Doctrine, intellect, logic are not the opposite to passion, emotion, and spirit. 

    If I were to challenge one thing you said, it’s the suggestion that with an expanding church, it is easier to fall into the emotional business of worship. I think it’s easy to fall into that trap regardless of whether the church is expanding. In fact, sometimes, when a church is declining, we are more prone to get emotionally tied in to our worship — we defend it and protect it even when we’re dying as a result of it.

    Anyway, great thoughts!

    Rob

  • Doug

    Well said Rob. I am looking forward to your sermon on being
    a Pentecostal (not to judge, but as a personally sensitive area that some
    further exploration would be helpful.).

    I’ve been a member of a church that grew to 1000’s of people
    because of what I attribute as having a good show. I’ve also been a member of a
    church that grew quickly into the 1000’s by just keeping it real. Biker’s
    Church tends to remind me of the latter.

    It’s neat to watch all the changes and opportunities
    that have developed with both Biker’s Church and City Church in a short period
    of time. It is definitely looking like
    God is opening doors.