Mitchell Powell.

I really find your blog and page warmly interesting. I am a classical Pentecostal boy (45 year old clergyman with the Church of God, Clvn TN). I come from paternal Baptist roots and maternal Holiness (Saved, Sanctified, Holy Ghost Baptism) roots. I acted as though the church really began late 1800s. Until I had a near death bout with cancer. I read church history, writings of the church fathers and history of the reformation only to finish those long boring books and my goal was not to learn, only to retain for the test and then flush my mind of that impractical lengthy and boring stuff. However, I find myself appreciating the early church and especially the church fathers. Whilst I still like my ‘church’ loud and lively, I have developed a great appreciation for the liturgical thoughts. For nearly two years we have been reading from the lectionary list every Sunday in church.

I founded a quasi rescue mission that is supported like a traditional rescue mission. We have the lame, maim and crazy on Sunday morning in our inner city chapel. While visiting donor sacramental churches I almost ‘shouted
and got happy’ (traditional pentecostal term when something spiritual evokes an emotional response’ because the words that they were reading rather lethargicly really took meaning in my life. So, began my research . . . I have become the only thing worse than a catholic – ecumenical (in spirit not doctrine). I realized that the church did not began with reformation, revival, pentecostal at the turn of the century charismatic renewal of the 70s. All of these things are continuations build upon many years of prayer and soundness.

Thanks for your insight – Frank