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I was Episcopalian much of my younger life. I loved singing in the choir, etc. I've been a fundamental Baptist and enjoyed that, too. But when I was exposed to the charismatic movement, WOW. I know that movement wasn't balanced. It was more signs and wonders (which I needed at that time in my life). Now I believe it's more bible based, at least ours is. My pastor is a former Catholic, as is my husband, and he is cautious about being too "charismaniac." Our church was American Baptist before he came and we are now a spirit filled church, although still in the AB conference. It's not emotion or commotion. We have three pastors who hear what God is saying and they preach it and live it. Our worship team is dedicated and they walk the walk--something you have to do when you're in leadership.

We ARE different from a lot of, say, Assembly of God churches because our base is Baptist. But, our old Baptist ladies love the church and I've seen so much growth in them even at their age. One is 92, still drives and bowls, and cooks for her four farmer sons. Amazing lady. I tell her she's my hero. We have a good balance of young and old and many families with good men at the head of them.

It really is a spiritually balanced church (yes, we even sing hymns!). God demands purity and holiness and righteousness and we have sermons that try to move us in that direction. Many of us just finished the Cleansing Stream seminar from Jack Hayford. It has been a fantastic experience for me. We dealt with a lot of spiritual issues that kept us back from serving God the way we should.

We aren't an "emotional" church at all. It's a joyful church, lots of singing, clapping, dancing, banners, and people truly want to be the best they can be. They're very loving and giving. We're mostly just blue collar folks but we can raise money better than anyone I know, through tithing and the giving of gifts. We have a good missionary focus as well and support a number of them. Our christian school is truly a school of excellence in all areas. Our teachers are dedicated and some have been there since it began, around 16 years ago. They don't make much money either.

We're scriptural in our beliefs. My pastor continually seeks for us to read the Word and to obey it.

I don't know if I've answered your questions so if you need to ask more, fire away. Maryxxx