I was invited and attended a service this morning where the congregation was of a different race than what I am used to being with. Not that it is a problem, but I had to exercise tolerance as their expression of preaching seemed, at least to me, to be purely emotional based. The sermon to my heart was different than the one that was preached. It ended up being an OK morning.

Hey,Henry!
Where in Alabama do you reside -- that you attended a different style of worship? I now live in Atlanta having pastored what I thought was my final pastorate in 2005 50 miles east of the GA/AL state line. I found the styles different there -- and it had nothing to do with race. Nonetheless, I may be doing one more interim pastorate in Lanett, AL... where 1-85 crosses the state lines (and Chattahoochee River.)

To your topic: When I moved here, the closest congregation of our denomination was a very large almost totally African American church with that very emotion-driven style. I remained a part of "Victory" for 18 months and even sang in the men's chorus. Pentecost is important; but so is a contemplative sabbath style -- and there is no room for that there. In fact, there is little room for it in traditional, old-main stream protestantism... but I have found it at an early service.

The fact that we simply have different preferences and enculturation leads to the "segregated hour" to which so many commentators have referred. But, I think the segregation has little truly to do with race -- but a lot to do with culture.

Welcome
jacobus (James Schwarzlose OEF)

I am in Tuscaloosa, AL. We have been here a little over a year. Blessings, Henry Ham.