THE CALL: Should Others Call to it or should it be Called Off?

[Double-G (G²)]

I was wondering what anyone ever thought of this issue. Because in light of the myriad of issues that have been plaguing Charismatic/Pentacostal Churches (despite how they indeed do have many valid points), it occured to me recently how often it seems that things such as FASTING/PRAYER on the issues the church seems to wish to deal with (i.e. abortion, sexual immorality, lack of concern over the plight of the poor, etc) are rarely done.

Recently, I came back from attending a trip to a Conference called "The CALL" with individuals such as Lou Engle, Will Ford, and others for intercessory prayer for the nation and revival in America again. Out of all of the conferences I've been to, this was one of the most impacting trips by far. Though the movement's CHARISMATIC in nature, what they're doing in principle seems applicable for all.........and it wasn't because of "how entertaining it was" or "flashy"


It was because from 9 am in the morning till 10 pm at night, all that took place was fasting/prayer for the nation with millions of other individuals.......and they were praying and fasting on issues such as compromise/lack of zeal for the truth that often takes place in the church or letting the world influence us more than we realize.

Also, it had to be one of the most RACIALLY DIVERSE EVENTS I've seen in a LONG TIME (and INTENTIONALLY S0)

Name the last time you went to a conference where it was advised before thousands that whites need to begin attending churches with BLACK/MINORITY pastors in order to bridge cultural gaps and deal with race issues.....or blacks asked whites forgiveness for having bitterness agaisnt them for past wrongs.

As one of my friends said on the issue:

I've been to a few The Call events (Los Angeles and London), and used to go to the church where Lou Engle was a pastor...

It was very impacting to me in those days. I've changed in my belief system quite a bit since then, but I think they do a lot of good in trying to focus on seeking God rather than retaining "doctrinal purity" or defining the boundaries of who's "in" or "out".

I like the way that they come from Charismatic (hyper-charismatic may be more like it) backgrounds, but choose to be welcoming to Christians of all stripes.

Some of their political stances bother me (for example, how they all but endorsed George Bush for president), but overall, I think it's a neat return to the roots of the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement - that is, concern for racial and ecclesial/interdenominational reconciliation, passion/devotion to God, and willingness to act to "be the change you wish to see in the world" (to quote Gandhi).

What do ya'll think?