(1) They take the call to holy living seriously. They are trying to live differently than the world. In the world, but not of the world. Holiness is not an abstract theological philosophy, but a day by day impacting way of life. For the Conservative Holiness Movement (CHM), giving everything to Jesus means he will change it before using it. Clothing, entertainment, attitudes, etc. are all going to be different. There's a thorough and holistic approach to applying Biblical truth to practical lifestyle.
(2) Heard of the coveted Millennial generation? Well after some losses in the 1970s & 80s, the Conservative Holiness Movement is making great strides among young adults. It seems that a lot of young adults are tired of trying to get Christianity to fit into their life and are trying to get their life to fit into Christianity. Of course it may also be that those that are part of the CHM are just good at raising their children to stay in the church and maintain a heart for God.
(3) They are okay with being conservative. While a lot of holiness people are off chasing the big mainline denominations to try to be like their big brother, the Conservative Holiness folks will tell you they are busy chasing after Holiness. They don't mind wearing clothing that is not in style, not going to the movies, or not owning a TV... they are just more interested in being holy than anything else. Weird? Maybe. But they're okay with it. They don't believe you make holiness relevant; they believe it already is!!
(4) Can anyone remember "Campmeeting"? They still do it and do it good! And, even though the rest of us know that they no longer work... the CHM is still seeing people born-again and sanctified wholly at camp meetings! They do it up complete with trombone players, pulpits, long dresses on the ladies, altars, waving hankeys, and some aisle running. "I never shall forget how the fire fell." They generally stick with the hymns and don't seem to keen on switching over any time soon.
(5) They preach holiness clearly and specifically and strongly! You know how Charles Stanley always manages to slip in some "once saved, always saved" in every sermon? Well, CHM folk have that impulse, but with the message of Holiness. This second work of grace or entire sanctification or baptism of the Holy Spirit is more than a doctrinal statement that they give lip service to. They preach it, shout about it, teach it, and live it! They may look like they're out of date, but they're goal is not to fit in, but be filled within by the Holy Spirit. You don't make holiness relevant... it already is!!
(6) They believe in biblical holiness education. While they may not have Bible colleges with huge enrollments, across the CHM you will find a ton of small Bible Colleges that are training men and women for pastoral ministry, missions ministry, and educational ministry. They feel strongly about people who know what the Bible says about the truth of Holiness. After all, if you don't know what the Bible says, you won't know how to preach it, teach it, or live it!
(7) They have convictions. No, I'm not talking about court room convictions, I'm talking about the fact that many of them are listening to what God may be asking them to do or to give up. While they most often get a reputation surrounding their dress, it's must larger than that. Many do not own a TV, won't go to a restaurant that serves alcohol, won't listen to secular music, don't wear makeup (male or female) and more. Listening to God about direction in life seems like a pretty Biblical idea to me.
(8) They still shout. They sometimes look like Pentecostals, and sometimes sound (noise level) like Pentecostals, but they are not Pentecostals. And they do not have a problem with that. They also do not mind if it gets loud while praising the Lord. Psalm 47:1 "Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!" In some corners of the CHM you'll not only hear an 'amen' during the preaching, but you might just witness a saint shouting and running the aisles in praise to God.
(9) They take criticism well. They have to, after all, all the moderate and liberal holiness people fight them more than they do the devil. Being called 'legalistic' all the time because you have convictions has to get annoying. But they do not seem to mind the name calling and constant opposition. They go right on pursuing holiness! That independent, rugged determination helps them not only survive criticism, but thrive on the mission field too.
(10) The Conservative Holiness Movement is growing in unconventional ways. Go to a Bible College, Seminary, or a Church Growth Seminar and you will hear the 'right' way to grow a church. Most in the CHM have never heard that stuff, because they're not doing most of it... but they're still growing. They maintain a zeal for missions. While typically independent, they are almost as large as the Church of the Nazarene. We Nazarenes like to believe we are the king of the hill, but the truth is, the Conservative Holiness Movement is a growing movement and might just overtake us (especially here in the United States).
For more information check out the wiki page about the Conservative Holiness movement and the Interchurch Holiness Convention website for more info.
Also check out similar blog posts...
Why I like Roman Catholics.
Why I like Independent Fundamental Baptists.
Why I like the Church of the Nazarene.
Why I like Small churches.
Why I like Snake Handling Churches.
Posts like this are why I like Jared K Henry!
ReplyDeleteThe posts on Nazarenes and Fundamental Baptists are excellent as well.
Interesting
ReplyDeleteGood stuff! The truth is that people (especially young people) are not wanting a cheap imitation of what the world offers...they want a genuine experience with God....church to be church....and authentic, genuine Christianity.
ReplyDeleteThese are quite some interesting claims. I wonder if some of the evidence is anecdotal though. Every holiness church within a 100 miles from where I live show the exact opposite of your claims, especially in relation to growth and young people. Is it possible to see your evidence? I'd be pleasantly surprised if my case is not the norm.
ReplyDeleteIt's a blog post, not an academic paper.
DeleteI have been a Holiness pastor for years and do not see your claims. Millennials are not going to church, real statistics prove this. Many churches young people are hard to find. In my experience many of these Holiness people you talk about own TVs, go to the movies, or at least watch DVD's, or online streaming. Churches around Bible schools tend to show younger families and Millennials, but when I was at pvbi I counted how many were from people who attended the school and just stuck around. The claim about pentacostals was hilarious. My grandmother is pentacostal I used to be pentacostal, and I knew none that act like chm. They, for the most part don't have standards like we do, and they are more active in all parts of their worship. I don't hear many people shout. Chm camp meetings are dying off fast. Less workers, mostly elderly go and not many who aren't working for the camp, pastors, and their families, with a few others speckled in. I don't even think I can agree with that they take criticism well. I have found the opposite to be true. Mock them, criticize them and they are strong in public, but cry alone. Try asking why they believe something like why TV is wrong biblically, and ask good questions and mostly you will get an upset person. They don't like hearing what others are thinking unless it agrees with their own line of thought. I love the chm, if I did not I would not be in it. One last thing, I have been to and attended on a regular basis Holiness churches in 6 different states, so I am not saying I am an expert, but most Holiness people will eat at a place that will serve alcohol.it not like they will go to a bar, but I can list many pastor's who have eaten at Applebee's, olive garden, and the such.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear your negative experience Jason. Don't get bitter!
DeleteSometimes I have to remind myself that even though there are people who do not perfectly model the holiness life before me, there is still no better place to be than with a heart that longs wholly after Jesus! Blessings to you as you sort it all out.
I did not have a negative experience, or I would not still be in it. I just do not see the same things you see. I have seen it is localized areas, but just not as a regular part of the CHM.
DeleteThis is why I believe in the Holiness Doctrine and lifestyle!
ReplyDelete