New Life OPC?
- Thread starter Grillsy
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N. Eshelman
Puritan Board Senior
Is New Life meaning that they follow the worship principles that John Frame expounded in "Worship in Spirit and Truth" Amazon.com: Worship in Spirit and Truth (9780875522425): John M. Frame: Books
Many PCAs that call themselves "New Life" are following this non-regulative principle. That would be my guess.
Many PCAs that call themselves "New Life" are following this non-regulative principle. That would be my guess.
toddpedlar
Iron Dramatist
The original "New Life" churches were associated largely with Jack Miller (of 'Sonship' fame) and were definitely more loose in terms of worship, etc. Many of these churches left the OPC and joined the PCA in 1986 after the OPC spurned the offer to join the PCA and become one denomination. I assume there are still New Life OPC's out there, but they may or may not share the characteristics of those New Life churches that left the denomination.
Wayne
Tempus faciendi, Domine.
Todd's summary history is spot on.
My wife and I attended New Life OPC in Jenkintown, PA when I was attending Westminster in the late 70's.
The church met in a YMCA gym and we helped put out chairs for the service. I remember that many, if not most, of the congregation felt quite free to raise their hands in worship, yet I doubt there was a charismatic among them. The singing was hearty, and Jack Miller's sermons could easily go on for an hour. He was at times a very emotional preacher.
But that was years ago and I can't speak to where those churches are now in their worship style or content. Nonetheless, I'd have to confess the term "loose" needs to be defined. Without context and by itself, "loose" is too loose a word.
My wife and I attended New Life OPC in Jenkintown, PA when I was attending Westminster in the late 70's.
The church met in a YMCA gym and we helped put out chairs for the service. I remember that many, if not most, of the congregation felt quite free to raise their hands in worship, yet I doubt there was a charismatic among them. The singing was hearty, and Jack Miller's sermons could easily go on for an hour. He was at times a very emotional preacher.
But that was years ago and I can't speak to where those churches are now in their worship style or content. Nonetheless, I'd have to confess the term "loose" needs to be defined. Without context and by itself, "loose" is too loose a word.
Grillsy
Puritan Board Junior
Todd's summary history is spot on.
My wife and I attended New Life OPC in Jenkintown, PA when I was attending Westminster in the late 70's.
The church met in a YMCA gym and we helped put out chairs for the service. I remember that many, if not most, of the congregation felt quite free to raise their hands in worship, yet I doubt there was a charismatic among them. The singing was hearty, and Jack Miller's sermons could easily go on for an hour. He was at times a very emotional preacher.
But that was years ago and I can't speak to where those churches are now in their worship style or content. Nonetheless, I'd have to confess the term "loose" needs to be defined. Without context and by itself, "loose" is too loose a word.
You're right about the "loose" term needing defined. It sent my imagination in all sorts of directions. Hence the OP.
N. Eshelman
Puritan Board Senior
So do the RP guys on here!Yeah, when I see a church organ and a choir I think "loose."
Jack K
Puritan Board Doctor
My wife attended New Life Philly in the 80s. Several Westminster profs were there. I believe they've now moved out of the gym into an old, traditional church building, but are still inclined to play guitars at times.
Pastor and missionary Jack Miller's influence on the PCA/OPC, world missions and the Gospel-centered movement has been sizable. I've personally learned some amazing things from him, and have never met another person so quick to pray in every situation. However, some will simply see contemporary style and passionate Christian living, especially when mixed with success, and label it "loose." Yeah, it'll feel like that to some, but there's much more to say.
Pastor and missionary Jack Miller's influence on the PCA/OPC, world missions and the Gospel-centered movement has been sizable. I've personally learned some amazing things from him, and have never met another person so quick to pray in every situation. However, some will simply see contemporary style and passionate Christian living, especially when mixed with success, and label it "loose." Yeah, it'll feel like that to some, but there's much more to say.
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Todd's summary history is spot on.
My wife and I attended New Life OPC in Jenkintown, PA when I was attending Westminster in the late 70's.
The church met in a YMCA gym and we helped put out chairs for the service. I remember that many, if not most, of the congregation felt quite free to raise their hands in worship, yet I doubt there was a charismatic among them. The singing was hearty, and Jack Miller's sermons could easily go on for an hour. He was at times a very emotional preacher.
But that was years ago and I can't speak to where those churches are now in their worship style or content. Nonetheless, I'd have to confess the term "loose" needs to be defined. Without context and by itself, "loose" is too loose a word.
Amen. We went to New Life PCA Dresher ( back then it was Ft Washington but meeting in the Phil Mont School until they got a new building). It started as one of the original Jack Miller OPC New Life Churches.
Ron Lutz was/is an excellent teacher and pastor. The connotation that the word "loose" implies is almost slanderous, unless you define more contemporary worship style as "loose." One thing it was not was sterile or dry.....
N. Eshelman
Puritan Board Senior
Just because it's contemporary doesn't mean it's loose. Our worship is contemporary and highly regulated by the Word of God. I like the stuff about prayer, passionate Christian living, and success though. May God grant that to all his faithful congregations!
Grillsy
Puritan Board Junior
Todd's summary history is spot on.
My wife and I attended New Life OPC in Jenkintown, PA when I was attending Westminster in the late 70's.
The church met in a YMCA gym and we helped put out chairs for the service. I remember that many, if not most, of the congregation felt quite free to raise their hands in worship, yet I doubt there was a charismatic among them. The singing was hearty, and Jack Miller's sermons could easily go on for an hour. He was at times a very emotional preacher.
But that was years ago and I can't speak to where those churches are now in their worship style or content. Nonetheless, I'd have to confess the term "loose" needs to be defined. Without context and by itself, "loose" is too loose a word.
Amen. We went to New Life PCA Dresher ( back then it was Ft Washington but meeting in the Phil Mont School until they got a new building). It started as one of the original Jack Miller OPC New Life Churches.
Ron Lutz was/is an excellent teacher and pastor. The connotation that the word "loose" implies is almost slanderous, unless you define more contemporary worship style as "loose." One thing it was not was sterile or dry.....
Sterile and dry sound like great things! Better than infected and wet I suppose.
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