Investigate the megachurch called Toronto Blessing and the phenomenon Essay

Investigate the megachurch called Toronto Blessing and the phenomenon of holy laughter - Essay Example This paper will investigate the Toronto Blessing church while looking at its origin, its connection to traditional charismatic churches, beliefs, worship service, explanation of the unusual phenomenon on blessing, other people’s views, and, finally, my views on the movement. The Toronto Blessing movement started close to Pearson Airport in Toronto at the Airport Vineyard Christian fellowship. Leaders Carol and John Arnott established the Toronto Airport Vineyard church approximately in 1988. The religious organization met in a number of rented areas all over Toronto until the beginning periods of 1990 when the church located a more long term residence close to the Pearson Airport in Toronto. A Vineyard pastor, Randy Clark, from Missouri, was requested by John Arnott to be in charge of the local church revival, on the 20th day of January, in 1994 (Roberts 5). Since that day, conventions have been hosted every week for six days, attracting people numbering 800 to 1000. This led to the formation of the Toronto Blessing movement. The Toronto Blessing movement may be connected to traditional charismatic churches. ... This movement engage in laying of hands and look for the power of the Holy Spirit. Also, the Toronto Blessing movement is recognized by its ecstatic worship, as well as shaking, laughter, crying, and what is referred to as resting or falling in the Spirit (Roberts 32). These are similar manifestations that were witnessed in the traditional charismatic churches. The Toronto Blessing church has its own set of beliefs. The Toronto Blessing church largely concentrates on activities that relate to praise and worship. The believers of the movement can sing, have fun, sing, and dance to the Lord. The church believes in a system of open worship that gives the chance to the revelation of the Holy Spirit in its church services. The manifestation of the Holy Spirit may be revealed in a number of ways, for example, through a miracle, a message passed through speaking in tongues, laying on of hands, healing, or prophesy (Roberts 36). Members of the Toronto Blessing church explicitly state or impl y that the manifestation of these phenomenons is proof of revival. Finally, the movement holds the belief that Christians should pray for the Spirit to be received. The Toronto Blessing church exhibits a specified design in its worship service. The musical style utilized in the church service is characteristically a popular style. The music is performed using a number of musical instruments. In addition, the church service incorporates three foremost elements of worship. They comprise praise and worship, giving, and preaching. The Toronto Blessing church members presume that this form of worship prepares individuals to exit the worship experience and carry the