The major spirituality differences in comparison of different generations within Pentecostals can be seen in the decree of commitment to their spiritual values of their Christian-faith. The spiritual-values as to a Pentecostal can be considered in their urgency to reach the world for Christ as to the belief of eschatology; the beliefs in speaking in tongues as evident of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit; the practicality in the manifestation of the gifts of the Hoy Spirit in healing, prophecy etc; the dedicated life to a holy living and the called to totality sacrificial of self at the altar.
From the observation of the passing on of 1st Pentecostal Christians; the subsequent generations instead of progressing evidently in the spiritual-values, seemed to decline or deteriorate in which is much of concerned. Today, many self-proclaimed Pentecostal or even charismatic churches spiritual activities or behaviors are gravitated toward ‘self-centered’ social-club entertainment oriented. Firstly, the urgency of reaching lost-souls among the Pentecostal-Christians was not felt as before if they were to be honest about it. Secondly, the term ‘Pentecostal’ may not be much understood in our generation (NECF survey shown 75% churches considered they as charismatic). Speaking in tongue as evident of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is not emphasized and not surprise that many ‘Pentecostal’ Christians hardly speak in tongues in ‘Pentecostal’ churches today. Some churches even discourage the practice during services as not to cause fear to visitors or new believers. Healings and prophetic ‘ministry’ belongs to selected or ‘anointed’ few that God used for ‘selected’ mass evangelistic or crusades. Lastly but not the least, arise of emergent churches are evidently that many core spiritual-values of the past has been comprised in the name of ‘secularism’.
Is there hope yet for our generations? The answer ‘Yes’ and the responses are mainly two. The true Pentecostals need to arise and rekindle the fire of the Holy Spirit through our earnest seeking through prayers and preaching of the spiritual heritage to our generations and secondly allow the Holy Spirit to intervene in His special ways through our sincere desires.
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14 comments:
I think you have got the issues wrong. The question has to do with Pentecostal spirituality within is the generation cycle.
Thanks pastor Lim, I have edited my posting.
How will you pass on your pentecostal heritage to your next generation and ensure that they carry on the same passion and enthusiasm not just the Knowledge of being a pentecostal but the passion of being one
Majority of Pentecostals today are on the cruise mode what will shake us once again so that the next generation do not continue in the same trajectory?
/yet meng
Hi pastor Freddie,
Wow, among many blogs, mine inclusive, believe it is quite hard to break this degradation of pentecostal heritage. We really need a move of God!
Well at least you've stated there is hope, which i want to truly believe it. You have given the 2 responses we should make. Do you think these measures are sufficient enough? Because in my church we have been praying,praying & praying!and nothing seems to be happening! Can I say that it is not God's timing or are we looking at the wrong place? Please help..(ps:im not angry but sometimes frustrated)
Hi Readers,
Thanks for your responses.
My reply to Charity and Yet Meng, I believed inorder to preserve the spiritual heritage of Pentecostalism in our generation; firstly it has to start with church leadership. Pastors and leaders have to understand well the reason behind the birth of Pentecostal movement and have the knowledge of the centarian historical developments of Spirit-filled churches and individuals of yester-years. They need to come into realization and convictions to pass-on this informations; spiritual-values and teachings to the next generations as what the biblical OT Israelites were reminded to do when they left Egypt - about God's mighty acts and the meditation of the laws. Secondly, do not limit the working of the Spirit in the midst of the congregations or rather within the practices of the church. Thirdly, I would say, encourage the congregations to seek the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Lastly, promote holy living and prayerful life. Is there any further suggestions from you all?
And for Kenrick, I would not say it is not God's timing or wrong place. Afterall; it is the working of the Holy Spirit. We are told to seek with earnesty. The rest is God's will and grace; not a formula for us to apply. Nevertheless as mentioned above in my reply to both Charity and Yet Meng; hope it does help us all to start someway in rekindling the Pentecostal fire in our generation.
Secondly, do not limit the working of the Spirit in the midst of the congregations or rather within the practices of the church.
Hmm... What do you mean my not limiting the working of the Spirit within the practices of the church?
if i may add:
The major spirituality differences in comparison of different generations within Pentecostals can be seen in the decree of commitment to their spiritual values of their Christian-faith.
what are the calues we are lacking and why did it come to that?
Thanks freddie
The suggestions were good. But do you think it'll be effective if applied to the younger generation today.
The culture of the youths today is so different. they are not so receptive to just teaching and explanation. How then can we be sure that the Pentecostal heritage does not die with us?
Hi Bryan and Charity,
Well, Bryan it is simple. First thing first, please do read the word 'or' in the fine-line. There are certain churches do not encourage the manifestation of the gifts like example prophecy; interpretation of prophecy or simply just speaking in tongues during worship or service. They concerned these gifts may frightened new beleivers or visitors to the church. They may also concerned of extreme personal or self indulge agenda due to lack of understanding and experience of the gifts of the Spirit. I too had a bad experience in my formal independent church whereby one elder use it (prophecy) as a way to lecture certain individuals during service.
And for Charity,
I do agree it is not and never easy to pass on this spiritual heritage. I may need to say there are two aspects which i find helpful. Firstly, bringing them to a personal realization and experience. Youths today like you said its not prone to just teachings and explanation but with helping them to see the 'WHY' and 'NEEDS' of this spiritual heritage; and also encourage them on personal-seeking or exposure does help to a certain extend. Secondly, as I have said, leadership role is crucial to ensure the Church over-all is 'healthy' and 'vibrant' in the manner of the working of the Holy Spirit in the midst. Youth learn much through models and examples set by leadership.
Freddy,
Is the enxt generation doomed? LOL. Men seems to be the problem huh? Shal we then get out of the way? LOL. but then again is that an over extreme view?
Thanks for clarifying bro.
Just a thought. You said that we shouldn't limit the move the Spirit within our congregations. But as you pointed out, there are a couple of reasons why they do not encourage. i.e. "They concerned these gifts may frightened new believers or visitors to the church. They may also concerned of extreme personal or self indulge agenda due to lack of understanding and experience of the gifts of the Spirit." Hmm.. How then can a church encourage the people to move in the Spirit yet be able to guard against those concerns mentioned above? How can one strike a balance?
Yup, I agree with Bryan, coz this is an unavoidable problem faced by most pentecostal churches. How do we use proper discretion in this areas? Does the bible give us any guidelines in these? Or what are your experiences? Share with us:)
Hi Readers,
Thanks again for your respond.
For Bryan and Kenrick - I think you are referring to the practical aspect of preserving the spiritual heritage. Well in my personal opinion, I felt the first and foremost balance and check lies with the spiritual maturity of the leadership in understanding the biblical context and spiritual ilumining of God's revelation, interpretation and purpose. They need to understand the manifestation of the Holy Spirit core of giftings and functions is to glorify God not any individuals. They must firstly have the personal experience and rlations with God. Leaders are God's set example for the flock. Spiritual discernment is next. Leaders need to differentiate natural and spiritual gifts. The following one i need to say is to allow openess to the Spirit to works in the midst of the congregation despite indifferent attitudes of certain segment of the congregation. Lastly, practice made perfect - they should encourage the gifts to move in different stages as a form of process to 'normalizing' the acceptance of the congregation.
As for Lionel - I believed God has His set purpose in all things and in His sovereignty, He brings about changes when necessary. There is still hope becuase the Pentecostal movement as you said is never about us but God. Of course He holds the leadership responsible whatever is the outcome.
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