Holy Spirit: The Source and Power for the Task of Evangelization, Growth, and Renewal
by Wesley S. K. Daniel
This article is a reflection on the conviction that the Holy Spirit was the source of power and the prime mover behind the evangelization, spiritual growth, and renewal of the Early Church; furthermore, that the Holy Spirit continues to be the source and power for the task of evangelization even today.
As we consider spiritual growth and formation, evangelism, and renewal, it may be important to first have a succinct understanding of the Holy Spirit from the Wesleyan perspective. John Wesley once said: "This is the substance of what we all preach. And I will still believe none is a true Christian till he [she] experiences it. No man [person] can be a true Christian without such an inspiration of the Holy Ghost as fills his [her] heart with peace and joy and love, which he [she] who perceives it not, has it not. This is the point for which alone I contend."* He was clearly persuaded that such teachings are foundational and fundamental to the essence of the Christian faith, and therefore he boldly proclaimed it. Furthermore, the Wesleyan perspective clearly maintains that the Holy Spirit comes to every believer at the time of conversion, creating within him or her a brand new heart, revealing Christ as Lord and Savior, sealing him or her unto the day of redemption and witnessing for adoption into the family of God. Therefore, as one journeys with God in the light, he or she really becomes a participant in the Spirit-bearing community (the koinonia). Following this experience, we might say one is "sanctified in truth," "filled with the Spirit," or "endued with power from on high."
What are the implications for the task of evangelization today? As every Christian is illuminated, purified, and empowered, the body of Christ is also empowered for bold and intentional witnessing and effective service to all God's people. The result, then, is that the church of Jesus Christ becomes spiritually renewed and revitalized; there is vitality and natural growth; the kingdom of God expands and flourishes for the glory of God!
As we read in the book of Peter, the church is a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, GodŐs own people," and the purpose of this "organization" is to "proclaim the mighty acts of him who called (us) out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9-10, NRSV). In this church, the Holy Spirit is the common bond that unites the members of the body to each other, and, who in turn fills, empowers and sends us to "proclaim the mighty acts of him." In doing so, we become faithful disciple makers. So, the enormous task of disciple making and evangelization is not done with our own knowledge, power, skill, wisdom, and strength; rather, it is accomplished with a far greater source of power. This was clearly affirmed by Jesus himself: ". . . (Do not) leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the gift of promise of the Father. . . . John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. . . . you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:4-5, 8, NRSV).
The church has no greater need today than to be empowered and filled with the power of God's Holy Spirit for greater mission and service. As in the days of Jesus, as in the life and ministry of John Wesley and so many other saints, we too must be Spirit-filled, Spirit-empowered, and Spirit-led so that we can become effective witnesses, evangelizers, and agents of spiritual renewal and growth. How is this achieved? Through fervent prayer and waiting on God.
I encourage you to consider teaching your people the Book of Acts (the acts of the Holy Spirit) through a sermon series and through study groups. Acts tells us a lot about how the early church depended and waited on the power of the Holy Spirit for the task of making new disciples. Consider forming intercessory prayer groups in your church that specifically pray for those who do not know Christ in the community. (See, for example, The Workbook of Intercessory Prayer [Upper Room Books].) Possibly divide your community into geographical areas and form an intercessory prayer group for each area; pray for unchurched people and for people with various needs in the community. Consider providing a list of known unchurched people to members of your congregation for daily prayer; pray for the Lord to open doors to help lead these people to be touched and transformed by God's love. Before each worship service, spend about 20-30 minutes in prayer with other lay leaders of the church; also, ask people to be in prayer during worship, asking the Lord to use every aspect of the service to draw people to the saving knowledge of Christ. Have every group in your church spend quality time in prayer (prior to business meetings), inviting the Lord to bless their work in such a way that it will draw people to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Infuse your entire ministry with prayer! The more we rely on the power of the Holy Spirit, the more we are empowered to do what Christ himself has called and commissioned us to do.
So I say, the source and power for the task of evangelization, spiritual growth, and renewal is none other than the power of God's Holy Spirit. All else is shallow ground!
In this issue of Offering Christ Today, you will find articles and resources that challenge you and your leadership to first and foremost be centered on Jesus Christ, who then gives us the vision, power, boldness and discernment for the task of making new disciples in this generation.
*John Telford, Ed., The Letters of the Reverend John Wesley, A.M., Vol. II (1931), p. 64.
Dr. Wesley S. K. Daniel, at the time of this article, served as Director of Evangelism Ministries at The United Methodist General Board of Discipleship. He is now (2004) serving as a superintendent in the Des Moines District of the Iowa Annual Conference.