Lessons from history... for the church of today

ReSource’s Charismatic History Project enters a new phase this year, as it seeks to apply learning from recent history to the challenges facing the church of today and tomorrow. Steering Group member Revd Alan Bing explains.

What are we hoping that the upcoming ‘Beyond the Happy Clappy’ Consultation (15th-17th June, at Yarnfield Park in Staffordshire) might achieve? While still reflecting on the rich historical material we have gathered through the Charismatic History Project, our focus is shifting to how we can equip the church of today. How can we encourage and facilitate the renewing, creative, life- giving work of the Holy Spirit in a new and ever-changing context?

As a current church leader put it to me recently, how can we ‘teach and shape our services and shared life as a church family to embed a change of culture and expectation – so that life in the Spirit and Holy Spirit ministry is not just a special thing we talk about at Pentecost, for instance, but who we are as the people of God?’

This project has reminded us of the amazing things the Holy Spirit was doing in the latter part of the twentieth century, and the impact this had in and beyond the church.

Our research, especially through the questionnaire survey and the witness seminars, has highlighted five particular areas where the impact was most seen and felt. Using these as a template, here are some of the key questions we feel called to explore today.

My hope is that we will leave inspired by what God has done and is still doing, better able to avoid repeating the mistakes that were made, encouraged to teach clearly from Scripture about the charisms

and characteristics the Holy Spirit gives, and resolved to serve humbly yet confidently in response to the promptings of the Spirit.

Find out more at www.resourcingrenewal.org/charismatic-history