What I learned through ‘Beyond the Happy Clappy’

With the first series of ReSource’s new podcast complete, one of the three presenters, Revd Eleanor Jeans, shares some lasting impressions...

When we set out on the ‘Beyond
the Happy Clappy’ journey, I wasn’t sure what to expect. It was daunting to know I would have to listen to an interview live and then immediately respond, especially when recording with someone with a PhD and another working towards one! However, I need not have worried. It was pure joy to listen to each rich interview, and hear so many inspiring stories of the move of God.

What I heard in these interviews was a vast tapestry of interactions with the Holy Spirit that are just a tiny glimpse of the breadth of ways God works. So, here are some of my learning points from this series.

Transformation

We heard multiple stories of the transforming power of the Spirit.
I loved hearing Felicity Lawson’s descriptions of herself as a shy person who, through encounter with God’s Spirit, gained such confidence; or John and David Hughes sharing their memories of Corrie Ten Boom’s radiance and joy in spite of all she had experienced in a concentration camp.

“She talked about the Spirit... He gave us power to change” (David and John Hughes on Corrie Ten Boom)

Unity

This series showed me that the Spirit is a powerful advocate and enabler of unity. It really shouldn’t be a surprise when this happens - Jesus himself prays that we may be one (John 17). Yet so often we see silos of Christian groups working apart from one another. What a privilege it was to hear about the unity the Spirit brought in David and Mary Pytches’ ministry in South America: those from different expressions of faith workingtogether as the Holy Spirit moved through them.

God isn’t boundaried by tradition or style

The experience of Sandy Millar at Holy Trinity Brompton in BCP services, and Bishop Graham Dow describing the events at Holy Trinity Coventry, remind us that God won’t come by
his Spirit only in certain situations. We can so easily put God in a box and give him a set of rules and conditions.

But God isn’t bound by this. He can’t be manipulated to work! He doesn’t have a preferred style of worship, or favourite musical instrument. It’s far more about my next point!

The Holy Spirit comes where he is welcome, and is for all of us.

We just need to give him space.
That was clear when Bishop Graham described how he led services in Coventry, even in the setting of a more traditional communion service. The Spirit just needed space to be welcome and this isn’t for just a select few. He longs to be welcome whoever we are.

“We believed that no-one was completely whole, therefore we believed that the invitation was for all to come forward and receive ministry."(Felicity Lawson)

Renewal is about much more than an experience

Although we heard stories about personal encounters with the Holy Spirit, we heard far more about the impact this had. The Spirit sends us out, equips us and gives us power. This, I believe, is so key. I wonder whether it is a challenge to us. Yes, there are encounters and experiences with the Holy Spirit, but it doesn’t stop there.

“As he went he was just blessing everybody’’ Felicity Lawson, reflecting on Brian’s transformation when he came alive in the Holy Spirit

Prayer is the bedrock of renewal

Prayer prepares the ground. The Hughes twins described the way that, at a night of prayer, it was only after praying for a few hours, and after a powerful time of confession, that the Spirit began to move amongst them. Throughout the podcasts, prayer
is never far away. May that be our experience too.

I cannot say everything in a short article, but I was left pondering over some particular themes, such as power, manipulation and healing. I wonder what you were left with? Most of all, I find myself thinking more deeply about what I believe and what it means to be charismatic. Throughout the episodes I sensed a humility in those who were there in the right place, at the right time. They were willing and open to doing things which were unfamiliar or potentially unpopular at the time.

Are we ready to do the same? What might the Holy Spirit do next?

“The next move of God is not going to be like the last one.”(Mary Pytches)