| The Church Empowered | | Print | |
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| Written by Michael Fletcher |
| Thursday, 16 April 2009 13:41 |
 What makes some churches successful and other churches not? This question and many others like it have been asked and answered in a variety of ways over the many years the church has existed. And, honestly, the answer is often complicated by internal contextual factors and external cultural factors rendering a short and simple answer impossible to give. But are there some factors that universally lend to empowerment? Are there some factors, that if neglected will lead to stagnation? I am sure these questions would draw many and varied responses if put before key leaders and researchers in the ecclesiastical and missiological communities. Here I propose that while there may be many answers, there is at least one factor that cannot be ignored. That factor is related to Pneumatology and its impact on Ecclesiology. In the New Testament, in church history, and in the present era in various parts of the earth, we see churches whose life and ministry are full of passion, purpose, and pneuma (spirit.) By pneuma here I mean “spirit” with a small “s” like one might ascribe to a person who loves their school – “school spirit.” The church has passion; it is full of love, love for God, love for others, love for each other. The church and the people of whom she is comprised seem to understand, more than most that they exist for a purpose. Even if they cannot clearly articulate that purpose they have a sense that there is a “bigger picture,” one they are somehow a part of and that excites them. And they have “spirit” – “pneuma.” Or better put, it exists about them, around them, with them. There is an indescribable air about the church gathered, an “electric feeling,” an excitement in the air, a magnetic, contagious attraction. This “pneuma” defies definition but it is not unlike “school spirit.” It resides in the church gathered and dispersed and does not at all rely on the function of internal affectations much like school spirit can be felt at a pep rally, in the hallways the day of the game, and in the hearts of the students even after they go home for the evening. In reference to the church, it does not matter if the music is loud or quiet, if the mood is somber or energetic, if the room is large or small, if the speaker is a pulpit pounder or simply reads the message. When “pneuma” is present you know it. You can feel it when you walk in the door. Where does it come from? Can one “manufacture” it? Can one “pump it up?” Is it simply synonymous with enthusiasm? What is the source of “pneuma” in a local church? Is it possibly somehow related to Pneuma, the operation of the Holy Spirit? If so, how? Simply put, my proposition is that “pneuma” in the church is at least a key if not the key to success. Further, “pneuma” is the product of Pneuma, the Holy Spirit. What is your relationship with the Holy Spirit like? Is He revered and worshipped as God or do you view Him as something less? Do you regularly express your gratitude to him and whisper words of dependence upon Him? Do you welcome Him into every meeting, into every effort into every initiative? Is He central to everything or simply an “add-on?” If you want “pneuma” in the church, Pneuma, the Holy Spirit, must be elevated to His rightful place! -- Until All Have Heard, Michael Fletcher, Senior Pastor Manna Church |
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