Pentecostalism and Ecumenism: Past, Present, and Future (Part 4 of 5) by Amos Yong
But, more importantly, I am convinced that both sides can provide that which is lacking in the missions efforts of the other should they come together. In fact, it is well known among ecumenical circles that there is a vitality and enthusiasm among Pentecostal missionaries that is contagious. Our ecumenical brothers and sisters have been looking to us for inspiration and would welcome joining our efforts. There lies before us another golden opportunity. Will we continue only criticizing the ecumenical movement or will we join to our much-needed criticism loving and Spirit-empowered action for the benefit of the lost in the world and for the increase of the Kingdom of God? And who knows, perhaps in the process our own missionary aspirations will also be fulfilled as we commune with other members of the body of Christ and glean from their depth and the richness of their traditions.
Charismatic-Pentecostal ecumenism
The ecumenical movement is also “pentecostal” in a second way: with regard to its valuing the charismatic impulses to Christian unity. The onset of the charismatic renewal in the mainline churches brought about an awareness of its unitive power for Christianity in much the same way as such dawned on early twentieth century Pentecostals. In fact, this common experience of the Spirit has not only served to bring mainline Protestants together, but also catalyzed their relationships with conservative evangelicals and Pentecostals. It is not unusual for home Bible study and prayer groups to include representatives from all the established denominations as well as independent Pentecostal and charismatically oriented individuals. Certainly, organized groups like the Women’s Aglow and the Full Gospel Businessmen’s mentioned earlier17 are powerful and concrete examples of such grassroots ecumenism. These times of Bible reading and prayer have brought out the essential unity that Christians experience in Jesus Christ by the power of the Spirit. They have also enabled the realization of the things that are trivial versus those which are important. Thus, Christians have been mobilized in these contexts to stand united on a greater front than ever before on social issues such as civil rights, abortion, and other matters. In fact, in the process, Pentecostals have even begun to realize the common convictions that they have with their Roman Catholic brothers and sisters on some of these issues.
Category: Fall 2001, Ministry, Pneuma Review
Followers
Fans
