Pentecostalism and Ecumenism: Past, Present, and Future (Part 4 of 5) by Amos Yong
Again, however, discerning participation rather than sectarian withdrawal is in order. Pentecostal revivals have by no means been free and clear of disruptive and unholy manifestations themselves. The proper response is not to ban revivals but to sift the wheat from the chaff. In the same way, one can and should expect that all genuine movements of the Spirit in the ecumenical world will be accompanied by manifestations that will require discernment. This makes Pentecostal participation all the more important, given that we, of all persons, are those most sensitive to the need for discernment of spirits and to openness to that particular gift of the Holy Spirit. In any case, in all of these respects—the openness to the movements of the Spirit, the embracing of the operations of the charismata, and the need for discernment at every turn—“pentecostal” elements are prevailing among mainline churches to the point that in some circles, they have become a staple. To that extent, it is also appropriate to recognize the emergence of a “pentecostal ecumenism.”
“Diversities of the Spirit” ecumenism
As is always the case, however, there are two sides to every story. That which allowed the invocation of Korean han spirits to the WCC conference is also that which has allowed Pentecostal presence and participation in the WCC to flourish. But what is “it” that has allowed these very contrasting phenomena to “co-exist”? My hypothesis is that such can be attributed to the real presence of a genuinely Pentecostal conviction: what I call the “diversities of the Spirit.” This is the commitment to seeing the full expression of the “different kinds of gifts, … different kinds of service, … different kinds of working” but all of the same Spirit, Lord, and God (cf. 1 Cor. 12:4-6). Paul envisioned such diversification of giftings, of course, through the metaphor of the body of Christ having many parts, many members, many functions, and many components (1 Cor. 12:12-31). This same diversification is intrinsic to the Church itself, as its founding narrative in Acts 2 discussed earlier clearly exemplifies. The sending of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecostal resulted in establishment of one living organism, the body of Christ, with many members. The many find their wholeness in the one, and the one’s effectiveness and beauty is to be found in the diversities of its members, including not only those from around the world (Acts 2:9-11), but also all of its sons and daughters, men and women, young and old (Acts 2:17-18).
Category: Fall 2001, Ministry, Pneuma Review
Followers
Fans
