Promoting the Expression of Spiritual Gifts

[navygoat1998]

http://georgeowood.com/promoting-the...iritual-gifts/

Article written by Dr George Wood General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God.

Promoting the Expression of Spiritual Gifts
I see two major differences between the church of a generation or two ago and the church today. First, in the Assemblies of God we have many larger churches where the sheer numbers of people present call for more careful controls from the platform in the order of a service. Second, we have a culture that has largely shifted from participation to observation. We have many believers who are content to be mere spectators in a service. Within this environment, one of the greatest challenges a pastor will face is the dual responsibility of nurturing the full Pentecostal life of the church while curtailing any abuses or misuses of gifts.

Pastors and congregations who work together to promote the widest possible expression of spiritual gifts will see their churches reach the greatest potential for growth and community outreach. There must be deliberate planning to help the congregation understand that each service is a participatory event. Just as the pastor and the leadership are to be praying, the congregation also needs to be praying that the Holy Spirit will find receptive vessels for whatever form of ministry He chooses to use.

[Farfel]

Good article.

[Aquila]

Good article.

... house churches...

[larrylyates]

Originally Posted by navygoat1998

http://georgeowood.com/promoting-the...iritual-gifts/

Article written by Dr George Wood General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God.

Great article! I agree with the House Church concept being key. Our groups are functionally and theoretically different than what Aquila has in place but the principle is the same and it works!

The point made in this article needs to be driven home to every Pastor and member.

[Aquila]

I've noticed that in most of the traditional Apostolic churches I've attended, only a select few are permitted to operate in their spiritual gifts. Most people don't even know how to cultivate the gifts of the Spirit.

[Michael The Disciple]

I never knew there to be any expression of the gifts the times I was in an AOG church. Im sure there must have been some around. It is true you hear MUCH less about the gifts than several decades ago.

Yes house Churches in my experience have been the place for gifts to be manifest. It does not HAVE to be that way just is. And then again gifts can manifest ANYWHERE thank God.

I worked with a man in the 70's who had hurt his back weightlifting. He was in great pain. I asked if I could pray for him. He said sure and I did.

Well the next time we saw each other (that day) he told me he was well. Then he went all around the shop telling what had happened.

[larrylyates]

Originally Posted by Aquila

I've noticed that in most of the traditional Apostolic churches I've attended, only a select few are permitted to operate in their spiritual gifts. Most people don't even know how to cultivate the gifts of the Spirit.

Sad, but unfortunately true. We are fortunate to have a Pastor with insight and vision. Even with that it took a while to make the requisite paradigm shift. The "old ones" still cling to the old ways. But we have fostered an atmosphere of aggressive ministry and train our people how to minister then turn them loose. Mistakes are made, accepted and gently corrected.

Much of our ministry is in the community. We go out in teams of two with specific targets and goals. Our method of praying for the sick is different, more aggressive, some would say militant. But it works. It's not your mamas Church!

[larrylyates]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

I never knew there to be any expression of the gifts the times I was in an AOG church. Im sure there must have been some around. It is true you hear MUCH less about the gifts than several decades ago.

Yes house Churches in my experience have been the place for gifts to be manifest. It does not HAVE to be that way just is. And then again gifts can manifest ANYWHERE thank God.

I worked with a man in the 70's who had hurt his back weightlifting. He was in great pain. I asked if I could pray for him. He said sure and I did.

Well the next time we saw each other (that day) he told me he was well. Then he went all around the shop telling what had happened.

THAT is how it's meant to be. That's the Gospel of the Kingdom being lived out.

[Farfel]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

I never knew there to be any expression of the gifts the times I was in an AOG church. Im sure there must have been some around. It is true you hear MUCH less about the gifts than several decades ago.

Yes house Churches in my experience have been the place for gifts to be manifest. It does not HAVE to be that way just is. And then again gifts can manifest ANYWHERE thank God.

I worked with a man in the 70's who had hurt his back weightlifting. He was in great pain. I asked if I could pray for him. He said sure and I did.

Well the next time we saw each other (that day) he told me he was well. Then he went all around the shop telling what had happened.

How many AG churches have you been in?

[Luke]

i agree that there is a great need for christians to opperate the gifts of the Spirit. More than the world needs to hear our clever arguments and witty sermons they need to see the manifest awesome power of our living GOD. Quick question though why do you suppose the gifts seem so lacking in many christians?

I have a few theorys but would love to get ya'lls imput.