The subtitle of pastor Francis Chan’s latest book seems catchy enough. But is the Holy Spirit still that woefully neglected member of the Trinity? Or it’s just another author trying to make a name for himself?
To me, it seems like more and more fellowships have been actually embracing the work of the Holy Spirit.
It seems like pastor Chan thinks otherwise:
Book Description: A follow up to the profound message of Crazy Love, Pastor Francis Chan offers a compelling invitation to understand, embrace, and follow the Holy Spirit’s direction in our lives. In the name of the Father, the Son, and … the Holy Spirit. We pray in the name of all three, but how often do we live with an awareness of only the first two? As Jesus ascended into heaven, He promised to send the Holy Spirit—the Helper—so that we could be true and living witnesses for Christ. Unfortunately, today’s church has admired the gift but neglected to open it. Breakthrough author Francis Chan rips away paper and bows to get at the true source of the church’s power—the Holy Spirit. Chan contends that we’ve ignored the Spirit for far too long, and we are reaping the disastrous results. Thorough scriptural support and compelling narrative form Chan’s invitation to stop and remember the One we’ve forgotten, the Spirit of the living God. (emphasis added)
Or perhaps he’s right—the Holy Spirit is indeed neglected in most of our fellowships and denominations, and we need to read his book.
Francis Chan is senior pastor of Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, California.
About T.C. R
A Christ-follower, husband, father, shepherd-teacher, speaker, and a blogger too!
I got that vibe from his last offering “Crazy Love” that he felt too many Christians (and consequently churches) went through every day as if on automatic. Chan may be arguing for a more intentional and transformational understanding of the Holy Spirit work that glorifies God and draws others to Christ. JMO.
MG,
I haven’t read him, but I’ve seen that book around book stores. Perhaps his clarion call needs to be heeded. Perhaps we not as intentional about the Spirit-filled-and-led life.
yes. many of us neglect the work of the Spirit in our lives – I think too some shy away from emphasis on the Spirit for somehow taking away from Christ, who we know the Spirit will direct us too anyways – but I think this is a false or unneccesary concern and more need to be open to the person and work of the Holy Spirit. I still have yet to read the book however…
Brian,
The vibes I get is that most who neglect the Spirit are reactionary – they don’t want to become “Pentecostal” or “Charismatic”, as they say.
But I do agree with your critique.
And might I add, T.C., as a Charismatic from a Pentecostal background, that reaction isn’t unique to non-Charismatics. There’s a real fear among many Charismatics/Pentecostals of becoming too much like “*those* Charismatics over there.” It seems that as traditional churches have become more Charismatic, Charismatic churches have become more traditional. Now all in all, I think that’s been healthy for both, but there is a real desire for respectability that leads too many Charismatics to play down the role of the Spirit, lest they look like “Charismaniacs.”
My $0.02.
Tim,
That’s interesting. I never actually saw or heard that, but I do believe you.
Again, what we need is a healthy approach to the matter.
It’s not just reactionary groups that need to be reminded to follow the leading of the spirit. The “Charismatic” church I attend has elements of following the spirit but there is a distinct lack of corporate listening, hearing, and following the leading of the Spirit in our gatherings. Instead we’ve have a worship leader / pastor controlled service that is more performance then anything else. There used to be more freedom but not anymore.
Duane,
Thanks for that additional perspective from an insider. That right balance is what we all need, right?
I am a monotheistic Christian. I don’t see how is it possible to worship one person of the Godhead without including all. To distinguish between the awareness of one person of the Godhead too much is just weird.
J,
We just need to put the focus where it rightfully belongs. Per Scripture, in the economy of the Godhead, each member plays a role. That role must be honored and not neglected.
I am currently reading Forgotten God right now and blogging all about it. Come check it out!
My understanding of what I believe God is putting on my heart is…..seek me with your whole heart..mind and soul…keep your eyes on me and not on man. This particular time that we are in, God is restoring and strenghthening our relationship with “Him”. The word says…he who has an ear to hear what the Spirit of the Lord is saying….I believe when we have a relationship with the Father so close he will bring those of the same together in Him….that will be the church without the Tare that has been growing up with the wheat. It will be the book of Acts all over again…only with the power of the Holy Spirit that we have never known….Jesus said…We will do greater things…I cant wait..it will awesome!!! Thank God for his Grace and Mercy as we all learn to come together as one in Him for His honor and glory!!
Shelley,
You’re right. We need the power of the Spirit to do the work Jesus has charged us with. We dare not boast in the flesh.
Francis Chan is speaking only for a group of Christians who don’t believe in the work and power of the Holy Spirit. These groups only mentally acknowledge the Holy Spirit only because He is mentioned in the Bible. Otherwise, these people have no experiential knowledge of the Holy Spirit. These groups of people are of the Reformed faith.
Pentecostal\Charismatic believers have a long tradition of involving the Holy Spirit in their lives. Early church believers had direct experience with the Holy Spirit.
It seems that Francis Chan is starting to realized the need for the Holy Spirit. But the lack of the Holy Spirit power in “churches” are evident to those of reformed\calvinist faith. I am not targeting reformed churches but I mention this because that is the background of Francis Chan’s belief.