Recently, a fairly notable reformed pastor posted his opinion concerning certain doctrinal positions he attributed to Pentecostalism. The opinions were released as “short” video snippets with condensed critique of where those who believe in the present activity of the Holy Spirit have gotten some things “wrong”. As a self-identified “Pentecostal” pastor and college professor of some time, I normally let these moments pass with a chuckle. Doctrinal disputing on social media has produced little fruit and even less theological conversion. People who enter these discussions are usually convinced their position is THE position. So why waste the energy and time, right?
However, this particular video snippet, along with the genuine current curiosity of Millennials and Get Z, has made me rethink how some of these critiques against Pentecostalism (or continuationism in general) should be addressed. Social media has redefined the way we interact with each other with regard to church offense and disputations. A mega-church pastor can use their influence swath and large social media presence to get into the homes and minds of many church members who do not attend that church. This means, for better or worse, the Body of Christ can be helped or hindered depending on the biblical perspective they are listening to. By sheer force of influence, members of a pentecostal-type congregation can be thrown into confusion with no responding voice or voices to refute such pastors of their sectarianism and on occasion, theological elitism.
There are times such things deserve a response or at least clarification. I personally have no great need to create a ministry of picking at Reformed Theology, Calvinism, or Cessationism, despite each of them having their own gaping holes of inconsistency and ministerial shenanigans. I have endeavored through the 47 years of my ministry to walk as John Wesley and George Whitefield did with each other, despite being theologically polar opposites. To endeavor to display a spirit of peace and mutual Kingdom purpose amongst the biblically orthodox. But alas, the 21st century is not the 18th century.
So, I have decided to clarify amongst my tribe of continuationists, some of the so-called errors of “Pentecostalism”. I am certainly not the smartest person to do this. There are ample scholars and theologians far brighter than I who could amazingly respond to silly critiques. But again, not everyone likes the social media transparency. It doesn’t bother me, so I’ll offer my two-cents. This isn’t to convince those who are already convinced that the Holy Spirit’s work has some expiration dates, but rather give those saints who believe in the present activity of the Holy Spirit some biblical insight as to how some of us landed in this doctrinal “square”. After all, the estimated 650 million believers who globally represent the continuationist perspective should have a voice to defend and answer why their pentecostal perspective eclipses their challengers by a nearly 6 to 1 margin.
So you may wish to check in to this series of posts.
Some of the topics will include:
- The difference between a Pentecostal and a Charismatic.
- Is the book of Acts descriptive -or- prescriptive?
- Is there an experience available to believers after salvation?
- What is the Baptism with the Holy Spirit exactly?
- Is the gift of tongues a salvific issue?
- Understanding the use and categories of spiritual gifts.
Perhaps more if needful, but these will provide the foundation to address a number of critiques.
See you soon…
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