{"id":5586,"date":"2021-04-21T01:55:32","date_gmt":"2021-04-21T05:55:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/scholarblogs.emory.edu\/candlerdmin\/?p=5586"},"modified":"2021-04-25T13:35:23","modified_gmt":"2021-04-25T17:35:23","slug":"catch-the-spirit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scholarblogs.emory.edu\/candlerdmin\/2021\/04\/21\/catch-the-spirit\/","title":{"rendered":"Catch the Spirit"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/h1>\n

Introduction to Ministry Context<\/span><\/h2>\n

National Wesleyan Church (NWC)is a predominantly Afro Caribbean\/African congregation located in the City of Hyattsville, MD, \u00a0approximately one mile outside the Nation\u2019s Capital, Washington DC. The majority of the congregants originate from the Caribbean Islands, Guyana, and at least eight African countries. About four years ago, we launched a Hispanic ministry and hired a Hispanic Pastor. Two years ago, we launched the Baltimore campus, and that congregational<\/span> is comprised of an African American population. About sixty-two percent (62%) of our congregants are fifty and older.<\/p>\n

At the main campus in Hyattsville, weekly attendance Pre-COVID average approximately 200 congregants per Sunday. We share a unique, diverse heritage and one of the few black churches within the Wesleyan denomination. The majority of our congregants share no previous relationship with the Wesleyan Church. Additionally, the religious backgrounds are so varied we can best be described as a chopped salad, as opposed to a smoothie.<\/p>\n

Two other unique outreach features of our church are our Steelpan and Immigration Connection Ministries.\u00a0 The Steel Pan Ministry provides opportunities for the entire family to play a unique musical instrument indigenous to Trinidad and Tobago. The Immigration Connection, Ministry is an authorized service of the Immigration & Naturalization Service, providing professional immigration services to the community at significantly lower rates than offered by lawyers.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

NWC Echoes of Pan in Praise<\/p><\/div>\n

Explanation of the Project<\/span><\/h2>\n

K\u00e4rkk\u00e4inen and others discussed the complexity associated with understanding the role and function of the Holy Spirit within the church. K\u00e4rkk\u00e4inen noted, “No single translation captures the complexity of the functions assigned to the Paraclete”[1]<\/a> Clark Pinnock, speaking about the Holy Spirit, commented, “it is a difficult subject.” Still, he adds this critical point to the subject of \u00a0God, The graciously given presence of His Spirit is surely the most wonderful thing one experiences\u2026 Given the inherent complexity of the Subject, it would be unwise for any of us to deny our need to grow as hearers of the Word of God in this matter.[2]<\/a><\/p>\n

The Problem<\/h3>\n

The Spirit is the “Giver of Life”[1]<\/a> (Gen 1:2). The Spirit also brings forth and nurtures life, keeps all things connected and constantly renews.”[2]<\/a> The Holy Spirit holds a unique place in Christianity. The work of the Holy Spirit is present in every aspect of God’s mission to create, redeem, reconcile, and perfect God’s creation.”[3]<\/a>Neglect of the Spirit can occur in the pulpit and as well in the pews. In this research project, I examined Neglected Presence investigating traditions and rituals that inhibit the experience of the Holy Spirit. My research led me to the notions of prayer and prayerlessness, pastoral and leadership authority that subtly neglect and subvert the activity of the Holy Spirit. Wesley’s theology was also investigated since Wesley’s theology portends complexity regarding the Holy Spirit, grace, entire sanctification, and perfect love.<\/p>\n

Prayer\/Prayerlessness<\/strong><\/p>\n