On the edge of ??
Tom Stuckey’s book On the Edge of Pentecost is a moving book with a blend of biography and theology which makes it accessible and prophetic. The book has inspired me particularly the last but one chapter, ‘Churches Old and New’. I believe this chapter is insightful and prophetic and needs to be studied and prayed through. Its implications for the future of the church are very significant. His insights resonate and challenge my own. Thanks Tom. However, I think the use of the word Pentecost in the title is off putting for the following reasons.
· It has problematic overtones for some because of the unhappy memories of being marginalised by over zealous charismatics from the 80s and 90s or what can sometimes be manipulative Pentecostalism.
· It has links with dramatic numerical growth. Tom confirms this on page 122 when he says we must plan for expansion! I think we have to be very careful making predictions of this kind. My understanding is that the church in the West still has a long way to fall before any movement in terms of numerical growth can happen. It has unhelpful images of an imperialistic church not a servant one.
· Pentecost which marked the birth of the church drew converts from the Jewish community. That is not to minimise the incredible transformative affect the Spirit had, but it was to a people who were expecting a Messiah, albeit not a crucified one.
I think the book could have been called, ‘On the Edge of Caesarea’ This would not be so easily identified with a particular happening, but I believe the account in Acts 10 is nearer to what Tom has identified as what the Spirit is saying to the church at the moment. Why?
· The church is called to cross-cultural mission just as Peter was asked to leave the security of the Jewish community.
· We are being called to a fresh focus on the home where mission takes place. Cornelius invited Peter into his home where the Spirit met with those gathered there.
· It was firmly God’s agenda (missio Dei) which was being served not the church. Look at the suspicion Peter received when he reported back to the Jerusalem church. We might find the same resistance today!
· God worked in unexpected places and with unexpected people. Caesarea was more Roman than Rome itself – what an unlikely place for God to have been at work. As a church we are confronted with opportunities which seem potentially fruitless, but that is where God chooses to bless. Like Tom’s experience in Cuba, I stand back and wonder at what God is doing in ‘Southern’ Christianity. Unexpected places is where we should look for God at work!
· It didn’t have a huge impact like Pentecost, but God was at work gently and quietly drawing people to himself. The hunger was driven by people meeting with God and then asking, 'what is happening here?' Tom calls it giving people the tools to interpret their experiences of the transcendent.It may not have been as catchy a title, but I think it reflects the message better than the word Pentecost.
Thanks Tom for being so honest with us and giving us the tools to reflect on what God is doing.
· It has problematic overtones for some because of the unhappy memories of being marginalised by over zealous charismatics from the 80s and 90s or what can sometimes be manipulative Pentecostalism.
· It has links with dramatic numerical growth. Tom confirms this on page 122 when he says we must plan for expansion! I think we have to be very careful making predictions of this kind. My understanding is that the church in the West still has a long way to fall before any movement in terms of numerical growth can happen. It has unhelpful images of an imperialistic church not a servant one.
· Pentecost which marked the birth of the church drew converts from the Jewish community. That is not to minimise the incredible transformative affect the Spirit had, but it was to a people who were expecting a Messiah, albeit not a crucified one.
I think the book could have been called, ‘On the Edge of Caesarea’ This would not be so easily identified with a particular happening, but I believe the account in Acts 10 is nearer to what Tom has identified as what the Spirit is saying to the church at the moment. Why?
· The church is called to cross-cultural mission just as Peter was asked to leave the security of the Jewish community.
· We are being called to a fresh focus on the home where mission takes place. Cornelius invited Peter into his home where the Spirit met with those gathered there.
· It was firmly God’s agenda (missio Dei) which was being served not the church. Look at the suspicion Peter received when he reported back to the Jerusalem church. We might find the same resistance today!
· God worked in unexpected places and with unexpected people. Caesarea was more Roman than Rome itself – what an unlikely place for God to have been at work. As a church we are confronted with opportunities which seem potentially fruitless, but that is where God chooses to bless. Like Tom’s experience in Cuba, I stand back and wonder at what God is doing in ‘Southern’ Christianity. Unexpected places is where we should look for God at work!
· It didn’t have a huge impact like Pentecost, but God was at work gently and quietly drawing people to himself. The hunger was driven by people meeting with God and then asking, 'what is happening here?' Tom calls it giving people the tools to interpret their experiences of the transcendent.It may not have been as catchy a title, but I think it reflects the message better than the word Pentecost.
Thanks Tom for being so honest with us and giving us the tools to reflect on what God is doing.
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