Bauman, a Mennonite pastor, has been actively involved in the Holy Spirit renewal movement in the Mennonite Church since the 1970s. In this thought-provoking study, Bauman explores the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the church and the varied experiences of "baptism with the Spirit" recorded in the New Testament. He approaches the subject in a thoroughly biblical manner. Bauman rejects the two-stage theology of Wesley and affirms that God intends that believers experience baptism with the Spirit at the time of conversion.
Why then do so few believers experience the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in their lives? Bauman suggests that these believers have been taught a truncated gospel. They understand salvation as the forgiveness of sins, but have not been taught to claim the gift of the Holy Spirit as God's power and presence. Therefore, they limit the Holy Spirit's activity in their lives. Some resist yielding themselves to the Holy Spirit's control because they are afraid that God will work in ways too dramatic for them.
Bauman traces the history of the Holy Spirit renewal movement and observes that a "third wave" renewal movement is bringing new life and vitality to some churches. Joyful fellowship replaces boring, impersonal church attendance; warmth and vibrancy make cold, formal worships obsolete. Quite distinct from the "first wave" Pentecostal movement, and the "second wave" charismatic movement, this movement emphasizes the ministry of the Holy Spirit and allows more freedom in worship, but without the manifestation of speaking in tongues. Some Seventh-day Adventist congregations in North America feel the impact of this "third wave" Holy Spirit renewal movement. They are experiencing new life in the Spirit. Others condemn the Holy Spirit renewal movement within the Seventh-day Adventist Church, pointing to a few extremists. But wasn't this the same kind of mistake the Reformers made when they condemned the Radical Reformation? We must look beyond the extremes and consider the possibility that the Holy Spirit moves in some of these churches.
The questions that Bauman raises are vital for each one of us: Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? Do you know the Holy Spirit as God's presence and power in your life ? Could it be that we make the Holy Spirit part of our doctrine without inviting Him into our lives and worship?
I suggest that you add Presence and Power to your reading list. It will challenge your thinking and may well make a difference in your ministry.
