Grant McClung

Various discussions looking back to the past and then looking ahead to the future of worldwide influence of the Pentecostal/Charismatic movements. As the editor states in his preface, the articles included are "meant to be both reflection and projection, both description and prescription" (p.xv). This is a book mainly, so it seems, geared to Pentecostal/Charismatic ministers and leaders with an analysis of the movement in various areas, e.g. its history, theology, strategy, and challenges.

The most intriguing chapters I read were:

– Chapter 9: Spiritual Gift and World Evangelization by Donal Gee. Gee reminds us that "[t]here is no need to choose between passion for souls and a desire for spiritual gifts. They are mutually inclusive, not exclusive"; and warns that the charisma "are not a hobby to play with" but "tools to work with and weapons to fight with."

– Chapter 11: The Secret Behind the World's Biggest Church by David Yonggi Cho. Cho advises that "without signs and wonders, the church cannot grow," yet, these "signs and wonders can never take the place of prayer" precisely because "[t]here is no way to be full of the Holy Spirit without prayer."

For this interested in the historical, theological,, and ministerial perspectives of the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement, this compilation of insights might be of inspiring benefit giving one, not only what the movement basically involves but basic ideas on how to (although that is not the purpose of the book; it is not a "how to" book) do ministry or even readjust one's ministry so that it focuses more on the essence of what ministry is all about.… (altro)