Project – ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ON CHURCH GROWTH

ABSTRACT

The study examined the role of the Holy Spirit on Church Growth. Three cardinal objectives were considered for the study. They are to: Find out the Person of the Holy Spirit and the Gift of the Holy Spirit; examine the Contribution of the Holy Spirit towards Church Growth; and find out the Ministry of holy Spirit in Converting Souls to the Church. The classical dispensationalist claims the Holy Spirit activity ceased with the apostolic age. This was the major perception of the church before the end of the 4th century, during the time of Augustine and Chrysostom. A major spokesman of this view was Hippolytus, a contemporary of Tertullian. Proponents for the Holy Spirit such as Michael Green, boldly declared, ‘It is simply not the case that healing, prophecy, exorcism and speaking in tongues died out with the last apostle’. The fact that the Holy Spirit remains active in contemporary dispensation is the truth which is firmly embedded in Scriptures and unmistakable teaching of Jesus Christ. Pentecostals contend that, subsequent to conversion, but can on some occasion simultaneously, there is endowment with power with the evidence of speaking in tongues as the Holy Spirit gives utterance. This paper seeks to contribute to the interpretation of the role and function of the Holy Spirit in individuals’ Christian experience and in the corporate church. This is to help rethink the place of the Holy Spirit. Face to face in-depth interviews and library materials were deployed for data collection.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background of the Study

1.2       Statement of The problem

1.3       Purpose of Study

1.4       Research Questions

1.5       Definitions of Terms.

CHAPTER  TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0       The Person of the Holy Spirit

2.0.1    The Contribution of the Holy Spirit towards Church Growth

2.0.2    The Ministry of holy Spirit in Converting Souls to the Church

2.1       Who is the Holy Spirit

2.1.1    Gift of the Holy Spirit

2.1.2    Fruit of the Holy Spirit

2.1.3    The Ministry of the Holy Spirit

2.1.4    Work of the Holy Spirit

2.2       Concept of Ledership

2.3       Philosophy of Leadership.

2.4       The Contribution of the Holy Spirit in Church History

2.5       Role of the Holy Spirit on Church Growth the contemporary church.

CHAPTER THREE: BIBLICAL REVIEW OF THE ROLE OF HOLY SPIRIT IN THE CHURCH

3.1       In the Old Testament

3.2       In the New Testament

CHAPTER FOUR: THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ON CHURCH GROWTH IN THE CONTEMPORARY CHURCH

4.1       Brief History of Pentecostalism in Nigeria

4.2       Brief History of selected Pentecostal churches in Nigeria

4.3       The Role of the Holy Spirit in Pentecostal churches

4.4       Presentation and Analysis of observation during findings.

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1       Summary

5.2       Conclusions

5.3       Recommendations

BIBLIOGRAPHY

APPENDICECHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background Of The Study

The Holy Spirit plays a significant role in the growth and development of the Church, as depicted in various biblical references. One such reference is found in Acts 2:1-4, where the Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples during the Pentecost, empowering them to spread the message of Jesus Christ. This event led to the rapid growth of the early church, as the Holy Spirit enabled the disciples to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and languages.

Another biblical reference that highlights the impact of the Holy Spirit on church growth is found in Acts 4:31. After the disciples prayed for boldness, the Holy Spirit filled them, and they spoke the word of God with great power. This outpouring of the Holy Spirit resulted in the conversion of many individuals and the expansion of the early church. It demonstrates how the Holy Spirit empowers believers to boldly proclaim the gospel, leading to the growth of the church.

Furthermore, in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the diverse spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit to believers. These gifts, such as prophecy, healing, and speaking in tongues, contribute to the edification and growth of the church. The Holy Spirit equips individuals with unique abilities to serve and build up the body of Christ, fostering spiritual growth and attracting others to the faith.

These biblical references illustrate the profound impact of the Holy Spirit on church growth. Through the empowerment, boldness, and spiritual gifts bestowed by the Holy Spirit, believers are enabled to effectively spread the message of Jesus Christ, leading to the expansion and development of the church. During the time of Augustine and Chrysostom, a major proponent of this view who was also the first articulate spokesman is Hippolytus, a contemporary of Tertullian. He held the view that prophecy ended with Apostle John whose apocalypse was the last valid prophecy to have come from the Holy Spirit.[1] According to Arthur cited in Asamoah, tongue speaking as a gift of the Holy Spirit is for a sign not to believers but to unbelievers. It was never intended for only believers but to also convince unbelievers.[2] To him, miracles, healings and tongue speaking were used to confirm believers and to convince unbelievers; and after the New Testament work has been completed, nothing in Scripture indicates miracle, healings and deliverance of the apostolic era were to continue.

The Holy Spirit is one of the most neglected and abandoned aspects of Christian theology.[3] The strict puritanical control of behavior leads to a dispensational view of the Holy Spirit confining Him to the early church. The Holy Spirit is treated in popular Christianity basically for healing and performing miracles. The classical dispensationalist believers but convince unbelievers.[4] To him, miracles, healings and tongue speaking were used to confirm believers and to convince unbelievers; and after the New Testament work has been completed, nothing in Scripture indicates miracle, healings and deliverance of the apostolic era were to continue.

In the West, in Latin orthodoxy, the work of the Holy Spirit has not received the prominence He deserves. The Western orthodoxy traces the Holy Spirit to the Father and the Son. This is reflected in the Filioque debate between the Greek East and Latin West. However, the Eastern orthodoxy church subordinates the Holy Spirit to the Father only, it rejects the procession of the Holy Spirit from the Son.[5] The Holy Spirit personality and function have been denied in a most open and undisguised manner. Unsettled opinion and doubt prevail on this issue of the Holy Spirit to a surprising degree everywhere even among those who profess to accept the authoritative words of the prophet, apostles and the sayings of Jesus Christ. Yet this is the truth which is firmly embedded in Scriptures and unmistakable teaching of Christ.[6]

However, proponents of the Holy Spirit such as Michael Green, boldly declared, It is simply not the case that healing, prophecy, exorcism and speaking in tongues died out with the last apostle’. Scholars including Calkins have observed that wherever Christianity has become a living power, the personality, functions and the role of the Holy Spirit has uniformly been regarded equally with the atonement and justification by faith as the article of a standing or a falling church. Other theologians advocate the view that a vital apprehension of this truth of the Holy Spirit as the energizing force can redeem the individual and the corporate church from the apathy of an uninspired orthodoxy, of a formal ritual or a purely secular activity and cause it to be what God designed it to be.[7] This study will focus on the Role of the Holy Spirit on Church Growth in contemporary church.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The researcher observed that though some Pentecostal churches in Nigeria profess spirituality but there is a gross neglect of the place and role of the Holy Spirit in both their administrative and spiritual work-frame. Most of who only use human psychology and philosophy to organize programmes and church activities professing them to be by the leading of the Holy Spirit which is not. It is thus, very crucial to have a recall to this problem and proffer a probable solution.

The impact of the Holy Spirit on church growth is a topic of great significance in Christian theology. The Holy Spirit, often referred to as the third person of the Trinity, is believed to play a crucial role in the growth and development of the church. However, despite its importance, there is a lack of comprehensive research on the specific ways in which the Holy Spirit influences church growth. This study aims to address this gap by examining the biblical references and exploring the various ways in which the Holy Spirit impacts the growth of the church.

One of the key biblical references that highlight the impact of the Holy Spirit on church growth is found in the book of Acts. In Acts 2:41-47, the Holy Spirit is described as empowering the early believers, leading to the rapid growth of the church. This passage emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting people of their sins, bringing them to repentance, and enabling them to experience the transformative power of God. By examining this and other biblical references, this study seeks to understand how the Holy Spirit’s work influences the growth and expansion of the church.

Another important aspect to consider is the role of spiritual gifts, which are believed to be bestowed by the Holy Spirit. These gifts, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, are diverse and are given to believers for the edification and growth of the church. The study will explore how the Holy Spirit’s distribution of spiritual gifts impacts the church’s ability to fulfill its mission and reach out to the world. By examining biblical references and analyzing real-life examples, this research aims to shed light on the significance of the Holy Spirit’s influence on church growth.

1.3 Purpose of Study

The researcher purposes that this work would be an eye opener to all members and ministers alike of the Pentecostal churches in order to see the missing point and have a quick turnaround as to the priority of the ministry of the Holy Spirit as they await the second advent of Christ and elucidate the Role of the Holy Spirit on Church Growth.

The Specific objectives of the study is to:

1. Find out the Person of the Holy Spirit and the Gift of the Holy Spirit.
2. The Contribution of the Holy Spirit towards Church Growth.

iii. The Ministry of holy Spirit in Converting Souls to the Church

1.4       Research Questions

The following questions were state for the Study:

1. Who is the Holy Spirit and the Gift of the Holy Spirit?
2. What are the Contributions of the Holy Spirit towards Church Growth?
3. What is the Ministry of holy Spirit in Converting Souls to the Church?

1.5. Significance of the study

The significance of studying the impact of the Holy Spirit on church growth lies in its relevance to the Christian faith. The Holy Spirit is a central figure in the Bible, and understanding its role in the growth of the church can provide valuable insights for believers and church leaders. By examining biblical references such as Acts 2:41-47, where the Holy Spirit empowered the early church and led to its rapid expansion, we can gain a deeper understanding of how the Holy Spirit can contribute to the growth and vitality of churches today.

Additionally, studying the impact of the Holy Spirit on church growth can have practical implications for church leaders and pastors. By understanding how the Holy Spirit works in the context of church growth, leaders can develop strategies and approaches that align with the Spirit’s guidance. This can lead to more effective ministry, increased engagement of church members, and ultimately, a healthier and more vibrant church community. Biblical references such as 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, which highlights the various spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit, can provide insights into how these gifts can be utilized for the growth and edification of the church.

Furthermore, the significance of this study extends beyond the individual church level. The growth and vitality of churches have a broader impact on society and the world. Churches play a crucial role in promoting spiritual and moral values, providing support and care for individuals and communities, and contributing to social justice initiatives. By understanding the impact of the Holy Spirit on church growth, we can better equip churches to fulfill their mission and make a positive difference in the world. Biblical references such as Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commissions his disciples to make disciples of all nations, emphasize the global significance of church growth and the role of the Holy Spirit in fulfilling this mission.

Lastly, the significance of studying the impact of the Holy Spirit on church growth lies in its potential to deepen believers’ faith and relationship with God. The Holy Spirit is often described as the presence of God within believers, guiding and empowering them in their spiritual journey. By exploring how the Holy Spirit contributes to church growth, believers can gain a greater appreciation for the work of the Spirit in their own lives and develop a stronger reliance on the Spirit’s guidance. Biblical references such as John 14:26, where Jesus promises the Holy Spirit as a helper and teacher, can provide assurance and encouragement for believers seeking to grow in their faith and contribute to the growth of the Church.

This study will be of great benefit to;

1. All Pentecostal ministers. To re-awaking those who have neglected the place of the Holy Spirit and encourage those who are been discouraged due to the influence of others.
2. All those who yearn to experience the move of the Holy Spirit as at Pentecost.
3. The church at large to examine the authenticity of the usual programmes if they are actually led by the Holy Spirit.
4. All intending ministers to prioritize right relationship with the Holy Spirit as the tutor and mentor of their ministries.

1.6          Scope of the study

The study examines Role of the Holy Spirit on Church Growth. Parts of the constraints that the researcher was faced with during this work were inadequacy of handy materials, lack of personal electronic gadget (Laptop), internet-enabled phones and finances. More so, unwillingness of several ministers to say the truth about either been led by the Holy Spirit for a programme or not.

1.7          Delimitation of the study.

This study is basically focused on the Role of the Holy Spirit on Church Growth. So administration of questionnaire are limited to Pentecostal pastors and leaders.

1.8          Research Methodology

This research is mainly library based. Libraries were consulted such as LIFE Theological Seminary Library and other libraries available to the researcher. Information was also gotten from friends and folks of the researcher while internet sources were greatly used and referenced.

1.9          Definitions of Terms.

Church: A group of Christians.

Contemporary: A person or thing living or existing at the same time as another.

Holy Spirit: The Spirit of God who dwells in the lives of Christians and governs the Church.

Pentecostal: Constituting any various Christian religious bodies that emphasize individual experiences of grace, spiritual gift (such as glossolalia and faith healing), expressive worship, and evangelism.

Role: A prescribed or expected behavior associated with a particular position or status in a group or organization.

[1]Pelikan J, The Emergence of Charismatic Tradition. (Chicago: University of Chicago,1998), 45

[2]Asamoah, MK. Mphil Thesis:

[3]Raymond Calkins, The Holy Spirit. (Nashville, Tennessee Abingdon press, 1931), 76

[4]Asamoah, Ibid.

[5]Berkhof, H. The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit, (Virginia: John Knox Press, 1964), 65

[6]Asamaoh, Ibid.

[7] Calkins, Ibid.

Project – ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ON CHURCH GROWTH