Pentecost: Lifting the Holy Spirit before the People
By Rev. Dr. Monica C. Jones, Contributing Writer
We, as people of faith and informed believers, understand that the Resurrection was not the end of Christ’s interaction with his followers on Earth. The 40 days that he spent after his victory over the grave culminated in an important message: the Counselor would come as God promised and the people should stay in the city until the Holy Spirit descended upon them (see Luke 24). His prophetic words were actualized when, in Jerusalem on that fateful day (Acts 2), the Holy Spirit filled the souls of the worshippers with power and the anointing. What does this mean for us in the life of the church? We must make Pentecost relevant!
As recipients of the Holy Spirit, we are afforded gifts and fruit that enhance our spiritual growth and uplift the church (1 Corinthians 12 and Galatians 5 respectively). Our constant prayer should be that the Holy Spirit empowers us to use God’s gifts to bless his people and strengthen the church. For some, this may be a straight-forward task. For others, it may seem daunting.
To make the Holy Spirit meaningful to all worshippers, celebrate, commemorate, and consecrate special occasions that bring the entire Trinity before the people. Too often, we neglect God’s Third Person by leaving Pentecost off of our church worship calendar and forgetting to teach on the subject.
Celebrate. Sing from the choir loft, read in church school, preach from the pulpit, and reflect in Bible study. Do all these things but do not wait until Pentecost Sunday to do so. Periodically, make Pentecost or the miracle that took place on that day a part of your worship or Christian Education calendar. Introduce a single element, e.g., Peter’s sermon, or occurrence from the Pentecost narrative into some part of the church’s year-round ministry. Distribute easy-to-read material after Resurrection Day to prepare the people for the Pentecost celebration.
Commemorate. On Pentecost Sunday, make the day meaningful with colors (red, gold, or white), symbols (dove or fire), and music (“Spirit of the Living God” or “There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit”) that will send a lasting message to the worshippers. In addition to the message, invite church school teachers to incorporate Acts 2 in each age level lesson, and plan some other special activity that young people and mature adults can enjoy.
Consecrate. Emphasize the holy nature of Pentecost and use this day (or the days before) to have intense, unified prayer at the altar. Ask members to rededicate themselves and their ministries. Invite all believers to pray for clarity regarding God’s call on their lives. Urge those who feel they have been called in any way to declare themselves before the Lord and offer their gifts back to God for God’s use.
Let us not let Pentecost come and go without seeking ways to make the holy season more relevant to our church and our faith. We identify God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost with our words. Now, let us identify with each in our ministry.
The Rev. Monica C. Jones, PhD is the director of Christian Education at Big Bethel AME Church in Atlanta, Georgia. For Pentecost music suggestions, follow Monica Jones (@MJsinging) on Twitter.
