a contextual missiology of the spirit - eTheses Repository ...

most degree programmes with a heavy emphasis placed on the person and work of
the Spirit. At the same time other subjects like ‘Acts of the Apostles,’
‘Homiletics’ and ‘Theology of Mission’ include a separate section on the Holy
Spirit. 99
Pentecostals believe that the Holy Spirit is the real driving force in evangelism
and mission. David du Plessis argues that the Holy Spirit makes everyone who
receives Him a ‘powerful witness.’ 100 Pentecostals claim that church planting and
growth is the outcome of the work of the Spirit of God. Therefore, they give
importance to spiritual activities as the means for church growth. In the Bible
training centres, graduating students are encouraged to receive the power of the
Spirit of God to be effective evangelists and church planters before they enter into
the mission field. They use prayer, fasting and spiritual warfare as means for
evangelism, church planting and growth. A separate course on ‘Spiritual Warfare’
is offered in all Pentecostal Training Institutes.
The pneumatocentricism is seen in their Christology as well, and so the distinction
between their understanding of Christ and of the Holy Spirit is not so apparent,
particularly for tribal Pentecostals who pray to the Holy Spirit as they pray to
Jesus, and consider the Spirit as the healer and deliverer. For example, expressions
like ‘Athma muche Chudaya’ (the Spirit has delivered me) and ‘Athma muche
99
For example, ‘Holy Spirit in Acts,’ ‘Holy Spirit and Preaching’ and ‘Holy Spirit and Mission.’
100
du Plessis, ‘Golden Jubilees,’ 71.
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