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

use his minority and civil rights was in accordance with the Spirit, and
subsequently he began his active involvement with the PUCL. 149
In brief, Spirit experiences have had a significant place in the theological process
of the Pentecostal community in Rajasthan as they did in the primitive Christian
community. The Pentecostal theology of persecution, culture, mission and socio-
political issues were formulated or reformulated after Spirit encounters. The direct
intervention of the Spirit in terms of voices, dreams, prophetic utterances, and
guidance through the Scripture has influenced the decisions, thinking and position
of Pentecostals in Rajasthan. Although contemporary Pentecostals cannot expect
the same situations that were faced by the early Christians in their mission the
underlying principle is that when Pentecostals face changing situations, they can
be directed by the Spirit in their mission theology and practice. They consciously
and unconsciously make necessary adjustments in their beliefs and practice in
response to changing contexts and under the guidance of the Spirit. This is not to
argue that always on all occasions the Spirit intervenes, but there is a significant
place for Spirit experiences in the beliefs and practices (in the theological process)
of Pentecostals in Rajasthan.
Thus, this reflection from both the Acts community as well as the Pentecostal
community in Rajasthan makes the dynamic nature of a contextual missiology of
the Spirit more clear: in accordance with the context and under the guidance of the
Spirit; when confused by the context, then directed by the Spirit; when challenged
149 Pathras Masih, interview, 11 May 2006.
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