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

and neo-Pentecostals is diminishing. There is no doubt that the missionary task
has a vital role in uniting them in this regard. Several classical Pentecostals have
reformulated their theology and practice. The missionary task has caused them to
become more of a Rajasthani movement.
The second phase is the ecumenical fellowship with other segments of
Christianity. Chapter three shows that the Pentecostal and non-Pentecostal divide
is waning because of the attempts to unite at the grass roots level. The persecution
factor has played a significant role in this and united public meetings and rallies
have often followed episodes of persecution. These are indications of the growing
need for partnership in the present hostile context.
A careful analysis shows that Charismatic experiences are another reason for
ecumenical initiatives. Many non-Pentecostal churches have been influenced by
Spirit experiences like speaking in tongues, spontaneous worship, healing and
exorcism, as well as the narrative theology and oral liturgy of Pentecostalism.
Several mainline churches have realized the significance of reviving existing
churches if they are to survive. As Paul Hiebert said, ‘any long-range vision for
missions must include not only the planting of new churches, but also the renewal
of old ones. The former without the latter eventually leads only to lands full of
dead and dying churches.’ 164 The charismatic impact on non-Pentecostal churches
164 Paul G. Hiebert, ‘Missions and the Renewal of the Church,’ in Exploring Church Growth, ed.
Wilbert R. Shenk (Grand Rapids, Eerdmans, 1983), 157.
318