Pentecost Sunday is coming soon.
Did you even know?
If you are Pentecostal, probably not. Yet, I have heard some Pentecostals complain when their pastor hasn’t mentioned Pentecost on Pentecost Sunday. Is this a problem?
Not Liturgical
Most Pentecostal churches I know aren’t liturgical. The closest they come to following the liturgical calendar is celebrating Christmas and Easter. They might also remember Palm Sunday.
On the one hand, non-liturgical churches shouldn’t be expected recognize Pentecost Sunday whenever it falls on the liturgical calendar. Therefore, Pentecostal pastors shouldn’t feel guilty if they don’t preach on the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday. Likewise, pastors who do shouldn’t judge those who don’t.
But Pentecostal
On the other hand, Pentecostal churches should expect to hear some preaching about the Holy Spirit at some point during the year. Unfortunately, the statistics say that many Pentecostal churches have not. If they don’t, are they really Pentecostal? This, I think, is the bigger issue.
Why not?
So, should Pentecostal Pastors preach on the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday? If they haven’t recently preached a sermon or series on the Holy Spirit, I say: why not?
Question: Does your church celebrate Pentecost Sunday? Do you think they should? Leave a comment below by clicking here.
You might also be interested in these posts:
- Spirit Baptism in Current Pentecostal Theology: Part 2 – Amos Yong
- Resources on the Meaning of Pentecost and Spirit Baptism
- How can Pentecostal Churches Overcome Generic Evangelicalism?
Andrew K. Gabriel, Ph.D., is the author of Simply Spirit-Filled: Experiencing God in the Presence and Power of the Holy Spirit as well as three academic books, including The Lord is the Spirit. He is a theology professor and VP of Academics at Horizon College and Seminary and serves on the Theological Study Commission for the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. You can follow him on Facebook or on Twitter.
I believe it is appropriate to preach on the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday. It does have historical significance because this was the beginning of the Christian Church. For Pentecostal churches they were not founded until early in the 20th century. However, it does give Pentecostal preachers the opportunity to explain why their denomination has incorporated the
name Pentecostal. The 2nd Chapter of Acts is rich in sermon topics regardless of the season or the denomination.
Indeed, it is appropriate, and it does make sense for Pentecostals and Christians from other traditions to use the opportunity to preach on the Holy Spirit.
Yes, my Pastor usually preaches about Pentecost and Spirit Baptism on Pentecost Sunday, and I am glad he does!
I have been doing this as long as I can remember. At least once a year i set aside time to preach a series on the holy spirit. In fact i am right now and will go till the end of june. Pentecost simply give us permission and encouragement to do so