I tell people that I am an undeconstructed Pentecostal. So, just what does that mean? Maybe we should ponder: What is deconstructed Pentecostalism? It seems to me that many Pentecostals are uncomfortable with their story. Maybe an emphasis on seeker-sensitive evangelicalism has domesticated Pentecostal spirituality. Many Pentecostals in my tribe often testified to being “saved, sanctified, and baptized in the sweet Holy Ghost.” I believe that testimony offers the seeds of a robust Pentecostal spirituality.
An undeconstructed Pentecostal is one who has experienced a transforming encounter with Jesus Christ. In the presence of Jesus we are convicted, that is, convinced of our sinfulness and alienation from God. As we cry out “God be merciful to me a sinner” we experience the joy of divine forgiveness. When Jesus speaks the words of divine pardon we are raised to newness of life – abundant life. When Jesus embraces us, we are born again and adopted into the family of God. To be saved is to be delivered from the curse of sin and death. The call to follow Jesus is a call to uncompromising faithfulness.
An undeconstructed Pentecostal has experienced sanctifying graces that heal the brokenness of fallen humanity, and deliverance from the power of sin and death. To be sanctified does not mean the end of temptation, but that the human will has been empowered to resist sin, and to choose righteousness. A sanctified person has been set apart by God for the pursuit of divine holiness. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.
An undeconstructed Pentecostal desires to be filled up with all the fullness of God – being baptized in the Holy Spirit. Spirit baptism is a personal encounter with the Holy Spirit subsequent to being saved. Spirit baptism is having the love of God poured out within our hearts (Romans 5:5). Being filled with the Spirit means to earnestly desire the spiritual gifts and follow the more excellent way of love. The presence of the Spirit is demonstrated with signs following believers, including speaking in tongues.
An undeconstructed Pentecostal participates in worship that is a dynamic and enthusiastic encounter with the Holy Trinity. We sing inspired songs, hear anointed preaching, and respond to the call of God in noisy altar calls in which the people of God tarry before God.
As I travel throughout the United States I have discovered a domesticated Pentecostalism in which no one is convicted, words like holiness and sanctification are unknown tongues, altar calls are infrequent, and no one tarries at the altar to be filled with the Spirit. Some pastors suggest that those days have passed. Maybe so. Or maybe we’ve quenched the fire of the Spirit. I lament the domestication of Pentecostalism. I’m forced to wonder: Can a church that no longer offers a time and place for God’s people to tarry at the altar and be filled with the Holy Spirit seriously call itself Pentecostal? I remain convinced that a distinctive Pentecostal spirituality that is faithful to the ancient Faith, can still renew each generation. I remain an undeconstructed Pentecostal.
