Details for Church in the Power of the Spirit

This unit explores developments in pneumatology, and relates these to the nature  and mission of the church, especially Pentecostal and charismatic communities.   

The unit Church in the Power of the Spirit is part of the subject area Theology and is offered as a part of the following Awards: Master of Arts (Christian Studies) (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)).

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

At the successful completion of this units, students will be able to:

1. describe in detail the biblical foundations and historical developments which frame an understanding of the Holy Spirit from a pentecostal perspective
2. explore different denominational perspectives on the person and role of the Holy Spirit
3. critically analyse key theological discussions on Pentecostal / Charismatic pneumatology
4. display a deepening understanding of ecclesiology within various traditions, including pentecostal developments;
engage in the process of ecumenical dialogue 

Subject Content

1. The person and work of the Holy Spirit in the developing tradition of the church
2. The Spirit and the Church
3. The role of the Holy Spirit in the world
4. The Spirit and grace
5. Pneumatological ecclesiology
6. Ecumenism and ecumenical dialogue;
Pentecostal distinctives in pneumatology 

Assessment Methods

Forum responses, book review, essay.

Representative References

Beck, D. The Holy Spirit and the Renewal of All Things. Eugene: Pickwick, 2007

Clifton, S.  Pentecostal Churches in Transition. The Netherlands: Brill, 2009.

Edwards, D. Breath of Life: a theology of the Creator Spirit. Maryknoll, N.Y.: Orbis, 2004.

Fee, G.  God’s Empowering Presence. Peabody: Hendrickson, 2009. 

Hollingsworth, A. “Spirit and Voice: Toward a Feminist Pentecostal Pneumatology.” Pneuma 29, no. 2 (2007): 189-213.

Jensen, D. The Lord and Giver of Life: Perspectives on Constructive Pneumatology, London: Westminster John Knox, 2008.