New York - Part 2

So, it's hard to sort out exactly how to explain the spiritual side of this trip. In many ways, it was the culmination of a long spiritual journey, and in others, it was just the beginning of a new season.

First, the culmination: I have been on a spiritual journey since before I was married. Having been raised in an American evangelical church system, I had a solid knowledge of Jesus as my Savior, God as my Lord, and the Holy Spirit as the promised indwelling spirit at conversion - a silent partner if you will. Though the teaching I received was solid, Biblical and good, it left me feeling as though it was my responsibility to live a good Christian life, and I felt the weight of not being able to do it on my own. (the pressure of striving eventually sent me to the STEPS ministry at our church - which was a huge help in seeing myself, and my role, as God sees me.)

When I was 18, I attended a Discipleship Training School (DTS), with Youth With a Mission (YWAM). One of the central topics of the DTS is hearing the voice of God - Learning how to listen in prayer, in order to recognize and obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit in our lives. For me, this was a major spiritual milestone, as I began to function differently as a Christ Follower. Not just trying to obey the written Word of God, and sort out what it might mean in my culture and context, but being filled with the Holy Spirit and living by the power of God, rather than by my own effort. Over the years, it has been a journey of joy, confidence, frustration, confusion, strength, maturity and more doubts as I have learned to walk in the Spirit.

This conference, Rekindle the Flame, is about the move of the Holy Spirit in the early Alliance church. This is the second time Jeff and I have gone, and it has been so encouraging to see and hear examples of the history of our church, and how God has been present through the years. These ideas of listening for His voice, and walking in His power and authority, are not new. It has been refreshing for me to hear things I know in my experience, and have them presented in the context and theology of my own religious tradition. But it's not just a history conference, it also looks forward to the present move of the Spirit among us. Several of the sessions are teaching combined with ministry times, and as we prayed together, and were prayed for, I experienced some very rich encouragements, spiritual breakthroughs, and confirmations of where my life is headed. It has been a joy to have some of my doubts answered (like when I question if my spiritual experiences have been theologically sound) and to be freed to walk forward in more confidence and freedom. I know that's all a bit nebulous, but I told you it's been hard for me to put the spiritual experience to words!! Perhaps I'll try to unpack it in a little more detail in a later post. For now, I offer the hope that there is more of the Holy Spirit, wherever you may be on your journey, to know and experience. Keep pressing in.

And that leads me to the delightful new season I mentioned at the beginning. It was exceedingly fulfilling for both Jeff and I to be there with the Salem Alliance Staff and recognize the move of God in our church. Not only was there a corporate openness and desire for things of the Spirit, but we saw many staff touched in spiritual, life changing, ways. As we were allowed the privilege to be with them for the week, we were able to further develop personal relationships. I just have to say that I am so excited to be a part of this church at this season in life. God is absolutely present in supernatural ways in the lives and activities of the body of Christ which is at Salem Alliance. We, as a church, are poised to bring hope and healing to the city of Salem, and this is with a staff of humble, joyful, God-seeking individuals. The body of Christ is not made up of staff positions, it's made up of all of us. And in the midst of the body are those who have made it their life work to minister to us. Let's be upholding them in prayer as they are on the frontline in this move of God - and remember to love as Christ loves us. It's a good place to be.