ENGAGING THE HOLY SPIRIT

By Rev. Kristi Lounsbury

Over the years, I have been curious about different Christian faith traditions, worship styles, and scriptural interpretations. The topic of the Holy Spirit can be anything from providing comfort to creating doubt to producing fear of the unknown. Witnessing different interpretations of the role of the Holy Spirit in a variety of spiritual journeys, I have seen those persons slain in the Spirit, those speaking in tongues, and those with an effervescent glow clearly indicating being led by the Spirit.

Many times, when we talk of the Holy Spirit, there is an expectation there must be some supernatural exhibition which announces the Holy Spirit’s presence. In reality, “the Holy Spirit usually does not try to draw attention to itself but rather works on us to strengthen our relationship of faith in Christ. This means the Spirit is very busy indeed. In our stumbling attempts at faith in Christ, the Holy Spirit is at work, overcoming our own desire to be in control.”1

God uses the Holy Spirit to draw us closer in relationship to Christ. Reaching out and drawing us nearer in our walk, the Holy Spirit leads and guides us in our daily lives. That is, if we embrace the opportunity. As part of the Triune God, the Holy Spirit is not manipulated by us but will gladly reside in us if allowed.

Several times in my life, I have felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit through a thought that did not leave my mind or a twinge in my heart. I learned at an early age that if I listened to that still small voice when making decisions, my walk with Christ was greatly enriched and blessed. From accepting calls in ministry to everyday opportunities, listening to the Holy Spirit can enhance one’s life.

The Reverend Dr. Chris Fleming and I began our call with the Ministry Council within one month of each other four years ago. Shortly thereafter we were given the project of producing a program that helps to address the issues of our smaller, rural congregations within the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Following three years of Discovery, Discernment, Development, and Discussion, the ENGAGE process was implemented. It is here that I wish to emphasize how the work of the Holy Spirit engaged in my life.

A skeleton of the process was created. The curriculum was written. An outline was made for every church or group visited. Everything we could do to prepare for our sessions of ENGAGE we did. However, it is the Holy Spirit which truly led these sessions.

Being open and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead during these sessions has allowed ears to hear, minds to be changed, mission statements to be created, words to be spoken, and congregations to be changed. Oftentimes, I am unable to recreate the comments or ideas shared in a session simply because the comments were not mine but inspired by the Holy Spirit. For it was the Spirit, not me, that knew what needed to be said at the time as a response to a question or comment, thus, creating a unique dynamic that allows all of us to connect in a way that was previously impossible and only possible through the Holy Spirit dwelling among us.

I have watched many in our denomination be able to stir others with their sermons and lectures and I have been in awe! I have often said that public speaking is not necessarily my gift. Because of this, bringing the

ENGAGE process to congregations and groups has been a true test AND a blessing for my faith. I am constantly reminded how important it is to hear that still small voice, to be open, and allow the Holy Spirit to be in charge and in control. Instead of being incredibly nervous as I stand before a group, I know that the Holy Spirit will be present and prevail. This produces a peace and calm that is unlike anything ever experienced.

I would like to encourage you to explore and engage with the Holy Spirit. Be open to the possibilities and blessings that can be produced by walking in a closer relationship with Christ. “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the Children of God.”

1. “Working Preacher,” May 13, 2013, from “The Small Catechism,” in The Book of Concord , ed. by Robert Kolb and Timothy Wengert (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2000), 355.