THE LARGER UMBRELLA
February 18, 1998
Don Hawley
When new to Renewal, my wife Bunnie and I were self-confessed "conference junkies". For three years we attended Renewal conferences all over the United States and Canada. However, more recently we've stayed right here in Oregon. There are two main reasons for that.
First of all, some of the most powerful conferences turned out to be right in our own state. No need to spend money traveling elsewhere. Also, the first three years of Renewal were designed simply to resuscitate the Body of Christ. You can't send a valley full of dry bones out to fight the final battle and bring in the harvest. So the new wine was poured out, and those who were thirsty were filled with joy. It is this happiness in Christ that has drawn so much fire from professed Christians who, in their present state, have nothing to "party" about.
While the refreshing was absolutely necessary, and will continue for those just coming in from the valley of dry bones, it's now time for the Body to move on to its final calling.
Bunnie and I broke our "stay-at-home" policy when we learned of a Renewal conference to be held in Dallas, Texas, February 12-14, 1998. The name of the gathering clearly delineated its purpose:
BUILDING FOUNDATIONS FOR REVIVAL
Mobilizing Apostles, Prophets, and Intercessors
Every one of the 1,750 available seats were spoken for five weeks ahead of opening night, and more than that number had to be turned away. All but four states were represented, along with many foreign nations. It was perhaps the most important conference held up to that time.
Essentially, this conference was designed to put the necessary foundation in place for the finishing of God's work on earth. That called for full recognition of the vital roles to be played by modern day apostles and prophets. The second major emphasis was on calling the Body to spiritual warfare at a time when many Christians are still crying out "Peace and safety."
THE LARGER UMBRELLA
One of the important results of this conference was greatly to enlarge the Renewal umbrella. Since Renewal first broke out in a congregation in Toronto, Canada, many thought that particular movement was the Renewal. Others were of the mind that Renewal instead was that which came out of Brownsville, Florida. At last, many of us have come to realize that the Holy Spirit is not divided; his umbrella is large enough to cover many aspects of Renewal.
Even now, however, I wonder how many understand the true implications of what took place in Dallas. God's Renewal umbrella must be large enough to safely and effectively cover male and female, Jew and non-Jew, rich and poor, all ages, all races, all languages, and all cultures. The Body of Christ is rapidly becoming just what Jesus prayed it would be; one Family.
SOME CONSTANTS
Although the umbrella of Renewal covers wide diversity, certain constants remain. For those who do not know much about the Holy Spirit Renewal now sweeping the earth, I'd like to list a few identifying signs:
1. Totally Gospel-centered; no smattering of legalism.
2. Completely open to the Holy Spirit; no artificial lids imposed. God decides what is "decent and in order," rather than man.
3. All of the gifts of the Spirit are recognized, and dedicated to building up the Body of Christ.
4. Many manifestations of the Spirit are present, as has been the case with every true revival since Pentecost.
5. Powerful worship services resemble the one described in Psalm 150. No tame, lifeless "song services."
6. Instead of the splintering of denominationalism, true brotherhood of the Family prevails.
7. No human hierarchy usurps the role of the Holy Spirit.
8. The priesthood of the believers is practiced rather than merely theorized.
9. True ecumenicity draws spiritual leaders together in ministry as never before.
10. Christian women are allowed to minister as God dictates.
11. The most powerful preaching today issues from Renewal pulpits.
12. The Renewal movement rises above the constrictions and petty jealousies of denominationalism.
13. Since the prophetic is alive and well in Renewal, the movement has a clear vision as to where God is leading.
14. Those involved with Renewal experience a holy boldness they did not enjoy before.
15. Freedom in Christ is a living reality!
Are you a part of the present move of the Holy Spirit?
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