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"This guy must handle snakes?"

They looked at me in shock and silence. 

I read the room and then realized where the misunderstanding was. I spoke up, clarified, and suddenly things were all good again. 


Have you ever told anyone you go to a "Pentecostal Church"? Some maybe tell this to others proudly, while others may not be sure what others might think of the four-syllable mouthful that is our affiliation's namesake. 

Fifteen years ago, I was at a church planting conference in Florida and was rooming with a group of Baptist church planters from Texas. As we were getting to know each other, I mentioned that I was pastoring in a Pentecostal church. 

This is when the shock and silence took over. 

While in Canada, Pentecostal may mean one thing, in the southern states it means something very different. "Pentecostals" there are understood to be those who take daring risks to prove their trust in the Word of God and the Spirit's presence in their midst by literally handling poisonous snakes in their church services. Look it up sometime if you like, it's bizarre (and it's not what we're intended to do to prove we are obedient to the closing verses of Mark 16 and have the Spirit's power in our lives). 

Once I realized that my conference roommates were now worried that I may have packed a serpent in my suitcase, I clarified what I meant by telling them that in Canada "Pentecostal" means "Assemblies of God," the American equivalent to Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. 

I could see the relief in their eyes. 

It does raise a great question though: What does it actually mean to be Pentecostal? (How would you answer that?) 

While the simple meaning of Pentecost has to do with the original and ongoing pouring out of God's Holy Spirit upon His church, there are still misconceptions about what that might mean or is supposed to look like. Some have heard stories or been to services where seemingly strange things have occurred in the name of Pentecost or of charismatic renewal. While a straightforward reading of the New Testament offers simple clarity on the presence and work of the Holy Spirit, for some questions or past baggage remains. 

For reasons like these, I am happy to recommend the book "Simply Spirit Filled" by Dr Andrew K Gabriel, which is in our CPC Resource Centre. This book provides helpful teaching on the Holy Spirit, from a solidly Biblical and Pentecostal point of view. Andrew Gabriel addresses some of the common myths about the Spirit and also approaches normal questions Christians may have about what is 'praying in tongues' and is it for today? One of the things I appreciate most is Andrew's own story and experiences as one who has experienced all kinds of Pentecostal settings, knows scripture deeply, and maintains a true love for the person and work of the Holy Spirit. So, if you're hungry for the Holy Spirit today, or, if you're skeptical, I suggest picking up this book and allowing it to encourage your walk with the Holy Spirit, as I did last year. Perhaps it'd be good for all of us to become more Pentecostal? 

Perhaps we could each begin by praying these words in this very moment: "Welcome Holy Spirit." 

Incidentally, this coming Sunday is known on the church calendar as "Pentecost Sunday" — please don't bring a snake, BUT do come expectant, as we should every Sunday. The Spirit of the Lord is in your life and in our midst because of Pentecost.

Imagine that! God DWELLS in you (right now). 
Imagine what He could do. 

Pastor Mike