This is part of a series of posts on my understanding of faith, ministry and the church. I would enjoy feedback and your response to my answers to these questions.
Question – What is your conception of the activity of the Holy Spirit in personal faith, in the community of believers, and in responsible living in the world?
Response – My response begins:
I believe it is important to recognize the Holy Spirit as the third person of the Trinity. Because the one God as expressed in Christian faith is Triune, worship of the Holy Spirit should never be separated from worship of the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit is the active presence of the Father and Son in personal faith, in the community of believers and in responsible living in the world.
I envision the Holy Spirit to be active in personal faith both before and after an individual recognizes that activity. This is part of Wesley’s understanding of God’s divine grace that is at work before one is aware of it. The Holy Spirit is active in drawing people toward a relationship with God in Jesus Christ. This is made manifest in personal faith that is a response to God’s love and grace.
Discussion
- How would you respond to this question?
- Where do you agree with my response?
- Where do you disagree with my response?
Rev. Andrew Conard 