Final Wrap-up on Thoughts about the Holy Spirit's Role in Missions

So, what about the Holy Spirit's role in missions? Is there anything we can glean from the ways different denominations talk about His role or the way that theologians emphasize His work? Both the ecclesiastical traditions as well as the broad spectrum of theological perspectives have identifiable commonalities that both inform and influence modern missions efforts. If elements of Lukan pneumatology still have such broad sweeping continuity with mainstream ecclesiastical traditions as well as modern theological perspectives, then an analysis of that continuity is valid. Some may question the foundation for such an inquiry, but the very fact that these pneumatological elements appear so frequently in any discussion of Missio Dei can lead to a challenging conclusion. The church’s understanding of the Holy Spirit’s direct and indirect actions in the mission of God is perhaps what still binds us together. When so many theological disparities exist, the church is still unified on the basis of the Spirit’s commission, facilitation, direction and inspiration. The church as a whole may differ on details, but these actions still produce tangible and measureable results in mission.

The specific behaviors of the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts can in fact be analyzed. These actions within Lukan pneumatology fall under the category of mission of God in restoring His Kingdom by direct intervention. South African theologian David Bosch "remains profoundly skeptical of any theology which claims to discern the hand of God, fully understanding and explaining the 'signs of the times'" (see Kevin Livingston in "David Bosch: An Interpretations of Some Main Themes in His Missiological Thought" Missionalia vol. 18 no. 1, April 1990: 9). Livingston explains, “To interpret the providential acts of God in history remains, for Bosch, an ambivalent enterprise, fraught with danger" (p. 9).

According to Luke’s second volume, early Christians understood the Holy Spirit’s actions as having direct impact in church planting. To the early church, these actions of the Spirit were Missio Dei. Remarkably, there is continuity between the active aspect of Lukan pneumatology and modern Christian thought both in terms of ecclesiastical traditions and theological perspectives. Perhaps this is the church’s common ground. Perhaps the very One who indwells us, fills us, and empowers us is the very One who unites us, not only across denominations but also across the centuries.