Theology of Pentecostal liturgy

The following is my replay to someone who challenged me to explain what I meant by the phrase "theology of the Pentecostal liturgy."

Let me begin with what I do not mean - the theology of Pentecostal liturgy is not some carefully systematized formulation of religious ritual. When I use the term "theology," I know others will probably understand me to mean something more systematic than I intend. For me, theology is an account of encountering or attempting to encounter God - "this is my story, this is my song ..."

In referring to "those more experienced in the theology of Pentecostal liturgy" I am thinking specifically of the congregation in which my family worshipped when I was growing up and the larger fellowship of the Assemblies of God with whom we were affliliated. "Liturgy" can be translated as "the work/duty of the people" and that is the meaning I intend. By Pentecostal liturgy I mean what people led by the Holy Spirit do when gathered together in the name of Jesus - this is called worship.

The theology of Pentecostal liturgy, then, is one's understanding of Pentecostal liturgy (Sprit-led public worship) in reference to one's own considered experience of encountering God. And since all understanding is socially contextualized, the theology of Pentecostal liturgy is not some individual fancy but the common reflection of one's community.

In seminary I took part in a student/faculty seminar in which the topic of discussion was Pentecostal worship. My contribution was to consider the impact of the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements on Worship. I entitled my presentation "Immediate Encounter With God." The following is an excerpt from that presentation:

This [my title] reflects first Rudolph Schnakenburg's definition of worship as being "an encounter with God for which God must make man capable by his grace." It also is influenced by Peter Hocken's repeated references to immediacy in speaking of what the grace of Pentecost brings. The challenge of discussing the impact of something on worship is that the word impact implies that worship has somehow been shaped by this thing. One may recall Dom Gregory Dix's classic study, THE SHAPE OF THE LITURGY, in which he ostensibly examines the history of Christian worship by reviewing various liturgical approaches throughout Church history. Is the question then, "How has 'the Liturgy" been reshaped by the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements?" I hope not because that question demands a complex answer which is beyond the scope of this forum. A simpler answer may be given if one were to ask how worship has been affected by the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements.

I offer than a tentative definition of worship: True worship is faithful response to an immediate encounter with God. A response because God is gracious to initiate such encounter; immediate because worship is no mere memorial service but a realization of the shekinah Presence of God. When God's presence is made manifest, things happen! Look at Pentecost in Acts 2; look at the Pentecostals in Azuza Street. Perhaps this is why initial evidence is still such a significant concern of our Movement. How does one know whether this is that which was prophesied? The charismata manifest God's grace and God's grace is uniquely revealed in Jesus Christ.

Our liturgies must allow for this great truth. When Spirit-filled people are involved in Christ-centered liturgy, God Almighty makes Himself manifest and worship happens. We see this in Acts 13:2 when, in the midst of some Christian liturgy (NRSV translates leitourgounton as "worshipping"), the Holy Spirit spoke. What that liturgy was is unknown to us except that it involved fasting and prayer. What we do know is that those liturgical participants did not resent the Spirit's interference but rather responded in obedience.

So one may hope that this is the legacy bequeathed by the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements to the Church at large, that Christians faithfully involved in whatever liturgical form of worship will welcome the "interference" of God's Holy Spirit and be willing to respond obediently to His voice. ....