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When the Spirit Comes with Power: Signs and Wonders Among God's People
John White has extensively interviewed many people, including those from John Wimber's Vineyard Christian Fellowship. His years of work as a psychiatrist and as a missionary in the Third World qualify him in a special way to analyze the experiences described in this book. In addition he has thoroughly studied revivals of the past, highlighting the differences and the similarities to what is happening today. As always, John White remains thoroughly biblical as he handles many controversial topics. The result is a book full of pracitcal wisdom and remarkable insight with conclusions that are fresh and surprising.
251 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1988
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About the author
John White
68 books48 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
John White was an Evangelical Christian author, an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Manitoba and a pastor of Church of the Way.
John White was an Evangelical Christian author, an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Manitoba and a pastor of Church of the Way.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 28, 2009
A thorough review, in an undramatic and unemotional way, of the many evidences of 'signs and wonders' in the worldwide church in the 1980s. Well written, with Scriptural reference where necessary, and a generally balanced viewpoint from a psychiatrist who was initially pretty skeptical.
A bit long-winded in places, and a bit too much emphasis on a supposed worldwide revival that that the author expected in the wake of the Vineyard movement, but still an interesting read for anyone wanting to know more about what is behind the often bizarre meetings that took place in this era.
A bit long-winded in places, and a bit too much emphasis on a supposed worldwide revival that that the author expected in the wake of the Vineyard movement, but still an interesting read for anyone wanting to know more about what is behind the often bizarre meetings that took place in this era.
April 19, 2014
Well-balanced material. I enjoyed getting the author's perspective, especially since he comes from the world of psychology.
March 31, 2022
Ok, the weird stuff. Every revival movement is characterized by some weird stuff that are often called "manifestations". Pastors and leaders, PAY ATTENTION.
John White approached this topic of spiritual experiences in revival as a Psychiatrist who was experiencing spiritual renewal in his own personal life. So, the way he writes is as one with keen interest in the "truth" of the matter but with a background in observing and diagnosing the weird stuff people do. THIS IS SO HELPFUL! As a leader in the body of Christ, I don't want to advance the appearance of God's nearness, I want to posture my heart and our community to be open to God's presence in all of its forms so that when it comes I am not the one to quench the work he is doing. The way John talks about these issues looking into the historical record of former revival is simply essential for those crying out to God for an outpouring of his power and presence.
He observes 8 different categories of manifestations in the historical record:
1) Terror and "Numinous" (Dr. Rudolf Otto) Fear
2) Grief and mourning (tears, wailing, sobs, weeping, sorrow over sin)
3) Joy Unspeakable (hearts leap, laughter, often with tears)
4) Trembling and shaking (energy coursing through the body, pulsating energy)
5) Falling (slain in the spirit, Rev 1:17, John 18:6, Daniel 10:9).
6) Visions (not all visions are good, but many are)
7) Demonic manifestations (can look like good manifestations but are accompanied by vulgarities, obscenities, rage, defiance, hostility, difference in voice)
8) Drunk in the Spirit (never noisy or obstreperous, Eph 5:18, Acts 2)
So, I know you can imagine that if this happens in your gathering, things can get weird and out of control. Therefore, you really want to read this book so you know how to ride that wave and shepherd times of divine visitation. people react funny to his power, and there is nothing you can do to control it. Of course, you never want to encourage these things, but simply understand them when they come according to White.
His book is split in three.
1) the strange manifestations, looking at scripture and history for the evidence as well as the negative reactions that accompany. (part 1 is 10 chapters, the longest part and most helpful generally speaking)
2) Case studies: mostly about the John Wimber and the vineyard movement (really helpful insights, 5 chapters)
3) Part three is really just a chapter, but it's the call to action with a helpful pneumatology to undergird his point.
This book has been the most helpful to me regarding the understanding of the emotional manifestations humans have. Probably in my top 5 revival books.
John White approached this topic of spiritual experiences in revival as a Psychiatrist who was experiencing spiritual renewal in his own personal life. So, the way he writes is as one with keen interest in the "truth" of the matter but with a background in observing and diagnosing the weird stuff people do. THIS IS SO HELPFUL! As a leader in the body of Christ, I don't want to advance the appearance of God's nearness, I want to posture my heart and our community to be open to God's presence in all of its forms so that when it comes I am not the one to quench the work he is doing. The way John talks about these issues looking into the historical record of former revival is simply essential for those crying out to God for an outpouring of his power and presence.
He observes 8 different categories of manifestations in the historical record:
1) Terror and "Numinous" (Dr. Rudolf Otto) Fear
2) Grief and mourning (tears, wailing, sobs, weeping, sorrow over sin)
3) Joy Unspeakable (hearts leap, laughter, often with tears)
4) Trembling and shaking (energy coursing through the body, pulsating energy)
5) Falling (slain in the spirit, Rev 1:17, John 18:6, Daniel 10:9).
6) Visions (not all visions are good, but many are)
7) Demonic manifestations (can look like good manifestations but are accompanied by vulgarities, obscenities, rage, defiance, hostility, difference in voice)
8) Drunk in the Spirit (never noisy or obstreperous, Eph 5:18, Acts 2)
So, I know you can imagine that if this happens in your gathering, things can get weird and out of control. Therefore, you really want to read this book so you know how to ride that wave and shepherd times of divine visitation. people react funny to his power, and there is nothing you can do to control it. Of course, you never want to encourage these things, but simply understand them when they come according to White.
His book is split in three.
1) the strange manifestations, looking at scripture and history for the evidence as well as the negative reactions that accompany. (part 1 is 10 chapters, the longest part and most helpful generally speaking)
2) Case studies: mostly about the John Wimber and the vineyard movement (really helpful insights, 5 chapters)
3) Part three is really just a chapter, but it's the call to action with a helpful pneumatology to undergird his point.
This book has been the most helpful to me regarding the understanding of the emotional manifestations humans have. Probably in my top 5 revival books.
September 9, 2024
5 stars ~ masterpiece
This book changed my life. Just wow. A reasonable AND biblical book on spiritual gifts? A book that doesn't lean into emotionalism OR legalism? John White has all the qualifications needed to write this book; a devoted Christian, psychologist, and someone who's been involved in revivals. This book is a masterpiece.
This book changed my life. Just wow. A reasonable AND biblical book on spiritual gifts? A book that doesn't lean into emotionalism OR legalism? John White has all the qualifications needed to write this book; a devoted Christian, psychologist, and someone who's been involved in revivals. This book is a masterpiece.
January 5, 2025
Tanto como a opinião de um psicólogo sobre o mover de Deus, quanto como uma análise do período em que o mesmo acompanhou o movimento vineyard e o ministério de John Wimber, esse livro é essencial para compreender esse estágio do século 20 e o plano eterno de Deus.
September 20, 2017
Thoughtful, positive review of the time and the spiritual experiences associated with John Wimber. Really a must read for those who simply want another 'hit' of the Holy Spirit, without thinking.
February 5, 2024
This book more or less represents my own views on the neo-Pentecostal phenomena. Solid, balanced, and accessible.
September 26, 2014
Skeptics often claim that people who speak in tongues or fall under the power of God or exhibit odd behaviors in church must be crazy or demonstrating excessive amounts of emotion that would best be kept from public view. Others dismiss any expression that makes them uncomfortable as being "not of God" or "too chaotic to come from a God of order," or just "fleshly."
In this book, Dr. John White examines some of these things as well as some of the bizarre behavior seen in the Charismatic movement. He also looks at some of characteristics of past revivals and tackles such subjects as -
Should we fear emotions?
Are Revival Experiences Psychological?
Why Do Revival experiences differ so much?
How Safe is Spiritual Power?
What I especially enjoyed was that the author presented his views from the mindset of both a well studied Christian and an experienced, professional Psychologist.
In this book, Dr. John White examines some of these things as well as some of the bizarre behavior seen in the Charismatic movement. He also looks at some of characteristics of past revivals and tackles such subjects as -
Should we fear emotions?
Are Revival Experiences Psychological?
Why Do Revival experiences differ so much?
How Safe is Spiritual Power?
What I especially enjoyed was that the author presented his views from the mindset of both a well studied Christian and an experienced, professional Psychologist.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews