The Spirit-Filled Church: Finding Your Place in God's Purpose

by Terry Virgo

Through the history of God's people, the constant element has been the manifest presence of the Almighty. Baptism in the Holy Spirit galvanized the young church, equipping and empowering the believers for action, particularly for proclamation. This transformative experience boosted courage, fostered fluency, and granted insights to ordinary men and women--and still does today.The Spirit gives particular gifts. Terry clarifies the distinction between pastors, apostles, and prophets. Every fellowship needs a pastor, someone who can keep the flock close to the Shepherd Himself. Beyond that there is the role of the apostle, whose calling is to act as the master builder. But we are all called to be a prophetic people, able to speak God's word into the current situation, bringing direction, comfort, solutions, and action.This warm and loving description of the work of the Spirit is a delightful articulation of the passion that has driven Terry's life and ministry.

Genres: Ecclesiology, Christian Non Fiction

161 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 16, 2011

Reviews

[Phil Whittall · Rating 4 out of 5]

What should church life be like? What values and principles should be evident to any observer? How should a church be led and who by and what gifts should we be looking for?

These are the questions that Terry Virgo addresses in The Spirit-Filled Church: Finding your place in God's purpose. As the founding and father to the Newfrontiers family of churches this is a clear and accessible explanation to the way Newfrontiers has attempted to answer those questions. As a, largely, contented member and leader within that same family of churches it should be no great surprise to learn that I am in agreement with the positions taken. However even though it all seems 'obvious' to me, it was still a pleasure and a benefit to read the reasons so clearly articulated.

Terry makes the case for the baptism of the Holy Spirit and our need of it, the ongoing work of praying for the sick and other supernatural gifts; for churches committed to the teaching of and obedience to the Word of God; for churches that know and live out lives of grace, that are generous and compassionate to the poor; that love the presence and praise of Jesus and where genuine friendships are built. He also makes the case for anointed and appointed eldership that works freely and willingly with apostolic teams.

In each chapter Terry teaches, laying down his thinking through biblical examples and supplements these with personal examples. Whether you agree with Terry's workings out or his conclusions on these various subjects that can be no doubt about the warmth and affection with which Terry holds the church. The book wins you over with its gentle insistence that, 'wouldn't it be great if the church, your church, was like this?' It's written in such a way that it's hard not to find yourself saying, 'yes it would be great' or even 'it is great, isn't it!'

This is a clear presentation of a movement's vision and values; a vision of how a church and all its members can get caught up with the will of God, the ways of God and the worship of God and what a local church might look and feel like as a result. How would I use this book? Primarily I'd give to anyone who was interested in joining my church or wanted to know more about our values and if they weren't reading people then I'd use this to talk things through with them. This is a superb resource for that.

Personally I found the insights on leaders being able to confront with grace, the primacy of prayer in the life of a church and the chapters explaining grace and the baptism of the Holy Spirit to be outstanding and as such places I'd turn to again and again.

[Jeremy Utley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much of this book was incredibly refreshing. I don't always agree with his theology or emphasis, but I did feel he shed light on many important teachings about the life of the church with are largely neglected today.

[Mike Phay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Agreed with/challenged by about 70%. About 15% was not clear. Flat out disagreed with the other 15%.

[Aaron Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virgo lays out what it looks like to build the proper foundation of a Spirit-filled Church - in Christ and the Gospel, in Apostolic and Prophetic gifting, and in the exercise of the fivefold ministries of the Church. Virgo's sound teaching helped reshape and bolster much of my theology in the exercise of the gifts, as well as ecclesiology regarding the macro-structures of the Church (on a trans-local level). It's formative for vision toward doing church right, as well as for those who want to mold their proper pastoral heart into the image of Christ's pastoral heart.

This book is probably best for those in some kind of ministry office or role (whether clergy or laity), though could also be helpful for those who want to have an idea of how they might fit into God's purpose for His Spirit-empowered Church.

Also recommend along with this book: Sam Storm's Practicing The Power.

[Israel Desta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply excellent. Every christian and especially church leaders should read this book. Very balanced ans biblical perspective of how churches should be like

[Nancy Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

It had some good clarification on things often confusing about the Spirit in our lives and the church.

[Mary Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book describes how a church should function according to NT teachings. Best book on the subject I've ever read. Finally a practical and spiritual guide to the Holy Spirit and the gifts for the Church today!

[Justin Sainton]

Fantastic book. Very classic Terry.

[Ken · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is pretty good -