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Poured Out: The Spirit of God Empowering the Mission of God
The Holy Spirit Cannot Be Contained After centuries of neglect, there is a renewed interest in the Holy Spirit. Many are beginning to realize that the Spirit is not a junior member of the Trinity, tame and shy. Poured Out explains why the church limited the Spirit for so long and how you can come to know the Spirit better and more fully. To become fruitful again to move beyond apathy, defeat, and despair you need to discover a deeper experience of life with God. A key in this recovery is the realization that the Spirit is God's primary missionary who can empower and guide you in God's work in today's world.
- GenresTheologyChristianity
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2018
29 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 27, 2018
Exceptional insight into how the neglected Holy Spirit is the driver of mission. Must read.
April 26, 2021
I looked at tons of places, trying to find a good book on the topic of the Holy Spirit - only to nearly always be frustrated. It seemed, and maybe this was the point, that the topic of the Spirit resisted institutionalizing, resisted being contained in a book.
This came recommended by a pastor and author friend, Mandy Smith, and was a breath of fresh air. Rather than limit the Holy Spirit based on theological or denominations practices, Allen sets forth ways in which we can be more aligned or attuned to the Spirit, and makes a strong case for why we should want that.
It’s a call to help the church move forward in uncertain times, but also to see that we aren’t alone as we do that. The book was encouraging and enlightening and an engaging read.
This came recommended by a pastor and author friend, Mandy Smith, and was a breath of fresh air. Rather than limit the Holy Spirit based on theological or denominations practices, Allen sets forth ways in which we can be more aligned or attuned to the Spirit, and makes a strong case for why we should want that.
It’s a call to help the church move forward in uncertain times, but also to see that we aren’t alone as we do that. The book was encouraging and enlightening and an engaging read.
May 26, 2018
I have enjoyed and benefited from every book I've read written by Leonard Allen. Poured Out is no exception. It is well researched and thoughtfully presented. Allen focuses attention on the mission of the Holy Spirit which is to work in conjunction with the mission of Christ. Less attention is given to the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of individual believers and more to the Spirit's work to empower and equip the body of Christ on earth, the church, to accomplish the work of Christ on earth.
June 11, 2019
A good introductory pneumatology book. The anticipated audience of this book is those in the church of Christ, who, historically, has had a limited view of the work of the Holy Spirit. Allen seeks to challenge that, and does it well.
June 29, 2018
The Stone-Campbell Movement was born out of the Enlightenment. In it's origins it was both biblicist and rationalist, leaving little room for the Holy Spirit to work. For Alexander Campbell and many of his followers, the Holy Spirit was enshrined in the pages of the New Testament. This was the perfect that made the active work of the Spirit to a close. Fortunately, in recent years that has begun to change. Across the movement, whether in the Churches of Christ, the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ, and the Disciples efforts have been made to speak of the Spirit's work. While Fred Thompson's book on the Holy Spirit was deemed too controversial both inside and outside the movement, it's publication led to further conversations. As a Disciple, I have written my own book on the Spirit -- Unfettered Spirit: Spiritual Gifts for the New Great Awakening -- and now Leonard Allen, from the Churches of Christ, adds another layer to the story.
In the preface to the book Leonard Allen, who is Dean of the College of Bible and Ministry at David Lipscomb University, notes that the book has its origins in two lectures given at Rochester College in 2015. I was there and participated in the conference. I appreciated what he had to say and engaged him in conversation about the Spirit and our movement, though we are participants in two different branches of the Movement. I am glad that he followed up on those lectures and produced the book that emerged.
I should note at the outset that while deeply rooted in scholarship, this is a very accessible book that should merit close reading by pastors and interested laypersons (I use these terms loosely as clergy/laity distinctions are not as prevalent in the Churches of Christ as they might be in the Disciples). In his preface he speaks of four elements that mark the book. First, he wants to make clear that "the Holy Spirit is not a junior member of the Trinity." This is important to note because our Movement has shown a strong ambivalence toward the Trinity. His chapter on the Trinity is brief but thorough, and by itself is very helpful. The second area of focus is his belief tha the "Holy Spirit is the power of God's inbreaking reign or kingdom." There is a chapter on the Spirit and the Kingdom, but the chapter on mission, which closes the book is also an expression of this belief. The third point is one that parallels my own work, in that he emphasizes that the Spirit is not tame. The Spirit is not the "'shy member'" of the Trinity. Finally, he emphasizes the role of the Spirit as the "giver of life." We see this expressed in chapters titled "Soaring," which explore the role of the Spirit in empowering believers, while in the chapter titled "Groaning," he notes the role that the Spirit plays in moments of suffering and difficulty.
I greatly appreciate this book, because it reminds us that the Spirit is the initiator of mission. It is a call to our common Movement to pay attention to the Spirit as it enages in mission, and to do so in a way that is reflective of a Trinitarian theology. As a Trinitarian myself, I am in agreement that the Spirit gets lost when we do not speak of God in Trinitarian terms. True to the Movement, Allen makes sure that he grounds this Trinitarian vision in the New Testament. He writes that "the explicit doctrine of the Trinity that gradually emerged in the first four centuries was not simply a philosophical construct imposed back upon Scripture but rather a result of the necessary work of filling out the New Testament's pervasive triadic language about God as the gospel mission engaged Greco-Roman culture" (p. 63).
When it comes to mission, Allen recognizes that there is a place for traditional cross-cultural missions, in which missionaries are sent out, but he also knows that what were mission-sending countries are now mission receiving nations. With that in mind, it is important that we understand the work of the spirit in a missional sense. That is, we are all participants in God's mission. That is "wherever we are, we bear witness to the forgiving, healing, freeing, and justice-bringing power of the Gospel" (p. 179). That is a vision I think Disciples, who are considered more liberal can embrace, and it parallels, I believe, my own work on the Spirit.
Again, having been present at the inception of this book, I am thankful for its publication. I believe it has much to offer members of the Stone-Campbell Movement, but also far beyond. Thus, I highly recommend it to all who would desire to consider what the Spirit is doing in our midst!
In the preface to the book Leonard Allen, who is Dean of the College of Bible and Ministry at David Lipscomb University, notes that the book has its origins in two lectures given at Rochester College in 2015. I was there and participated in the conference. I appreciated what he had to say and engaged him in conversation about the Spirit and our movement, though we are participants in two different branches of the Movement. I am glad that he followed up on those lectures and produced the book that emerged.
I should note at the outset that while deeply rooted in scholarship, this is a very accessible book that should merit close reading by pastors and interested laypersons (I use these terms loosely as clergy/laity distinctions are not as prevalent in the Churches of Christ as they might be in the Disciples). In his preface he speaks of four elements that mark the book. First, he wants to make clear that "the Holy Spirit is not a junior member of the Trinity." This is important to note because our Movement has shown a strong ambivalence toward the Trinity. His chapter on the Trinity is brief but thorough, and by itself is very helpful. The second area of focus is his belief tha the "Holy Spirit is the power of God's inbreaking reign or kingdom." There is a chapter on the Spirit and the Kingdom, but the chapter on mission, which closes the book is also an expression of this belief. The third point is one that parallels my own work, in that he emphasizes that the Spirit is not tame. The Spirit is not the "'shy member'" of the Trinity. Finally, he emphasizes the role of the Spirit as the "giver of life." We see this expressed in chapters titled "Soaring," which explore the role of the Spirit in empowering believers, while in the chapter titled "Groaning," he notes the role that the Spirit plays in moments of suffering and difficulty.
I greatly appreciate this book, because it reminds us that the Spirit is the initiator of mission. It is a call to our common Movement to pay attention to the Spirit as it enages in mission, and to do so in a way that is reflective of a Trinitarian theology. As a Trinitarian myself, I am in agreement that the Spirit gets lost when we do not speak of God in Trinitarian terms. True to the Movement, Allen makes sure that he grounds this Trinitarian vision in the New Testament. He writes that "the explicit doctrine of the Trinity that gradually emerged in the first four centuries was not simply a philosophical construct imposed back upon Scripture but rather a result of the necessary work of filling out the New Testament's pervasive triadic language about God as the gospel mission engaged Greco-Roman culture" (p. 63).
When it comes to mission, Allen recognizes that there is a place for traditional cross-cultural missions, in which missionaries are sent out, but he also knows that what were mission-sending countries are now mission receiving nations. With that in mind, it is important that we understand the work of the spirit in a missional sense. That is, we are all participants in God's mission. That is "wherever we are, we bear witness to the forgiving, healing, freeing, and justice-bringing power of the Gospel" (p. 179). That is a vision I think Disciples, who are considered more liberal can embrace, and it parallels, I believe, my own work on the Spirit.
Again, having been present at the inception of this book, I am thankful for its publication. I believe it has much to offer members of the Stone-Campbell Movement, but also far beyond. Thus, I highly recommend it to all who would desire to consider what the Spirit is doing in our midst!
April 14, 2025
A tremendous, powerful book about the Holy Spirit and how this Spirit empowers the church for God's mission into this world. Allen spends a few chapters at the beginning speaking about the need for a better language concerning the Holy Spirit, which seems shocking to those who may be familiar with the Scriptural language of the Holy Spirit, but may well seem necessary for those of us in the Restoration movement (and other groups) who seem to have pushed away the power of that Spirit for various reasons. The author then gets very deep into the Scriptures regarding the work of the Spirit in aspects such as church mission, the Kingdom of God, spiritual formation, and the like, not that such aspects are separated out but that the reader may be able to discern so many of the different things that the Spirit is accomplishing. Be warned that these chapters may require some heavy lifting and contemplation; don't be in rush to get through these! But reward will come for those who desire to chew on things that some have feard and suppressed.
June 2, 2020
I really think a lot of Leonard Allen and his work. I particularly enjoy his writing on the history of the Churches of the Christ and the Restoration Movement. In this work, he tackles the Holy Spirit and (not surprisingly) my favorite chapters were early on where he covered the various ways different traditions have approached/interpreted the Holy Spirit throughout history. I also liked his emphasis on the "empowering" nature of the Holy Spirit. Overall, a good read for someone wanting to know what the Bible says about the Spirit. There are a ton of Scripture references in the book and I'll likely end up referencing a work like this the next time I preach on the Spirit.
April 20, 2019
Prophet Allen, thank you!
My mother gave me The Holy Spirit by Leo Boles in the 70s after she became concerned about something I said about His Spirit. That was my source book until Poured Out appeared in the advertisement for Lipscomb’s Celebration. I have read once and will study diligently until I am able to let His Spirit have full control.
My mother gave me The Holy Spirit by Leo Boles in the 70s after she became concerned about something I said about His Spirit. That was my source book until Poured Out appeared in the advertisement for Lipscomb’s Celebration. I have read once and will study diligently until I am able to let His Spirit have full control.
July 24, 2018
In typical Leonard Allen style, the author explores the neglect of the Holy Spirit from a historical perspective with solid theological and biblical correctives. Of particular significance is the connection of the Spirit and the mission of God. Highly recommended!
January 23, 2020
Excellent
A great study of the Holy Spirit. A bit academic in places which prompted to think, “I’ve got the point,” but, on the whole, Allen clearly documents his message and teaches some very important things that I needed to hear.
A great study of the Holy Spirit. A bit academic in places which prompted to think, “I’ve got the point,” but, on the whole, Allen clearly documents his message and teaches some very important things that I needed to hear.
May 28, 2018
"Finally a book on the Holy Spirit that combines biblical, theological, and historical scholarship with confessional storytelling and yearning for fellowship with the Trinity.” —Greg Taylor
July 2, 2019
This is an excellent scholarly work with an important personal afterword.
It is now considered the best and most important work done on the topic in the history of the Restoration Movement.
It is now considered the best and most important work done on the topic in the history of the Restoration Movement.
January 28, 2021
A great read. I was able to complete once I started reading it. I was most interested because the focus is the Third Person of the Trinity, not a junior partner was the focus of it.
October 19, 2022
This is a very good introduction to the doctrine of the Holy Spirit for our postmodern context. Could be used for a church study group.
March 5, 2023
Excellent book. It encouraged, challenged, and convicted me. It is worth the read.
May 18, 2025
There is a lot of unease these days regarding the Holy Spirit. Some faith traditions seem to act as if the Holy Spirit has not been doing a whole lot since the end of the first century. Other faith traditions seem to be almost entirely and only about the Holy Spirit.
Leonard Allen came out of a tradition resembling the former, and his exploration into the nature and work of the Spirit is manifest in Poured Out: The Spirit of God Empowering the Mission of God.
The author began by considering what happened to the Spirit and compared and contrasted the many traditions regarding the faith and the Spirit. He goes beyond the rationalist/Pentecostal contrast to also consider institutional or “Christendom” and the more radical traditions as well. He then considered the Trinitarian nature of God and the Spirit within the Trinity. He then considered the Spirit’s involvement and work in the Kingdom and the metaphors involved therein, the mission and work of God and the Spirit’s role within it, and how the Spirit is active in forming Christians as disciples. He spoke of how the Spirit is at work in glorifying God and refreshing Christians for mission, yet also how the Spirit strengthens in spite of the groaning and corruption within the creation. He concluded with words regarding going out on mission and living in the mission of God according to the Spirit.
The author is certainly reacting to his raising, but it would be challenging to argue he has become a Pentecostal or has gone to the other extreme. This is a great resource to consider in terms of coming to a more balanced understanding of the Spirit and His work.
Leonard Allen came out of a tradition resembling the former, and his exploration into the nature and work of the Spirit is manifest in Poured Out: The Spirit of God Empowering the Mission of God.
The author began by considering what happened to the Spirit and compared and contrasted the many traditions regarding the faith and the Spirit. He goes beyond the rationalist/Pentecostal contrast to also consider institutional or “Christendom” and the more radical traditions as well. He then considered the Trinitarian nature of God and the Spirit within the Trinity. He then considered the Spirit’s involvement and work in the Kingdom and the metaphors involved therein, the mission and work of God and the Spirit’s role within it, and how the Spirit is active in forming Christians as disciples. He spoke of how the Spirit is at work in glorifying God and refreshing Christians for mission, yet also how the Spirit strengthens in spite of the groaning and corruption within the creation. He concluded with words regarding going out on mission and living in the mission of God according to the Spirit.
The author is certainly reacting to his raising, but it would be challenging to argue he has become a Pentecostal or has gone to the other extreme. This is a great resource to consider in terms of coming to a more balanced understanding of the Spirit and His work.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews