The Abuses Of Ministerial Gifts Pentecostal Churches: A Case Study Of Modern Day Churches
Abstract
This study was on The abuses of ministerial gifts Penticostal churches: a case study of modern day churches The total population for the study is 200 members of Christ Apostolic church in some selected congregation in Osun state. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. A total of 133 respondents made pastors, elders, deacons and members were used for the study. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies.
Chapter one
Introduction
1.1Background of the study
Most denominations have been slow to recognize the issue of spiritual abuse, with some still failing to do so. This has meant that little has been done to ensure any adequate safeguards or indeed training on how to recognise and address this issue.
Pentecostals are the fastest growing segment of religion in the world. While the Day of Pentecost is the official start of the church and also the spirit filled movement, it wasn’t until 125 years ago that the modern Pentecostal movement begin. The modern Pentecostal movement was a sign that we were entering the final season of the last days. It took Islam 1500 years to grow to 1 billion but the Pentecostal movement has grown to 1 billion in only 125 years.
The power of the Holy Spirit has initiated a global spiritual revival that is sweeping the world today. Among the Pentecostal distinctives is passionate worship, altar ministry, soul winning and operating in the gifts of the spirit. Most Pentecostal churches witness many healings, miracles and divine outpourings of spiritual renewal. The gifts of the spirit were given to the church to perpetuate ministry and reach every culture with the gospel of Jesus. Most of these churches have a strong worship culture, altar ministry culture and word centered pulpit.
However, among the spirit filled movement, are also those who try to operate immaturely in spiritual gifts. A prerequisite to spiritual maturity is to grow and develop the fruit of the spirit. Some of the most dangerous people in the church are those who attempt to operate in the gifts of the spirit, without first developing the fruit of the spirit. They become mean spirited, pride filled and arrogant in their attempt to use a spiritual gift. This group brings a reproach on this great movement of the Holy Spirit. True mature believers are full of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self control. (Galatians 5:22 NKJVS)
Immaturity simply means “underdeveloped.” It doesn’t mean irresponsible, just under developed. There are many good people who have been filled with the Holy Spirit but never developed spiritually in order to properly use their spiritual gift. Immature spiritual people treat ministry like a “talent show.” Mature believers always want Jesus to be center stage. Immature spiritual people want to be seen, while the mature believer understands the difference in the public spiritual gifts and private spiritual gifts. All spiritual gifts are not always appropriate in a worship service. The edification gifts are only appropriate if the “body” can be edified. Immature spiritual believers make the spiritual gift about themself and many times do not understand how to flow in a corporate anointing. The corporate worship service is for corporate gifts that edify the entire body of Christ, unless they are ministering one-on-one in the altars. All of the gifts are necessary and appropriate, but some are used best in a small gathering of believers, in order to be effective (https://churchtrainer.com)
Finally, every person operating in a spiritual gift should be accountable to the church. There are “pirates” who come through churches to loot. They have no accountability, no covering and take no responsibility for their “words.” The gifts of the spirit were disbursed in the Body of Christ to bring unity and create interdependence. The gifts were given to the entire body of Christ, not just to ministers and apostles. For this reason, we should not ask only the ministers to do the altar ministry. People who have the gift of healing, should pray for healing. People who have the discerning of spirits should be used in questionable circumstances. Churches need to give priority to identifying spiritual gifts and placing the appropriate people in the key roles where these gifts are needed. Depending only on paid staff to ministry does not always allow the gifts of the spirit to be maximized. Many pastors are great preachers and equippers, but may not operate in all of the gifts of the spirit, therefore the body of Christ must be developed.
Statement of the problem
The concept of ‘spiritual abuse’ is in the preliminary stages of being understood and recognized as a significant form of abuse that can cause lasting damage to victims, particularly in relation to their sense of identity, wellbeing and mental health. For many years, this has been regarded by the government as an ‘internal’ affair for religious organizations, who have been left to self-regulate their own practices. However, there is now growing concern that this is ineffective in ensuring that appropriate safeguarding measures are in place to protect vulnerable adults and children.
Objective of the study
The objectives of the study are;
- To ascertain what causes the abuse of ministerial gift in Pentecostal churches
- To ascertain the effect of abuse of ministerial gift and God relationship
- To ascertain whether only Pentecostal churches abuse ministerial gift
Research hypotheses
For the successful completion of the study, the following research hypotheses were formulated by the researcher;
H0: There is no causes of abuse of ministerial gift in Pentecostal churches.
H1: There is causes of abuse of ministerial gift in Pentecostal churches.
H02: Not only Pentecostal churches abuse ministerial gift.
H2: Only Pentecostal churches abuse ministerial gift.
Significance of the study
The study will be very significant to students and churches. The study will give a clear insight on the abuses of ministerial gifts Pentecostal churches: a case study of modern day churches. The study clarifies the causes of abuse of ministerial gift in churches. The study will also serve as a reference to other researcher that will embark on the related topic
Scope and limitation of the study
The scope of the study covers the abuses of ministerial gifts Pentecostal churches: a case study of modern day churches. The researcher encounters some constrain which limited the scope of the study;
- a) AVAILABILITY OF RESEARCH MATERIAL: The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study
- b) TIME: The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study.
1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS
Pentecostal: Pentecostalism is a form of Christianity that emphasises the work of the Holy Spirit and the direct experience of the presence of God by the believer. Pentecostals believe that faith must be powerfully experiential, and not something found merely through ritual or thinking. Pentecostalism is energetic and dynamic.
Ministerial gift: the ministerial gift, which God of grace giveth, makes a minister
Do you need help? Talk to us right now: (+234) 08060082010, 08107932631 (Call/WhatsApp). Email: [email protected].IF YOU CAN'T FIND YOUR TOPIC, CLICK HERE TO HIRE A WRITER»
