Research Description
The material in this book formed the substance of my M.Phil. thesis presented to Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, in October 2014.
Author
Patrick Yankyera
This article is hosted on the Noyam Research Archive with permission from the author.
Date Added to the Noyam Research Archive
Friday, 25th September, 2020
The material in this book formed the substance of my M.Phil. thesis presented to Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, in October 2014. A cursory search from Christian bookstores, radio and television stations reveal that the subject of the Holy Spirit and particularly that of the gifts of the Spirit is a burning issue whenever and wherever there are topical issues in Christian circles today. The problem this study sought to investigate was the seemingly contemporary misunderstandings of the gifts of the Spirit in some Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches in Kumasi. Some Christians have become more interested in the supernatural manifestations of the gifts of the Spirit and are trooping to some Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches for deeper experiences. The objective of the study was to analyse how Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches understand and use the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. The study employed random and purposeful sampling to select one hundred (100) interviewees from selected Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches in Kumasi. The interviews were conducted with the help of four research assistants. It was found out that: lack of knowledge, selfish interest and doctrinal differences have contributed to the diverse interpretations of the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. Again, a sizeable number of the selected Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches did not understand the meaning of each of the gifts of the Spirit resulting in their misinterpretation of the text. It is recommended that the leaders of the Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches give sound biblical teachings to their congregation in order to enhance the right usage of the gifts of the Spirit in our contemporary time. The study is useful to pastors and church leaders who have distanced themselves from exercising the gifts of the Spirit in their churches because of the imbalances in relation to their usage in our contemporary times, and as a result, have simply thrown the proverbial baby away with the bath water. The study enlightens such pastors and church leaders on the right interpretation of the gifts of the Spirit so as to encourage them to use the gifts in their denominations in accordance with the right sense of scripture.
Copyright and Licenscing
© 2018 Patrick Yankyera
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