A Convergence Pentecost Service

The following service features the use of traditional patterns and texts for Pentecost worship but provides freedom for spontaneous expressions of praise and worship and for charismatic expression of the power of God's Spirit.

Pentecost Sunday is the birthday of the church, as the Holy Spirit was poured out with his gifts and ministries upon those in the Upper Room. Next to Easter, this should be one of the most exciting days in the life of the body. The major emphasis is the power of the Holy Spirit, sent forth to produce holy living and anointed ministry. This day can also be used as a time to publicly identify those who sense a call to Christian service. The red theme for paraments, frontals, and vestments gives a sense of power and joy. Accents in gold and other bright colors add to the display. Banners and hangings with appropriate symbols, such as the descending dove and the tongues of fire, are especially good for this festival. Displays may even be set up around the church showing the various ministries the church is involved in. These could be placed in a fellowship hall where a common meal may be shared following the service. This is a day when you pull out all the stops. Banners, dancers, singers, and special music should all be coordinated in a major celebration of our life and purposes as the church of Jesus Christ. Adapt the service below to local usage and style. ACTS OF ENTRANCE Personal Preparation Commentary: Just as the disciples waited in the Upper Room, the people should come into a quiet sanctuary and wait upon the Holy Spirit. This is a good time all worshipers to reexamine their calling before the Lord, asking themselves searching questions. Opening Sentences Commentary: From the back of the sanctuary, the minister begins the service with these opening words: Thanks be to God, who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Processional Commentary: The processional should be a large one, with a crucifer, banner carriers, dancers, singers, ministers, etc. The music, upbeat and victorious, should start immediately after the opening sentences. Acts of Praise and Worship Commentary: The hymns and choruses can especially focus around the power and fruit of the Holy Spirit. In addition, the use of litanies, responses, directed readings, etc., can be interspersed. The gifts of the Holy Spirit should be formally invited to come forth during worship. MINISTRY OF THE WORD Commentary: In addition to the readings, a drama, special song, or other special form of presentation could be used to further celebrate the day of Pentecost. Collect O God, who on this day stirred the hearts of your faithful people by pouring upon them the gift of your Holy Spirit: grant us by the same Spirit that we might manifest the holy fruit of his life, and build up the church by his holy gifts of power through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. Readings First Lesson: Joel 2:28–32 or Acts 2:1–11 Responsive Reading: Chrysostom Litany or Psalm 104:25–35 or 33:12–15, 18–22 Second Lesson: Acts 2:1–11 or 1 Corinthians 12:4–13 Gospel Reading: John 7:37–39 or 14:8–17 or 20:19–23 Message Commentary: Since the power of Pentecost resides in each believer through the Holy Spirit, the preaching of Pentecost can be a benchmark for the church year. The power of the Spirit is a necessity for the church, not an option. The message should be followed with an opportunity to yield and allow the Holy Spirit to be released in a person's life. Invitation for the Release of the Holy Spirit Commentary: At the end of the message, an invitation can be given for people who desire to have a releasing of the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Some call this santification, others call this the baptism in the Holy Spirit. This call can go out to those who have never allowed the Holy Spirit to take control or for those who have quenched the Spirit. The purpose is twofold: power for holy living and the release of gifts for ministry to the body of Christ. Ministry teams may need to be available to pray with people. A second call could be given for those who sense a call to full-time Christian service, setting them apart by prayer and public confession to pursue the possibilities of a life in vocational ministry. Prayer Commentary: O God, you have called to all the peoples of the earth through your Son Jesus Christ, sending him to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations together as one flock; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; build your church in this world; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Prayers of the People Commentary: Today's prayer can focus on the church's mission to reach their city. A large map could be placed on a table in the front of the sanctuary. During prayer time, representatives from the different sections of the community could be seated around the table, laying their hands on their particular part of town. This time of prayer invites the Holy Spirit to stir up our gifts and ministries for spiritual warfare and outreach to the harvest field where we have been placed. MINISTRY OF THE TABLE Offertory Commentary: Pentecost Sunday can be a day of special giving for church extension. The burden could be to expand the ministries of the local church, to assist in the planting of a new work, or to take an offering for church planting in general. Great Thanksgiving Commentary: Communion on Pentecost Sunday should reflect the great joy of the church in receiving the Holy Spirit. While Communion is being administered, sing songs of the Holy Spirit and of the power of the Spirit. Administer the laying on of hands with the anointing of oil. Prayer after Communion Heavenly Father, we thank you for satisfying the hunger in our hearts through giving us the Bread of heaven. In sharing in this holy meal, may we remember his death and passion. Through your Holy Spirit, use these elements of bread and wine to strengthen us with grace and mercy that we may live a life of purity and power. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ACTS OF DISMISSAL Blessing/Benediction Leader: Now to him who is able to do exceedingly and abundantly beyond what we ask or think, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Jesus Christ throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen. Go forth to proclaim the gospel of the Lord in the power of the Holy Spirit! People: Thanks be to God! Anointing of Believers Commentary: The people leave the sanctuary with a song of commissioning being sung by the worship team and the congregation. The people can either be dismissed by rows or just leave slowly. The ministers are standing at the door and anointing each one with oil, making the sign of the cross on their foreheads. This symbolizes the unction of the Holy Spirit upon them as they leave to serve.