Missional Presence

We are learning to rely on the Holy Spirit.

By Barry Robinson, Deputy National Ministry Leader, UK and Ireland.

Over the past few years, GCI congregations in the United Kingdom and Ireland have had a renewed emphasis on mission — not as merely business to be managed but as the Spirit-empowered presence of Jesus in local communities. The New Testament frames mission not as human initiative, but as Spirit-driven witness: “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:8 NIVUK).

It has been challenging to recognise that mission does not ultimately thrive through human effort or strategy, but through reliance on the Spirit. Gordon Brown, pastor of our West Hampstead congregation, honestly acknowledges that “…none of us consciously depend on the Spirit as much as we should, but we want to learn.”

Acknowledging our lack of dependence on the Spirit and having a willingness to discover how to be more reliant on him is an important starting point. I’ve found that congregations who are effectively doing this:

• • Look to Scripture to learn how the Spirit speaks and shapes our missional approach. Bible study will shift from mere information transmission to an encounter with the heart of a missional God.
  • View prayer as the engine room of mission. Prayer is not so much the prelude to missional activity but is part of the activity itself. Taking time, whether in individual prayer or in church prayer groups, to seek God’s presence and guidance is a vital foundation of mission.
  • Have leaders who encourage members to listen sensitively for the Spirit’s prompting. They leave space for new ministry opportunities to emerge as they discern where he is leading. And then equip and empower members to be involved according to their circumstances and gifts (with a mindset of how a new ministry fits with the local church vision).
  • Meet frequently as ministry leaders and their teams for the practice of spiritual discernment. Evaluate what ministry efforts are bearing fruit and what programs have run their course. Ultimately discern what seems good to the Holy Spirit and to the leaders as adjustments are made, and new ministries emerge.

It is essential to be intentional about these things and recognise that they don’t happen overnight. As Shirley McLean, pastor of our Hemel Hempstead congregation says, “The Holy Spirit delights to see us take the first baby step in faith and gives the momentum. Locally, we have found that we need to ‘start pouring’ to discover that the cruse of oil doesn’t run out!”

As practical expressions of Spirit-led mission:

• • Our West Hampstead congregation is embedding itself in local needs by forming relationships rooted in prayer and presence. Opportunities have opened up to give regular Bible studies and to be involved in social activities in two sheltered homes for older people.
  • In Hemel Hempstead, the congregation has begun a book club discussing the book, Positively Irritating by Jon Ritner. This has helped to bond the congregation while equipping and focusing them on mission. There has also been a recognition that the Spirit moves beyond denominational lines resulting in partnering with other churches in missional activities such as prayer walks.

Learning to rely on the Holy Spirit is not without tension. We can easily fall into the trap of laying out our plans to God and asking him to bless them. But sometimes following the lead of the Spirit is to recognise that he shuts some doors and wants us to move on.

Shirley reminds us, “The Holy Spirit will not necessarily endorse our plans. Examples in Acts show how he sometimes prevented the mission ideas of the early church.” One example is where Paul was prevented “by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia” (Acts 16:6). Healthy congregations learning to rely on the Spirit need to discern his “yes” from his “no.” Discerning these moments requires humility, attentiveness to Scripture, communal prayer, and open, honest discussions among the leadership teams.

Mission is Spirit-dependent. Our missional posture and missional activity must be Spirit-inspired and Spirit-driven, and ultimately, plans with strategies and programs emerge. The Holy Spirit is not a concept to be theorised, but a presence to be relied upon. As our congregations learn this, mission becomes less about human achievement and more about participation in God’s ongoing work in the world. This shift invites the church into deeper obedience, greater unity, and a more authentic witness to Jesus in the world.