Pre-requisites

None.

Co-requisites

None.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

Unit Description

The unit commences with an examination of the relationship of the Holy Spirit within the Godhead emphasising the personhood and deity of the Holy Spirit. The activity of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament is outlined briefly followed by a deeper discussion of the Holy Spirit’s activity in the life and ministry of Christ and the early church. The role of the Holy Spirit in regeneration and sanctification is analysed.

The doctrine of baptism in the Holy Spirit, as a post regeneration experience is examined from a variety of different perspectives found within the Christian church including that of conversion-initiation. The biblical record of the early church in the book of Acts and the writings of Paul in the epistles, along with the writings of both current and historical theologians of the Spirit forms the basis for the discussion. The empowerment of the Spirit for mission is emphasised.

The nature and purpose of glossolalia is examined first biblically and then the range of views within the Christian church is outlined. Students are encouraged to develop their own understanding of glossolalia but to respect and appreciate different views and expressions of this gift.

The work of the Spirit in the individual believer is discussed with reference to the Spirit-filled life, the flesh and the Spirit, and walking in the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit are itemised and discussed and their outworking in the believer’s life is explained. The relationship between the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit is analysed. The gifts of the Spirit are detailed, particularly those of 1 Cor 12, and their nature, purpose, and operation in the life of individuals and in the church community are explained.

The biblical concept of anointing, the biblical teaching on healing, and the healing ministry of Jesus and the apostles comprises the final section of the unit.

Throughout the unit particular emphasis is placed upon students having opportunity to apply teaching regarding the Spirit to their own life and ministry. Opportunities are given for demonstration of gifts of the Spirit, empowerment by the Spirit, and prayer and contemplation. Another important aspect of the unit is the presentation of a broad range of views within the evangelical/Charismatic/Pentecostal denominations so that critical analysis with regard to the biblical teaching can occur. Appreciation of the need to analyse recent movements in the church that purport to be special outpourings of the Spirit will be facilitated.

Graduate students are also exposed to the question of how the Holy Spirit as described in the New Testament might be identified with or differentiated from concepts of spirit, Gaia, life-force, or other concepts as presented in other religions or belief systems. In the light of this, the particularities and peculiarities of Christian pneumatology will be appraised.

Teaching Strategies

Teaching strategies include: lectures and tutorials; weekend schools; class discussions; small group interaction, presentation of instructional material in the form of printed documentation, DVD, video and audio tape and on-line interaction.

Unit offerings

Face to face: (Every 2nd Year (Odd), Semester 2)
Online: (Every 2nd Year (Even), Semester 2)

Please note

The Unit Offerings listed above are a guide only and the timetable for any year is the final authority. The College may vary offerings based on demand, regulatory requirements, continual improvement processes or other conditions.

This unit may be available in different modes of delivery i.e. online and face-to-face as listed above. The unit content will not differ between these modes of delivery. There will possibly be a difference in the schedule and/or the prescribed assessment tasks, however both will cover and assess the same content.