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Hearing Godâs Voice: Towards a Theology of Contemporary Pentecostal Revelatory Experience
Series: - Global Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies, Volume: 47
Author:
The revelatory experience or in common parlance, âhearing Godâs voice,â is prized by Pentecostal-Charismatic Christians for its contribution to spirituality, yet remains one of the most problematic areas of church life. Theological tensions and pastoral fallout have plagued the experience since the time of the New Testament.
Drawing on the tools of practical theology, this book presents the findings of a unique and ground-breaking study among Australian Pentecostals. With a theological framework modelled on New Testament practice and undergirded by the accountability of the local church, many of the problems associated with revelatory experience can be addressed and the experience fully harnessed for kingdom purpose.
Drawing on the tools of practical theology, this book presents the findings of a unique and ground-breaking study among Australian Pentecostals. With a theological framework modelled on New Testament practice and undergirded by the accountability of the local church, many of the problems associated with revelatory experience can be addressed and the experience fully harnessed for kingdom purpose.
Tania M. Harris, Ph.D. (2020) Alphacrucis College, is the founding director of God Conversations, a global ministry that equips people to recognise and respond to Godâs voice. She consults with and trains ministers in Spirit-led discipleship and is an ordained minister with the Australian Christian Churches.
In Hearing Godâs Voice Tania Harris joins biblical, epistemological, sociological, and theological perspectives on the human experience of hearing God speak and tests the ideas with a case study on the ordinary theology of revelatory experiences in different Australian Pentecostal churches. The result is not only one of the first Pentecostal proposals on the understanding of revelation but a passionately argued and praxis-oriented guide for hearing, recognizing, and responding to the experience culminating with a call for developing more sustainable communities attuned to hearing the voice of God today. - Wolfgang Vondey, Professor of Christian Theology and Pentecostal Studies, University of Birmingham, UK
Tania Harris addresses a surprisingly neglected area of practical theology in the pentecostal tradition: revelatory experience. Considering Pentecostals prioritize encounter with God, especially hearing Godâs voice, this theoretical and applied exploration is much needed for the global church today. Based on her fieldwork among Australian pentecostal churches, Harris provides practicable solutions for local church leaders seeking to facilitate the prophetic voice of God in their communities. This book will be of great interest to pastors, students and professors alike. - Jacqueline N. Grey, Professor of Biblical Studies, Alphacrucis University College, Australia
Many Christians are profoundly suspicious of others telling them âGod saidâ¦..â, and often with good reason. But Tania Harris is a passionate follower of Jesus whose life has been inspired by such encounters with God. In this book, you will find a practical and profoundly theological discussion of what it means to âhear Godâs voiceâ and how this should be outworked in life and local churches. You will be impressed with the study of how three Australian churches have managed this tricky area, as well as challenged by the theological discussion and sometimes surprising conclusions Tania has come to. - Jon K. Newton, Associate Professor of New Testament and Pentecostalism, Alphacrucis University College, Australia
Tania Harris richly defends the bold claim that God speaks today to ordinary Christians in a way that is personal and unmediated, just as God did in the narrative of scripture. Without denying the need for scripturally-informed discernment, she convincingly overturns theological assumptions that limit revelatory experiences to that which is mediated through scripture or prophetic ministry. Anyone interested in ecclesiology or practical ministry will benefit greatly from her penetrating insights. I found her book to be a compelling read from beginning to end. - Frank D. Macchia, Professor of Systematic Theology, Vanguard University
âHearing Godâs voice,â is a regular part of Pentecostal and charismatic testimony. Tania Harris has taken this problematic experience seriously, and by employing the methodology of empiric and constructive theology has provided the Christian community with a well-researched explanation of why such a religious phenomenon is important, and even more significantly how to properly discern the voice of God. Such an important and noteworthy work is a timely contribution to the ongoing understanding and further development of pentecostal-charismatic theology and spirituality. - Kenneth J. Archer, Professor of Theology and Pentecostal Studies, School of Divinity, Barnett College of Ministry & Theology, Southeastern University, Lakeland, FL, USA
Tania Harris addresses a surprisingly neglected area of practical theology in the pentecostal tradition: revelatory experience. Considering Pentecostals prioritize encounter with God, especially hearing Godâs voice, this theoretical and applied exploration is much needed for the global church today. Based on her fieldwork among Australian pentecostal churches, Harris provides practicable solutions for local church leaders seeking to facilitate the prophetic voice of God in their communities. This book will be of great interest to pastors, students and professors alike. - Jacqueline N. Grey, Professor of Biblical Studies, Alphacrucis University College, Australia
Many Christians are profoundly suspicious of others telling them âGod saidâ¦..â, and often with good reason. But Tania Harris is a passionate follower of Jesus whose life has been inspired by such encounters with God. In this book, you will find a practical and profoundly theological discussion of what it means to âhear Godâs voiceâ and how this should be outworked in life and local churches. You will be impressed with the study of how three Australian churches have managed this tricky area, as well as challenged by the theological discussion and sometimes surprising conclusions Tania has come to. - Jon K. Newton, Associate Professor of New Testament and Pentecostalism, Alphacrucis University College, Australia
Tania Harris richly defends the bold claim that God speaks today to ordinary Christians in a way that is personal and unmediated, just as God did in the narrative of scripture. Without denying the need for scripturally-informed discernment, she convincingly overturns theological assumptions that limit revelatory experiences to that which is mediated through scripture or prophetic ministry. Anyone interested in ecclesiology or practical ministry will benefit greatly from her penetrating insights. I found her book to be a compelling read from beginning to end. - Frank D. Macchia, Professor of Systematic Theology, Vanguard University
âHearing Godâs voice,â is a regular part of Pentecostal and charismatic testimony. Tania Harris has taken this problematic experience seriously, and by employing the methodology of empiric and constructive theology has provided the Christian community with a well-researched explanation of why such a religious phenomenon is important, and even more significantly how to properly discern the voice of God. Such an important and noteworthy work is a timely contribution to the ongoing understanding and further development of pentecostal-charismatic theology and spirituality. - Kenneth J. Archer, Professor of Theology and Pentecostal Studies, School of Divinity, Barnett College of Ministry & Theology, Southeastern University, Lakeland, FL, USA
Acknowledgements
Author's Note
List of Figures
Part 1
Introduction to the Revelatory Experience
1âGod Speaks Back: Hearing Godâs Voice in the Pentecostal Tradition
1âWhat Do Pentecostals Mean by Hearing Godâs Voice?
1.1âExperiential, Extrabiblical, Unmediated and âHigh-Levelâ Revelation
1.2âPhenomenological Equivalency with the Biblical Experience
1.3âUniversal Accessibility Distinct from Specialist Gift of Prophecy
2âThe Ministry Impact of Contemporary Pentecostal Revelatory Experience
2.1âMinistry Outcomes
2.2âPastoral Fallout
2.3âInstitutional Instability
3âThe Theological Problem of Spirit versus Scripture
4âNeglect in the Academy
4.1âLack of Connection to the Spiritâs Outpouring at Pentecost
4.2âFocus on the Gift of Prophecy
4.3âRejection of Dream-Visions as a Revelatory Mode
5âAim of the Study
6âOutline of the Book
2âCessationism Meets Continuationism: Four Theological Frameworks for Contemporary Revelatory Experience
1âThe Pentecostal Tradition
1.1âPentecostalism in Australia
1.2âPentecostal Distinctives
2âThe Evangelical Tradition
3âFour Theological Frameworks
3.2âAcceptance in the Pentecostal-Charismatic Tradition
3.3âAlternate Distinctions
3.4âProblems with the Phenomenologically Inferior Position
3.5âSummary
3âBridging the Gap between Theology and Practice: a Study in 3 Churches
1âThe âOrdinary Theologyâ of Revelatory Experience
1.1âMark Cartledgeâs Concept of Dialectic
1.2âJeff Astleyâs âOrdinary Theologyâ
1.3âDavid Martinâs Concept of âRescriptingâ
1.4âEpistemological Assumptions
1.5âAn Insider Perspective
2âStudy Design
2.1âData Collection
2.2âThe Sample
2.3âData Presentation and Analysis
2.4âStudy Limitations
Part 2
Hearing God in Sociological Perspective
4âFrom Acquaintance to Partner: the Social Dynamics of Revelatory Experience
1âThe Content of Revelatory Experiences among Australian Pentecostals
1.1âPersonal and Particular
1.2âNew and Previously Unknown Information
2âCharles Glock and Rodney Starkâs Taxonomy of Religious Experience
2.1âGlock and Starkâs Theory and Other Pentecostal Studies
3âThe Sociological Nature of Revelatory Experience
3.1âThe Relational Development of Revelatory Experience
3.2âThe Disruptive Nature of Revelatory Experience
3.3âPower Shifts in Relational Development
3.4âThe Role of Discernment in Maintaining Institutional Stability
3.5âDiscernment as an Act of Power
4âReflection on Glock and Starkâs Theory
5âSummary
5âA World in Continuity with the Early Church: Hearing God in the Local Community
1âApproach to Revelatory Experience in Three Pentecostal Churches
1.1âIntroducing Church a 
1.2âIntroducing Church b 
1.3âIntroducing Church c 
1.4âThe Frequency of High-Level Revelatory Experiences
2âPeter Bergerâs Theory of World Construction
3âThe Social World of Three Churches
3.1âA World in Continuity with the Early Church
3.2âThe Language of Pentecostal Revelatory Experience
3.3âLegitimations in the Pentecostal World
3.4âRegulatory Controls in the Pentecostal World
4âReflection on Bergerâs Theory
5âSummary
Part 3
A Close Theological Analysis of Revelatory Experience
âIntroduction to Part 3
6âDoes God have anything More to Say? The Content and Function of Revelatory Experience
1âThe Content and Function of Revelatory Experiences among Australian Pentecostals
1.1âBuild âPersonal Relationshipâ with God
1.2âA Vehicle of Divine Presence
1.3âProvision of Divine Care and Protection
1.4âPersonal Transformation and Sanctification
1.5âRevelation of âGodâs Planâ
1.6âMobilisation to Ministry and Mission
2âNiels Hvidt: Christological Content and Function
2.1âMaterial and Formal Revelation
2.2âThe Actualisation of Doctrine
3âRescripting Ordinary Theology
3.1âThe Limits of âNewâ Revelatory Content
3.2âThe Future-Orientation of Revelatory Content
3.3âThe Christocentric Function of Revelatory Experience
3.4âThe Role of Revelatory Experience in the Development of Doctrine
4âSummary
7âHearing Godâs Voice: Dream-Visions, Voices and Senses
1âRevelatory Modes among Australian Pentecostals
1.1âVoices
1.2âDreams and Visions
1.3âSensory Impressions
1.4âScripture
1.5ââCreative/Experientialâ Use of Scripture
1.6âTeaching via Sermons, Books and Religious Material
1.7âProphecy
1.8âThe Counsel of Others
1.9âCircumstances
1.10âNature
2âNiels Hvidt: Historic Concepts of Revelation
3âRescripting Ordinary Theology
3.1âModes of Revelation
3.2âLegitimacy of Revelatory Modes
4âSummary
8âRecognising Godâs Voice: How Did They Know It Was God?
1âThe Epistemological Reliability of Revelatory Experience
1.1âEpistemological Reliability of Revelatory Experience among Australian Pentecostals
1.2âNiels Hvidt: the Mixed Nature of Revelatory Experience
1.3âRescripting Ordinary Theology
2âDiscernment Criteria for Revelatory Experience
2.1âDiscernment Criteria for Revelatory Experience among Australian Pentecostals
2.2âNiels Hvidt: Three Criteria for Discernment in the Catholic Tradition
2.3âRescripting Ordinary Theology
3âResponsibility for Discernment
3.1âResponsibility for Discernment among Australian Pentecostals
3.2âNiels Hvidt: Responsibility for Discernment in the Catholic Tradition
3.3âRescripting Ordinary Theology
4âSummary
9âResponding to Godâs Voice: the Faithfulness of God and the Unfaithfulness of Humanity
1âResponses to Godâs Voice among Australian Pentecostals
2âNiels Hvidt: Experience as Divine Imperative
3âRescripting Ordinary Theology
3.1âThe Response of Obedience
3.2âInteraction of Divine Fulfilment and Human Free Will
4âSummary
âSummary: the Theology and Practice of Revelatory Experiences among Australian Pentecostals
Part 4
The Relationship of Contemporary Revelatory experience to the Theology of Scripture
âIntroduction to Part 4
10âThe Communicating Spirit: Inspired Experiences and Inspired Scripture
1âCharles Kraftâs Communication Model for Inspiration
2âRescripting Ordinary Theology
2.1âEfficacy of Divine Communication
2.2âThe Personalised Nature of Revelatory Experiences
2.3âUse of Biblical Narratives as Models
3âSummary
11âIs This a Trick Question? The Site of Divine Authority
1âJames K.A. Smithâs Work on Textualization and Orality
2âRescripting Ordinary Theology
2.1âThe Authority of Revelatory Experience
2.2âThe Tension between Orality and Textuality in Pentecostal Communities
2.3âThe Meaning of the Phrase âWord of Godâ
3âSummary
12âThe Epistemological Role of Revelatory Experience in Spiritual Development
1âJames K.A. Smithâs Work on the Epistemology of Pentecostal Experience
2âRescripting Ordinary Theology
2.1âThe Role of Revelatory Experience in Relational and Spiritual Development
2.2âThe Element of Divine Authority in Transformation
2.3âThe Epistemology of Revelatory Experience and the Study of Scripture
3âSummary
âSummary: the Relationship of Revelatory Experience to the Theology of Scripture
Part 5
Hearing Godâs Voice Today
13âThe Theology and Practice of âHearing Godâs Voiceâ
1âTowards a Theology of Contemporary Pentecostal Revelatory Experience
1.1âThe Basis for Phenomenological Equivalency
1.2âThe Content and Function of Revelatory Experience
1.3âThe Process of Revelatory Experience
2âThe Relationship of Revelatory Experience to the Theology of Scripture
2.1âContemporary Revelatory Experience and Existing Pentecostal-Charismatic Bibliologies
2.2âA Bibliology for the Phenomenologically Equivalent Approach
2.3âAn Expanded Role for the Community
3âRecommendations for Ministry Praxis
4âEvaluation of the Study
4.1âOpportunities for Further Study
5âConclusion
Appendices
Bibliography
Index
Author's Note
List of Figures
Part 1
Introduction to the Revelatory Experience
1âGod Speaks Back: Hearing Godâs Voice in the Pentecostal Tradition
1âWhat Do Pentecostals Mean by Hearing Godâs Voice?
1.1âExperiential, Extrabiblical, Unmediated and âHigh-Levelâ Revelation
1.2âPhenomenological Equivalency with the Biblical Experience
1.3âUniversal Accessibility Distinct from Specialist Gift of Prophecy
2âThe Ministry Impact of Contemporary Pentecostal Revelatory Experience
2.1âMinistry Outcomes
2.2âPastoral Fallout
2.3âInstitutional Instability
3âThe Theological Problem of Spirit versus Scripture
4âNeglect in the Academy
4.1âLack of Connection to the Spiritâs Outpouring at Pentecost
4.2âFocus on the Gift of Prophecy
4.3âRejection of Dream-Visions as a Revelatory Mode
5âAim of the Study
6âOutline of the Book
2âCessationism Meets Continuationism: Four Theological Frameworks for Contemporary Revelatory Experience
1âThe Pentecostal Tradition
1.1âPentecostalism in Australia
1.2âPentecostal Distinctives
2âThe Evangelical Tradition
3âFour Theological Frameworks
3.2âAcceptance in the Pentecostal-Charismatic Tradition
3.3âAlternate Distinctions
3.4âProblems with the Phenomenologically Inferior Position
3.5âSummary
3âBridging the Gap between Theology and Practice: a Study in 3 Churches
1âThe âOrdinary Theologyâ of Revelatory Experience
1.1âMark Cartledgeâs Concept of Dialectic
1.2âJeff Astleyâs âOrdinary Theologyâ
1.3âDavid Martinâs Concept of âRescriptingâ
1.4âEpistemological Assumptions
1.5âAn Insider Perspective
2âStudy Design
2.1âData Collection
2.2âThe Sample
2.3âData Presentation and Analysis
2.4âStudy Limitations
Part 2
Hearing God in Sociological Perspective
4âFrom Acquaintance to Partner: the Social Dynamics of Revelatory Experience
1âThe Content of Revelatory Experiences among Australian Pentecostals
1.1âPersonal and Particular
1.2âNew and Previously Unknown Information
2âCharles Glock and Rodney Starkâs Taxonomy of Religious Experience
2.1âGlock and Starkâs Theory and Other Pentecostal Studies
3âThe Sociological Nature of Revelatory Experience
3.1âThe Relational Development of Revelatory Experience
3.2âThe Disruptive Nature of Revelatory Experience
3.3âPower Shifts in Relational Development
3.4âThe Role of Discernment in Maintaining Institutional Stability
3.5âDiscernment as an Act of Power
4âReflection on Glock and Starkâs Theory
5âSummary
5âA World in Continuity with the Early Church: Hearing God in the Local Community
1âApproach to Revelatory Experience in Three Pentecostal Churches
1.1âIntroducing Church 
1.2âIntroducing Church 
1.3âIntroducing Church 
1.4âThe Frequency of High-Level Revelatory Experiences
2âPeter Bergerâs Theory of World Construction
3âThe Social World of Three Churches
3.1âA World in Continuity with the Early Church
3.2âThe Language of Pentecostal Revelatory Experience
3.3âLegitimations in the Pentecostal World
3.4âRegulatory Controls in the Pentecostal World
4âReflection on Bergerâs Theory
5âSummary
Part 3
A Close Theological Analysis of Revelatory Experience
âIntroduction to Part 3
6âDoes God have anything More to Say? The Content and Function of Revelatory Experience
1âThe Content and Function of Revelatory Experiences among Australian Pentecostals
1.1âBuild âPersonal Relationshipâ with God
1.2âA Vehicle of Divine Presence
1.3âProvision of Divine Care and Protection
1.4âPersonal Transformation and Sanctification
1.5âRevelation of âGodâs Planâ
1.6âMobilisation to Ministry and Mission
2âNiels Hvidt: Christological Content and Function
2.1âMaterial and Formal Revelation
2.2âThe Actualisation of Doctrine
3âRescripting Ordinary Theology
3.1âThe Limits of âNewâ Revelatory Content
3.2âThe Future-Orientation of Revelatory Content
3.3âThe Christocentric Function of Revelatory Experience
3.4âThe Role of Revelatory Experience in the Development of Doctrine
4âSummary
7âHearing Godâs Voice: Dream-Visions, Voices and Senses
1âRevelatory Modes among Australian Pentecostals
1.1âVoices
1.2âDreams and Visions
1.3âSensory Impressions
1.4âScripture
1.5ââCreative/Experientialâ Use of Scripture
1.6âTeaching via Sermons, Books and Religious Material
1.7âProphecy
1.8âThe Counsel of Others
1.9âCircumstances
1.10âNature
2âNiels Hvidt: Historic Concepts of Revelation
3âRescripting Ordinary Theology
3.1âModes of Revelation
3.2âLegitimacy of Revelatory Modes
4âSummary
8âRecognising Godâs Voice: How Did They Know It Was God?
1âThe Epistemological Reliability of Revelatory Experience
1.1âEpistemological Reliability of Revelatory Experience among Australian Pentecostals
1.2âNiels Hvidt: the Mixed Nature of Revelatory Experience
1.3âRescripting Ordinary Theology
2âDiscernment Criteria for Revelatory Experience
2.1âDiscernment Criteria for Revelatory Experience among Australian Pentecostals
2.2âNiels Hvidt: Three Criteria for Discernment in the Catholic Tradition
2.3âRescripting Ordinary Theology
3âResponsibility for Discernment
3.1âResponsibility for Discernment among Australian Pentecostals
3.2âNiels Hvidt: Responsibility for Discernment in the Catholic Tradition
3.3âRescripting Ordinary Theology
4âSummary
9âResponding to Godâs Voice: the Faithfulness of God and the Unfaithfulness of Humanity
1âResponses to Godâs Voice among Australian Pentecostals
2âNiels Hvidt: Experience as Divine Imperative
3âRescripting Ordinary Theology
3.1âThe Response of Obedience
3.2âInteraction of Divine Fulfilment and Human Free Will
4âSummary
âSummary: the Theology and Practice of Revelatory Experiences among Australian Pentecostals
Part 4
The Relationship of Contemporary Revelatory experience to the Theology of Scripture
âIntroduction to Part 4
10âThe Communicating Spirit: Inspired Experiences and Inspired Scripture
1âCharles Kraftâs Communication Model for Inspiration
2âRescripting Ordinary Theology
2.1âEfficacy of Divine Communication
2.2âThe Personalised Nature of Revelatory Experiences
2.3âUse of Biblical Narratives as Models
3âSummary
11âIs This a Trick Question? The Site of Divine Authority
1âJames K.A. Smithâs Work on Textualization and Orality
2âRescripting Ordinary Theology
2.1âThe Authority of Revelatory Experience
2.2âThe Tension between Orality and Textuality in Pentecostal Communities
2.3âThe Meaning of the Phrase âWord of Godâ
3âSummary
12âThe Epistemological Role of Revelatory Experience in Spiritual Development
1âJames K.A. Smithâs Work on the Epistemology of Pentecostal Experience
2âRescripting Ordinary Theology
2.1âThe Role of Revelatory Experience in Relational and Spiritual Development
2.2âThe Element of Divine Authority in Transformation
2.3âThe Epistemology of Revelatory Experience and the Study of Scripture
3âSummary
âSummary: the Relationship of Revelatory Experience to the Theology of Scripture
Part 5
Hearing Godâs Voice Today
13âThe Theology and Practice of âHearing Godâs Voiceâ
1âTowards a Theology of Contemporary Pentecostal Revelatory Experience
1.1âThe Basis for Phenomenological Equivalency
1.2âThe Content and Function of Revelatory Experience
1.3âThe Process of Revelatory Experience
2âThe Relationship of Revelatory Experience to the Theology of Scripture
2.1âContemporary Revelatory Experience and Existing Pentecostal-Charismatic Bibliologies
2.2âA Bibliology for the Phenomenologically Equivalent Approach
2.3âAn Expanded Role for the Community
3âRecommendations for Ministry Praxis
4âEvaluation of the Study
4.1âOpportunities for Further Study
5âConclusion
Appendices
Bibliography
Index
Theology and ministry students (under-graduate, graduate and post), practical theologians, theologians. Subject areas are Pentecostalism, Charismatic Church, Theology, Pneumatology, Religious experience, Sociology of Religion