Archive: Generational reconciliation modeled at Aldersgate ’95
Lively preaching and vibrant praise to God have always been hallmarks of United Methodism’s annual conference on the Holy Spirit, known as Aldersgate. This year’s early-August event was no exception, as more than 1,500 United Methodists gathered in Orlando, Florida to enthusiastically worship God with uplifted hands and spirited music, while some even danced in the aisles.
Prayers and Scriptures were integral parts of the lessons and sermons. Days began with 6:30 a.m. prayer and concluded with an invitation at the end of each evening worship service. Prayer teams ministered to the sick, anointing them with oil. Other conference participants sought a fresh touch from the Holy Spirit.
A major highlight during the final evening session was a time set aside for generational reconciliation between those born after 1961—sometimes known as Generation X—and those born before that date. The reconciliation exercise was led by Beth Brown, youth pastor at First UM Church in Abilene, Texas. Mischaracterizations and excessively negative stereotypes about Generation X are held by both the secular media and the church, she said.
Brown called Generation X the “most-aborted generation” and compared it to the generations of Moses and Jesus—two generations that experienced both a concentrated effort to kill infants and a powerful move of God. “Revival is coming,” Brown announced, “and it is coming through Generation X.”
“It is time that we break some of the curses that have been spoken over Generation X,” Brown said. “As a church we have got to start blessing Generation X and releasing them to carry the torch.” She called the interdependence and reconciliation of generations the “true Methodist connectional system.”
“I believe God is doing something powerful and amazing,” said Gary Moore, executive director of Aldersgate Renewal Ministries. He reminded the conference of Nehemiah’s approach to the city of Jerusalem when he found its “walls broken down and its gates burned.” The prophet’s response was to weep over the city, fast, and repent—both for his own generation and for the sins of his forefathers.
“God always moves when there is repentance,” said Moore. “We have cut off their hope, and the only way to turn that around is to bless and encourage, and to say: ‘You’ve got a destiny and we believe in you.”‘
With members of Generation X facing the audience in front of the stage, Moore instructed members of previous generations to leave their seats and stand toe-to-toe with the young generation. Both groups were led in prayers of repentance to God and one another.
Moore instructed the older generations in praying to “break the curse that is over Generation X” and then to “speak words of blessing” over the young people. The reaction by participants was emotional and often tearful.
“I think the reconciliation time between generations opened doors in the heavenlies, releasing Generation X to fulfill their destiny,” Brown told Good News. “Reconciliation has been on the heart of the Father,” she said. “I pray what we experienced in Orlando will be the beginning of many generational reconciliation services. The Church can no longer afford to ignore Generation X.”
The annual Aldersgate gathering attempts to educate the UM Church on the work of the Holy Spirit in the world today, provide an encouraging environment for the use of spiritual gifts, and promote spiritual renewal in the denomination. The event—which has become United Methodism’s largest annual gathering—is sponsored by Aldersgate Renewal Ministries (ARM), an affiliate of the denomination’s Board of Discipleship (the formal name is United Methodist Renewal Services Fellowship).
“The Holy Spirit is totally and utterly sovereign,” said conference speaker Dr. William J. Abraham, theology professor at Perkins School of Theology in Dallas. “We must not dictate how and where to work.” Much of Abraham’s presentation examined the often mysterious nature of the Holy Spirit’s ministry, and the historic understanding of the relationship of the Holy Spirit to the Trinity. His sermon also explored the role of the Holy Spirit in evangelism, sanctification, suffering, and perseverance.
“The Holy Spirit will surprise us,” Abraham said. “The power is palpable.” It is not uncommon for physical phenomena to accompany a work of the Holy Spirit, he reminded the conference. Often times the power will be felt, he said, “and we should relax about it.”
Other keynote speakers included the Rev. Peter Lord, senior minister of Park Avenue Baptist Church in Titusville, Florida; and Lee Ann Williamson, music evangelist with “Grace & Gladness Ministry,” based in Starkville, Mississippi.
Aldersgate offered more than 40 workshops dealing with subjects such as prayer, prophecy, the worldwide charismatic revival, godly relationships, worship, UM doctrine and church renewal, missions, and healing.
In 1996, the 18th annual conference on the Holy Spirit will be held in Nashville, Tennessee.
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