Tethering Christians to the Holy Spirit - A Conversation with Peter Bellini

Rev. Dr. Peter Bellini is the Professor of Church Renewal & Evangelization at United Theological Seminary, as well as a Global Methodist Elder. He has a broad experience in life, both in the local church and in the academy. He as published a good amount of content on the Holy Spirit. I was encouraged to seek him out by Dr. David Watson, who thought Bellini could help me to figure out a helpful posture towards the growing charismatic influence in Methodism. Bellini didn't disappoint.
In this conversation, he and I discuss the topic of pneumatology, which is the branch of theology that deals with the Holy Spirit. We explore the history of the Methodist tradition and its relationship with the Holy Spirit, as well as the importance of reclaiming pneumatology in the context of the Global Methodist Church. We also touch on topics such as deliverance ministry, enthusiasm, and the balance between gifts and fruit of the Spirit. The conversation highlights the need for a normative understanding of the Holy Spirit's presence and power in the life of the church. We explore the relationship between pneumatology and Christology, emphasizing the importance of linking our understanding and relationship with the Holy Spirit to our understanding of Christ. The Holy Spirit bears witness to the person and work of Christ, not to himself. The conversation also highlights the need for discernment and testing of spirits, as there are false manifestations and spiritual narcissism in the charismatic movement. Discipleship and accountability are crucial in cultivating the gifts of the Spirit and ensuring they are used for the edification of others. The focus should be on fruit over gifts, holiness over power, and the love of God and neighbor.
As it comes up a few times in this conversation, you might consider purchasing (and reading) Bellini's book: "Thunderstruck! The Deliverance Ministry of John Wesley Today" - a.co/d/gzkj4Ui
He also has a number of other titles that you can find by searching his name on Amazon.
If you would like to support PlainSpoken for conversations like these, you can go become a supporter at plainspoken.locals.com. Thanks!

[@mikehunter6975]

I loved this interview with Dr. Bellini. Yes, please have him back. Thank you both for doing this.

[@darthnocturnis3941]

Yes, I would love to listen to Dr. Bellini again.

[@as922408]

Yes, more please! This will be very important to the future of the GMC and our witness for Jesus.

[@user-iz6mj1gy9o]

I’m wordless about the simplicity, beauty, and power of Dr. Bellini’s interview. Please have him back again and again. I was awestruck by the expression on your face at various times while he was speaking. It felt like I was watching you receive something intended for you from Jesus.

[@deanwheeler4304]

Excellent interview, thank you Jeffery. Raised in the Lutheran Charismatic Movement I found his framework 1).Fruit over Gifts. 2) Holiness over Power. 3) Character over Charisma very helpful.

[@earlbradshaw]

thank you for this conversation. I found it helpful and informational.

[@jlt1160]

Great conversation! Please continue, thx!

[@frankrussell6949]

Thank you for this podcast. I went to seminary with Dr. Bellini during a difficult time at United. I was thrilled to see and hear him today. Thank you.

[@defid7793]

Amazing interview and I was so thankful for his closing prayer. We must become more sensitive to the spirit and see spiritual gifts as normative. Also, the notion of spiritual gifts not puffing us up but for others was extremely helpful. I would love to hear more.

[@iamafarmerntx]

I really enjoyed this interview! Especially when you confessed your shortcomings and you both discussed what that means!

[@Frideswide1]

Nicely done! And you can’t go wrong with the careful work of Michael Heiser, may his memory be a blessing :)

[@robertkersten3971]

Thanks Jeffrey. Dr Bellini’s conversation concerning the work and person of the Holy Spirit in concert with discipleship/accountability small groups is exactly what is needed to transform churches here in America back to the organic forms as they existed in the book of Act’s.

[@shannonlarche1696]

Thank you for doing this interview! I am taking a course in apologetics under Dr. Bellini at United, but as a distance learner, I had not seen him "live and in person" until this morning. LOVED it! Thank you also for your vulnerability :) God bless.

[@jonathansmith336]

Don't be afraid. Perfect love (the end of holiness) casts out fear. Open Jeffrey's heart to your gifts for ministry.

[@sfosterteacher]

More of this!

[@Tyre4530]

Thank you for doing your podcast. I have been binge watching you. You have helped me understand how Satan has taken over my beloved local UMC and that the rot is from the bottom to the top. Please pray for those stuck behind the lines. Us rural folk have to go to online or change to another denomination. It is a gut wrenching choice.

[@marilynadams349]

I like the quieter music and great words as were in 1900 192o years one piano . The words are not blared out but sang in a careful full harmony we need to teach choir

[@BrendaLove-xs5km]

I'm on my lunchbreak from Professional Development: I've read several of Dr. Bellini's books, including _Thunderstruck_. I participated in one of his seminars (via online). Very helpful, but I wish I could have been there. Look forward to listening to the rest of this interview later today.

[@scottcamp9266]

Wonderful🔥🔥🔥

[@marilynadams349]

He help us understand