Recommended Reading for Reclaiming the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Respected Foursquare leaders Harold Helms and John L. Amstutz discuss go-to books on “Reclaiming the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.”To learn what other experienced Foursquare leaders have to say about the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in our churches, read our exclusive three-part series online.

Harold Helms Recommends:

1. The Azusa Street Mission & Revival: The Birth of the Global Pentecostal Movement (Thomas Nelson) by Cecil M. Robeck Jr. This excellent resource examines the wonderful aspects of the early Pentecostal outpouring, as well as some of its unfortunate excesses that demanded correction by William Seymour, who led the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles starting in 1906. Cecil M. Robeck Jr. is professor of church history and ecumenics, and director of the David J. DuPlessis Center of Christian Spirituality at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif.

2. In the Latter Days: The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the Twentieth Century (Xulon Press) by Vinson Synan. It’s a good idea for us to get reacquainted with the history of the 20th-century outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the U.S. We need to know something about the past as we look toward the future; some leaders may not know exactly what we need to “reclaim” regarding the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Vinson Synan is professor of church history at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Va.3. Foundations of Pentecostal Theology (Foursquare Media) by Guy P. Duffield and Nathaniel M. Van Cleave. This book will provide information about the stance that Foursquare has taken on the ministry of the Holy Spirit historically. It is an excellent study of the major doctrines of the Pentecostal movement, and is written in an ordered and structured manner that makes it a helpful teaching resource. It is currently in the process of being re-edited, but would make a helpful resource in any library.4. Questions and Answers Concerning the Holy Spirit by Aimee Semple McPherson (Download). This is a helpful short tract for anyone who wants to better understand the Holy Spirit. Although she writes, “All who receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost speak in tongues involuntarily,” I personally do not believe the Holy Spirit simply uses a person’s tongue and that the person has no control over the matter. I believe what’s more accurate is that “they … began to speak with other tongues, as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4, NKJV).Download this tract (390 KB, PDF).

John Amstutz Recommends:

1. Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit (David C. Cook) by Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski. I recommend this book especially for pastors and church leaders, because Francis Chan’s life and ministry reflect a reversal of the tragic neglect he mentions in the book’s title. Chan, author of Crazy Love and former pastor of Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley, Calif., contends that we are reaping disastrous results from ignoring the Spirit. He compels us to stop and remember the One we’ve forgotten.

2. Doing What Jesus Did: Ministering in the Power of the Holy Spirit (Creation House) by John and Sonja Decker. John and Sonja Decker are ordained international teachers and evangelists with The Foursquare Church. This book, along with its companion curriculum, The Ambassador Series, is being used worldwide to equip Christians in the work of the ministry. It will be particularly beneficial to pastors, church leaders and other church workers, as it has proved to be effective in reviving the ministry of the Holy Spirit and His gifts.

3. Holy Spirit Empowered Small Groups: Shaping, Equipping and Releasing Spirit-Formed Believers (Foursquare Media) by John and Sonja Decker. Here is another book by the Deckers that I recommend for small-group leaders, as well as pastors and church leaders, for its context in developing and ministering in the spiritual gifts. Anyone wanting to learn more about the work of the Holy Spirit should also read this book. It explores all aspects of beginning and maintaining a small group that is empowered by the Holy Spirit, and is packed with testimonies and real-life applications.

4. Discover Your Spiritual Gifts: The Easy-to-Use Guide That Helps You Identify and Understand Your Unique God-Given Spiritual Gifts (Regal)by C. Peter Wagner. I recommend this practical book for church members, as well as pastors and church leaders; it is the most widely used resource for helping believers discover their spiritual gifts. It can help you to both discover your gifts and learn how to use them, and it explains the difference between spiritual and natural gifts. C. Peter Wagner is the president of Global Harvest Ministries and chancellor of the Wagner Leadership Institute.

5. The Beauty of Spiritual Language (Thomas Nelson) by Jack W. Hayford

6. They Speak With Other Tongues (Chosen Books) by John and Elizabeth Sherrill

7. The Flaming Tongue: The Impact of Twentieth Century Revivals (Moody Press) by J. Edwin Orr

8. Experiencing the Holy Spirit (Whitaker House) by Andrew Murray

9. A New Song (Charisma House) by Pat Boone

10. The Holy Spirit and You: A Study Guide to the Spirit-Filled Life (Bridge Logos) by Dennis and Rita Bennett

11. This Is That: Personal Experiences, Sermons and Writings (Nabu Press) by Aimee Semple McPherson