Word and Power

Historically, the Reformed and Charismatic streams have seemed to be almost mutually exclusive. In recent years, this exclusivity has been being challenged by a new generation of Reformed thinkers. This work aims at considering the contribution of John Wimber, the late leader of the Vineyard Churches, to contemporary theological reflection within the Reformed tradition. Taking into account John Wimber's unique theology of the ""radical middle,"" which is somewhere between Pentecostal and Evangelical, this book asks whether Wimber may be a possible alternative source for the contemporary Reformed Churches as they approach ministry and mission in the twenty-first century. Written from a confessional Presbyterian context in Northern Ireland, Word and Power places Wimber in his theological context and asks whether Wimber's view of power evangelism, discipleship formation, and ministry training might be a model that Reformed Churches--and Presbyterians in particular--could adopt for their ecclesiology today. ""Few churchmen missed forty years of Charismatic Renewal since the 1960s. This enthralling doctoral thesis tells a rich positive story now that the dust has settled. Central to this was the impact of John Wimber and new church movements. Theologian Gareth Stewart has assembled powerful historical arguments for reuniting 'Word' and 'Spirit' in Reformed churches, ending the secret silent divorce that's left God's people anxious about which 'Parent' they should live with when they need both."" --Greg Haslam, Senior Minister, Westminster Chapel, Buckingham Gate, London, UK ""The teaching and theology of John Wimber has had a significant impact on the life of the wider church. In this book, Gareth Stewart seeks to apply Wimber's theological models in what might appear to be an unlikely context: his own Reformed tradition. In what is a well-argued thesis, Stewart points to the value of applying several aspects of Wimber's theology; focusing particularly on evangelism, discipleship, and ministry. Whilst not uncritical of Wimber's approach, Stewart shows that Wimber's models can make an important contribution to the effectiveness of local congregations as they seek to meet the spiritual needs of their communities."" --Robin Routledge, Academic Dean, Senior Lecturer in Old Testament, Mattersey Hall College, Mattersey, UK Gareth Stewart (B.A.Hons, Dip.C.Min., M.A., P.G.Cert.Min.) is a minister of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. He lives in Northern Ireland with his wife Cherrie, whom he met at Theological College.