The Empowered21 Global Council wrapped up two days of discussions on the state and the future of the Global Spirit-Empowered movement. The Council consists of international denominational and ministry leaders that includes 14 regional cabinets from around the world helping to bring resources to bear on crucial issues faced by the Spirit- empowered Church.
“In all of Christendom, this gathering of leaders is critical as together we strategically chart the course of the Global Spirit-empowered movement through prayer, discussion, relationship and seeking the Holy Spirit,” said E21 Global Co-chair Dr. Billy Wilson.
On Tuesday, Council members heard updates from regional leaders and were reminded of the purpose, mission, and vision of E21. Dr. Wilson identified five “needs and challenges” which include increasing meaningful engagement in each region, embracing newer and older expressions of Spirit-empowered ministry, identifying and addressing the relevant issues presently in the movement, facilitating the emergence of next generation leaders and measuring and quantifying the process of Spirit-empowered ministry in the 21st century.
Rob Hoskins gave a report on the NextGen Youth Movement, while Christ for All Nations President Daniel Kolenda gave an update from the Evangelism Commission. Kolenda’s report led to a spirited discussion about the urgency of empowering the upcoming generation of leaders.
“This is the work of the Holy Spirit,” said Bill Johnson, Senior Pastor of Bethel Church in Redding, California, and a member of the Global Council. “Authority comes in the commission. We want them (young leaders) to take risks; we celebrate that. Even though there is a certain level of failure, we try to create a safe setting where they can hear from the Lord before sending them out.”
The Tuesday Global Council evening service was led by Pastor Lawrence Khong, Co-chair of E21 Asia, who reported on revival fires already stirring in Asian nations. Council members also spent time interceding for the upcoming Congress.
The Global Council 2017 concluded Wednesday morning with a report from the E21 Scholars Consultation presented by Co-Chair Dr. Kathaleen Reid-Martinez and Dr. Wonsuk Ma. They reported the Consultation yielded 11 studies on “The Gift of Human Sexuality and the Holy Spirit”. Those include studies on sexuality and gender that emphasize biblical-theological foundations, grasp theories shaping public discourse and exemplify Spirit-empowered ministry. Presenters came with experience in academia and ministry and from nations representing four continents: Nepal, India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Australia, Zambia and the United States.
Cindy Jacobs, founder of Generals International, summarized the meeting by saying, “I felt like this group of leaders was more unified than ever. Although we lead multiple organizations, we have coalesced into a body of like-minded individuals with a burden to empower the generations through E21.”
Taking place simultaneously with the Global Council was Generation GO!—a conference designed to equip 13-to-25-year-olds in the Spirit-empowered movement.
The E21 Asia Congress, themed “Wind & Fire”, opens Wednesday evening, May 31, and will conclude on June 2. Each session and service will give focus to the celebration of the Holy Spirit during this week of Pentecost, and will feature Spirit‐empowered speakers and worship leaders from the 45 Asian nations. {eoa}
