Rev. Heitzig Highlights Spirit’s Role in Evangelism at Berlin Congress

Rev. Skip Heitzig Calls for Spirit-Driven Evangelism at European Congress

In a gathering that brought together over 1,000 Evangelical leaders from 56 countries, Rev. Skip Heitzig advocated for a revitalized approach to evangelism powered by the Holy Spirit. Held in Berlin and organized by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, the European Congress on Evangelism saw Heitzig, senior pastor of Calvary Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico, emphasizing the critical role of the Holy Spirit in effective Gospel preaching.

During his address, Heitzig, who also serves on the boards of Samaritan’s Purse and Harvest Christian Fellowship, drew attention to the early Church’s remarkable growth by referencing Acts 4:31. He encouraged attendees to reflect on whether contemporary believers truly experience the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit or merely know of Him.

The Rev. highlighted a sentiment shared by the late AW Tozer regarding the vague understanding of the Holy Spirit among churchgoers. “There’s no real empowerment,” Heitzig stated, expressing that some Christians hesitate to embrace the Holy Spirit due to witnessing extreme behaviors. “You never have to be afraid of a genuine move and work of the Holy Spirit,” he assured, emphasizing the orderly and powerful nature of the Spirit’s work.

Heitzig underscored the necessity of the Holy Spirit’s involvement in the Church’s mission by recalling the transformation of the apostles, described in Acts, once they fully understood the Trinity’s dynamics. “The Father sent the Son, who accomplished salvation, and then the Son sent the Holy Spirit to empower the Church’s mission,” he explained.

Heitzig recounted the daunting task given to the apostles—to spread the Gospel worldwide despite their lack of formal education. He noted that within 30 years, the Gospel permeated the Roman Empire, a testament to the Holy Spirit’s power.

Heitzig identified three key elements that fueled the early Church’s success: the resurrection of Jesus, the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, and the Great Commission. These elements, he described, created “a new presence, a new power, and a new plan.”

In Acts 1, Luke referred to the continuation of Jesus’ ministry, describing it as an “unfinished work” that involves ongoing proclamation. Heitzig emphasized that the book of Acts should be seen as the “acts of the Holy Spirit,” highlighting its frequent mention of the Spirit’s transformative work.

Heitzig challenged the notion that the Holy Spirit’s actions are confined to biblical times. “If you think what you read in this book is something God used to do in times past, but doesn’t continue to do, that means you’re doing ministry on your own,” he cautioned.

The resurrection was depicted as a transformative “new presence” that emboldened the disciples, turning them from timid individuals into fearless evangelists. Heitzig recounted the sacrifices made by early disciples and attributed their courage to witnessing the risen Christ.

Heitzig spoke of a “new power” granted by the Holy Spirit, necessary for the disciples’ mission. He likened the Spirit’s empowerment to equipping a soldier or a mechanic with the necessary tools and training.

He stressed the importance of the Holy Spirit “coming upon” believers, illustrating the difference between the Spirit being “with” and “in” a person. This empowerment is crucial for fulfilling the Great Commission and spreading the Gospel effectively.

Finally, the “new plan” involved a strategic approach to evangelism, beginning in familiar communities before expanding globally. Heitzig described this as the greatest adventure fueled by the Holy Spirit, a mission that transcends mundane routines and ignites a passion for spreading the Gospel.

This article was originally published at Christian Daily International