Description: What sort of experience of grace does the Holy Spirit give Pentecostals when they celebrate the Eucharist? This book aims to answer that question by investigating Holy Communion through a "Pentecostal spirituality" framework and process known as search-encounter-transformation. Doing so enriches the theology and spirituality of Pentecostalism and broadens its understanding of the journey of salvation. The author argues that the invocation of the Spirit in the Eucharist (the epiclēsis) grants the church a pneumatological imagination, enabling it to properly remember (the anamnēsis) the work of Christ. The outcome of remembering will be to see the Eucharist as a meal of solidarity and justice, a meal that manages the hunger of the world, a meal that offers healing, a meal for missional nourishment, a meal reorienting eschatology by providing a preview of the restoration of all things (apokatastasis) in the wedding supper of the Lamb. Ultimately, this book encourages Pentecostals to desire a weekly celebration of the Eucharist in order to become truly Pentecostal!
Brief description: Chris E. W. Green is Associate Professor of Theology at Pentecostal Theological Seminary in Cleveland, TN and Teaching Pastor at Sanctuary Church in Tulsa, OK.
Review Quotes: "Florian Simatupang has written a significant account of eucharistic theology that is truly Pentecostal and ecumenical. Drawing on a 'search-encounter-transformation' (SET) model of Pentecostal spirituality, he illuminates and expands eucharistic theology not just for Pentecostals but for different Christian traditions. In this book he interrogates several traditions, re-reads the relevant biblical texts, and constructs an original account that is inspiring and compelling. This book is a gift to the universal church and to Christian scholarship. It demonstrates the creativity and thoughtfulness of a new generation of Pentecostal theologians. Buy it, read it, share it, and discuss it with your friends, students, and colleagues! It deserves to be received widely and engaged deeply."
--Mark J. Cartledge, professor of practical theology, London School of Theology
"The Eucharistic Spirit is a compelling and thought-provoking book that invites Pentecostals to deepen their expectations when partaking in the Eucharist. Simatupang expertly explores Pentecostal theology on this topic, engaging ecumenical perspectives and offering fresh insights to enrich Pentecostal worship and practice. I highly recommend this work for those looking to broaden their understanding of the Lord's Supper in ways that are faithful to Pentecostal spirituality."
--Lisa Stephenson, professor of systematic theology, Lee University
"The Eucharistic Spirit is full of surprises! Florian has brought us to the frontline of the encounter between his Pentecostal tradition and many other Christian traditions regarding the Eucharist throughout the centuries. He beautifully and faithfully juggles the ideas of sacramentality, justice, eschatology, ecumenism, and more. This book is a real treasure for those who still dare to hope for the restoration of all creation despite all existing disunity."
--Joas Adiprasetya, professor of constructive theology, Jakarta Theological Seminary