Come, Holy Spirit

Pentecost is often described as the ‘birthday of the church’, but that can make it sound like the church began as an institution, a project, or an organisation. The story in Acts tells something richer and stranger than that. The disciples are gathered in uncertainty. They do not yet have a strategy, a programme, or a mission plan. What they have is one another – and the promise of Jesus: ‘I am with you always’ (Matthew 28:20).

Then comes Wind, Fire, Speech, and Courage.

Pentecost is not primarily about the church going somewhere. It is about God coming near. The Holy Spirit does not arrive to turn frightened disciples into religious entrepreneurs. The Spirit forms them into a people capable of being with God, with one another, and with the world God loves.

This is deeply important in a culture shaped by hurry, anxiety, performance, and results. We are often tempted to imagine that the church exists to solve problems, defend itself against criticism, or grow by becoming bigger and busier. Yet Pentecost reminds us that before the church does anything, it receives everything.

The miracle of Pentecost is not simply that many languages are spoken. It is that many people hear themselves addressed in love. Strangers become neighbours. Fear becomes Communion. Difference is not erased but is celebrated and embraced.

In this season, the Spirit invites us to ask not only ‘What should the church do?’ but also ‘How shall we be with one another?’

Can we continue to nurture a community, where with respect for one another, and within safe boundaries: the lonely find companionship, the grieving find patience, children find delight, the elderly find honour, and the wounded find welcome.

The Spirit rarely works through spectacle alone. More often, the Spirit appears in shared bread, attentive listening, faithful friendship, and unexpected joy. Pentecost teaches us that God’s abundance is greater than our fear of scarcity. There is enough grace for every language, every generation, every sorrow, and every hope.

So, this Pentecost, may we pray not merely for success, but for presence.
Not merely for activity, but for faithfulness.
Not merely for growth in numbers, but for holiness.

Come, Holy Spirit,
and teach us again how to be the Body of Christ – with God, with one another,
and with the world.

Revd Andrew Woodward