When the Sign Became the Center: A Needed Conversation About the Holy Spirit and Mission

Let’s have an honest conversation for a moment.

There has been a change in certain areas of the contemporary charismatic movement. It’s not universal. It doesn’t apply to every congregation. However, it’s significant enough that we must recognize it.

The Holy Spirit, intended to empower the Church for its mission, has, in some contexts, become the focal point of experience instead of the driving force behind our witness.

This change is important.

When the focus changes, everything else follows suit.

What Jesus Actually Said

Prior to the occurrence of Pentecost, before the speaking in tongues, and before the assembly of crowds, Jesus clearly articulated the purpose of the Spirit's arrival.

In Acts 1:8, He says:

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses…”

That statement is clear. It does not imply, "You will gain power merely to experience something." It does not suggest, "You will gain power to possess a higher spiritual status."

It states power… for testimony. The Spirit was sent so that timid followers could transform into courageous messengers.

The direction is outward , Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the farthest reaches of the earth. The coming of the Spirit is directly linked to the spread of the gospel.

Mission is not an added benefit of the Spirit.

Mission is the core purpose.

The Commission Was Already Clear

Jesus had already given the command in Matthew 28:18–20:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”

The sole directive in that passage is to "make disciples."

So, let’s pose this question: How can ordinary, fearful individuals make disciples of entire nations? They cannot. Not without divine power. Therefore, they wait.

They are "clothed with power from on high" (Luke 24:49). And when the Spirit descends in Acts 2, something extraordinary occurs, not merely on an emotional level, but on a mission-driven one.

Yes, tongues are spoken. But what comes next? Public proclamation. Christ is preached. Repentance is called for. Three thousand are baptized. The Spirit descends, and the gospel moves forward.

That’s the established pattern.

Tongues in Context

Now, let's confront the conflict head-on.

Indeed, tongues are mentioned in Acts 2. However, they are not mere random ecstatic utterances devoid of meaning.

Instead, they are comprehensible to the nations that were there. They proclaim the magnificent deeds of God. They act as a sign that the gospel is intended for all.

Then, Peter rises to proclaim Christ's crucifixion.

Tongues supported the mission. They were not the mission itself.

This distinction is crucial.

When Fascination Replaced Focus

Fast forward to Corinth.

In 1 Corinthians 12–14, Paul addresses a church that had become captivated by specific spiritual gifts, particularly tongues.

So, what action does he take? He doesn’t prohibit the gift. However, he will not allow it to overshadow everything else.

He reminds them: Not everyone has the ability to speak in tongues. The Spirit allocates gifts according to His own will. Love surpasses any gift.

Five clear words hold more value than ten thousand words that cannot be understood. Everything should contribute to the growth of the body.

Paul’s correction is both subtle and impactful.

The question isn’t about the existence of the gift. The real question is whether the gift has become the focal point. And that’s where we must reflect honestly in our own time.

The Modern Drift

In certain charismatic settings today, speaking in tongues has subtly transformed into:

• The foremost indication of Spirit baptism.

• The standard for spiritual maturity.

• The crucial sign of authenticity.

• The emotional climax of worship services.

When this occurs, the focus shifts. Instead of:

Spirit → Christ → Mission

It shifts to: Spirit → Manifestation → Experience

This may seem minor, but it is significant.

When manifestation takes precedence, mission is relegated to a secondary role. When experience is the yardstick, obedience becomes a matter of choice. When tongues are worn as a badge, love and courage can often be overlooked. And that deviates from the pattern established in Acts.

What the Spirit Actually Does

Scripture clearly outlines the priorities of the Spirit:

He brings glory to Christ.

He convicts us of our sins.

He cultivates the fruits of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, and patience.

He empowers us to be witnesses.

He strengthens the community of believers.

The most evident sign of the Spirit's presence is not ecstatic utterances. It is a life shaped by the cross. It is the courage to stand firm against opposition. It is a love that requires sacrifice. It is unwavering faithfulness in challenging times. It is a commitment to making disciples.

If we can speak in tongues yet remain silent about Jesus to our neighbors, there is a disconnect. If we can demonstrate power during a service but lack the bravery to stand up in public, something is amiss.

The Hard Truth

This is where things become uncomfortable.

When we position speaking in tongues as the primary indicator of Spirit baptism, we establish a theological foundation that Scripture does not require.

By suggesting that those who do not speak in tongues are in any way spiritually deficient, we go against Paul’s explicit teaching that not everyone speaks in tongues.

When we evaluate spirituality based on manifestations instead of mission, we have altered our focus.

If we are truthful, some of the beliefs we defend fervently are not rooted in biblical necessity, but rather in inherited traditions.

We have constructed systems around personal experiences.

At times, we have mistaken intensity for authenticity.

If We Want to Get Back to Mission

If the Spirit was sent to empower the Church for the Great Commission, we must confront some difficult questions.

Are we recognized more for our manifestations than for our missionary presence?

Are we concentrating more on what occurs during our gatherings than on what transpires in our communities?

Are we more enthusiastic about signs than we are about making disciples?

If the answer is yes, even in part, then returning to our mission demands more than mere adjustments.

It calls for repentance.

Not repentance from the Spirit.

But repentance from misguided theological foundations.

We must relinquish the notion that a secondary sign serves as the primary evidence of spiritual vitality.

We must discard any theology that establishes spiritual hierarchies within the body.

We must let go of the allure of spectacle if it diverts us from obedience.

And we must reclaim this fundamental truth:

The Holy Spirit was not given to enhance the Church's image.

He was given to ensure the Church's faithfulness.

Faithful witnesses.

Faithful disciples.

Faithful proclaimers of a crucified and risen King.

Until we return to that core, we will keep confusing manifestation with mission.

And the world does not require more spiritual performances.

It needs a Spirit-empowered Church that genuinely makes disciples.