This guide presents a biblical framework for Spirit-filled living that values Scripture, honors the Holy Spirit’s work today, and encourages believers to pursue intimacy with God, freedom, and empowerment for ministry. The emphasis throughout is not on manifestations themselves, but on loving Jesus, building up the church, and advancing God’s kingdom through the Spirit’s power.
If the Spirit-Filled Worship Environment is new to you or you're unfamiliar with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, you can learn more in the resource guide below. Biblical foundations with scripture references, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and additional sermon & book recommendations.
Topics include:
- Baptism of the Spirit
- Manifestations of the Holy Spirit
- The Gift of Tongues (AKA: The Gift of Languages)
- Spirit Led Services (Longer Services)
- Dance, Flags & Arts in worship
- Inner Healing
- Women in Ministry
- Prophecy
Baptism of the Spirit
***no subtitle*** -- Holy Spirit lives in you
Scripture teaches both the indwelling and the empowering work of the Holy Spirit. When a person gives their life to Jesus, they receive the Holy Spirit (John 20:22). However, the Bible also describes a distinct experience known as the baptism of the Holy Spirit, where the Spirit comes upon believers with power (Acts 1:5, 1:8; Acts 2:4).
At Pentecost and throughout Acts (Acts 2, 10:44, 19:6), believers were filled with the Holy Spirit, often accompanied by manifestations such as tongues or prophecy. This baptism equips believers to advance God’s kingdom through divine power rather than human strength. A helpful summary: the Holy Spirit lives in you for you, but comes upon you for others.
Scripture also supports multiple fillings of the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:8, 31). Ephesians 5:18 calls believers to be “continually filled,” indicating that ongoing encounters and renewals are both biblical and encouraged.
While speaking in tongues frequently accompanies Spirit baptism in Scripture, the guide emphasizes that tongues are not the sole evidence. Other manifestations—prophecy, deep conviction, joy, physical sensations, or emotional responses—may also occur.
At Pentecost and throughout Acts (Acts 2, 10:44, 19:6), believers were filled with the Holy Spirit, often accompanied by manifestations such as tongues or prophecy. This baptism equips believers to advance God’s kingdom through divine power rather than human strength. A helpful summary: the Holy Spirit lives in you for you, but comes upon you for others.
Scripture also supports multiple fillings of the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:8, 31). Ephesians 5:18 calls believers to be “continually filled,” indicating that ongoing encounters and renewals are both biblical and encouraged.
While speaking in tongues frequently accompanies Spirit baptism in Scripture, the guide emphasizes that tongues are not the sole evidence. Other manifestations—prophecy, deep conviction, joy, physical sensations, or emotional responses—may also occur.
Matthew 3:11
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Acts 1:5
…for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
Acts 1:8
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 2:4
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 10:44
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.
Acts 19:6
And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.
Books:
- ‘The Holy Spirit & You’ by Dennis Bennett
- ‘Baptism of the Holy Spirit’ by Russell Johnson
Q: If I’ve given my life to Jesus, don’t I already have the Holy Spirit?
Answer: Yes, when you give your life to Jesus, you receive the Holy
Spirit inside you. This is reflected in scripture in John 20:22 after
Jesus rose from the dead where it says, “22 And when he had said
this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy
Spirit.” However, he also told the disciples in Luke 24:49 “49 And
behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay
in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Then,
at Pentecost in Acts 2 after Jesus had ascended back into heaven,
they were baptized in the Holy Spirit. This additional outpouring
of the Holy Spirit is the baptism of the Holy Spirit that clothed the
disciples in power so that they would be equipped to expand the
kingdom through the power of God rather than in their own
strength. The same is available to us today. Some explain it this
way; the Holy Spirit comes to live inside you for you, but the Holy
Spirit comes upon you for others.
Q: If I’ve been baptized in the Holy Spirit before, is there any point in getting prayed over for it again?
Acts 4:8 accounts Peter being ‘filled with the Holy Spirit’ while addressing the rulers and elders. Later in verse 29, after persecution, the disciples ask God for boldness to continue to preach the gospel. Then in vs. 31 it says, “And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” We see here that there can be multiple outpourings of the Holy Spirit.
Also, Ephesians 5:18 says, “18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit…” The Greek word for being "filled" is in the present tense, specifically in the form of a continuous present tense command. This grammatical form is meant to be a continuous, ongoing action that is to be happening constantly, rather than a one-time event. Therefore, the phrase means "be continually filled with the Holy Spirit" rather than a one-time event.
Also, Ephesians 5:18 says, “18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit…” The Greek word for being "filled" is in the present tense, specifically in the form of a continuous present tense command. This grammatical form is meant to be a continuous, ongoing action that is to be happening constantly, rather than a one-time event. Therefore, the phrase means "be continually filled with the Holy Spirit" rather than a one-time event.
Q: If I’ve been prayed over for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit but haven’t received my prayer language yet, does that mean that I haven’t been baptized in the Holy Spirit yet?
There is debate around this question. We personally agree with Randy Clark’s perspective. If you are trying to claim that the gift of tongues is the only sign of baptism of the Holy Spirit, you have to make several assumptions that are not explicit in various scriptural accounts. There are various things that can happen when someone is baptized in the Spirit including; tongues, prophecy, feeling heat or electricity, weeping, being slain in the Spirit, etc. Here are a few unique testimonies:
- A friend of mine was not going to a Spirit-filled church. He decided to fast and seek the Lord on his own. He powerfully encountered the Lord and was baptized in the Spirit on his kitchen floor. From that point on, there was a distinct gift of prophecy that he began to function in. Years later, after he was already on the altar team at Hope; one of the former pastors encouraged the team to start praying in tongues. He asked the pastor what praying in tongues was. This particular pastor held the perspective that you were only baptized in the Spirit if you spoke in tongues. Upon this question, he was shocked that my friend didn’t have his prayer language because of all the other ways he already moved in the Spirit. Then, they took a moment to pray and ask for the gift of tongues and he received it right away.
- Another friend of mine was prayed over for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. She did not receive her prayer language. A few weeks later she was at an all-night prayer and worship event. In the middle of worship as everyone was singing, she spontaneously began to sing in tongues without anyone praying over her.
Manifestations of the Holy Spirit
Slain in the Spirit (Falling down when experiencing the presence of God)
The Bible records various physical and emotional responses to encounters with God’s presence. These manifestations are not the goal but are often the result of encountering a holy and powerful God.
Common manifestations include:
Common manifestations include:
- Falling or being “slain in the Spirit” (John 18:4–6; Acts 9:3–4)
- Weeping (Isaiah 6:5)
- Laughter and joy (Psalm 16:11)
- Fire or electricity sensations (Matthew 3:11; Hebrews 12:29)
- Shaking or trembling (Daniel 10:10–11)
John 18:4-6 (Falling)
4 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.”[a] Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus[b] said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
Acts 9:3-4 (Falling)
3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
Isaiah 6:5 (Weeping)
5 And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”
Psalm 16:11 (Laughing)
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Matthew 3:11 (Fire/Electricity)
11 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."
Hebrews 12:29 (Fire/Electricity)
28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire.
Daniel 10:10-11 (Shaking & Trembling)
10 And behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. 11 And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling.
Books:
- ‘The Holy Spirit & You’ by Dennis Bennett
- ‘Baptism of the Holy Spirit’ by Russell Johnson
**NONE - no FAQ on guide entry here**
Q: If I’ve given my life to Jesus, don’t I already have the Holy Spirit?
Answer: Yes, when you give your life to Jesus, you receive the Holy
Spirit inside you. This is reflected in scripture in John 20:22 after
Jesus rose from the dead where it says, “22 And when he had said
this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy
Spirit.” However, he also told the disciples in Luke 24:49 “49 And
behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay
in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Then,
at Pentecost in Acts 2 after Jesus had ascended back into heaven,
they were baptized in the Holy Spirit. This additional outpouring
of the Holy Spirit is the baptism of the Holy Spirit that clothed the
disciples in power so that they would be equipped to expand the
kingdom through the power of God rather than in their own
strength. The same is available to us today. Some explain it this
way; the Holy Spirit comes to live inside you for you, but the Holy
Spirit comes upon you for others.
The Gift of Tongues
(AKA: The Gift of Languages)
The Bible records various physical and emotional responses to encounters with God’s presence. These manifestations are not the goal but are often the result of encountering a holy and powerful God.
Common manifestations include:
Common manifestations include:
- Falling or being “slain in the Spirit” (John 18:4–6; Acts 9:3–4)
- Weeping (Isaiah 6:5)
- Laughter and joy (Psalm 16:11)
- Fire or electricity sensations (Matthew 3:11; Hebrews 12:29)
- Shaking or trembling (Daniel 10:10–11)
Acts 2:4
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
1 Corinthians 14:4
4 The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.
Jude 1:20
But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit…
James 3:7-8
7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
Books:
- ‘The Holy Spirit & You’ by Dennis Bennett
- ‘Baptism of the Holy Spirit’ by Russell Johnson
Q: What if it feels like it’s just gibberish?
Answer: Often times, when we are learning to allow the Holy Spirit to speak through us; it can feel strange. The enemy will try to convince us through our rational mind that we’re just making it up. When we are so used to being the one in charge, it can feel very different to speak without knowing what we’re speaking. The more we continue to step out in faith, the more it will flow and begin to feel natural. If you are naturally an analytical person, you may wrestle with this particular gift but this gift is for you too!
Q: Tongues just seems weird. What’s the point of it?
Answer: No human being can tame the tongue (James 3:7-8). Life and death are also in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). Clearly, what we speak is incredibly powerful and we can’t tame our tongue on our own. We are blessed to be able to let the Holy Spirit tame our tongue and also pray through us when we don’t even know exactly how to pray. This yielding to the Holy Spirit through the gift of tongues also builds you up in the Spirit and in faith (1 Corinthians 14:4 & Jude 1:20)
Q: Am I supposed to feel something when I pray in tongues?
Answer: Not necessarily. There may be times when you experience various manifestations of the Holy Spirit simultaneously while praying in tongues but much of the time it is an act of faith. You will more often see the effects of praying in the Spirit throughout everyday life. You’ll find that you are more bold in your faith, hungry for the Lord and have more faith to see miracles.
Q: If it’s really the Holy Spirit, isn’t it supposed to be something I can’t control but just happens?
Not necessarily. There are indeed times where you might encounter the Lord in such a powerful way that tongues naturally flows out but most of the time it is an intentional act of faith to yield to the Holy Spirit. You initiate the speaking but the Holy Spirit partners with you to direct your tongue even though you don’t know what you’re saying.
Q: Isn’t tongues supposed to be a private thing that’s not spoken in public without interpretation?
There are actually four different forms of tongues referenced in the Bible:
**For more context on publicly interpreted tongues vs. the general prayer language spoken personally in worship—please see the sermon link.
- Tongues of Foreign Languages (A human language not known by the speaker) - Acts 2- Pentecost.
- Personal Prayer Language - 1 Corinthians 14:4
- Tongues of Praise - 1 Corinthians 14:15-16
- Tongues for Interpretation (In the context of a public address) - 1 Corinthians 14:28-29: "But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said."
**For more context on publicly interpreted tongues vs. the general prayer language spoken personally in worship—please see the sermon link.
Spirit-Led Services
Longer Services; sometimes going off script
Spirit-filled services prioritize responsiveness to the Holy Spirit, which can result in longer gatherings or moments that deviate from a planned schedule. Scripture affirms that all things exist for Christ (Colossians 1:16), and time spent honoring Him is never wasted.
Cultural norms often shape expectations of service length, but we encourage all believers to value presence over efficiency, echoing Jesus’ affirmation of extravagant worship (Matthew 26:6–13; the woman who anointed Jesus with expensive oil "[wastefully]").
Cultural norms often shape expectations of service length, but we encourage all believers to value presence over efficiency, echoing Jesus’ affirmation of extravagant worship (Matthew 26:6–13; the woman who anointed Jesus with expensive oil "[wastefully]").
Colossians 1:16b
“…all things were created through him and for him.”
Matthew 26:6–13
This is where the description goes.
Books:
- ‘The Heart of Worship’ by Matt Redman
- ‘The Reset’ by Jeremy Riddle
Q: Why do your services go so long?
Answer: ‘Long’ is relative to culture. Just because most church services go an hour and fifteen minutes doesn’t mean that’s the way it has to be.
In Matthew 26:6-13, a woman came and anointed Jesus with very expensive perfume. The disciples were mad and asked, “Why the waste?” But Jesus praised the woman. Similarly, instead of looking at a 2 hours service and essentially asking, “Why the waste?” [of time]; we ask “Why the rush?” Time is valuable; and Jesus is worth our time.
- Movies are often 2 hours,
- professional sporting events are 3 hours,
- society on average spends 4 to 5 hours on their phone per day!
In Matthew 26:6-13, a woman came and anointed Jesus with very expensive perfume. The disciples were mad and asked, “Why the waste?” But Jesus praised the woman. Similarly, instead of looking at a 2 hours service and essentially asking, “Why the waste?” [of time]; we ask “Why the rush?” Time is valuable; and Jesus is worth our time.
Dance, Flags & Arts in Services
Worship through Arts
Scripture affirms expressive worship, including dancing, banners, and celebration (2 Samuel 6; Psalm 20:5). If you grew up in a church where the worship was more stoic, it’s natural that a charismatic service would take some getting used to. We encourage grace, maturity, and mutual honor of different forms of corporate worship.
As Believers we are called to both celebrate freely and remain sensitive to the atmosphere of the room—honoring moments of joy as well as reverence.
As Believers we are called to both celebrate freely and remain sensitive to the atmosphere of the room—honoring moments of joy as well as reverence.
2 Samuel 6:12-23
Several forms of worship are displayed when David is bringing the Ark of the Covenant back into Jerusalem
Psalm 20:5
May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions!
***Note: Strong’s Lexicon Usage for the word ‘raise’: To flaunt, raise, or to be conspicuous
***Note: Strong’s Lexicon Usage for the word ‘raise’: To flaunt, raise, or to be conspicuous
Books: ***NONE***
- NONE
Q: When people are dancing and waving flags, it’s distracting. Worship shouldn’t be distracting, should it?
Answer: When we gather together for corporate worship, it’s important to recognize that we are growing together as well as going deeper in the Spirit together. If you grew up in a church where the worship was more stoic, it’s natural that a charismatic service would take some getting used to. Initially, it may be helpful to simply close your eyes during worship. Over time, you will become more used to it and it will be easier to center your focus on Jesus.
On the other hand, it is important that we honor what the Holy Spirit is doing in the room. If it’s a loud celebratory moment of worship, people have the freedom to celebrate. If it’s a quiet and holy moment of worship, we all collectively honor the moment by not doing something that would draw others’ attention out of the presence of God.
On the other hand, it is important that we honor what the Holy Spirit is doing in the room. If it’s a loud celebratory moment of worship, people have the freedom to celebrate. If it’s a quiet and holy moment of worship, we all collectively honor the moment by not doing something that would draw others’ attention out of the presence of God.
Inner Healing
***NONE
Salvation in Scripture involves more than forgiveness of sin; it includes healing and restoration of the soul. The Greek word sozo reflects this holistic salvation (Psalm 23:3; Luke 19:10). Inner healing ministry seeks emotional, spiritual, and relational freedom through the work of Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 23:3
He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Luke 10:10
10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
**That word ‘save’ is the Greek word ‘sozo’ which is a deep word involving being saved, healed and delivered
**That word ‘save’ is the Greek word ‘sozo’ which is a deep word involving being saved, healed and delivered
Books:
- ‘Supernatural Freedom from the Captivity of Trauma’ by Mike Hutchings
- ‘Sozo: Saved, Healed, Delivered’ by Dawna De Silva
***none***
Q: NONE**********
Answer:
Women in Ministry
***NONE
Salvation in Scripture involves more than forgiveness of sin; it includes healing and restoration of the soul. The Greek word sozo reflects this holistic salvation (Psalm 23:3; Luke 19:10). Inner healing ministry seeks emotional, spiritual, and relational freedom through the work of Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 23:3
He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Luke 10:10
10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
**That word ‘save’ is the Greek word ‘sozo’ which is a deep word involving being saved, healed and delivered
**That word ‘save’ is the Greek word ‘sozo’ which is a deep word involving being saved, healed and delivered
Books:
- ‘Supernatural Freedom from the Captivity of Trauma’ by Mike Hutchings
- ‘Sozo: Saved, Healed, Delivered’ by Dawna De Silva
***none***
Q: NONE**********
Answer:
Prophecy
***NONE - Hearing from God
Prophecy is presented as a gift available to believers for the purpose of edification, encouragement, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3). Scripture teaches that prophecy originates from the Holy Spirit, not human will (2 Peter 1:21), and that all believers may grow in this gift within healthy biblical boundaries.
2 Peter 1:21
“For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
1 Corinthians 14:3
“On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.”
1 Corinthians 14:31
“For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged”
Books:
- ‘Voice of God’ by Art Thomas
- ‘Hearing God’ by Ben Dixon
- ‘Love & Prophecy’ by Dan McCollam
- ‘Prophesy’ by Ben Dixon
***none***
***NONE
Answer: TBD