Charismatic United Methodists from all over the United States converged on Dayton, Ohio, late this summer to enthusiastically and freely worship God with uplifted hands, dancing, weeping, clapping, and spirited singing. The event is called "Aldersgate" and it is the annual conference on the Holy Spirit sponsored by Aldersgate Renewal Ministries (also known as United Methodist Renewal Services Fellowship).
The Aldersgate conference was led in worship by an ethnically diverse praise and worship team led by Andy Crouch, of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship at Harvard University, and Cynthia Wilson-Felder, of Ben Hill United Methodist Church in Atlanta.
There were 1900 conference participants in attendance at this year's mid-July gathering who came to worship God and hear strong Biblical preaching. Aldersgate offered more than 60 workshops in a 13-track format, with programs for youth and children of all ages.
At the conclusion of each service, a specially-trained ministry team was available to pray for the sick and anoint with oil as the Bible instructs. Conference participants were also invited to come forward to receive prayer for a fresh touch from God, or any other special prayer need.
The annual Aldersgate gathering attempts to educate the UM Church on the work of the Holy Spirit in the world today, provide an encouraging environment for the use of spiritual gifts outlined in the New Testament, and promote spiritual renewal in the denomination. Aldersgate seeks to combine Pentecostal power, spiritual gifts, and Wesleyan theology under one roof.
"It is amazing to me that the Aldersgate summer conference continues to grow even after almost 20 years of such conferences," Dr. Steve Seamands, a plenary speaker at the conference, told GOOD NEWS. "And it seems that its best years are still ahead. Compared to other general church gatherings, attendance at Aldersgate which usually averages between 1500-2000 usually ranks near the top."
"I was particularly ministered to this year by the inter-racial praise and worship team and the attempt to bridge the gap between generations," said Seamands, a professor of theology at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. "It was great to see a conference with so many youth and children present."
The theme of Aldersgate '97 was "Soar Like an Eagle" from Isaiah 40:31: "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint" (KJV).
"Participants were encouraged to take this Scripture to heart and
learn the value of waiting on the Lord and thereby gaining the strength
to soar," Aldersgate director Gary Moore told Good News. "Eagles
are designed to soar by catching wind currents. Christians are designed
to soar by catching the wind of the Spirit."
For most people, the highlight of the conference is the celebration of
the Lord's Supper in the last general session on Sunday morning. Paula
Hinkley, staff member at Aldersgate, describes the service: "In a
true spirit of worship, the expressive worship dancers 'set the table,'
and the awesome presence of the Lord is manifested, as all partake together
of this divine 'means of grace.'" Bishop Hae-Jong Kim of New York
was the preacher for the Sunday morning service this year.
"Aldersgate proves that there are scores of United Methodists who are hungry for vital, spirit-filled worship which connects with the whole person-body, mind, emotions, and spirit," says Seamands. "Old-time shouting Methodists would feel right at home at an Aldersgate Conference."
Aldersgate '98 will be held at the DFW Hyatt, inside the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport, Texas, July 15-19. For more information call the Aldersgate Renewal Ministries office at (615) 851-9192.
Published in the November/December 1997 issue of Good News magazine.