Psychological Formation: A Pentecostal Pneumatology and Implications for Therapy

Abstract

This chapter articulates a Pentecostal pneumatology and then identifies implications of this perspective for the work of therapy and pastoral counseling. As a subset of ministry, therapy contributes to Christian formation. Pentecostal pneumatology is characterized by a focus on the actual presence of God through the Spirit to transform and renew life in those seeking help. Furthermore, such a pneumatology is interwoven with a theological anthropology that emphasizes a fundamental relationality and freedom of choice in humans. From this Pentecostal pneumatology, the chapter articulates goals of formation that include building healthy relationships with God and others and taking responsibility for one’s choices. Means for achieving these goals include attention to relational, affective, autonomous, and narrative dimensions of human experience.