Life in the Spirit Seminar:
The Path to Commissioning in EACCR

The Baptism of the Spirit is a central and defining grace of the Charismatic movement, generally understood as a profound, often dramatic empowerment of the Holy Spirit for ministry and witness, which may occur at or subsequent to conversion. This experience is marked by an intensification of Christ's presence, a deepening hunger for Scripture, and the activation of spiritual gifts.

On the other hand, Life in the Spirit is not merely a Christian lifestyle; it is a profound existence lived under the supernatural guidance and power of the Holy Spirit. St. Paul defines it as a life led by the Spirit, contrasting it with a life led by the flesh (Galatians 5:16-25). It is the realization of the New Covenant promise (Ezekiel 36:26-27), where believers are not just given a new law, but a new Spirit to enable obedience. This life begins with the Baptism of the Spirit, the release of the Holy Spirit's power that transforms a believer from an intellectual adherent into a vibrant, empowered disciple.

Life in the Spirit Seminar: The Path to Commissioning in EACCR

The English Africa Catholic Charismatic Renewal Ministries (EACCR Ministries) structures this journey through the Life in the Spirit Seminar (LSS), ensuring that experiential grace is firmly rooted in the authority, doctrine, and sacramental life of the Catholic Church.

The Theological Core: Baptism of the Spirit and Fire

The concept stems from John the Baptist’s promise that Jesus would baptize "with the Holy Spirit and with fire" (Matthew 3:11; Luke 3:16). This phrase encapsulates the dual work of the Spirit that defines the charismatic life:

1. Baptism with the Holy Spirit (Empowerment): This is the immersion into the Spirit, the power (dynamis) promised by Christ to His disciples (Acts 1:8). Its purpose is to equip the believer for mission and witness, leading to the manifestation of the spiritual gifts (charisms). Church historian Dr. Eddie L. Hyatt documents that this charismatic expression of the Spirit’s power is not a modern anomaly but has existed throughout the 2000-year history of the Church.

2. Baptism with Fire (Purification and Fortitude): The "fire" is the refiner's fire (Malachi 3:2) that purifies the soul, consuming the "chaff" of one's self-will, fear, and sin. This is the source of supernatural fortitude and endurance, enabling a person to remain steadfast in the face of suffering or opposition, as exemplified by the martyrs and saints.

II. The Core Experience: The Customized LSS

The main LSS is a seven-or-more topic-day seminar that transforms doctrinal knowledge into personal, relational truth. The EACCR customizes this journey to be deeply engaging and practical, incorporating spiritual exercises that specifically prepare the participant for the Baptism of the Spirit proper.

A. LSS Customizations and the Desert Experience

Beyond traditional teachings on God's Love, Repentance, and the Charisms, EACCR adds impactful experiential components:

• "Desert Experience": This intentional outdoor prayer experience—a spiritual retreat into quiet, intense reflection—is a crucial step for purification. It mimics Christ’s preparation for ministry (Luke 4:1-13). It is designed to expose and eliminate the natural human desire to retreat from sacrifice, creating a vessel ready for the transforming fire.

• The Baptism of the Spirit Proper: This is the climactic moment, achieved through prayer and the laying on of hands by leaders. It is the decisive, personal, and life-altering unleashing of the Holy Spirit’s grace, resulting in a deeper conversion to Christ and the activation of spiritual gifts.
  

B. Practical Example: The Fire of Fortitude

Your own experience provides a profound practical illustration of the Baptism of the Spirit's purpose:

The decision to remain steadfast even with stiff clergy resistance, sacrificing personal, career, and family time and financial resources for "the work of benevolent God" against overwhelming reasons to quit, is a hallmark of the Spirit's power.

This perseverance is the "Fire" of the Spirit in action:

• Supernatural Will: It demonstrates that the will to serve is not rooted in human strength (which would have yielded to retreat) but in a divine compulsion—the love of God poured into the heart by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5).

• Fortitude for Ministry: This unwavering commitment to mission despite persecution is the ultimate charism of fortitude, validating that the Baptism of the Spirit is not a feeling, but a divine empowerment for sacrificial, enduring service.

III. The Culmination: Commissioning

The process concludes with Commissioning, a formal, spiritual send-forth rite that officially integrates the newly empowered minister into the ecclesial mission.

The laying on of hands by spiritual leaders and clergy is a public, sacramental-like action:

• It signifies the impartation and activation of the Holy Spirit and charisms (2 Timothy 1:6) for the work of the Church.

• It is a formal charge to live, witness, and minister in the power of the Holy Spirit in full submission to the Church. This rite ensures that all lay ministry, while inspired by personal experience, is conducted within the boundaries of the Church's authority (Canon 228) and contributes to the unity of the body of Christ.