For many followers of Jesus, the Holy Spirit is either a mystery to avoid or a topic wrapped in past hurt and confusion. Some grew up in churches where spiritual gifts felt forced, fake, or emotionally manipulated. Others spent years in churches that almost never talked about the Holy Spirit, and now feel like something important is missing.

At Trace, we believe the Bible calls us to a better way.

The primary role of the Holy Spirit is to make Jesus known to us and to make Jesus known through us. Everything about the gifts of the Spirit should point back to Jesus, reveal His character, and build up His church.

If we forget that, we will drift into one of two errors:

• Overemphasizing gifts in unhealthy or unbiblical ways

• Ignoring or underutilizing gifts that God intended for our good

We do not want either extreme. We want to be biblically sound and spiritually alive.

What Are Spiritual Gifts?

The New Testament lists a variety of spiritual gifts that God gives to believers, such as teaching, serving, leadership, mercy, hospitality, evangelism, encouragement, and more. There are also what many call the “sign gifts,” such as healing, tongues, and prophecy.

Some gifts can be exercised at any time. You do not need a miracle to show mercy, to offer hospitality, or to share the gospel. Other gifts, especially the sign gifts, are used only as God wills. Scripture shows that even the apostles did not heal everyone, all the time. God is the source. The power is His.

We believe all the biblical gifts of the Spirit are still available to the church today. When used in a biblical way, they are meant to strengthen, encourage, and equip the body of Christ.

Baptism of the Spirit and Filling of the Spirit

Some people have been taught that there is a “second baptism” of the Holy Spirit, and that you are not truly filled with the Spirit unless you have a certain experience, such as speaking in tongues. This teaching can leave people confused, ashamed, or always wondering if they are “less than” spiritually.

The New Testament paints a different picture.

When you repent and trust Jesus with your life, you receive the Holy Spirit. He is God’s seal on your life and the deposit that guarantees your inheritance in Christ. There are not first class and second class Christians.

At the same time, Scripture also talks about being “filled with the Spirit.” This is not a second class of Christian. It is a description of believers who are actively walking in step with the Spirit and experiencing His presence in powerful ways, often while worshiping, serving, praying, or boldly sharing their faith.

You receive the Holy Spirit at salvation. You can be filled with the Spirit many times as you surrender, obey, and walk with God.

What About Prophecy?

Prophecy in the New Testament is not about adding new revelation that competes with Scripture. The Bible is complete and sufficient. God is not rewriting it through anyone today.

Instead, biblical prophecy looks like Spirit led words that strengthen, encourage, or comfort others. Sometimes God will nudge a believer to say something specific to someone else at just the right moment. When that happens, it should be handled with deep humility and always tested by Scripture.

We do not get to say, “God told me, so you must obey.” We can say, “I think God might be leading me to share this with you. Please test it and see if it lines up with His Word.”

If a “prophetic word” contradicts the Bible, elevates a person, or creates confusion that pushes people away from Jesus, it is not from the Holy Spirit.

Avoiding Both Errors

If you came from a hyper charismatic environment where things felt manipulated or confusing, you are not alone. You matter, and your story matters. It is okay to process that and to seek healing.

If you have been skeptical of anything related to the Holy Spirit, it is also time to be honest about that. The answer is not to shut down what God might want to do in and through you.

Scripture gives us both a warning and an invitation:

• Do not quench the Spirit

• Do not treat prophecies with contempt

• Test everything by the Word of God

• Hold on to what is good

Our goal as a church is simple. We want to crave God’s Word and also live in awe of what He can do. We want to worship in Spirit and in truth.

Your Next Step

If you are curious about the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, or how to sort through past church experiences, you do not have to do that alone. At Trace, we would love to walk with you as you learn what it means to be both biblically grounded and spiritually alive.

You can:

• Request prayer or care

• Ask to talk with a pastor

• Join a group or Rooted experience

• Plan a visit to a Sunday gathering

• Reach out with your questions and story

You do not need to have your theology perfect to take a step. You only need a willingness to keep seeking Jesus and to allow His Spirit to work in you and through you.

If you would like someone to talk with or if you need prayer, support, or guidance, please complete this form. This allows us to offer help that fits your situation and walk with you in a personal and confidential way.