The Holy Spirit in Moral Character Formation

Perceptions within Ghanaian Pentecostal-Charismatic Christianity

Abstract

The research explored the understanding of the role of the Holy Spirit in shaping moral character formation among Ghanaian Pentecostal-Charismatic Christians. It aimed to determine whether individual Pentecostals are aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence in their Christian formation process. The study involved one hundred and fifty (150) respondents from three prominent Pentecostal-Charismatic Churches: Assemblies of God, Ghana, The Church of Pentecost (COP), and the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC). Findings indicated that a majority of the respondents were not conscious of the Holy Spirit’s role in moral character formation; instead, they were more aware of the ministerial or charismatic functions of the Spirit. The study advocates for Pentecostal churches in Ghana to maintain and enhance their teachings on the Holy Spirit. It encourages Ghanaian Pentecostal-Charismatic church leaders to guide their congregants in giving equal attention to both the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, while also conducting research to thoroughly examine their members’ grasp of the foundational doctrines of the Pentecostal faith.