“We know that the whole creation has been groaning together as it suffers together the pains of labor, and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved.” — Romans 8:22-24a
The theme Baptism with the Holy Spirit! calls us to rediscover the vital and empowering work of the Holy Spirit in the life of every believer and the Church. Rooted in the promises of Jesus and the experience of the early Church, this baptism is not merely a historical event but a present and necessary reality for spiritual vitality, bold witness, and holy living. Jesus declared, “You will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now” (Acts 1:5), pointing to Pentecost as the moment when the disciples would be clothed with power from on high. This outpouring was not just for the apostles but is the inheritance of all who believe (Acts 2:39). It is the Spirit who sanctifies us, fills us with God’s love, and empowers us for mission and ministry in a broken world.
14th Annual Holy Spirit Seminar: Baptism with the Holy Spirit
Date:
Friday, December 5, 2025
Time:
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. ET
Location:
- United Theological Seminary, 4501 Denlinger Road, Dayton, OH 45426
- Online
Cost:
In-Person: General: $75.00
In-Person: United Students and Alumni/ae: $55.00
In-Person: United Staff/Faculty: $55.00
Livestream, General: $50.00
Livestream, Students and Alumni/ae: $40.00
Continuing Education Unit (0.5 CEUs): $20
Prayer Team: $39.00
Sponsors:
Aldersgate Renewal Ministries
Dayton Vineyard Church
13th Annual Holy Spirit Seminar: Longing for the Glory of New Creation
Date:
Friday, December 6, 2024
Time:
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. ET
Location:
- United Theological Seminary, 4501 Denlinger Road, Dayton, OH 45426
- Online
Cost:
In-Person: General: $75.00 Early bird rate through 11/15: $69.00
In-Person: United Students and Alumni/ae: $55.00 Early bird rate through 11/15: $49.00
In-Person: United Staff/Faculty: $55.00 Early bird rate through 11/15: $49.00
Livestream: General: $50.00 Early bird rate through 11/15: $44.00
Livestream: Students and Alumni/ae: $40.00 Early bird rate through 11/15: $34.00
Continuing Education Unit (0.5 CEUs): $20
Prayer Team: $39.00
Sponsors:
Aldersgate Renewal Ministries
Dayton Vineyard Church
Featured Speaker
Dr. Luther Oconer is Associate Professor of Global Wesleyan Theology at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He previously taught at United Theological Seminary, where he directed the Center for Evangelical United Brethren Heritage. Dr. Oconer now leads the Mega Manila Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church as its conference superintendent. He teaches Wesleyan/Methodist history and theology, Church history, and Holiness-Pentecostal/Charismatic renewal movements. His book Spirit‑Filled Protestantism (2017) received the Wesleyan Theological Society’s Book of the Year award in 2018. Beyond academia, Dr. Oconer is passionate about church renewal and regularly speaks at conferences in both the U.S. and internationally. He and his wife, Marion, have two children.
FAQ's
What is the Holy Spirit Seminar?
The Holy Spirit Seminar is a conference on the person and work of the Holy Spirit with different themes each year. The seminar is a one-day event that features the best in pneumatological theory and practice from top Renewalist scholars and practitioners.
What is pneumatology?
The study of the person and work of the Holy Spirit.
What is the mission or goal of the Holy Spirit Seminar?
Our goals are 3-fold: Inspiration, Instruction and Impartation.
The mission of the Holy Spirit Seminar is to allow the person and work of the Holy Spirit to inspire, to instruct and to impart the life of God to United Methodists and to the larger Body of Christ.
When does the Holy Spirit Seminar meet?
It meets annually on the first Friday in December in Dayton, Ohio.
Why do we need an event such as the Holy Spirit Seminar?
“Renewalist Christianity” is the umbrella term for the Global Christian movement that puts an emphasis on the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Renewalist Christianity is a broad, global tradition that comprises Pentecostal, Charismatic, Third Wave, Non-denominational, and other types of “Spirit-filled” Christians. It is the fastest growing and one of the largest expressions of Christianity in the Majority world and in the Global South. Due to its source, growth, size, influence and impact, it is a movement that deserves to be examined and experienced.
What sort of themes does the Holy Spirit Seminar cover?
In the past the seminar has covered topics such as the gifts of the Spirit, prayer, signs and wonders, deliverance, and spiritual warfare.
Who is the Seminar for?
It is for everyone and anyone with a hunger to know more of the person and work of the Holy Spirit. It is not merely for United Methodists or Renewalist Christians, but for all who desire to learn more.