13
identifies the danger of Wagners practice. He writes, "The appeal to experience as the primary
method of interpreting the Scriptures is liberalism to the core."
49
Several of Wagners statements clarify the basis of his hermeneutics. He explains, "The
two gifts I do add to the biblical list are exorcism (which might better be called deliverance) and
intercession. A major reason for doing this is that I have seen them in operation."
50
This position
is in harmony with Wagners axiom that "ministry generates theology."
51
He believes that
"Pauls theology was much more rooted in what he experienced and what he did than in his
rabbinical training [emphasis Wagners]."
52
Peter Wagner has a high view of the ministry of the Holy Spirit as a church growth agent
or tool. He claims, "The basic dynamic behind Pentecostal growth in Latin America is the power
of the Holy Spirit."
53
Baptism with the Holy Spirit "releases a spiritual power for Christian life
and witness that other Christians do not have." This is true because of "thousands of personal
testimonies."
54
According to Wagner, Pentecostals, whether they are traditional, charismatic, or Third
Wave are more open to the Holy Spirit. Therefore, they are more effective evangelists, and
experience personal and church renewal contrary to non-Pentecostals.
55
This air of spiritual
49
Wood, 127.
50
Ibid., 44.
51
Wagner, Confronting Powers, 44.
52
Ibid.
53
Wagner, Look Out!, 29.
54
Ibid., 34.
55
Ibid., 164-5.