Pentecost is a Christian celebration that commemorates the descent of the blessings and presence of Jesus on the remaining eleven disciples and approximately 100 close followers. Pentecost is celebrated fifty days after Easter. In the New Testament account of Pentecost, it is said that the eleven disciples, along with over a hundred close followers, including Mary, the Mother of Jesus, were gathered together in the Upper Room celebrating Shavout, a traditional Jewish holiday. This was said to be the very same room where the disciples celebrated Passover with Jesus.

According to the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2.1-6), there was a soul-shaking roar of wind as tongues of fire appeared above each person’s head. As these tongues of fire descended on the disciples and close followers of Jesus, they began to speak in a variety of spirit-filled tongues, previously unknown to them. This baptism of divine fire inexorably connected those present with Jesus. Since Jesus was no longer physically present with the disciples and followers gathered in the Upper Room, this descent of divine grace deeply connected the minds and hearts of those in attendance with the sacred heart of Jesus.

In the challenging days to come, the energy and fire of the Holy Spirit would guide the disciples in their ministry. To this day, Pentecost is celebrated by adorning alters and church vestibules with the color of fire, bright red. Priests and ministers, from a variety of religious traditions, often honor the fire of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples and followers of Jesus by wearing red during the Pentecostal celebrations. Even lay people now wear red during Pentecostal celebrations to honor the descent of divine grace. This helps to remind those in attendance that the presence of Jesus is with us at all times in the form of the Holy Spirit.

In the same way, an Internet ministry can connect and guide its members, even though the members of the ministry may not be physically present with the minister. To become ordained as a minister, who takes care of his or her virtual flock via the Internet, poses both challenges and benefits. One of the primary benefits of an Internet ministry or online church is the ability to reach people who would not otherwise be able to attend a regular church service. Some of these people may live quite a distance away from their minister of choice, while others may struggle with serious health issues that make physically attending church services difficult, if not impossible.

Providing spiritual education, guidance and nourishment through an Internet ministry is one of the great advantages of our electronically connected world. As one enthusiastic Internet user once exclaimed, “God is on the Internet!” Surely divine grace will flow through any portal we respectfully and humbly provide for It. To become ordained as a Universal Life Church minister will allow you to connect with ardent individuals who are hungry for the same divine fire of the Holy Spirit experienced by those present at the very first Pentecost.