21st Century Pentecostalism: Bland Burgers with No Secret Sauce? PART ONE

Even if you're not a hamburger fan, the thought of eating a Big Mac without the culinary clown's  "secret sauce" seems  sacrilegious.  I wonder just what is in Ronald's top secret concoction?  Perhaps only Mayor McCheese knows for sure.

Recently I've been scouring the book of Acts to reverse engineer the Early Church's "secret sauce" recipe.  What made their practice so dynamic, so demonstrative and so compelling?  

Over the next few posts, I'm going to look at the elements of true Christian practice--both corporate worship and private practice--that together season our Christianity with God's secret sauce (I bet you've never heard that metaphor before!).

I want to begin this short series with the ingredient I am presently most concerned about.

CORPORATE PRAYER

Acts 4:24 recounts a practice that was common in the early church, extended seasons of corporate prayer: 

"...they raised their voice to God with one accord..."

This reference shows the automatic response of the church to challenging circumstances, but there are several other Acts references that demonstrate true corporate prayer was a staple of early Christian worship services (see Acts 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, etc.).

Corporate prayer is when we together, in concert, call on the Lord.  It is a unifying, verbal confession of the existence of God (Heb 11:6) and a spiritual expression of humility and dependence.  This is a time for new believers to be mentored in their prayer lives, for mature believers to grow and for crusty ones to be de-barnacled; everyone--except the spectator--is involved and is practicing what they believe.

How does the Acts model superimpose over 21st century American Pentecostalism in general (please understand that this is a sweeping generalization)?  It seems that open-ended corporate prayer has become a thing of the past in many circles, having been substituted by a priestly (or pastoral) prayer time only.  Don't misunderstand me; I believe that our shepherds should publicly (and privately) pray.  However, this priestly prayer time does not fulfill the need for a group of worshippers spending time "raising their voices to God in one accord."  

A current trend is for churches to cancel their Sunday night services because of poor attendance.  I can understand renovating an obsolete schedule to become more effective; there's nothing sacred about a time slot.  But what about the open-ended times of prayer that characterize a Sunday night service?  Do they get cancelled too?  We need to maintain the key element of corporate prayer consistently in our church services!  And don't just move it to become an optional "only if you're exceptionally needy" bonus feature after a service dismisses.  Corporate prayer is not an optional part of biblical worship; it's an essential part.

Our modern consumer-driven church models tend to give people what they want rather than what they need.  How can we expect to transact Acts-style church services in one hour?  Thirty minutes of singing, ten minutes for announcements, pastoral prayer and offering then finally, twenty minutes of preaching.  Where's the secret sauce?  That's like saying, "I know I need to eat, but I only want to digest the bare minimum to keep my vital signs going."

We must ask ourselves this question: Does our typical worship service place value upon the core Christian practices of prayer, public reading of scripture, teaching of the Word and worship?  If we cancel events that headline corporate prayer--such as Sunday nights, we MUST make sure that we include it elsewhere in the course of each Sunday morning service.  If there's no time in our present schedule, modify it; dispense with another part of the service schedule that is not biblically mandated to make room for something that God will bless.

What do we value most?  What gets the most time in many Pentecostal worship services? Singing worship songs.  I love to worship by singing songs, but that is only one ingredient in the sauce.  Some churches have ten minutes of greeting time.  I have personally witnessed announcements lasting over twenty minutes!  That's a lot of coercing for the bake sale!

The people we lead learn what we personally value by what we live out before them.  I learned to pray because my parents prayed with me and my childhood pastor, Rev. Phil Bongiorno, publicly modeled his dynamic prayer life before the church during seasons of corporate prayer.

Is it enough that we tell people they need to pray but don't give them a consistent opportunity to practice it together?

Let's discuss this some more.  I look forward to your input.

Aftertaste: The Lakeland Healing Revival

In my two previous posts on Lakeland and Todd Bentley, I encouraged prayer for the leadership there--particularly Bentley.  I want to continue that call and add another subject to that prayer list: disillusioned people.

Since the apparent fizzling of the media attention and the troubling announcement that Bentley and his wife are separating, there are a whole host of people asking the age-old question, "how could God use someone who didn't have it all together?"  

The answer is, of course, simple; God only uses imperfect people.  This does not excuse doctrinal error, immorality or lack ethics or compassion; it is simply a fact.  Everyone who has ever been used in a divine way is flawed--except Jesus, of course.

I used to be a harsh critic until realizing that I could not live up to my own standards of perfection.  I chose to become a realist after this revelation.  That guards me from holding people in too high regard while insuring that God gets the glory for His good work in and through us.  

From the beginning of the Lakeland movement I've tried to focus on the positive.  I will still choose to do so because there are already enough places to read about the bad.  I certainly did not ever endorse Bentley's brand of "Neo-Latter Rain" theology or shock value tactics, but I refuse to kick someone while they are down.  Like it or not, God used Todd Bentley in Lakeland and there is fruit.  

Bentley's family is in a crisis right now and we need to earnestly pray for them. If you were an avid supporter, please do not let your disappointment keep you from praying for restoration. If you were an outspoken critic, please demonstrate your Christlikeness by holding up a weak brother in prayer.

Let's be part of God's healing process in Todd Bentley's family by adding him to our prayer lists and humbly recognize that we too are carrying treasure in earthen vessels.

FIRE BAPTISM? Ouch!!!!!

The last post generated a great question from Diane,  "What about the Baptism of Fire?"

Is there a separate experience for believers known as the "Baptism of Fire" or does it speak of:

1.  the trials believers will inevitably face or 

2.  the tongues of fire on Pentecost?  

There are two references in the scriptures to "baptize with the Holy Spirit AND FIRE" (Matt 3:11, Luk 3;16).  Only John the Baptist uses this combination and it is a prophetic declaration about how people can recognize the Messiah; He will accomplish these acts (whether they are two distinct events or one event marked by two descriptions, phases or facets).  

I think the two possible definitions mentioned above are very plausible, but let me add a third which seems to follow John the Baptist's flow of thought.  Let's work through  Luke 3:15-17:  

15   Now while the people were in a state of expectation and all were wondering in their hearts about John, as to whether he was the Christ,     

SUMMARY: IS JOHN THE MESSIAH?  

16  John answered and said to them all, “As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

SUMMARY: "NO, THE MESSIAH WILL DO THINGS I CANNOT DO; HE WILL BAPTIZE (IMMERSE) IN PEOPLE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT AND FIRE."  

17  “His winnowing fork is in His hand to thoroughly clear His threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”      

SUMMARY: "THE MESSIAH WILL DIVIDE THOSE WHO ACCEPT HIM (WHEAT) FROM THOSE WHO REJECT HIM (CHAFF);  THE WHEAT WILL EXPERIENCE FAVOR WHILE THE CHAFF WILL EXPERIENCE JUDGMENT FIRES."  

From this brief analysis, it appears to be a two sided experience for two separate groups of people: those who accept the Messiah and those who reject the Messiah.    

Verse 17 is the key to understanding this concept.  Matthew's account (3:11-12) verse 12 is almost identical to Luke 3:17; the same two sides to the coin are presented.  Those who accept the Messiah will experience Spirit Baptism; those who reject him will experience fire baptism.  

This seems like the most logical explanation in context.

Fire baptism for me?  No thanks!

FOUR BAPTISMS

I frequently encounter a misunderstanding over the usage of the term "baptism"--both in scripture and modern theology. Bringing some biblical clarity to this fuzziness seems to often help people see the promise of Spirit baptism as an unclaimed blessing from God.

Just as a word of introduction, the practice of water baptism pre-dates the New Testament times by at least a thousand years--most likely more. Baptism in water was even performed commonly at the time of Jesus by law-observing Jews. I believe that Jewish baptism probably got it's start with the parting of the Red Sea, but it was certainly fleshed out with the brazen laver in the tabernacle/temple. This laver was used to ceremonially wash the priests who would minister before the Lord. If you've ever seen pictures of the temple mount in Jerusalem, you can find excavations of "micvahs" at the southern end of the temple ruins; these were public baptistries for the penitent as they would enter the temple and worship God. These micvahs are a likely spot where the 3,000 may have been water baptized on the Day of Pentecost. The obvious metaphor in Jewish baptism is getting clean before a holy God.

There are four distinct baptisms mentioned in scripture; let's look at them in chronological order.

1. John's Water Baptism

John was the prophetic forerunner of the Messiah and part of his role was to bring to light the need for repentance. The scripture clearly speaks that John's baptism was a baptism of repentance (Acts 19:4). Though Jesus himself experienced this baptism, it is technically pre-Christian because His work on the cross had not yet been completed. In a similar way that John's ministry announced the coming fulfillment, John's baptism was a precursor, foreshadowing the next baptism.

2. Baptism in the Body of Christ

This baptism involves no water because it is a metaphor for becoming part of the Body of Christ at the time of salvation; it has a dual meaning in that it is a metaphor for both our conversion and our joining the family of God. 1 Cor 12:13 demonstrates this metaphorical language as the entry point into the Body of Christ, the moment we are Born Again. Unlike John's baptism, this baptism is still intact and is the single greatest event that can take place in a person's life!

3. Christian Water Baptism

In the Great Commission, Jesus instructs us to baptize the new disciples in water with the acknowledgement of the nature of the triune God. This command marks the obsolescence of John's Baptism as we clearly see with Paul's reaction to the Ephesian converts in Acts 19. We see Christian water baptism being a foundation stone of the early church's discipleship model and understand that like John's baptism it demonstrates repentance, but it also now signifies identification with the death and resurrection of the Messiah, Jesus. This Baptism is not obsolete and should be obediently observed by all followers of Jesus.

4. Spirit Baptism

Like the Baptism into the Body of Christ, this baptism involves no literal water but marks a significant spiritual moment. Matthew, Mark, Luke John and Acts all prophesy that Jesus the Messiah will Baptize His followers in the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:8, Jesus spoke to His assembled followers--who had now put their faith in Him as the resurrected Christ, they were Born again as you and I now are--and told them that they would receive supernatural ministry power at a future event, namely Spirit baptism. This promise is initially fulfilled in Acts 2 at Pentecost but is also demonstrated as a consistent pattern for apostolic discipleship in Acts 8, 9, 10 and 19 where new converts are quickly Spirit baptized.

It is clear from scripture that this baptism is not about salvation, but rather about receiving ministry power to help other people. It is also clear that this baptism is not experienced at salvation as a part of the Spirit's work of regeneration, but is a event to be desired and pursued by Born Again followers of Jesus. This baptism has not expired and is still available to every believer today (Acts 2:38-39).
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Here is a chart that I have modified from Dr. Les Holdcroft which simply categorizes the four baptisms:

BAPTISM     TIME     SUBJECT     AGENT     ELEMENT     SCRIPTURE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John's           Pre-        Penitent       John          Water             Acts 19:4
Baptism        Resur-    Sinner
                        rection
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baptism       At            Penitent       Holy          Body of          1 Cor 12:13
into               Salv-       Sinner          Spirit         Christ
Christ           ation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Water          After        Convert/      Elder         Water             Mat 28:19
Baptism      Salv-        Disciple
                     ation         
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spirit           After        Believer        Jesus         Holy               Acts 2:4
Baptism      Salv-                                                   Spirit
                     ation

(This chart is modified from Dr. Holdcroft's "The Holy Spirit" first edition, 1962, page 131.)

Waldorf, Statler and the Lakeland Healing Revival

In the last blog entry, “What Do YOU Think About the Lakeland Healing Revival,” I explained that I was withholding my opinions and judgment because of the infancy of the movement. This pause was in the presence of some disturbing doctrinal and practical issues that had been recognized by many, including several national, Spirit filled leaders. The gist of my rationale for suspending judgment was that despite both obvious and inferred problems, God was certainly working there. I wanted us to pray for the leadership, asking God to graciously help them—to receive grace and wisdom that we all could use more of.

Have you ever watched “The Muppet Show”? Part of the shtick is the sarcastic and merciless commentary of two balcony-dwelling know-it-all’s named Waldorf and Statler. They usually state the obvious, however, their role is simply to put others down who are at least trying to do something worthwhile. Now don’t think for a moment that I have gone off the deep end and begun to rant against the lack of virtue in modern puppetry characterizations—no matter how hard their foamy hearts may be. No, these distempered, stuffed geezers are a perfect metaphor for a common tendency we all have to quickly put down others who are trying something we are not willing to personally attempt ourselves.

My previous blog entry was a call to prayer, asking God to grant special grace and wisdom so that the leadership would enable the “God percentage” to increase and the "human percentage" to decrease. I didn’t want to be a trigger-happy critic viewing things from my own perfect balcony, nor did I want to miss something that God was doing.

For those of you who have been recently watching the revival or attending in person, it has become clear that the “God percentage” is indeed on the increase. Just last night (June 26), Todd Bentley announced several new safeguards against exaggerated reporting of miracles and greater levels of accountability. There has been a distinct trend away from the more disturbing doctrines and a greater focus on souls. These, along with other positive signs, are incredibly encouraging to me.

Don’t get me wrong, if I was in charge, the doctrines and practices would be up to my personal standard of absolute perfection (smile); but that’s the point: I’m NOT in charge. This fact does not excuse me from the restraint of my biblical understanding and convictions, but it does free me to benefit from the spiritual zeal and motivation that are so evidently a part of what God is stirring up.

The bottom line? Don’t eat the wrapper along with your Big Mac, just eat the burger.

Please join me in continuing to pray for the Lord to be ever-increasingly honored through the Lakeland Healing Revival.

What do YOU think about the Lakeland, Florida Healing Revival?

Now lasting over 50 consecutive days, Lakeland, Florida is once again the topic of both the revival hungry and the skeptic--and everyone in between.

With what began as a five day meeting with Canadian Evangelist, Todd Bentley, Auburn, FL's Ignited Church has jumped into the international spotlight. Web-casting and live satellite coverage on GodTV have given immediate international attention to the mixture of traditional revivalism and unusual phenomena. If you've witnessed it you are either supportive, cautious, confused or in opposition.

I have studied revival movements closely and have noticed that there has never been a 100% God, 0% human revival. Gordon Anderson rightly noted that a "mighty rushing wind kicks up a lot of dust." The Lakeland revival is no diferent. No one can deny that God is not at least 1% involved there, but deeply concerning doctrinal issues along with sensationalism have raised the eyebrows of many--myself included.

So at what "God" percentage do we condone or condemn a revival movement? I propose that God is certainly at work in Lakeland but the movement is too young to either totally endorse it OR to totally write it off.

My reason for keeping my opinions on hold is that God uses imperfect people. The only perfect person ever used of God is God Himself, Jesus. Even the "Super-Apostles"--Peter and Paul--both evidenced faults in their latter years: Peter with false doctrine (Gal 2:11-16) and Paul's broken relationship with Barnabas and John Mark. The good news is that both issues were reconciled after some time and/or correction; the "God percentage" was in a state of increase. This principle does not, however, excuse long term resistance to correction and/or arrogance.

My present judgment of the Lakeland revival follows suit. Though I have distinct theological concerns over issues there, I feel my present responsiblity is to pray that Todd Bentley (and the leadership) grows and learns; that they would know God's grace and correction so that they can continuously decrease, thus allowing God to increase. This, by the way, is my prayer for our own ministry as well.

In conclusion, I do not think there is any specific "God percentage" (i.e. God 50% and human 50%) upon which we can base our judgment at this infancy stage of a potential revival, but rather we look for growth, deveolpment and doctrinal improvement. Are things getting better or worse over a certain period of time?

I pray that Todd Bentley quickly distances himself from the more alarming doctrines (such as guidance by "Emma" and others) and transparently yields himself to some needed restraint in the promotion of extra-biblical experiences and sensationalism. These issues are critical, but none are too hard for our great and gracious God to handle.

Please join me in praying for Todd Bentley.

What do you think? Let me know.

For Pastors: Leadership of Public Vocal Gifts

This post is for those in Pastoral leadership or for those who lead a small group or Bible study. These are comments to get your thinking processes going about the administration of public Spiritual gifts.
Let me know what you think; click HERE to leave a comment.
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As in every aspect of spiritual leadership, the leader sets the tone for those they lead. The administration of supernatural vocal gifts is no different; the leader sets both the spiritual and communal climates in which the gifts will (or will not) flow, steering the direction of the group they oversee. Over the years I have witnessed leaders over-correct and create a climate of fear or under-correct and create a three-ring circus. Once again, balance and Spirit dependence are the critical issues.

As a general rule, it is more common to be in an environment where more gifts need to be manifested than less. This single fact should change our approach from one of pre-correction to one of cultivating an openness to the gifts. Perhaps our teaching shouldn’t begin with all of the corrective measures of 1 Corinthians 14, but instead with the enabling tone of chapter 12 first, “let’s learn about how these gifts can build us up.” Why vaccinate the whole group for a disease that only a few unteachable ones will ever catch? After the climate of openness is set, then progress to teach about divine order.

SETTING THE CLIMATE FOR THOSE WHO ARE NEW TO THE GIFTS
A practical starting point is to be more entry-level in our approach. Many are afraid that a public utterance in tongues will freak out the visitors. An easy solution is to simply commentate and explain what is happening. "The Bible tells us that God sometimes speaks to us through prophetic gifts; what we just heard is a public gift of tongues. You can read more about it in 1 Cor 12. The Bible instructs us that we are to now wait for someone to tell us the meaning through another gift, interpretation." Seizing corporate teachable moments can do more than preaching a 10 week series; but don’t neglect to offer biblical teaching from an enabling perspective as well.

SETTING A CLIMATE FOR THOSE WHO DESIRE THE GIFTS
Seizing the moments can also facilitate helping our people enter into a new realm spiritually. "While we wait for the interpretation, God may desire to use someone who has never been used this way before. If you have ever desired God to use you in this way, why not invite Him to do it now? If you sense the Holy Spirit moving on you, ask Him if He wants you to speak out and give the interpretation today."

A simple welcoming of the gifts to flow in your pastoral prayer each service opens people’s hearts to being used. “Holy Spirit, we welcome your supernatural gifts to flow in this service. As you desire, would you enable some who have not yet experienced your gifts to beautifully experience them today?”

SETTING THE CLIMATE FOR THOSE WHO ARE ABUSIVE OR NEED CORRECTION
As leaders, we define the culture for the expression of spiritual gifts; fear or openness. Avoid public correction unless you know from the Spirit that it is absolutely necessary, because harsh public correction will create a corporate fear of humiliation.

If you do sense that correction is necessary, ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom, he’ll give it to you. I have a pastor-friend who was having some challenges with uncorrectable, unsubmitted people arrogantly abusing the vocal gifts. Though he was tempted to call down fire from heaven upon them, he prayed earnestly for a peaceable answer. A short while later, he was visiting a shut-in who had been a spiritual pillar of the church, delivering the previous week’s recording of the church service for her to listen to. As they visited, this saint asked a beautiful question, “Pastor, when I listen to the church service tapes, I can surmise that some utterance gifts are happening at times—but I can’t hear what is being said. I love the moving of the Holy Spirit and wish there was some way that I could hear these gifts on the tapes.” God had sent the answer! The next Sunday morning, the pastor told his congregation about his conversation with the saintly shut-in, asking if those who were sensing a gift bubbling up would move to a microphone near the front. The people understood his rationale and it immediately put an end to those unaccountable manifestations. He also remarked that many people in the sanctuary later positively comment that they could now hear the utterance gifts clearly over the PA system—for the first time.

Have your leadership create a biblical policy to help those who are abusive in the gifts. Perhaps first a gentle visit after a service with a few elders. Second, if things don’t change, a visit with the pastor and the first group of elders followed up with a nice but firm letter recalling the conversation. If that doesn’t work, an official discipline and forbiddance of the offender to use vocal gifts for a set time. If the person arrogantly disregards the discipline and blurts out again, the only option is public correction—but with an adequate explanation telling of your church’s procedure. “We never correct this way publicly unless the person has disregarded our set disciplinary process.” While severe, this should stem off a culture of fear for those who humbly desire God to use them while, at the same time, reinforce the shepherd’s nature of the pastor—protecting the flock from harm.

"Helping Others" book is now available

The new compilation book, "Helping Others Receive the Gift" is now available.

This unprecedented resource features insights about ministering the Spirit Baptism in a variety of contexts and age groups.

You can click here for more details and for ordering information.

Heritage Magazine Article on Dr. Price

Don't miss the new annual edition of Heritage magazine.

It was a distinct honor to be asked to write a biographical article about one of my personal "Heroes of the Faith," the late Dr. Charles S. Price. Thanks to Darrin Rodgers, director of the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center, for the opportunity to contribute to this excellent publication.

Dr. Price's story is inspirational and challenging--and I hope it will stir you to believe God for greater demonstrations of His Spirit's power in your life.

If you are not a subscriber, you can order the issue here for $8.

You can also read the article HERE.

Another New Book...

It is no secret that the late Dr. Charles S. Price has significantly influenced my life. He had one of the most renowned Pentecostal healing ministries of his day, and yet possessed a rock solid understanding of God's Word and dependence on the Holy Spirit.

His clear teaching on the subject of faith has opened new worlds to me. He gracefully and kindly taught against the faith formula of the Word of Faith Movement (such as "positive confession"), yet his message was anything but negative; in fact, his writing is some of the most faith inspiring material you will ever read.

Several years ago, my dear friend John Carver Jr. and I released two of Dr. Price's books in one volume, The Meaning of Faith & The Sick are Healed. Destiny Image published this collection for us and it is still available on our website or at your local Christian bookstore.

Now our ministry is re-releasing what I believe to be Dr. Price's greatest book, The Real Faith along with a mini-biography on his life (by yours truly). I honestly believe that this is the greatest book ever penned on the subject of faith and I know it will deeply affect your life.

Click here to find out more information or to order your copy.

New Book Available Soon!

"Helping Others Receive the Gift" is a book geared for ministers, small group leaders and ministry students.

It is a practical resource about ministering the Spirit Baptism in a variety of contexts.

I just got word that it is going to press in the next few days; I'll keep you posted when the actual release date is known.

See the September 22 post below for more details about the book.

Facilitating the Holy Spirit's Moving: Holy Bingo?

I used to think that great moves of the Holy Spirit were, while most desirable, rare and enigmatic. Perhaps God had a bingo cage in heaven where each numbered ball corresponded to a specific church; if you had any spiritual luck (that's a great term!) your church might be the big winner some Sunday.

While that illustration may seem a bit farcical, the implication is a common belief: God seems to only send great moves of His Spirit once in a century and you must be in the right spot at the right time--wearing a cotton-poly blend suit--to participate.

Once again my experience--or lack of it--had gotten in the way. Once again I trusted my own subjective judgments over biblical principles. Same song, different verse.

We learn from scripture that God has always desired to pour out His Spirit and that Pentecost was the fulfillment of His desire. Since that initial outpouring, the gate is open. In Acts 2, Peter explained that this promise is for us and for our children and all following generations, yet, we still live with a bingo mindset rather than an open catcher's mitt mentality.

If God really wants to send His Spirit's power to us, what must we do to facilitate it? Where can we find a spiritual catcher's mitt?

This past year, God has been dealing with me about time and schedule in our conferences. I have noticed that I frequently operate with an "I'll do what I think is best unless God interrupts me" premise. Perhaps this is the default setting for those in ministry who have grown tired of waiting for God to call his or her church's bingo number.

Through prayer, studying the scriptures and introspection, I have consistently heard God challenging my bingo mindset. I have become more convinced that He desires more, not less, than I could ask or imagine.

He has shown me that if I get rid of my bingo cage, I'd see that I already have the catcher's mitt. So do you. It's called TIME. Chronology. Just few moments of "Selah" in the middle of a church service or Bible study causes everyone's spiritual sensitivity to become more acute. Just a simple silent pause after some worship songs or prayer; a silent lifting of our catcher's mitt to heaven. Long enough to feel out of control, then He shows us what to do next. We can always trust Him.

Leaders are afraid of dead air because it appears unprofessional and silence is uncomfortable to us input-junkie Americans. We need flashing lights and subwoofers to enhance our Gen-X sacrament of baptism in vats of Red Bull--high energy thrill rides whose script disallows any time for failure.

We as leaders fear the unpredictable; but that is exactly the nature of the Holy Spirit. His wind blows unpredictably; Jesus said so.

I dare you as a pastor, Sunday school teacher or small group leader to give a few quiet, uncluttered corporate moments to try on the catcher's mitt again. After all, it's what the people we lead really want to experience anyway. Just a minute or so is all it takes before you hear the wind beginning to gently blow.

I guess it has always been blowing; we just couldn't hear it over the racket of our bingo cages.