I was astonished at some amazing God-things that happened at Ivan Filby’s breakout session at the New Room 2024 conference. I was initially intrigued by the session title “Prophetic Ministry Lab” and sure enough he had us doing all kinds of hands-on lab-type activities involving prayer and sharing around our table. On the flight home from Texas I read Filby’s book Livestream: Learning to Minister in the Power of the Holy Spirit (Seedbed).

Ivan Filby borrows the livestreaming metaphor from speaker and author J.D. Walt to shift how we think about how the Holy Spirit works. We could say that “downloading” is like preparing a sermon – it is researched, prepared, and delivered at a set time and place. In contrast, “livestreaming” is the exact opposite – it is spontaneous, unrehearsed, and can happen anywhere and at any time of the Holy Spirit’s choosing. Livestreaming is a helpful metaphor for allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through us – we simply have no idea what He will do next, but streaming the Holy Spirit’s love and power in the moment leads us through a life of fantastic surprises (p.11).

If the idea of learning to be tuned in to the work of the Holy Spirit intrigues you, then I highly recommend you read Livestream. Dr. Filby shares many fascinating stories, alongside helpful reflection questions and practical advice for how we might get started in the practice of listening and livestreaming the Spirit. If you heart longs to walk with God and have the Holy Spirit work through you, pick up this short book. Or better yet, get your small group to read it together!

Let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:25