diff --git a/spring-data-geode-test/src/main/java/org/springframework/data/gemfire/tests/integration/SpringApplicationContextIntegrationTestsSupport.java b/spring-data-geode-test/src/main/java/org/springframework/data/gemfire/tests/integration/SpringApplicationContextIntegrationTestsSupport.java
index a1ee399..701dcb5 100644
--- a/spring-data-geode-test/src/main/java/org/springframework/data/gemfire/tests/integration/SpringApplicationContextIntegrationTestsSupport.java
+++ b/spring-data-geode-test/src/main/java/org/springframework/data/gemfire/tests/integration/SpringApplicationContextIntegrationTestsSupport.java
@@ -66,6 +66,13 @@ public abstract class SpringApplicationContextIntegrationTestsSupport extends In
 		return applicationContext;
 	}
 
+	protected <T extends ConfigurableApplicationContext> T setApplicationContext(T applicationContext) {
+
+		this.applicationContext = applicationContext;
+
+		return applicationContext;
+	}
+
 	@SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
 	protected <T extends ConfigurableApplicationContext> T getApplicationContext() {
 		return (T) this.applicationContext;