Arrington French L. - Issues in contemporary Pentecostalism

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Introduction

The Pentecostal Movement is at a very important crossroad. There are issues to be faced which will determine if it is to be (1) a continuing force for evangelism in the world, (2) yet another movement that will be relegated to the margins by institutionalization, or (3) further divided because of a lack of holding fringe movements and questionable leaders accountable for their teachings and actions.

One thing is certain: Pentecostalism will change. As the cultures change in which Pentecostals live, change becomes a necessity if we are to reach those who need the message most. Harold Wilson noted correctly, He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery. We must not pray, God, bless what we are doing; we must cry out, God, let us do what You are blessing!

The core fivefold gospel message of Pentecostalism has remained the same for most Pentecostals: Jesus Christ is Savior, Sanctifier, Spirit-Baptizer, Healer, and Soon-Coming King (Donald W. Dayton, Theological Roots of Pentecostalism ). This message cannot change, for it is the crux of the Scriptures and Pentecostalism. However, the way this message is presented has changed in the approximately 120 years that Pentecostalism has been a force. Whether we like it or not, the average attention span for most adults in todays society is fifteen to twenty minutes. Most will not listen to a two-hour fire and brimstone sermon that was common in earlier years. Sadly, the church is no longer the center of most peoples lives. Pastors today that stand in the pulpit are often compared with glitzy televangelists, captivating motivational speakers, and engaging video presentations, not to mention megachurch pastors with seemingly unlimited budgets.

It is the goal of this book to help Pentecostal pastors and leaders address what it means to be Pentecostal and how that identity and theological perspective should affect the way we deal with issues facing the contemporary church. The authors were chosen because they have seasoned expertise in the areas they address. They represent a wide range of ministry styles and vocational contexts. All were given considerable freedom in the issues they discuss, the methodology they employ, and the conclusions they make. Some will challenge the readers theological perspectives and how those perspectives are worked out in everyday ministry, since Pentecostalism is not about systematizing theology, but rather doing theology. Others will challenge your view of ecclesiastical polity. Challenges to our preconceived notions is one of the tools that causes us to grow. As we engage the thoughts of those who challenge our own, it forces us to formalize what we believe, determine why we believe it, and seriously examine the alternative view. Most of us learn more from those who challenge us than those who think just like we do. This deep introspection results in seeking God for His view and willalways a good practice.

Unfortunately, the size of a book requires that editors and authors cannot include everything they deem important. The subjects presented here are important, but not exhaustive. There are many other issues facing the contemporary Pentecostal church that should be addressed. Every chapter has value, and to highlight each one would take away precious space that should be used addressing issues leaders face today. Let me focus on a couple of foundational chapters.

French Arringtons chapters will be of special interest to all readers. The first chapter, Pentecostal Identity and Understanding of the Bible, helps clarify who Pentecostals are among the other prominent streams of theological perspectives (Catholicism and Protestantism) and what we have to offer. Pentecostals have always been people of the Word, yet understand that experience must be taken seriously also, as the Book of Acts reveals (e.g., the Day of Pentecost, Peters vision). Arrington lays the foundation for the role of experience in our Christian journey and how our experiences are to be evaluated and informed by the Scriptures. As well, most Pentecostals have affirmed glossolalia, or speaking in tongues, as the initial evidence of baptism in the Spirit. That foundational belief is being questioned by many today. The chapter Tongues, the Evidence examines the biblical perspective for this core belief.

Pentecostalism has been a tremendous force in world evangelization. We asked Nick Park (an effective church planter / overseer in his native Ireland, active teacher / trainer in many other nations, and previous Executive Council member) to think outside-of-the-box and consider alternative ways of effectiveness in world missions. Harvey Cox ( Fire From Heaven ) concludes that Pentecostalism has been successful in world evangelization because of what he perceives as the tendency to syncretize or integrate local beliefs and customs with the Pentecostal message in a way that makes that message more acceptable to the different cultures. Park addresses this and effectively disputes that belief. He also examines our own missions methodology and offers options in an effort to promote dialogue and examination of how the Pentecostal message can continue to be effective in reaching the masses, both in the U.S. and abroad.