Gary B. McGee - People of the Spirit: The Assemblies of God

I n the past, the General Council has been well served by historians such as Carl Brumback (Suddenly from Heaven: A History of the Assemblies of God), Klaude Kendrick (The Promise Fulfilled: A History of the Modern Pentecostal Movement), William W. Menzies (Anointed to Serve: The Story of the Assemblies of God), Victor De Leon (The Silent Pentecostals), and Edith L. Blumhofer (The Assemblies of God: A Chapter in the Story of American Pentecostalism). I am grateful for their contributions and the myriad of other writers who have also told some of the story. For the inspiration to write a biographical history, I am indebted to the distinguished historian Ruth A. Tucker of Calvin Theological Seminary, author of the highly acclaimed biographical history of Christian missions, From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya.

Wayne E. Warner, another respected historian, who directs the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center, reviewed the manuscript and gave insightful recommendations. Glenn Gohr of the Center assisted in the selection of pictures, Joyce Lee came to my rescue on many occasions with needed information, and Brett Pavia coordinated digital projects. I also appreciate the permission of Warner and Gohr to allow me to reprint and add to the General Council time line that appeared in the July 20, 1997, issue of the Pentecostal Evangel. In the publications department of Assemblies of God World Missions, Gloria Robinett has been a constant source of help in rounding up information on missionaries. This book also introduces the work of four graduates of the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, all budding historians. I am proud of the research capabilities and creative talents of Robert C. Phraner, Darrin J. Rodgers, Kenneth A. Worthley, and Annette Newberry, who each wrote sidebar articles.

I express my thanks to Byron D. Klaus, president of the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, former president Del Tarr, and senior professor Edgar Lee, for their encouragement in this project. Veteran missionaries Warren and Annette Newberry rendered valuable assistance at a crucial time in the books development. Longtime friend and retired missionary Leota Morar cheered me on in the writing. George O. Wood, general secretary, and James K. Bridges, general treasurer of the Assemblies of God, read the manuscript and offered many helpful suggestions. To the book editors of Gospel Publishing House, I tip my hat once more in gratitude and respect, especially to senior book editor Glen Ellard, who improved on the manuscript and spared me many embarrassments. Also, thanks to Rebekah Clute, Leta Sapp, Martha Stokes, and Alyssa Medlin.

Finally, I thank the Lord for my wife, Alice, who has shared the vision of this book and helped me find time to research and write it. Both of us know the joys of growing up Pentecostal and serving the Lord in ministry.