Phyllis Thompson - Challenges of Pentecostal Theology in the 21st Century

I had the honour of delivering the inaugural lecture for the first series of the Oliver Lyseight lectures that focused on Pentecostal leadership. That was more than a decade ago, and I want to commend the vision and tenacity of Phyllis Thompson, editor, for concluding a second series of these lectures on Pentecostal theology with this important work. This volume continues in pursuit of the original aim: to improve the ministry of the Pentecostal Church which, in spite of inherent dynamism and Spirit-driven growth, has needed the buttress of a maturing theology particularly one developed by its own scholars and practitioners. The themes discussed in this volume contribute to the continuing development of this youthful ecclesial movement, a mere century old within a two-millennia-old Christian Church, on its way to greater theological and missional effectiveness. As one inducted into faith and shaped by Pentecostalism, I warmly welcome and commend this important work.

Joe Aldred , Honorary Research Fellow, Roehampton University, Bishop in the Church of God of Prophecy and Principal Officer for Pentecostal & Charismatic Relations, Churches Together in England

We have here insightful reflections on Pentecostal theology and its methods in the light of changing Christian and societal landscapes. With particular focus on black and minority ethnic groups, and the rejection they have faced, the book calls for responsible theology and godly living to go hand in hand at individual, communal and even political levels all enabled by personal encounter with Gods Holy Spirit.

William P. Atkinson , Chair, European Pentecostal Theological Association and Senior Lecturer, London School of Theology

When we consider that one in four Christians is a Pentecostal, this book is a must for all who are seeking to improve their knowledge of Pentecostal theology and recognize its distinctives. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to preachers, teachers, students and Christians of all persuasions. It offers a range of perspectives from which to address some of the current challenges facing Pentecostal theology. It also enables us to identify opportunities to apply some practical solutions in the interest of Pentecostalism and its contribution to the wider Christian witness in the twenty-first century.

Donald Bolt , Administrative Bishop, New Testament Church of God England and Wales

Here is a selection of voices addressing pertinent Pentecostal predicaments that are longstanding and current including spirituality, theology, modernity, money and politics. It is a must-read book for present-day and emerging Pentecostal scholars as they engage with the challenges and examine them further.

Dulcie Dixon McKenzie , Director of the Centre for Black Theology, Queens Foundation, Birmingham

That Pentecostalism is a formidable contributor to Christian wit-ness is a reality. We are, however, living in unprecedented times, and there are many challenges to this Pentecostal witness. The series of lectures which gave rise to this book has given us the opportunity to self-interrogate Pentecostalism and its contribution in the twenty-first century: What is the core of this tradition? How truly effective is Pentecostalism in equipping its leadership and members for discipleship today? This is not simply a book for Pentecostals by Pentecostals. It is a helpful resource for anyone who wishes to engage with Pentecostalism. It offers not only a grown-up assessment of the essence of Pentecostalism but also the real scrutiny that is needed to ensure a Pentecostalism that is fit for purpose.

Rose Hudson-Wilkin MBE, QHC , Bishop of Dover

The multi-faceted chapters of this book broaden, deepen and affirm our understanding of Pentecostalism as a living way of expressing the Christian faith in todays world. There is passion and information here, advice for the present and hope for the future.

William K. Kay , Honorary Fellow, Institute for Pentecostal Theology, Regents Theological College

Revd Phyllis Thompson is a member of the leadership team at the New Testament Church of God, Northampton, having served as Education Director for NTCG from 2007 to 2018. An EQUIP certified trainer, she is a member of NTCGs International Division of Education Board and an Executive Council member of the European Pentecostal Theological Association. She is the editor of Challenges of Black Pentecostal Leadership in the 21st Century (SPCK, 2013).

CHALLENGES OF
PENTECOSTAL
THEOLOGY IN THE
21ST CENTURY

Edited by
Phyllis Thompson

To the pioneers of the New Testament Church of God in
the UK: those who served at the forefront and those who
served behind the scenes.

Revd Dr Joel Edwards is a writer, coach, Bible teacher and in-ternational inspirational speaker, covering issues of social justice, leadership, faith and society. In 2019, he was awarded a DThM from St Johns College, Durham, where he is also a visiting fellow. Joels wide range of experience includes 10 years as a local pastor in the East End of London, more than 15 years as a freelance broadcaster with the BBC, 11 years as General Director of the Evangelical Alliance UK and 10 years leadership in Micah Challenge International a global faith-based response to extreme poverty. He has also served as advisor to the Foreign Secretarys Advisory Group on Human Rights, as well as a commissioner on the UK Equalities and Human Rights Commission.

Charlotte V. V. Johnson is a human resources professional working in the public sector and an executive trustee of a charity for people with learning disabilities. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry qualification through the New Testament Church of God Leadership Training Centre in partnership with the Pentecostal Theological Seminary in Cleveland, USA.

Revd Dr Steven Land is a minister of the Church of God and a member of the Pentecostal Theological Seminary faculty in Cleveland, USA, where he developed courses on the Theology of Holiness, the Theology of Wesley, Divine Healing, Pentecostal Foundations for Theological Study and Ministry, Apologetics, and Pentecostal Spirituality-Theology. He is a founding editor of the international Journal of Pentecostal Theology and is the author of Pentecostal Spirituality: A passion for the kingdom (CPT Press, 2010).

Revd Dr Douglas Nelson has served as an ordained minister of the United Methodist Church, USA. He earned his doctorate from the University of Birmingham, UK, with a dissertation entitled For Such a Time as This: The story of Bishop Williams J. Seymour and the Azusa Street Revival.

Revd Dr Keith Warrington is Emeritus Reader in New Testament and Pentecostal Studies at Regents Theological College, West Malvern, UK. He also directs Word and Spirit, a programme that enables believers to engage with the Bible in ways that are transformative (). His recent books include The Miracles in the Gospels (SPCK, 2015) and, co-edited with Trevor Burke, A Biblical Theology of the Holy Spirit (SPCK, 2014).

I am indebted to Sue Howard and Lynn Vickery for the time and effort they gave to read and share their observations in order to help my completion of the introduction and conclusion to this series of lectures.

Sincere thanks to Sharon Constance, who laboured on the typescript, and Eustace Constance who kept us going with his creative cuisine, and to both of them for their gracious willingness to proofread the manuscript.

I also want to thank Michael Bolt, Nastassia Holness and Sadie Lindsey-Brooks for their administration of this series of lectures.