PCTII Newsletters

News items are posted as received

The Rev. Dr. Olav Tveit, General Secretary of the World Council of Church, brought greetings to the Pentecostal World Conference on August 25, 2010 in Stockholm. Go here for the first press release. Also see the reports in Christianity Today Online and Christian Today. There is also a news report in Dagen (August 27, 2010), the newspaper started by Levi Pethrus. Go here for the front cover of Dagen and the final page which was in English.

The statement released by the Pentecostal delegation at Edinburgh 2010 is available on the webs by the Pentecostal World Fellowship, Edinburgh 2010 and the World Council of Churches. Here is a report from Samoa. The Common Call from Edinburgh 2010 is still available online. On a related note, Yoido Full Gospel Church affirms its role as a host of the WCC General Assembly in 2013.

Pentecostal-Charismatic Movements Consultation and World Christianity Group, American Academy of Religion
Saturday - 9:00 am-11:30 am
Location: Palais des Congrès-524B;
Peter C. Phan, Georgetown University, Presiding
Theme: Shifting Perspectives on World Pentecostalism
Katherine Attanasi, Regent University
The Influence of United States Televangelism and Revivalism in South African Christianity
Ryan R. Gladwin, University of Edinburgh
Latin American Evangelicalism and the Neo-Pentecostal Challenge: A Case Study of Argentine Baptists
Joerg Haustein, University of Heidelberg
Writing Pentecostal History. The Historiography of Ethiopian Pentecostalism
Leah Payne, Vanderbilt University
The Life and Times of Angelus Temple
Responding: David Bundy, Fuller Theological Seminary

Pentecostal-Charismatic Movements Consultation
Monday - 4:00 pm-6:30 pm
Location: Palais des Congrès-510C
Bernie A. Van De Walle, Ambrose University College, Presiding
Theme: Origins and Identity of Canadian Pentecostalism
Michael Wilkinson, Trinity Western University
Charles Chawner and the Missionary Impulse of the Hebden Mission
Adam Stewart, University of Waterloo
A Canadian Azusa? The Implications of the Hebden Mission for Pentecostal Historiography
Peter Althouse, Southeastern University
The Ecumenical Significance of Canadian Pentecostalism
Responding: Steven Studebaker, McMaster Divinity College
Business Meeting:
James K. A. Smith, Calvin College, presiding
Amos Yong, Regent University, presiding

Also, don't forget the: Society for Pentecostal Studies and the Wesleyan Theological Society Reception
Saturday - 7:00 pm-8:30 pm
Location: Sheraton-Salon B

Flame of Love: Social Science and Theology on the Great Commandment, July 13-24, 2009, Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI
Dr. Stephen Post, SUNY Stony Brook; Dr. Margaret Poloma and Dr. Matthew Lee, University of Akron
How do God’s love and human caring interact? What happens when they do? Stephen Post, who directs the Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care, and Bioethics at Stony Brook University, joins University of Akron sociologists Margaret Poloma and Matthew Lee to lead a review of their research on “Godly Love,” the human attempt to live out the divine vision of radical love.
Application deadline is January 16, 2009
For more information and application requirements, visit www.calvin.edu/scs

"The Many Faces of Pentecostalism: Implications of Globalization for North American Pentecostalism," will be hosted by McMaster Divinity College, Canada on October 25, 2008. A brochure is available here. Confirmed speakers include Professor Allan Anderson, Dr. Michael Wilkinson and Dr. David Reed.

The following sessions will be held when the American Academy of Religion convenes in Chicago, November 1-3, 2008.
Session 1: Pentecostalism and Prosperity: Changing Discourses (150 minutes) Saturday, 1:00-3:30 PM - Chicago Hilton Towers Conference Room 4K
Presider, Heather Curtis (Tufts University)
Jonathan L. Walton, University of California, Riverside, "From the Storefront Margins to the Megachurch Mainstream": The Influence of the Black Spiritual Movement on Contemporary African American Protestant Christianity
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to assess one particular tradition within African-American religious practices that was cultivated within the storefront model, the Black Spiritual movement. I will argue that characteristics of this movement, i.e. its syncretic fusion of New Thought, Christian Science, Afro-Pentecostalism, and African American Protestantism, laid the foundation for the practical, "seeker-friendly" theology that we witness in many of today's African American megachurches. Therefore, drawing on the conceptual tools of social history and cultural theory, I seek to demonstrate that rather than regarding the megachurch phenomenon in African American communities, and the dominant theological orientations therein, as something distinctive to the post-civil rights era, it is more instructive to understand this as a by-product of the religious practices that have structured black life in America for the majority of the previous century.
Michael J. McClymond, St. Louis University, Prosperity Already & Not Yet: An Eschatological Interpretation of the Health & Wealth Teaching in North American Pentecostalism
Abstract: Prosperity theology has been controversial in pentecostalism since the 1970s. According to a standard view, the prosperity emphasis derives from New Thought as mediated through E.W. Kenyon to Kenneth Hagin, Sr. and many others. Such a construal suggests that prosperity theology is extrinsic to pentecostalism. This essay argues instead that prosperity theology is an extreme version of a concept intrinsic to pentecostalism, viz., realized eschatology. Early pentecostals stressed Jesus' Second Coming and "tarrying" for Spirit-baptism. Yet prosperity teachers offer no practice of "tarrying" for blessing and rarely speak of the Second Coming. The Latter Rain Revival, with its radical doctrines of "little gods" and "manifest sons of God," exhibited an over-realized eschatology--also evident in the Healing Revival. Without rejecting their manysided vision of human wellness, pentecostals might correct the imbalances of prosperity theology with a return to anticipatory eschatology through "tarrying" for God's blessings and reemphasizing Christ's coming kingdom.
Philip Wingeier-Rayo, Pfeiffer University, The Transculturalization and the Transnationalization of the Government of 12: From Seoul to Bogota to Charlotte, North Carolina
Abstract: Historically transcultural and transnational movements, whether ecclesial or secular, traveled from the developed countries of the West to the developing countries of the southern hemisphere. Through globalization and immigration the G12 movement based out of Bogota, Colombia has reversed this trend and has exported its teachings and method to England, France, Spain and the United States. The G12 movement derives its roots from David Yonggi Cho in Seoul, Korea, yet it has transculturalized the message to the Latino context, and again into Western society. This ethnographic study will examine a satellite congregation of the G12 in Charlotte, North Carolina that is adapting the teachings to the immigrant context of the United States. The study finds tensions between the prosperity (or holistic) gospel and the finite limitations of the immigrant population. Likewise the "Fourth Dimension" teaching of envisioning healing and prosperity contrasts with the "Third Dimension" realities of the immigrant population.
Respondent: Gaston Espinosa (Claremont-McKenna College)
Business session: James K. A. Smith & Amos Yong, presiding
Session 2: Joint session between PCMs & Black Theology Group (150 minutes) Sunday, 9:00-11:30 AM - Chicago Hilton Towers Conference Room 4K
Identity and Belief Constructions in Afro-Pentecostal and Black Church Theological Traditions
Presider, Stacey Floyd-Thomas (Brite Divinity School)
Estrelda Alexander, Regent University School of Divinity, Recovering Black Theological Thought in Writings of Early African American Holiness-Pentecostal Leaders
Abstract: This paper challenges the entirely otherworldly characterization of Pentecostalism by reflecting on the critical writing of a number of early Pentecostal leaders. These include Charles Price Jones, founder of the Church of Christ (Holiness), William J. Seymour the leader of the 1906 Azusa Street Revival which brought the movement into public prominence, Charles Harrison Mason founder of the six million member Church of God in Christ, Ida Bell Robinson founded the largest African-American Pentecostal denomination established by a woman , and black oneness leaders Garfield T. Haywood and Robert Lawson. Much of this work foreshadowed contemporary black theology, coming several decades before that movement came into its own right.
Frederick L. Ware, Howard University School of Divinity, On the Compatibility/Incompatibility of Pentecostal Premillennialism with Black Liberation Theology
Abstract: Eschatology is a principal category that lies at the intersection of Pentecostalism and black liberation theology. In the United States, racial consciousness is manifest in visions of the future of the nation and which roles and quality of life that African Americans can expect to have in this future. Racial consciousness is expressed (not always but mostly) through Christian symbolism, namely eschatology covering a spectrum of pre-, post-, and a-millennialist views. The tendency of black Pentecostals is towards premillennialism. My presentation deals with the question of whether premillennialism is untenable in light of the quest for liberation and therefore warrants revision or substitution by another view of millennialism.
Stephen Ray, The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, Not As Far Off As Once Thought
Abstract: This paper will explore the ways that the distinct methodologies of Black Theology and Pentecostal/Charismatic theologies have created a seeming chasm between the two movements that many have deemed unbridgeable. The guiding thesis of the paper is that this assessment while valid in many ways can easily lose sight of the ways that the common commitment to liberation of both these movements creates significant intersections and paths for understanding. To do this work, I will deconstruct the Pentecostal critique of the materialist concerns of Black Theology while simultaneously challenging Black Theologies insistence that the Pentecostal framing of salvation in purely theological terms is insufficient. My hope is that by exposing the methodological presumption that each movement holds about the other to a rigorous interrogation resonances hitherto unseen may come into focus.
Dale T. Irvin, New York Theological Seminary, Constructions of Identity and Belief in Black Pentecostal & Black Church Theological Traditions
Abstract: Thirty years have passed since Leonard Lovett's dissertation, "Black Holiness-Pentecostalism: Implications for Ethics and Social Transformation" (Emory University, 1978) first appeared. In the conclusion of that work, Dr. Lovett sought to lay the groundwork for a fuller dialogue between Black theology and the Black Pentecostal movement. Thirty years later that dialogue has still hardly begun. During these intervening decades, Pentecostalism has grown exponentially as a popular global movement. Black theology has undergone its own global engagement, doing so through a sustained dialogue with other liberation theologies around the world. I will suggest that the global dimensions of both Black Pentecostalism and Black theology are not extraneous. The global African (or more properly pan-African) dimensions of both Black Pentecostalism and Black theology are central to the constructed identity of both movements. I will suggest that the dialogue between Black theology and the Black Pentecostal movement needs to be consciously carried on in a global theological arena, and that their common global African heritage will be an important element of the dialogue moving forward.
Respondent: A. G. Miller, Obelin College
Session 3: Joint session between History of Christianity & Pentecostal-charismatic Movements Consultation (90 minute session) Sunday, 1:00-2:30 PM - Chicago Hilton Towers Lake Ontario
Pentecostalisms in Africa: Histories and Theologies
Presider, Arun Jones, Austin Seminary
David Tonghou Ngong, Baylor University, Material well being in the soteriological discourse of African neo-Pentecostal/charismatic Christianity: The Legacies of African Traditional Religion
Abstract: Some observers of the contemporary African scene have pointed out that the recent growth of Neo-Pentecostal-Charismatic Christianity on the continent may not be unconnected to its stress on human material well being in its salvific discourse. While some African theologians have seen this stress as adequately addressing the present African situation, thus pointing a way forward for African Christianity, others have simply rejected this Christianity. This paper takes a middles course: it points out that it is the duty of African theologians to address the key issue that attracts converts to this Christianity, namely, its understanding of material well being, especially in African religious traditions. This paper explores these matters in dialogue with contemporary retrievals of one of the first African theologians, St. Augustine of Carthage.
Genevieve Nrenzah, Florida International University, The Pentecostal-charismatic Religious Movement & Changing Discourses on African Religions in Ghana
Abstract: This paper explores Christianity in Ghana focusing on the history of its encounter with African traditional religions in the context of Pentecostalism. I argue that as a Christian religious form, Pentecostalism has throughout its history in Ghana contributed to the continuity of indigenous religions by providing followers with spaces within which to cultivate indigenous beliefs and practices. The rise of spiritual churches represented the earliest phase of Pentecostalism in Ghana, when Christians embraced aspects of African Traditional Religions, deploying their rituals and beliefs to meet the spiritual needs of its followers. The modern phase of Pentecostalism in Ghana sees the rise in Charismatic Christianity, featuring discourses demonizing African Traditional Religions. While Charismatic churches present a negative image of indigenous beliefs and practices, the latter thrive in their followers beliefs and practices. In this way Charismatic Christianity can be said to facilitate the continuous influence of traditional religion in Ghana.
Adelaide Boadi, Drew University, Emerging Pentecostal theologies of the global south & their reshaping of worldwide pentecostalism: The case of Africa
Abstract: In this presentation, I will explore the evolvement of Pentecostalism in the Global South, with particular reference to Ghana (and other parts of Africa) into megachurches over the last century, looking at African Independent/Indigenous/Instituted Churches, the Pentecostal/Charismatic and Neo/(Post) Pentecostal movements. I will examine the key issues in the periodization of African Pentecostalism, and discuss the emerging theologies within the movement, paying attention to the worldviews/ethos that produce them.
Respondent: None (short session

Funding Available to Study Godly Love (6 Projects at up to $150,000 each)
The University of Akron and The Institute for Research on Unlimited Love are pleased to announce a Request for Proposals for a research venture titled “The Flame of Love: Theologically Informed Social Scientific Research on the Experience and Expression of Godly Love in the Pentecostal Tradition.” Godly Love is defined as the dynamic interaction between divine and human love that enlivens and expands benevolence. This research is limited to the broadly defined pentecostal tradition, which includes historic Pentecostal denominations, neo-pentecostalisms found in mainline and independent congregations, as well as others within the Christian tradition who adhere to a pentecostal worldview in which the Holy Spirit is deemed an active force in daily life. A total of six projects will be funded at up to $150,000 each. Each of the six projects will be co-directed by teams of at least one social scientist and at least one theologian. Proposals may be submitted by public or private nonprofit organizations in the United States, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, laboratories, or research institutions. The awards will be made at the beginning of 2009 and all research must be complete by the end of 2010. Letters of Intent must be received by July 28, 2008 and invited proposals must be received by October 13, 2008. Full details, including the complete Request for Proposals and a supporting White Paper can be found at www.godlyloveproject.org/rfp. This new research initiative was made possible through a generous grant from the John Templeton Foundation.

Bishop James D. Leggett, General Superintendent of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, was one of ten leaders chosen to personally greet Pope Benedict XVI during an ecumenical service at Saint Joseph's Parish Church in New York City on April 18, 2008. The full text of the papal address is here. An announcement before the event is available here, a news release here--but go here for a response from the Episcopal Church as to whether they were singled out for criticism in the key address--and video of the actual event is identified as the Ecumenical Service at 6pm: http://www.uspapalvisit.org/video_audio.htm Other Pentecostal leaders came from those churches that are members of or connected to Christian Churches Together. Pentecostal scholars on hand were Dr. Cheryl Bridges Johns, Dr. Glen Menzies, and Dr. Harold D. Hunter. Just prior to the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI, the Reverend Dr. Ronald G. Roberson, Associate Director of the Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, presented a helpful overview of ecumenism. For reports from the IPHC, go to www.iphc.org and www.iphc.org/papservice.html

Bishop James D. Leggett greeting Pope Benedict XVI

Canadian Journal of Pentecostal-Charismatic Christianity publishes innovative and constructive research that is multidisciplinary, contextual and comparative. The Journal accepts submissions that reflect the growing scholarship on Pentecostal-Charismatic Christianity from a range of disciplines, methodologies, and theoretical viewpoints. While the Canadian context is an important focus of such research, the Journal will especially publish those articles that locate Pentecostal-Charismatic Christianity in a number of contexts including Canadian religious history, North American Pentecostalism, and global society.
Publishing Information : The Journal will publish articles in English and French. Submissions are to be sent to the editors, Dr. Peter Althouse and Dr. Michael Wilkinson. ISSN 1916-6087 Canadian Journal of Pentecostal-Charismatic Christianity

Those with interest in the study of religion particularly like the exchanges at different conferences like SSSR, GLOPENT or ECPRA, we cordially invite you to our upcoming international conference about Global Pentecostalism and Conversion in Amsterdam in June 11-13 2008, titled:
CONVERSION IN GLOBAL PENTECOSTALISM:A LIFELONG 'LIVE' EXPERIENCE
In this conference, the interdisciplinary research group 'Conversion Careers and Culture Politics in Global Pentecostalism' at the VU University in Amsterdam will bring its research findings in debate with international scientists like Lewis Rambo, Simon Coleman and Matthew Engelke.
General information and registration is available here with additional information here. Conference registration is free, but requested to be completed by May 31, 2008. On behalf of the conference committee, André Droogers, Birgit Meyer, Regien Smit, Linda van de Kamp, and Miranda Klaver.
For a more detailed description of the conference and preliminary program go to pentecost.religionresearch.org

Take note of an important new web at www.matthew5project.org The subtitle is "Evangelicals {and Pentecostals} for National Security through International Cooperation".

The historic Global Christian Forum convened November 6-9, 2007 in Limuri, Kenya. Go here for a press release.

The next round of the World Council of Churches - Pentecostal Joint Consultative group started October 3-9, 2007 at Baar, Switzerland. A press release is available here.

Newsletter # 19 (2005-2007)

Newsletter # 18 (2003-2005)

Newsletter #17 (Winter 2002)

Newsletter #16 (Summer 2001)

Newsletter #15 (Winter 2001)

Newsletter #14 (Spring 2000)

Newsletter #13 (Summer 1999)

Newsletter #12 (Winter 98)

Newsletter #11 (Spring 98)

Newsletter #10 (Summer 97)

Newsletter #9 (Winter 96)

Newsletter #8 (Fall 96)