Is the Pentecostal Brand worth Saving?

Recently, there have been suggestions that the Pentecostal Movement needs to be rebranded. This assumes that the Pentecostal movement of the twentieth century has lost its appeal for a 21st century audience. As I have written before, there is a distinction between Pentecostal culture and Pentecostal theology.  As any Pentecostal will testify, the Spirit moves; so as the Spirit moves into the 21st century the Pentecostal culture will be transformed by a revisioned Pentecostal theology. Theology informs practice; and practice reflects theology. Theology that is not practiced is a dead faith. Practice that does not reflect biblical theology is “form without power.”

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I Still Believe in Speaking in Tongues

I often read stories of believers who “flirted” with Pentecostalism only to “marry” a different Christian tradition. Some of these people were reared in Pentecostalism, only to defect later in life. To be fair, I understand their stories. But, I am disappointed. After a lifetime of ministry in the Pentecostal movement I have many criticisms. But I remain an unrehabilitated Pentecostal.

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Pentecostal Jazz

Pope Francis has declared that Roman Catholics need to demonstrate joy in their liturgy. When discussing this with a Catholic brother he told me that “most of American Catholicism is shaped by Irish spirituality.” Likewise, most of American Protestantism is shaped by German spirituality. In other words, whether Protestant or Catholic, most of Christian spirituality in the United States is formed by European culture.

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If I’ve got the Spirit, Why Do I Need Training?

This is a common question among Pentecostals. In fact, many Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians will gladly acclaim an inspired and gifted preacher who falls short on knowledge of the Word. This may sound somewhat patronizing, but it may be that Pentecostals would prefer to feel the Word, rather than think about the Word. I’m not opposed to feeling the Word. The preached Word of God should provoke a range of emotional responses from lamentation to rejoicing. But, the authenticity of the emotional responses should correspond to the veracity of the preached word.

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