Pentecostalism Origins and Global Impact
Apostolic Faith Mission
Questions How does Pentecostalism typify American religion? How is it genuinely new and different?
Beginning characteristics Focus on speaking in tongues Acts 2: “When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.” Restore Christians to model of early Christianity Spontaneous, emotional, physical expressions Renewal from dry, rote institutions Interracial in origins Women could lead, along with men
Main features of African American spirituality (Hollenweger, p 43) Oral liturgy Call and response Narrative theology and witness Max. participation in worship and service Visions and dreams in public worship Close relationship of body and mind Healing, tongues, being “slain in the Spirit”
Race How influential in early Pentecostalism? How did this play out historically? Were people receptive? Importance in global context today?
Women Aimee Semple McPherson ( ) Nationally prominent preacher, evangelist, healer; a celebrity Married, had kids (divorced 1921) Founded Foursquare Gospel church 1 st woman to preach a radio sermon (1920s) In ministries then and today