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