Introduction to the latest issue of AJPS, 22:2, from Dave Johnson.

In this issue of the Asian Journal of Pentecostal Studies we are pursuing a more general theme called Theological Issues in Asia. While a multitude of issues could be chosen, our intent here is to allow the various authors to define the issues for the contexts in which they serve. The Journal is downloadable for free at www.aptspress.org.

Jacqueline Grey, an Old Testament scholar who served as an Australian missionary in a Muslim majority nation for three years, opens this edition by discussing the concept of the Missio Dei (Mission of God), limiting her treatment to Isaiah 6:1-9:6.

Prudencio Coz, a Filipino pastor, opens his article by posing the question, “What is the difference between Monday morning and Sunday?’ He then deals with the issue of vocation and its reciprocal economic and spiritual implications.

Korean scholar Sang Yun Lee, drawing from his book, A Theology of Hope: Contextual Perspectives in Korean Pentecostalism (Baguio City, Philippines: APTS Press, 2018), takes a serious look at Yonggi Cho’s well-known Three Fold Blessing theology. Originally formulated and taught in the context of the devastation of post-war Korea, Lee contends that Cho’s message needs to be recontextualized to address the ecclesiastical and sociological challenges of the 21st century.

Myanmar pastor Stephen Shwe concludes this edition with a two-part article dealing with the tension between zeal and knowledge, especially when it comes to theological education or ministerial training.

The entire Journal team joins me in wishing you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

In Christ,

Dave Johnson, DMiss
Managing Editor

Rick Wadholm Jr. shares his highlights and reflections from the Society for Pentecostal Studies 2018 Annual Conference held at Pentecostal Theological Seminary, on the campus it shares with Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee.

The day before the meetings officially commenced for SPS in Cleveland, Tennessee, I took four of my students from Trinity Bible College & Graduate School in Ellendale, ND, on a historical tour of Church of God sites organized by the The Dixon Pentecostal Research Center and led by Dr. Henry Smith.
We traced the early history of the Church of God beginning with the organization of the Christian Union in 1886 at Barney Creek. A mill used to be present at the site and functioned to fund the ministry of R. G. Spurling. We then found ourselves at the site of the Shearer Schoolhouse where an early holiness revival contributed to the growth in 1896. Another site that is marked (though not at the original location even as it is near) is the log church site where worshippers experienced Spirit baptism and opponents eventually succeeded in burning the church to the ground. We also toured the Fields of the Wood Biblical Park (http://cogop.org/fow/) where the Holiness Church at Camp Creek was organized in the home of W.F. Bryant (1902) and where A.J. Tomlinson joined (1903). There we saw the world’s largest 10 Commandments and traveled the trail of markers dedicated to the doctrines and teachings of the Church of God of Prophecy. From that location we traveled to the house where the first General Assembly met (1906) and I posed for preaching (it seemed a fitting pose). To wrap up the tour we visited R.G. Spurling’s gravesite and then A.J. Tomlinson’s home in Cleveland. It was a welcome learning experience for myself and the students I brought along to discover Pentecostal stories outside of our own specific fellowship (Assemblies of God).

I always enjoy the opportunity to listen to what world-class Pentecostal scholars are producing and it is a real pleasure to reconnect with PneumaReview.com writers. This year’s convention provided many memorable meetings.

I experienced a spirit of unity during the powerful worship service that opened the 2017 convention. There is nothing like celebrating God’s goodness together with Pentecostal scholars from all over the world. You would not know from my pictures how involved this crowd of academics and professors was in dancing before the Lord, raising their hands in praise, singing, or praying in the Spirit—but it was wonderful.

I love books and was glad to browse the many offerings from the numerous publishers present for the conference. Standing at the Eerdmans table, I was able to personally thank Craig Keener for doing an interview with us about his recent book Spirit Hermeneutics. I also learned that it is Harrison House’s new imprint, Empowered Life, that is publishing Robert Graves‘ expanded and revised Praying in the Spirit (the earlier edition was reprinted in full in The Pneuma Review).

To see a list of papers and panels presented during the convention, see the SPS website. As always, there were many presentations I missed because I could not be in more than one place at a time.

I will be adding more pictures to the Pneuma Review Facebook page if you would like to connect with me there. Update: I’ve been able to add a direct link to the Facebook album on the third page of this article.

From left to right: Tony Richie, Mike Dies, Raul Mock, and Martin Mittelstadt. Lee Roy Martin.

From left to right: Craig S. Keener and Raul Mock. Raul Mock and Antipas Harris.

Craig Keener: “Saving a Lot: Abram fights slave traders—Genesis 14” (March 22, 2016).

While Christian theologians today debate whether God demands pacifism or allows just war, at least in the Old Testament we see one just war that is not explicitly noted to have been carried out at God’s command. This was a war to liberate slaves.

Craig Keener: “Abram’s Growing Faith—Genesis 15-16” (March 29, 2016).

We rightly think of Abraham as our ancestor in faith, but his faith began small, just like all of ours. The faith necessary for God to count him righteous (Gen 15:6) was much less than the extraordinary faith demonstrated when he offered up Isaac years later (22:3). Abraham’s faith, like ours grew over the years. It was not something that he worked up by the strength of his will or by fertile imagination; it grew in response to witnessing God’s faithfulness over the years. He learned increasingly more deeply that God can be trusted, and he learned this because he had a relationship with God, where God spoke clearly and Abraham obeyed fully.

Craig Keener: “God heard her cry: God and Hagar in Genesis 16” (April 5, 2016).

God uses weak and fallible people—the only kind of people there are.

Craig Keener: “The deceiver gets deceived—Genesis 29” (February 8, 2016).

What Jacob did to others, Jacob now endures from others—though in the long run—sometimes the very long run—God will bless Jacob and more than make up for his suffering.

Craig Keener: “God’s favor matters most—Genesis 29” (February 15, 2016).

Have you ever felt discriminated against for matters outside your control? As Jacob’s parents showed favoritism toward particular sons, so Jacob showed favoritism toward a particular wife (29:30-31). Jacob was the younger brother of two and favored the younger sister of two, but God’s reversal of the birthright in some cases shows that God himself does not show favoritism based on birth order.

Craig Keener: “Jacob’s wives agree with his plan—Genesis 31:14-16” (February 29, 2016).

In Jacob’s culture, husbands held the final say. Further, God has spoken, and since Jacob has heard him, Jacob must do what God has commanded. Nevertheless, Jacob carefully presents the case to his wives. Jacob’s wives then weigh in as if he is consulting them in 31:14-16.

Craig Keener: “Different perspectives—Genesis 31:42-43” (March 15, 2016).

What we see sometimes depends on the lens through which we view reality. What is right in our eyes may be wrong; what matters is how things appear in God’s eyes, for his standard is truth.

Craig Keener: “Be careful whom you trust—Genesis 34:1-3” (March 7, 2016).

The narrator of Genesis tells the story of Jacob and the Shechemites partly to remind Israel that they had a history earlier in the land than the conquest, and partly to warn them against trusting Canaanite morality.

Craig Keener: “Rachel’s death in childbirth—Genesis 35:16-20” (February 22, 2016).

In 35:16-20, Rachel dies in childbirth. This person who dies in childbirth is the same person who earlier demanded of her husband, “Give me children or I will die!” (30:1).

Some Official Assessment

The wonderful folks of Life Pacific College (International Church of the Foursquare Gospel), located in beautiful San Dimas, California, were exceptionally gracious hosts. It was a special pleasure to be greeted in the first plenary by Jim Adams, LPC president, and the famous Jack Hayford (King’s University). LPC facilities were perfect for the needs of the Society, with ample space in a compact setting. And what a gorgeous campus! Aside from aesthetics, the statistics are impressive as well. Kim Roebuck, Assistant to the Executive Director, reports that there were 331 in attendance. Zach Tackett, SPS Secretary/Treasurer, informed the membership at its annual business meeting that the SPS 2015 figures represent the best membership roll in 5 years and that the Society is financially solvent. Certainly these appear to be signs that SPS continues to flourish as a vital venue for Pentecostal scholarship.

SPS could not happen without the diligent work of a great team of Interest Group Leaders: Scott Ellington, Daniela Augustine, Christopher Stephenson, Leah Payne, Sarita Gallagher, Doug Olena, James Bowers, Clifton Clarke, and Sammy Alfaro. As well, the work of Diversity Committee leader Meghan Musy, Librarians and Archivist chair, Derrick Rosenior, and other session leaders such as Dale M. Coulter and Daniel Tobin (Roman Catholic-Pentecostal dialogue) provided spiritual refreshing.

The plenary sessions with Linda Ambrose, John Goldingay, Teresa Berger, the Latino/a Pentecostalism session with Daniel Ramirez, Urias Mendoza, and Sammy Alfaro, and the great presidential address by Michael Wilkinson, were invigorating. Further, the artistic expressions by Carlynn Reed and Carlos Zapata, Jennifer Miskov and team, and Steven Felix-Jager were a refreshing innovation that ministered to all.

Lois Olena

Outgoing Executive Director Lois Olena (Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Springfield, MO) noted in her closing remarks at the SPS banquet that of its current membership of 557, SPS enjoys representation from 18 nations, 30 U.S. states, and 41 Christian denominations/traditions.

To me, in spite of its challenges, SPS has been to me “little taste of heaven,” because it has served in my life as a place where brothers and sisters in Christ, of diverse ethnicities and denominations, can experience “the other” in rich fellowship, mentorship, learning, collegiality, and laughter, as well as engage in times of challenging one another, searching and discovering, sharing ideas, celebrating one another’s accomplishments, and supporting friends through their struggles—not only once a year but all throughout the year as we continue to interact. SPS has been a place of vocational nurture, as our late president, Brother Jeff Gros, said in his 2012 presidential address: “The Pentecostal scholar in whatever church has a calling to be of service to the whole people of God and to the churches in their task of preaching, handing on the faith and nurturing the faithful. This Society has been a place where this ecclesial vocation has been and can be nurtured” [Pneuma 34, no. 2 (2012): 167.]

Ken Archer

For the Theology Interest Group on Thursday afternoon, Ken Archer presented a paper laying out three decisive moves of the “Cleveland School” as well as four key thinkers beginning in the 1980-1990s (Stephen Land, Cheryl Bridges Johns, John Christopher Thomas, and Rickie D. Moore) whose writings and contributions to Pentecostal studies were the catalyst of this “School”. The three moves were:

1. Pentecostal spirituality was distinctly embraced
2. A linguistic turn to context extradited understanding
3. An adaptation of postmodern theory from Pentecostal perspective was adopted

As part of the distinctly Pentecostal spirituality the foundational significance of five-fold gospel (Jesus saves, sanctifies, baptizes in the Holy Spirit, heals, and is soon coming king) seems always to be present in their work. Further, their Pentecostal spirituality thus belongs to the more Wesleyan stream and therefore also tends to be more Eastern/Catholic in orientation.

The “Cleveland School” (a name given to this particular approach to theology and biblical reflection) explicitly self-claims a Pentecostal identity with even its negative effects. These thinkers and their students are unapologetic about being Pentecostal.  While they were early on marginalized it gave cohesion for the development of a distinct group identity. This group also works distinctly for the Church and advancement of the kingdom rather than specifically for academia. According to Archer, M. Cartledge may have been one of the first to write of the “School”, though James K.A. Smith may actually have been the first to use the term.

As part of their theological and biblical work, those associated with the “School” have taken up W. Hollenweger’s emphasis on the early Pentecostals and their literature as being the heart of the movement. Their work is often informed by an early Pentecostal Wirkungsgeschichte (history of effects) approach which pays careful attention to the early literature of Pentecostals and how they heard the various theological and biblical issues being studied.

Chris Green

Chris Green (in typical fashion) offered a work in progress as one who is always trying to continue discerning. He delivered (part of his) thirty-nine theses on Christology. Chris used G. Hunsinger’s typology of low, high, and middle Christologies as a more helpful categorization that the normal bifurcated low and high categories. He offered numerous points at which he contended Pentecostals have tended (typically) toward forms of Christology that treat the deity as overly distinct from the humanity of Christ. He offered that there is a pastoral danger of an exemplar Christology that sees Jesus as little more than an example to be followed in his humanity. Further, he contended that Pentecostals should not be overly quick to embrace J. Moltmann’s theology of God suffering (see his “Crucified God”) which may simply be a low kenotic Christology in how one conceives of Jesus’ life, but a high Christology for his death on the cross.

Candy Gunther Brown speaking during the plenary session.

Meeting highlights

Pentecostal/charismatic scholars in worship.

This year’s meeting was themed, “Global Spirit: Pentecostals and the World.” Via plenary sessions, symposiums, panel discussions, and paper deliveries through the varied Interest Group sessions, I with more than 350 people from across the USA, Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe, and Canada, were gathered to explore, dialogue, and address relations between globalization, Pentecostalism worldwide, and the missional movements of the Holy Spirit throughout the global Church and world today. In doing so, we thus identified and conceptualized theological frameworks most conducive for both assessing the present transformation of world Christianity through global renewal movements, and envisioning directions of worldwide renewal over the coming decades.

SPS co-founder, Vinson Synan, and Ken Archer.

Founded in 1970, the Society for Pentecostal Studies (SPS) has grown into an international scholarly community comprising 500-plus members, who represent more than 60 theologically diverse church traditions and denominations and 190 institutions. Hence, while centered on Pentecostal and Charismatic studies, SPS has evolved into an effective ecumenical forum, which has enabled Pentecostals to participate in theological dialogues within or with other bodies such as the Faith and Order Commission of the National Council of Churches (USA), the Wesleyan Theological Society, the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, as well as with the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions.

The 2015 Latino delegation.

This year’s conference was graced by four plenary speakers whose respective deliveries provided complementary reflection on the themes of global Pentecostalism, globalization, and the transformation of world Christianity through charismatic renewal worldwide. First to note was Dr. Ivan Satyavrata’s opening plenary address titled, “‘The Wind Blows Where It Wills’: Celebrating the Spirit’s Free Movement in a World without Borders.” Dr Satyavrata leads the Assemblies of God church and its ministry networks in Kolkata, India, much of which was founded by the late Mark Buntain. Speaking for the Friday morning plenary session was Dr. Candy Gunther Brown, Professor of Religious Studies at Indiana University, USA, whose address was titled, “Healing and the Growth of Global Pentecostalism.”

The 2015 Women’s caucus.

The keynote conference speaker was Dr Allan Anderson, Professor of Mission and Pentecostal Studies at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom. His address was titled, The Transformation of World Christianity: Challenges and Opportunities for Pentecostalism.” Anderson argued that the globalizing power of Pentecostalism is fuelled by an inherent tension it comprises, between a global charismatic, media-driven “meta-culture,” and a countervailing localization impulse that coupled with its supernatural worldview, makes Pentecostal spirituality naturally contextual with the common Majority Word holistic worldview, which perceives daily life as thoroughly pervaded with spiritual forces and realities.

From left to right: Byron D. Klaus, President, Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. Raul Mock and Monte Rice. Frank Macchia and Raul Mock.

From left to right: Estrelda Alexander, President of the William Seymour College. David Daniels, Henry Winters Luce Professor of World Christianity, McCormick Theological Seminary. Daniel Ramírez, Assistant Professor, North American Religious History, University of Michigan.

From left to right: Exhibits. Andrew Gabriel and Raul Mock. Panel discussion of Craig Keener’s Acts: An Exegetical Commentary: Introduction and 1:1 – 2:47.

From left to right: Matthias Wenk, InstitutPlus and Craig Keener, Asbury Theological Seminary. Discussion of “Theological Pre-Cursors for Pentecostalism.” Craig Keener and Raul Mock.

From left to right: Raul Mock and Bill Faupel. Peter Hocken. Wolfgang Vondey, Regent University.

From left to right: Raul Mock and Tony Richie. Ken Archer, Dale Coulter, and Raul Mock. David Roebuck, Lee University.

From left to right: Raul Mock and Lee Roy Martin. Raul Mock and Lois Olena. Lisa Long and Kim Alexander.

From left to right: Timothy Creemens, Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese and Grace Graduate School of Ministry. Ecumenism discussion. Raul Mock and Robert Graves.

From left to right: Exhibits. Paul King, “Come Up Higher: The Higher Life Historical and Theological Roots of the Pentecostal Movement.”  Blaine Charette, Northwest University.

From left to right: Tony Richie, Pentecostal Theological Seminary. Pentecostal ecumenism panel. Linda Miller and Raul Mock.

From left to right: Bernie Van De Walle, Ambrose Seminary, “Getting ‘Redemption Right’ Wrong: The Inconsistency of Aspects of A. B. Simpson’s Doctrine of Divine Healing with the Theology of the Fourfold Gospel.” Mark Roberts, Paul King, and Raul Mock. Ecumenism discussion.

The 41st meeting of the Society for Pentecostal Studies was held at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia, from February 29 to March 3, 2012. The theme of the convention was “Pentecostalisms, Peacemaking, and Social Justice/Righteousness.”

As a doctoral student, I found the 2012 Society for Pentecostal Studies conference to be nothing less than exceptional. Previously, my academic conference experience has been limited to the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature meetings. I was intrigued by the inclusion of clergy within a more academically recognized conference. I had the opportunity to present a paper critiquing the precedent analysis of women in the Church of God in Christ by former president Anthea Butler. The majority of session participants were men who readily engaged in further conversation on the paradox of power within the women’s department of the Church of God in Christ raised within my presentation.

I attended the meeting with a little knee injury that prevented me from attending some of the morning sessions. But the networking at an SPS event is invaluable. The level of scholarship amidst the conference attendees is comparable to any academic conference in the world. The conference was not without a myriad of valuable representations from publishers, archivists, universities, and software technology for today’s scholar.

For more information about past meetings of the Society for Pentecostal Studies, visit www.sps-usa.org.

The Thirty-Fifth Annual Meeting of the Society for Pentecostal Studies will convene March 23-25 at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. In celebration of the centennial of the Azusa Revival, the theme for the 2006 meeting is “Memories of the Azusa Revival: Interrogations and Interpretations.”

The Arol Burns Mall on the Fuller Pasadena campus. Source: http://www.fuller.edu/Campuses/Pasadena/Pasadena_Campus_Photo_Gallery

The centenary of the Revival creates an occasion to interrogate and (re-)interpret the memories of the Azusa Revival and its role in the construction of Pentecostalism(s) within North America and globally. The theme of this conference aims to deepen the discourse about the memories of the Azusa Revival and advance discussion of the role of the Revival in the construction of Pentecostalism as a U.S. and global religious movement.

The plenary speakers bring a wide range of perspectives. Cecil M. Robeck (Professor of Ecumenics, Fuller Theological Seminary) is a leading expert on the history of the Azusa Street Revival. Ogbu Kalu (Henry Luce Professor of World Christianity, McCormick Theological Seminary) is a major historian of African Pentecostalism. A panel will probe the task of reinterpreting William J. Seymour and his legacy. Lita Owens, Tony Award nominated playwright, will present a program of drama and song about the Azusa Street Revival and its era; the original short play, “The Right Choice,” is about a private conversation between William J. Seymour and Jennie Moore Seymour, and will be performed at the banquet.

In addition to the plenary sessions, a variety of papers and symposia will be available addressing themes relevant to studies in Pentecostalism. Worship, a reception, morning prayer, working-lunch meetings of committees, the Society’s business meeting, and the Saturday-evening banquet, are an integral part of the program as well. Time apart from the sessions encourages attendees to become acquainted with one another and to share their scholarly interests and current work. Attendees also enjoy discounted prices on a variety of books and other products exhibited by vendors and ministries who underwrite various Meeting activities.

You can learn more about the meeting, hotel accommodations, transportation, etc., at the SPS website www.sps-usa.org.