Pentecostal Movement in the realm of Evangelism

Pentecostal movements of 20th century spread the gospel around the world it became important theme in the History of Christian Mission. This paper bears its consequence and effect. First part deals its genesis and in second & third chapters their effect in positive contributions.

The Pentecostal Movement

It’s Genesis: In December 1900, Charles Fox Parham in his Bethel Bible College of Topeka, Kansas, conduct exam on repentance, conversion, sanctification, healing, and second coming. Same month he taught Acts 2, give assignment on baptism of the Holy Spirit. From research and Parham’s teaching convicts speaking in tongues was sign of baptism of the Holy Spirit. In January 1, 1901, while praying for that experience, Agnes Ozman requests to lay hands on her so that she will receive baptism of the Holy Spirit. As a result, she began to speak in various tongues, others followed and they utter for three days. 

William Seymour, the former student of Parham became pastor of the Pentecostal movement of 312 Bane Azusa Street in Los Angeles, California 1906 to 1909. That inter-racial revival lasted for three years, and attracts thousands across the country. They worshiped every night, sang song in tongues; signs & wonders, slain in spirit, prophecies, and healing were manifested. The power of God was felt, even outside of the building. Parham was the father of Pentecostal movements, for he was God’s instrument for it’s begin. However, Seymour was the main person to shape it. 

Circumstances for its Birth: The reason for its birth was result of John Wesley’s holiness movement; and Charles G. Finney’s revival hour. Their focus on scripture, stress on perfectionism by Wesleyan tradition, and Finney’s concerns on evangelism creates atmosphere for outpour of the Holy Spirit. It generates notion for baptism of the Holy Spirit that led peoples towards the emergence of Pentecostalism. 

Its Consequence

Theological Breakthrough: They understood baptism of the Holy Spirit and His manifestation in believer’s daily live. The signs & wonders of the Bible can happen today. He is no more God of the past or future, but present and active in human live. It reemphasized theology of imminent character of God in which spiritual gifts are important. It second nature was it grafted in mission. The history will end with second coming so they felt urgency of preach good news. Their missionary mandate eschatology led them in evangelism and church plant.

Establishment of the Pentecostal Churches: From the early days itself, Pentecostals had missionary zeal and nature. They rapidly move into world evangelism and plant many churches. K. M. George states by 1908, they rooted in 50 nations and published literatures in 30 languages. In the beginning, they did not see themselves as new denomination later on it happened as their experiences and preaching was different. 

They spread the world, became major force in Christendom. Their church in Korea, Yoida Full Gospel church, is the largest in the world. According to Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movement, more than 11000 Pentecostal denominations, Assemblies of God is the largest. Earle E. Cairns notes the worldwide membership of the Assemblies of God was about 24 million in 1990. Besides, many small churches identifying with Pentecostal doctrine though not calls themselves Pentecostal church.   

Emphasis on Holy Living: Early Pentecostalism gave importance on holy life and extreme piety. It was because Christ return may be at any time, so individual relation with God was important. They maintain Christian ethic, as a result, God used them. There theology was to allow Holy Spirit to do whatever He wanted. For this reason Pentecostalism, stresses on the omnipresence of God, and gifts of the Holy Spirit.  

Renewal in Worship: It brought renewal in worship. For them, it is a period of restoration or rebuilding of David’s tabernacle. This restoration is seen in concentration in worship. Pentecostal experience gave a spontaneous time in worship. Like Davidic period, they emphasize on praise & worship with musical instrument. So, their musicians are contemporary through that, they bridge between old and new generations. Even, organize music concert for evangelism. Their song, clapping hands, and dancing, added vibrant joy and vitality in worship. Thus, their praise & worship are living, moving, and active.          

Birth of Charismatic Movement: After six decades of Azusa Street, the charismatic movements emerged. It birth through Pentecostal movements. Its emergence might for the immediate expansion of God’s Kingdom. Both Pentecostals and charismatic’ beliefs are same but difference is former emphasizes speak in tongues as the only evidence of baptism of the Holy Spirit, whereas later believe a person can receive baptism in the Holy Spirit without speaking in tongues. This movement soon spread as independent from Pentecostalism. According to The Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movement, so far there are over 3000 charismatic denominations.

Spread the Gospel

Proclaim Imminent Return of Christ: They believe Christ’s second coming is near so took preaching urgent. As a result an effort was made to unite all denominations in fellowship for world evangelism. Besides preach on contextual basis, they crusades against all selfishness and their believers’ slogan is ‘I Care.’ Their messages is hope for the lost, caring for the needy, comfort the broken, freedom in worship, awareness of equality and dignity of human race. These appeal the hearts of people to accept Christ.  

The impact of Azusa Street Revival brought global dimensions which mark Pentecostal mission. It published in secular media including their periodicals, the Apostolic Faith. According to Gary B. McGee’s article Pentecostal Movement this movement sparks in: Canada (1906); Norway (1907); New York (1907); England (1907); Sweden (1907); India (1907); South Africa (1908); Chile (1909); and Brazil (1910).     

Their missionary nature stirred them to emerge new thrust in evangelism. Up to some extent, every-member involves in evangelism. They interest in ‘doing’ than ‘theorizing’ the mission, and emphasize ‘experience’ than framing ‘doctrine or church government.’ Hence, in many countries, majority of the evangelicals are Pentecost. Their access on role of the Holy Spirit, Pentecost missionaries prove as dynamic force for expansion of Christianity.  

Geographical Expansion: After 1906, Pentecostalism spread in United States and around the world. According to the Evangelical Dictionary of Theology the leading pioneer of Pentecostal movement were Thomas Ball Barratt in Norway, Jonathan in German, Willis C. Hoover in Chile, John G. Lake in South African, Mary Rumsey in Korea, and Lewi Pethrus in Sweden. The involvement of indigenous missionaries leads success of Pentecostal mission. The local people were the leaders of their churches and took responsibility to preach their community. They serve God without cultural and linguistic barrier. So, in this century, Pentecostal was fastest growing in the world.

Strength of Pentecostal Movement

Pentecostal movement originates from periphery of church structure. This movement saws Holy Spirit does new thing to move beyond the structural and theological boundaries of existing churches. Their main strengths are:

Emphasizes on Fasting: They recognized satanic force, to combat they engages in battles. To expel demon, witchcraft, magic, and sorcery, their missionaries trust on Lord. The power of God operates through prayer. Fasting deepens prayer life, so, they stress on it. It is the plus points for expansion of Pentecostal 

Habitual Prayer: They understood for effective ministry or to live godly life good relation with God is necessary. To inherit spiritual force they spend energy in prayer. They knew God’s power is greater than entire evil power put together working in the globe. To develop relation with the Sovereign God, they busy in prayer, thereby build prayer habit. So, prayer life is one of the identities of the Pentecostalism.  

Acknowledges the Triune Nature of God: Pentecostal recognizes God in three forms: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit which are co-equal, co-exist, and co-eternal. Though, Pentecostal talks more about the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit but they are not Unitarian. They reflect trinity for mission work, and maintain distinctive roles of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  

Sacrificial in Giving: The finance is one of the vehicles to run organization. Having handsome money means better facilities. Pentecostal denominations are growing financially with numerically growth. They acquire resources to carry out ministry as they are generosity in giving, faithful in tithes for mission work. 

Media Ministry: Media is an important tool for communication. Pentecostal movements use music which opens church to enter in media. They involves in Radio broadcast, publish, magazine & news-papers, and television. Through media they address the people with the messages of salvation. It gave solid ingredient and fruitful result in Christian mission.

Conclusion

Pentecostal movements, which broke out by the turn of the 20th century, made the world upside down in the history of the church mission. This movement helps the church to ascertain the importance of the second coming and baptism of the Holy Spirit. They brought innovate and major changes in the Christian world such as use media for ministries, music in worship. Further, they are instrument for concept of mega church. Many parts of the world already evangelize because of faithful evangelism done by Pentecostalism.