A popular belief in the exploding Pentecostal movement in the global South is the idea that if an individual has enough faith, God will bless them with financial prosperity. Although historically Pentecostalism has been identified as a religion of the poor, this study examines recent arguments that the current Pentecostal movement in Guatemala is a religion of the socially mobile middle and elite classes. Data from the Pew Forum on Religious and Public Life’s 2006 survey Spirit and Power: Survey of Pentecostals in Guatemala is used to conduct a logistic regression, in order to measure the effects of socioeconomic status on adherence to prosperity belief. Results suggest that, contrary to the current literature on Guatemalan Pentecostalism, prosperity belief is not necessarily concentrated among the upwardly mobile middle and upper classes, but rather is widely diffused across social strata, and in particular, among those that have lower levels of education. These findings have implications for the study of Pentecostalism in Guatemala and in the global South in general.

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The Pentecostal movement is experiencing phenomenal growth within global Christendom. Notwithstanding the exponential growth of Pentecostalism, there are contextual pastoral leadership challenges within the African-led Pentecostal tradition in British society. The first challenge observed is that the pastoral leadership practices of the African-led Pentecostal churches in British society are situated in their socio-cultural and theological orientations; this situation poses contextual challenges for pastors in carrying out their ecclesiastical duties. The second problem concerns leadership. There are often, for example, allegations about some pastors within this tradition mismanaging church finances, practising sexual immorality, taking money for prophetic utterances and abusing their power. These very troubling allegations have led to some Christians leaving this church tradition to join other churches, especially white-led British Pentecostal/charismatic churches, and some have stopped going to church altogether. Moreover, a review of literature suggests there has not been an attempt to undertake an in-depth study of the pastoral leadership praxis of the African-led Pentecostal church community in British society. Thus, there is a gap to be filled in Pentecostal pastoral leadership scholarship. The present research investigates these contextual challenges and formulates markers for exemplary pastoral leadership among African-led Pentecostal churches in British society. To address these problems, the four tasks of Richard Osmer’s practical theological interpretation were used. Pastors from the African-led church community were interviewed. The study investigated the impact of North American Pentecostal pastoral leadership on their African counterparts, recent scholarship on pastoral leadership, the five practices of exemplary leadership by James Kouzes and Barry Posner, the socio-cultural and theological distinctives of African-led neo-Pentecostal churches in the context of British society, and New Testament perspectives on pastoral leadership. The findings of this study affirmed that there are challenges facing African-led Pentecostal pastoral leaders in the context of British society and that these can be addressed from a practical theological perspective by formulating markers for a model of exemplary pastoral leadership. The study contributes to original research in the burgeoning field of practical theology in the area of Pentecostal pastoral leadership. / PhD (Pastoral Studies), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The Pentecostal movement is experiencing phenomenal growth within global Christendom. Notwithstanding the exponential growth of Pentecostalism, there are contextual pastoral leadership challenges within the African-led Pentecostal tradition in British society. The first challenge observed is that the pastoral leadership practices of the African-led Pentecostal churches in British society are situated in their socio-cultural and theological orientations; this situation poses contextual challenges for pastors in carrying out their ecclesiastical duties. The second problem concerns leadership. There are often, for example, allegations about some pastors within this tradition mismanaging church finances, practising sexual immorality, taking money for prophetic utterances and abusing their power. These very troubling allegations have led to some Christians leaving this church tradition to join other churches, especially white-led British Pentecostal/charismatic churches, and some have stopped going to church altogether. Moreover, a review of literature suggests there has not been an attempt to undertake an in-depth study of the pastoral leadership praxis of the African-led Pentecostal church community in British society. Thus, there is a gap to be filled in Pentecostal pastoral leadership scholarship. The present research investigates these contextual challenges and formulates markers for exemplary pastoral leadership among African-led Pentecostal churches in British society. To address these problems, the four tasks of Richard Osmer’s practical theological interpretation were used. Pastors from the African-led church community were interviewed. The study investigated the impact of North American Pentecostal pastoral leadership on their African counterparts, recent scholarship on pastoral leadership, the five practices of exemplary leadership by James Kouzes and Barry Posner, the socio-cultural and theological distinctives of African-led neo-Pentecostal churches in the context of British society, and New Testament perspectives on pastoral leadership. The findings of this study affirmed that there are challenges facing African-led Pentecostal pastoral leaders in the context of British society and that these can be addressed from a practical theological perspective by formulating markers for a model of exemplary pastoral leadership. The study contributes to original research in the burgeoning field of practical theology in the area of Pentecostal pastoral leadership. / PhD (Pastoral Studies), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Master of Arts / Department of History / Robert D. Linder / This thesis examines early Pentecostalism in light of the Populist Movement. There are two main arguments in this study. First, I maintain that early Kansas Pentecostalism, as seen in the teachings of Charles Fox Parham, was heavily influenced by Populist ideas and language. Parham displayed Populist tendencies in his attacks on the Protestant Establishment, which he believed had neglected to care for the spiritual and physical needs of “the people.” This failure on the part of the churches led Parham to believe that a major reform of the church was needed. Parham went beyond simply criticizing the establishment. He also developed a popular theology that empowered individuals, many of whom were poor and working-class, and created a strong sense of collective aspiration. The second argument of this study is that Populism fostered a sociopolitical environment in which Pentecostalism could thrive. Parham’s confrontations with the Protestant Establishment and his concern with the needs of “the people” was attractive to many individuals who tended to support movements that sought to disrupt the status quo. One event that can shed light on early Kansas Pentecostalism’s relationship with Populism was a revival in Galena, Kansas, a lead and zinc mining town in the southeast corner of the state, that took place from October 1903 to January 1904. By examining some of the connections between the Populist movement and early Kansas Pentecostalism, this study provides some insight into the development of one of the most popular expressions of Christianity in the world.

The Brazilian Neo-Pentecostal Movement has impressively spread throughout the country in the past two decades and significantly diversified the evangelical landscape in the nation. Churches affiliated with the movement comprise the fastest growing segment in Brazilian evangelicalism and their adherents make up an estimated forty-two percent of the Pentecostal camp. The Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus (IURD, Universal Church of the Kingdom of God) is the most well-known denomination to come out of the movement and possibly the largest contemporary missionary export from a third-world nation. Therefore, the missiological case analysis centers on the IURD to determine if it has actually facilitated or inhibited the successful evangelization of Brazilian society. Published documents by the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization and evangelical scholars who are in general agreement with the Lausanne Movement provide sound criteria for the evangelical mission assessment. In the first chapter, I present preliminary details concerning Brazilian Neo-Pentecostalism and the IURD, the research question, a literature review, and rational for the project. The second chapter documents the development of Brazilian Pentecostalism from its inception to the 3 present third-wave movement. Chapter three surveys aspects of the IURD: its founder and principal leader, controversies and criticisms around the denomination, ecclesiastical organization, principal ministry outlet, primary message, and expansion. The fourth chapter explores factors that have facilitated the IURD‟s growth and integration in Brazilian society. The fifth chapter analyzes certain features of the IURD to determine if it has promoted or deterred the evangelization of Brazilian society; areas for consideration include soteriological tenets, certain aspects related to worldview, fellowship dynamics, the importance of financial giving, and societal interaction. The last chapter recaps the thesis‟ content, summarizes a response to the research question, and elaborates on the implications that the findings mean for evangelical mission. Through the contents herein, mission researchers and the global church can better comprehend the IURD‟s complexity, teachings, strategies, and practices and begin to understand its impact on evangelical mission. Furthermore, pastors and parishioners can effectively serve potential, current, and former adherents of the IURD and similar churches. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / D.Th. (Missiology)

The intention of the AFMSA to revision its policies, processes and structures is the motivation for this study. The relationship between the vision and essential nature of the church and the structure or form given to it is central to all the chapters.<br /> The first chapter gives an analysis of the origins of the Pentecostal Movement and the AFMSA in order to reveal their original vision of the church and the way in which this vision became structured in their history. After a section on the importance of a clear vision and strategic structures for organizations today, the biblical metaphors that served as a foundation for the early Christians&rsquo / vision of the church are discussed. Our Christian predecessors&rsquo / envisioning and structuring of the church in each period of history are analyzed. This gives an idea of the need for reform and the challenges involved in this process, which are still faced by later generations. The historical survey reveals the development of the marks and the vision of the early Christians to represent the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church. In the conclusion, a preliminary dialogue is established between the vision of the early Pentecostals and the leaders of the AFMSA with regard to the structuring of the church and other expressions of the same vision.<br /> The next four chapters (2-5) address the significance of the specific marks in the Pentecostal Movement and the AFMSA. This is followed by a short analysis of the biblical foundation and the historical development of these marks in the history of the Christian church. The chapters are arranged according to the prominence of each mark in the Pentecostal Movement and the AFMSA. Chapter two therefore starts with the apostolicity that is followed by the holiness in chapter three, unity in chapter four and catholicity in chapter five.<br /> <br /> It becomes clear from chapter two that the Pentecostal Movement and the AFMSA want to restore the apostolic faith of the early Christians while the rest of the Christian church confess every Sunday through the Apostles&rsquo / Creed and the Nicene Creed that they believe they stand in the tradition of the apostles. The mark of holiness that is discussed in chapter three expresses the particular view of holiness held by Pentecostals. Biblical and historical connections are made between it and other Christian expressions revealing that we can all become true followers of Christ in holiness. Chapter four addresses the fact that the church has to accept that we exist as a unity in diversity. In chapter five, the linking of all traditions is established because all have the challenge to share their unique expression of God&rsquo / s fullness with the universal Body of Christ.<br /> <br /> In chapter six, all the elements so far discussed: the vision of the church that was based on the Bible, and the history of the Pentecostal Movement, AFMSA and of the Christian Churches are summarized to gain an overall perspective. This is followed by an analysis of the vision of the church today and applied to the AFMSA. The AFMSA is encouraged to revision and restructure itself in the light of the apostolicity, holiness, unity and catholicity that are shared by the witnesses in Scripture and history so that it will be an example of God&rsquo / s vision for the church and the world.

The Brazilian Neo-Pentecostal Movement has impressively spread throughout the country in the past two decades and significantly diversified the evangelical landscape in the nation. Churches affiliated with the movement comprise the fastest growing segment in Brazilian evangelicalism and their adherents make up an estimated forty-two percent of the Pentecostal camp. The Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus (IURD, Universal Church of the Kingdom of God) is the most well-known denomination to come out of the movement and possibly the largest contemporary missionary export from a third-world nation. Therefore, the missiological case analysis centers on the IURD to determine if it has actually facilitated or inhibited the successful evangelization of Brazilian society. Published documents by the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization and evangelical scholars who are in general agreement with the Lausanne Movement provide sound criteria for the evangelical mission assessment. In the first chapter, I present preliminary details concerning Brazilian Neo-Pentecostalism and the IURD, the research question, a literature review, and rational for the project. The second chapter documents the development of Brazilian Pentecostalism from its inception to the 3 present third-wave movement. Chapter three surveys aspects of the IURD: its founder and principal leader, controversies and criticisms around the denomination, ecclesiastical organization, principal ministry outlet, primary message, and expansion. The fourth chapter explores factors that have facilitated the IURD‟s growth and integration in Brazilian society. The fifth chapter analyzes certain features of the IURD to determine if it has promoted or deterred the evangelization of Brazilian society; areas for consideration include soteriological tenets, certain aspects related to worldview, fellowship dynamics, the importance of financial giving, and societal interaction. The last chapter recaps the thesis‟ content, summarizes a response to the research question, and elaborates on the implications that the findings mean for evangelical mission. Through the contents herein, mission researchers and the global church can better comprehend the IURD‟s complexity, teachings, strategies, and practices and begin to understand its impact on evangelical mission. Furthermore, pastors and parishioners can effectively serve potential, current, and former adherents of the IURD and similar churches. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / D.Th. (Missiology)

The purpose of this thesis is to describe, analyse and assess the developing ecclesiology of the Assemblies of God in Australia (AGA). In chapter one, after reviewing the sparse literature on pentecostal ecclesiology, we turn to a contemplation of ecclesiological method. We note that some of the typical approaches, including biblicist and communio ecclesiologies, are idealist in orientation, since they contemplate the church in abstraction from its concrete, socio-historical and cultural identity. In chapter two we develop an alternative method, building particularly on the insights of Joseph Komonchak and Neil Ormerod, who argue that the object of ecclesiology is not ecclesial ideals but, rather, the set (or sets) of experiences, understandings, symbols, words, judgements, statements, decisions, actions, relationships, and institutions which distinguish the group of people called “the Church.” This leads to a concrete methodology that is derived from the explicit and implicit ecclesiology apparent in the history of the church. It also recognises that the church is a social reality as well as a divinely ordained community and, therefore, that the ecclesiologist needs to incorporate the insights of both the disciplines of theology and sociology. A large part of our discussion in chapter two is thus concerned with the nature of the interaction between these various disciplines.The method outlined in these early chapters forms the basis of our exploration of the ecclesiology of the AGA in chapters three to five. In line with our methodological construction, each chapter begins with the narrative of particular periods in the movement’s history, focusing especially on times of ecclesial transition and development. These narrative sections not only tell a story that has, largely, remained untold, but they also seek to draw out the explicit and implicit elements of AGA ecclesiology. In each chapter, narrative is followed by analysis which, firstly, clarifies central aspects of the developing ecclesiology and, secondly, attempts to assess what has been gained and lost in the process of ecclesiological change. With regard to the content of these chapters, chapter three treats the development of early pentecostalism, and the transition from unstructured and loosely knit faith mission communities to congregationally structured churches. Chapter four analyses the institutional formation of Australian pentecostalism, focusing particularly on the formalisation of the AGA. Of concern during this period was the relationship between churches and centralised bodies, as well as the roles and responsibilities of church leadership. Chapter five then treats the developments in AGA ecclesiology that accompanied the charismatic revival of the 1960s, 70s and 80s, as well as the institutional changes that occurred due to the rapid growth of the movement. In the concluding chapter six, we summarise our research, and intimate potential trajectories for the AGA as it moves into the twenty first century. In the light of our analysis and assessment, we also make some suggestions for ecclesial self-reflection.

This dissertation examines various contemporary Protestant views of Christian Spirituality in light of Galatians 2:20 in order to correct some common errors caused by the elevation of personal subjectivism and the misinterpretation of Scripture. The purpose is to demonstrate the continual necessity of the Scriptures as the normative grounds for evaluating and correcting the theological and practical expressions of Christian spirituality. Christian spirituality focuses on the way that one lives as led by the Spirit in light of one's understanding of and experience with God. While the role of the Spirit in Christian spirituality is critical, direct emphasis on the necessity of grounding one's spiritual understanding and experience within the context of Scripture is often an absent element. Without the governing standard of the Bible, and with the increased influences of ecumenicalism, mysticism, secularism, subjectivism, and relativism within Protestantism, Christian spirituality remains somewhat ambiguous and covers a substantial range of religious beliefs to include biblical as well as extra-biblical ideas. Thus, to demonstrate how the Scriptures can help govern limits within Christian spirituality, Galatians 2:20 will be examined. This dissertation, then, employs Galatians 2:20 as a guide for establishing essential concepts concerning the spiritual life and, in so doing, corrects some common misunderstandings of the spiritual life. Chapter 1 defines spirituality and provides a brief history of interpretation for Galatians 2:20. Chapter 2 demonstrates that the cross is central to the justification of the believer and results in a transformation of life. Chapter 3 reveals that the Spirit serves as Christ's representative to the believer empowering them for Christian living. Chapter 4 emphasizes the reality that although the believer is to progress in sanctification, they will continually experience spiritual tension in this life between the Spirit and the desires of the flesh. Chapter 5 explains that personal faith is the means by which the believer lives out the indwelling presence of the Spirit. This lived faith is motivated by the sacrificial love of God. Chapter 6 provides a conclusion based on the preliminary thought regarding the necessity of biblical spirituality in light of some current trends within Christian spirituality.