How a Tulsa Race Massacre Testimony Unlocked Tulsa’s Pentecostal History

In my 2021 book Pentecost in Tulsa, I tell the story of Tulsa's Pentecostal history. While conducting that research, I experienced two parallel realities. Finding and documenting sources on Tulsa's White churches is fairly easy, thanks to the extensive record of Tulsa's white Pentecostal churches in magazines, denominational minutes, and city newspapers. However, finding historical … Continue reading How a Tulsa Race Massacre Testimony Unlocked Tulsa’s Pentecostal History

“Klan Negative”: The 1925 Pentecostal Holiness General Conference Report on the KKK in their Ranks

The issue of racism and the KKK in early Pentecostalism is a widely discussed topic in Pentecostal scholarship. While researching this topic in the Consortium of Pentecostal Archives, I found the 1925 Pentecostal Holiness Church General Conference report. In this conference, there was a session in which the General Board members, one by one, reported to the … Continue reading “Klan Negative”: The 1925 Pentecostal Holiness General Conference Report on the KKK in their Ranks

Book Review: Swing Low: A History of Black Christianity in the United States by Walter R. Strickland, II.

I love reading Black Church history. I love learning about people, events, and theological perspectives that have often been overlooked and underrepresented in American understandings of the church. I have engaged with many works of black history in my work on Black Pentecostalism and, more recently, on the charismatic spirituality of enslaved African Americans prior … Continue reading Book Review: Swing Low: A History of Black Christianity in the United States by Walter R. Strickland, II.

Four Ways I Use AI as a Theology Professor

The shift to readily accessible Artificial Intelligence tools is changing how our society operates. This revolution is having a significant impact on higher education. As a faculty member, the topic of AI comes up regularly in our meetings. No doubt, it's here to stay. As a professor, people are often curious about how students use … Continue reading Four Ways I Use AI as a Theology Professor

A Review of Larry Martin’s “William J. Seymour.”

Earlier this year I wrote a book review of Larry Martin's 2024 biography of William J. Seymour, published by Influence Magazine. I highly recommend the book and enjoyed writing this review that encapsulates my appreciation for the way Martin frames Seymour's importance. https://influencemagazine.com/en/Reviews/Simple-Obedience-Profound-Influence-Humble-Leadership Reading back over this review, I am struck by these words I … Continue reading A Review of Larry Martin’s “William J. Seymour.”

Doctor, Professor, or Scholar: Clarifying the Difference in Academic Titles

Like any professional field, the world of academics and higher education has its own language. I was not fully aware of this as I progressed through my studies. I admit, it has often been confusing figuring out the proper use of terms like "doctor" and "scholar" and "professor." But I have slowly learned how to … Continue reading Doctor, Professor, or Scholar: Clarifying the Difference in Academic Titles