This week we received the news that pioneering Pentecostal scholar, Dr. Russell Spittler (Ph.D. Harvard, 1971) had passed away. Spittler had a long and distinguished career as a Pentecostal scholar and educator serving at Central Bible College, Vanguard University, and Fuller Theological Seminary. He was also very involved in the Society for Pentecostal Studies where … Continue reading Russell Spittler’s 1983 Predictions for Pentecostal Studies and Their Fulfillment
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How Early Pentecostals Rescued Women from Human Trafficking
The month of January is Human Trafficking Awareness month. This terrible social evil has been more prominent in our social consciousness in recent decades, but early Pentecostals were at the forefront of bringing attention to this issue as early as 1907. During my research on Assemblies of God history, I found stories of homes set … Continue reading How Early Pentecostals Rescued Women from Human Trafficking
Pentecost: How Long Does it Take?
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he instructed his disciples to ‘Tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high’ (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4 KJV). Drawing from these words, the practice of having "tarrying" services became a uniquely Pentecost ritual whereby believers actively lingered in Pentecostal services for the … Continue reading Pentecost: How Long Does it Take?
Influence Magazine Podcast
Earlier this week I was interviewed by George P. Wood, the Editor of the Assemblies of God magazine, Influence. We talked about my book and the history of AG eschatology. You can listen to this podcast, and the many other interesting interviews on the website or in your podcast apps.
Practical Advice Before You Pursue a PhD
Some practical advice for those who want to do a theology PhD.
New Book: Imagining the Future.
I am excited that my dissertation on the history of Assemblies of God eschatology is now available from ORU Press. https://www.amazon.com/Imagining-Future-Development-Assemblies-Eschatology/dp/1950971082/ Since the Assemblies of God began in 1914, a great importance was placed on the belief in the second coming of Christ. However, in recent decades, a segment of AG ministers and educators have … Continue reading New Book: Imagining the Future.
Pentecost and the End of the KKK in Bixby
When my family moved to Bixby, Oklahoma in 1985, it was a tiny town of only 5,000 people and didn't have a single fast food restaurant. Today it is over 20,000 people and it is hard to tell where Bixby ends and Tulsa begins. But in the early years, it was a small town on … Continue reading Pentecost and the End of the KKK in Bixby
Revising the Assemblies of God Statement of Fundamental Truths
The Assemblies of God General Council is meeting next month and the hot topic for this year is a proposed revision to the Statement of Fundamental Truths. This document, created in 1916, has served as the theological basis for the fellowship. Its central tenets define the AG's beliefs on doctrinal matters such as salvation, baptism … Continue reading Revising the Assemblies of God Statement of Fundamental Truths
New Book: Pentecost in Tulsa
I am excited to announce that my new book, Pentecost in Tulsa, is out today from Seymour Press. Tulsa has become an important epicenter of Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity in the United States. In its earliest days, revivals helped establish important churches. Later, well-known launched worldwide ministries from Tulsa that impacted millions around the globe. … Continue reading New Book: Pentecost in Tulsa
Pentecostals, Earth Day, and the Legacy of Secretary James Watt
Did you know that Earth Day was started by a Pentecostal? That's right! Earth day is a day established to recognize humanity's obligation to care for the earth for future generations. Although concern for the environment is often thought of as a progressive issue, its origins actually came from a man with a rich Pentecostal … Continue reading Pentecostals, Earth Day, and the Legacy of Secretary James Watt