If you were to ask for song requests in any AG church in America, I can almost guarantee someone will request "I'll Fly Away". For whatever reason, this song has become an American and Pentecostal favorite of previous generations. There are several reasons its popular. For one, this song has an Oklahoma connection, being written … Continue reading The Theological Legacy of “I’ll Fly Away”
Assemblies of God
Were Early AG Leaders Anti-Intellectual?
From the beginning, the Pentecostal movement had a careful relationship with theology and the pursuit of education. Even today, many of my educated AG pastor friends are often frustrated with the way in which people within our fellowship are suspicious of education. Roger Olsen speaks of the these attitudes. He says, ‘Endemic to Pentecostalism is … Continue reading Were Early AG Leaders Anti-Intellectual?
The AG and Black Heritage
During the month of February, I have read several great articles on Pentecostalism's black heritage. Vinson Synan wrote about William Seymours' role as the father of Pentecostalism. Darrin Rodgers highlights 10 African American ministers that were in important to the AG and the Pentecostal movement. David Daniel's highlights what happened to the racial diversity in the Pentecostal movement. … Continue reading The AG and Black Heritage
AG Doctrine: What Was, Is, and What Should Be
In my time studying AG doctrine I have had many conversations with people about how I feel about AG eschatology. Usually people are asking about my work because they are uncomfortable with some particular point of AG doctrine that they would like to see changed. The more one is exposed to education and differing point of views, … Continue reading AG Doctrine: What Was, Is, and What Should Be
The Eschatology Books of the Assemblies of God
In my dissertation, I am documenting the history of the Assemblies of God and their eschatological positions. One of the joys of that pursuit has been to build a timeline of all the books on eschatology that have been published by the Gospel Publishing House. To my knowledge, no one has done so. I also … Continue reading The Eschatology Books of the Assemblies of God
Statement of Fundamental Truths Turns 100
100 years ago this week the Assemblies of God Statement of Fundamental Truths was adopted by the 1916 General Council in St. Louis. Although AG Leaders were reluctant to adopt a statement of faith during those early years, a doctrinal statement was needed to stave off division over debates about trinitarian vs. oneness baptism. A … Continue reading Statement of Fundamental Truths Turns 100
What a Pastor Cannot Do: familiar thoughts on pastoring from 1930
"Sometimes people forget that a Pastor is human." E.S. Williams, 1930. Being a pastor in this day and age is a huge challenge. Yet at the same time, it is comforting to discover that the demands on pastors haven't changed much in 100 years. In my studies this week I came across an article by E. … Continue reading What a Pastor Cannot Do: familiar thoughts on pastoring from 1930
Do we still need to tarry?
One of the most amazing things about studying early Pentecostal literature is the testimonies. I love to read the ways in which those believers experienced God and the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Testimonies of people traveling great distances to places where people were being baptized in the Holy Spirit fill the pages of the … Continue reading Do we still need to tarry?
The Assemblies of God and Varieties of Pentecostal Theology
This past week was my latest doctoral seminar for my PhD at Centre for Pentecostal Theology in Cleveland, TN. Every time I go to these meetings I am so very encouraged not only as a scholar but also by the way in which the individuals take seriously the pursuit of articulating a truly Pentecostal theology. Anyone … Continue reading The Assemblies of God and Varieties of Pentecostal Theology
The Christian & Politics: Thoughts From A Past AG Superintendant
The political season is in full swing. Our nation is going to the polls over the next few weeks. I don't engage much in politics so I have nothing to say about the current political season other than I don't really enjoy it. It seems to bring out the worst in people, especially the candidates. … Continue reading The Christian & Politics: Thoughts From A Past AG Superintendant
Daniel D. Isgrigg 