As the year comes to a close, I want to thank those who read and follow my work on this blog. It is not lost on me that the world is competing for attention with digital content. Whether you are one of the several hundred subscribers to the blog or one of the approximately 25,000 … Continue reading 2025: A Year of Writing for the Assemblies of God
pentecostalism
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.”
The Pentecostal History of Tulsa’s Oldest Church Building .
If you drive South through Broken Arrow on 129th (Olive) near 121st, you have probably noticed an old white church building with an old cemetery. Known as the White Church, this church was built in 1875, making it the the oldest church building in the Tulsa area. Today the church is called Full Gospel Grace … Continue reading The Pentecostal History of Tulsa’s Oldest Church Building .
Vandella Frye, Tulsa’s Pentecostal Pioneer
The first Pentecostal church in Tulsa traces its origins to Vandella Frye, reportedly the first Pentecostal in Tulsa in 1905. Frye faithfully spread the Pentecostal message through prayer meetings in her home until an Apostolic Faith Mission was formed in 1908. That mission eventually became known as 5th and Peoria/Full Gospel Tabernacle, and later Central … Continue reading Vandella Frye, Tulsa’s Pentecostal Pioneer
Practical Advice Before you Pursue a Doctor of Ministry Degree
In this blog, I want to share some advice for those considering a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree. I have taught in the D.Min. program at Oral Roberts University for several years. During this time I gained some valuable insights into the purpose of the degree and the keys to success for students. If you … Continue reading Practical Advice Before you Pursue a Doctor of Ministry Degree
The Ascendancy of Black, Female Pentecostal Scholars
There has been an interesting development in several prominent U.S. seminaries in 2023. Religion News Service reporter, Rebekah Barber, notes that a number of Black, female, scholars have ascended to places of leadership in a male and white dominated field of theological education. This is certainly of note because Black women in the academy are … Continue reading The Ascendancy of Black, Female Pentecostal Scholars
Notable COGIC Women from the Tulsa Area
Tulsa's Black Pentecostal community has a rich history. As Tulsa's black population thrived along side the development of the Greenwood District known as "Black Wall Street," Pentecost also took hold with at least two Church of God in Christ Churches by 1921 with over 100 members each. In doing research for my book, Pentecost in … Continue reading Notable COGIC Women from the Tulsa Area
Russell Spittler’s 1983 Predictions for Pentecostal Studies and Their Fulfillment
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
Metro Pentecostal Church Celebrates 100 Years
Tulsa is a city with a rich history of Oneness Pentecostalism. Following the split between Trinitarian and Oneness believers in the Assemblies of God in 1916, it is unclear if any Oneness congregations were maintained from the number of early Pentecostal believers in Tulsa. The first known church was started In 1922, when a Oneness … Continue reading Metro Pentecostal Church Celebrates 100 Years
God Broke Me on The Wheel of My Prejudice: Jonathan E. Perkins
Jonathan Ellsworth Perkins was an early Assemblies of God pastor who served from 1924-1926 at the "5th and Peoria" Assembly of God in Tulsa. Perkins was an important early leader who wrote The Brooding Presence, one of the first AG books on the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Perkins also served with Stanley Frodsham as Associate Editor … Continue reading God Broke Me on The Wheel of My Prejudice: Jonathan E. Perkins
Daniel D. Isgrigg 