The Future of Pentecostalism

I find myself warmed on a cold winter day as I continue to read and hear about the reform of my denomination. I am an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God, the largest Pentecostal denomination in the world. As a Pentecostal (and this would apply to many of my Charasmatic friends), we know that younger leadership has always played a vital role.

The YOUNGER MINISTER'S TASK FORCE report that was submitted to the General Presbytery of the Assemblies of God in August of this year had this as one of its many interesting focal points:

"Agnes Ozman was 30 years old when she spoke with tongues on January 1, 1901 at Charles F. Parham’s Bible school in Topeka, Kansas. Parham was 27 years old when he experienced the outpouring of the Spirit. William J. Seymour was 35 years old when the Azusa Street revival broke out in 1906. J. Roswell Flower was 25 years old when elected Secretary (General Secretary) in 1914, and Chairman (General Superintendent) E.N. Bell was 47. From the earliest stages, our Pentecostal movement engaged young people in key leadership roles."

As seasoned ministers become authentic with younger ministers, we will be able to continue the dialog about what the next generation of Pentecostal leaders will look like. I am excited for the future of a denomination that is willing to ask hard questions, seek innovative ways to train their young leaders, and reform in ways that are kingdom-minded and not just denominationally minded.

As Chris Tomlin sings, "Greater Days are yet to come; Greater things are still to be done in our cities" For this, I praise the LORD Jesus Chirst!