Issues in Contempary Pentecostalism by French L. Arrington

Author:French L. Arrington [Arrington, French L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781596847309
Publisher: Pathway Press
Published: 2013-02-03T00:00:00+00:00

Preaching is diverse, so there is no uniformed package for preaching in the New Testament. There has never been just one method. We should expect diversity in preaching styles. Some would assert that there is no difference between Pentecostal and Evangelical preaching in other traditions. But the theological basis for Pentecostal preaching, as understood by both classical Pentecostals and modern mainline traditions, too, is different. While it is not my intent in this chapter to chart these mostly unnavigated waters, I do wish to identify some provisional boundaries about Pentecostal preaching. Perhaps—by discussing the Holy Spirit and preaching, preaching to a culture adrift, and implications of Pentecostal preaching and the role of Pentecostal preaching in leading the church—some components needed to construct a theology of Pentecostal preaching can be identified.

The Holy Spirit and Preaching

Although there are some bright exceptions, preaching is in trouble. It is not too difficult to come to this conclusion if an analysis of the modern church is done. According to some church commentators, congregations have been on a long losing streak, with decreasing attendance, aging participants, less outreach, and little or no discipleship. Adding to that, pastors are discouraged and many of the laity are demoralized. Too many churches are thankful that their doors are even open and that attendance is holding up. It seems as if society is bypassing church as it searches for spiritual truth and reality.

Why is there a serious malaise in church life today? Anyone who understands church leadership knows there are many reasons why some churches thrive while others die. Strong, vibrant churches with genuine worship, vital mission, and steady discipleship owe much of their success to gifted leaders who possess discernment, vision, and a passion to glorify God. But increasingly, especially in North America, many people see no need to become a Christian at all. There are many reasons of course; however, it seems as if, in Western culture at least, Christ has been replaced with New Age dogma, environmental concerns, and other ideas. Occultism and moral relativism have become the new informant of the day.

It is clear that the gospel today is met with massive indifference, and leading a church is no easy task. Christian absolutes are less noticeable today than ever, and too many Christian churches have a bent toward twenty-first-century mores. As a researcher, George Barna has validated such claims as he has amassed statistics that show virtually no life change between “born-again” believers and those “not born-again adults.” Even in cases where behavioral differences are shown, the difference is minimal. For instance, about 33 percent of non-Christians said they had viewed sexually explicit materials, used profanity in public, and bought a lottery ticket, while about 25 percent of born-again adults had done those things (“American Lifestyles,” www.barna.org, 2007). And it is only getting worse. The church, especially in North America, continues to decline and drift from its Christian identity.

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