A Critical Analysis of Ministerial Theology and Pentecostalism

This essay provides an in-depth examination of the development of Pentecostal theology, tracing its origins and evolution from evangelical theology. It highlights the significance of the fivefold gospel and explores the beliefs and doctrines that define Pentecostalism. The essay discusses the growth of Pentecostal theology as a religious movement, its connections to various theological streams, and the role of spiritual revivals in its emergence. It analyzes the criticisms and justifications surrounding Pentecostal beliefs, including the interpretation of the Bible and the emphasis on evangelism. The essay also addresses the relationship between Pentecostalism and modernism, the concept of the Great Commission, and the importance of evangelism in the Pentecostal movement. Overall, the paper offers a comprehensive overview of Pentecostal theology's historical development, key tenets, and its impact on the Christian faith.

Running head: MINISTERIAL THEOLOGY
Ministerial Theology
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1MINISTERIAL THEOLOGY
The purpose of the following paper is to focus on the development of the Pentecostal
theology in the nineteenth century. Many critics are of the opinion that this theological
perspective had been developed from the evangelical theology that was already in the practice.
The fivefold gospel is one of the evidences that can be associated with the growth of the
Pentecostal theology. It has also been mentioned that Pentecostal theology or Pentecostalism has
been growing very fast as a part of the religious movements. This has several connections with
the different streams of theology indeed (Cartledge 2016). The statistics have said that the
followers of the Pentecostal theology are something more than a quarter of the entire Christian
population within the world. The belief of the Pentecostal theology will be discussed in this
paper along with the process of derivation of this theology. This essay will look upon the growth
of this belief from the various viewpoints from the theological perspectives.
The doctrines and the beliefs of the Pentecostal theologians have stemmed from the
beliefs that were very much predominant in the early evangelical theology. The theory states that
the Pentecostal theology has emerged from the Pentecost and it is very much self evident from
all the means. As per the arguments of the theological experts, it is said that Pentecostal theology
has come into existence in the last hundred years. Therefore, the developments of this belief are
not that much far stretched (Cartledge 2016). The comprehensive theology has come into
existence from the constructive approach that can be formulated throughout the history. Thus this
kind of approach is deemed as very crucial for the development of this theological movement.
Various spiritual revivals have been very essential to mark the beginning of the Pentecostal
theology. Many critics have also argued that various revivals are completely associated with the
growth of this movement (Yong 2019). However, this kind of movement was not all any normal

2MINISTERIAL THEOLOGY
movement. The primary element of this movement was deep spirituality. So, the evangelicals
have claimed that their belief has various similarities with that of Pentecostal theology.
The suffering of the human beings has been somewhat misinterpreted to the other human
beings. The teachings and beliefs of the human beings have been shown in the Pentecostal belief
have been developed from different types of beliefs from the traditional beliefs of Christology. It
is somewhat different from that of the dogmatic theology that follows a proper system indeed.
This system or traditional way has not been properly followed in this Pentecostal movement
(Yong 2019). Therefore, it is quite clear that the issues like Pentecost, Pentecostalism and
Pentecostal theological beliefs should be analyzed and criticized from a single perspective
associated with the theological concern. The symbolic meanings of this Pentecostal theology
have a very deep relation with that of the event of Pentecost. On the other hand, the believers of
the Pentecostal theology have not focused that much on the main idea of Pentecost than the
pneumatological metaphors (Stronstad 2019). If someone attempts to see the Pentecostal
theology having deep associations with Pentecost, he might some difficult challenges in the
entire process.
It is, therefore, very essential to suggest the fact that the narrative framework for the
development of Pentecostal theology can be found completely within the Gospel. This gospel is
termed as the full Gospel. The narrative frameworks described in the full gospel could be
interpreted through the beliefs of the Pentecostal theology by all means. Some people have
criticized this theological belief to highlight the fact that the believers of Pentecostal theology are
only the traditional evangelicals who have experienced Pentecostalism in their lives (Stronstad
2019). This belief can be countered by the works or studies of some believers of the Pentecostal
theologians. They have done their research work on practicing theology as Pentecostals as well

3MINISTERIAL THEOLOGY
as taking the progress of this theological movement further. They do not want to restrict their
beliefs within the theological doctrines of spirit and basic fundamental theology of the
evangelicals (Archer 2016).
Critics like Walter Hollenweger have mentioned that the proper characteristics of this
Pentecostal theology can be described in the beginning ten years of that particular movement.
After that all the issues have been intermixed between the conflicts of Pentecostal and
evangelical movements. However, the evangelical theology has been regarded highly in terms of
the Pentecostal theology (Archer 2016). The leaders of the Pentecostal movement have been
asked many times about their stand on the issues like the modernity in the society. According to
leaders of the church, it has been assumed that people not obeying the modernist issues are the
proper evangelicals and they have a close connection with Pentecostal theology indeed. The
Evangelical churches have preached all the truths told in the Bible through the fivefold gospel.
They are very stern about the truths that are told in the Bible and these truths stand as the basic
element for the development of the Pentecostal theology. According to the theologians, real
Evangelical churches will always stand firmly against modernism and Biblical stories are the
only modes for them to teach their disciples (Nel 2016). Some critics have also argued about the
issue that evangelical believers have used the Pentecostal theology or Pentecostalism as a vehicle
through they could come to a single stand from where they could preach these so called ‘truths’.
This view would unify all these people believing in the messages of the Bible and intermittent
truths within it (Anderson 2014).
These truths are regarded as the fundamental truths and these truths must be followed by
all. The Pentecostals and evangelicals both believed that these truths from the Bible would surely
lead them towards their salvation from sins (Nel 2016). Many criticisms have been raised

4MINISTERIAL THEOLOGY
regarding this concept and the believers of Pentecostalism have countered this with the
justification that all these teachings are the outcomes of the Biblical faith only. Therefore, their
activities are not created by themselves through imaginary ideas. Rather, all their views are very
much consolidated through the Biblical views and these views must be respected. The basis of
their beliefs relies upon the Biblical verses and the fivefold gospel (Anderson 2014).
The faith of the people can only be restored through the Biblical models and their
interpretations in the right manner. Some adjectives have been used to denote the nature of the
Pentecostal ideas. These are ‘evangelical’, ‘aggressive’, ‘pre-millennial’, ‘safe’, ‘scriptural’ and
‘sane’ (Francis 2016). Therefore, it is also very clear that many people have also voted in favor
of this view as well. The reason for this is its connection with the Bible and the Scripture. It
might be aggressive in nature but it is definitely associated with the Biblical views and
ideologies interpreted by the evangelical followers’ centuries ago. The term ‘Pentecostalism’
might not be very old but its basic elements have been derived from some perspectives of
evangelical theology only. Apart from that, many other influences have been observed in the
forming of this kind of theological belief. Critics have also opined that they have some
similarities with the modernism because they have also rejected the modernism like the
evangelical theologians (Francis 2016). They have also abided by the fundamental beliefs of the
evangelical doctrines. Apart from that, they have applied the Christian lifestyles as said in the
Bible. This has intensified their connections with the evangelical beliefs (Stronstad 2019).
In the words of the critics in this arena, it has been said that the evangelicals do not
believe in the repetition of the Pentecost. On the other hand, believers of Pentecostalism say that
the event of Pentecost can be repeated in the future again (Pinnock 2016). They have highlighted
the issue that Pentecostals have adopted the teachings and methods of evangelism as their first

5MINISTERIAL THEOLOGY
priority. The main essence of Pentecostalism lies in story that God has raised all the human
beings up in a manner that they can be the instrumental part of reviving the evangelism in the
world. They will only adopt the Biblical teachings as their element for preaching and do not
conform to the modern ministerial theology (Pinnock 2016). They have highlighted the element
of the aggressiveness of evangelism in the various pages of the New Testament. They regard the
Bible highly and take all its messages with respect. They also advise the Christian followers to
follow all the messages of the New Testament very minutely. They tend to interpret the messages
and teachings of the Holy Scriptures and Gospels very much literally (Satyavrata 2016). So, it is
very true to categorize them as the followers of evangelists. The experience gained from
Pentecostalism is very much mandatory for the interpretation of evangelism from all the aspects
indeed.
According to the critics, there has been a serious level of aggression and persuasion that
can be found by the preaching of the Paul the Apostle (Satyavrata 2016). In the explanation of
the Pentecostalism, the concept of the universalism and its liberal ideologies has been completely
rejected. This has made way for them to stick to conventional ideologies. The witness for the
Pentecostals has asked for the evidences that will give out the positive or negative results
regarding truths in nature (Vondey 2017). In the Gospel, it has been written that Paul the Apostle
was given the responsibility of making King Agrippa a believer of the world’s nature. This is his
task and he has been rescued with the purpose of rescuing others through the mode of
evangelism. God had commissioned him and this was his evangelistic purpose on the earth (Nel
2015). As a part of the argument, Pentecostals believe that the primary purpose for the
evangelism on earth is redemption or salvation of the people from the sins they have already
committed. They have obeyed the Great Commission provided by the God Himself in the

6MINISTERIAL THEOLOGY
various passages and chapters of the Gospels. The Acts of 1:8 is regarded as their most important
ideology to show the influence of evangelism on their beliefs.
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses
in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.”
In the year 1927, a committee was formed in the name of the Assemblies of God that was
concerned with the evangelical movement. The committee had opined for the revision of the full
constitution named the Statement of Fundamental Truths for Consideration. There was a big
surprise in this scenario. The name of the Assemblies o God had been changed to The
Pentecostal Evangelical Church (Nel 2015). The Pentecostal Christians have understood the
need for the obedience of the messages of God as the most crucial step for the Christian
discipleship. It has also been widely acclaimed that evangelism is basically the primary output of
baptizing the Holy Spirit mentioned in the Bible (Hunt 2019). The spiritual gift of salvation is
also very much associated with it as well. Therefore, it is very much clear that evangelism has
played the major role in the growth and development of the Pentecostal movements.
It is a very critical aspect to note that many people had already begun the practice of
teaching their disciples through preaching the messages of the Bible within few days after they
had been converted into Christianity or being baptized (Heath 2017). The rapid expansion of this
Pentecostal movement can only be measured through the personal witnessing process and street
evangelism. These practices have been recorded by the Majority World Pentecostalism studies
(Newman 2017). There have been hardly any rebuttals of this fact because common people tend
to think they must abide by the messages and advices of the God and must take it as the God’s
command. Evangelism will not be completed when one has learned about Christianity

7MINISTERIAL THEOLOGY
particularly and this will definitely spread through his personal belief in Jesus Christ and His
works for the salvation of the human beings (Stiles 2014). The belief in God and having faith in
Him will urge these newly converted Christians to begin the work of preaching. They believe in
the ideology that newly converted Christian has been ‘saved to serve’ for the well being of the
human beings (Yong 2014).
There are other similarities between these two theological entities as well. It is quite true
that Pentecostalism has been developed with the idea that mankind is completely lost in this
world and human beings will need to bring back their humanity in order to avoid the eternal
punishment (Hewitt 2014). This can only be achieved once a person has achieved or earned all
the knowledge from the gospel. The Pentecostal organizations have also confessed about their
ideologies and doctrines that the people who do the right things will end up in their salvation and
gaining the eternal life. On the other hand, the sinners and wicked persons will definitely receive
the eternal punishment or damnation (Andrews 2016). They also have the belief as reflected in
their ideologies that Jesus Christ will definitely return one day and he will culminate all the evils
and wrongdoings from the world. Some critics have also termed it as an ‘eschatological urgency’
when it comes theological views of evangelists and practice of the Pentecostals. The concept of
Pentecostalism has influenced a lot of people in the traditional Christian communities in the last
hundred years. The root of this ideology lies in the evangelism and it is completely God centric
as per the Biblical Scriptures.
People having belief in the Pentecostal theology have the faith that God is there among
the common people and He is also working with all of them so the world can be made better
(Hewitt 2014). This is the Pentecostal belief that has been widely reflected in their actions and
they believe it is the primary step for having faith in the creation of the God. This viewpoint has

8MINISTERIAL THEOLOGY
been agreed by the interpreters of Pentecostalism and observers of evangelism from outside as
well. This view or faith is definitely the most important thing for the growth and development of
the evangelistic church (Andrews 2016). Worship is regarded as a very important factor in the
case of preaching for holiness in the lives of human beings. This is common in both evangelism
and Pentecostalism. Critics are of the opinion that this preaching is very much evident for the
understanding of both these views properly (Escobar 2014). Critics like Ray Hughes have
claimed that the presence of the miracle element in the Pentecostalism has been viewed as an
essential thing. The concept of supernatural evangelism has also been called as the ‘power
evangelism’ as well (Ireland 2015). This miracle element is the most responsible thing for this
power evangelism. This aspect has been found in the beliefs of the Pentecostalism as well. The
role of Gospel is a key one in this concept. The theologians are of the opinion that it would be
impossible for both the evangelists and Pentecostals to imagine their ideologies without the
presence of worship and obeying the messages of the Holy Scriptures and Gospel. Therefore, it
is highly important to note that the fivefold gospel has gained huge importance in this scenario.
The messages of the Bible have aimed at praising the worth of God (Escobar 2014). Pentecostals
have also depended on these lines to preach their ideologies.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men”
Amidst these factors, it is very sure that the Pentecostals have derived their theological
ideologies from the evangelists and fivefold gospel has been of exceptional value behind these
teachings. The true followers of Christianity would always obey these messages of the Gospel
for the well being of humanity (Nel 2016).

9MINISTERIAL THEOLOGY
In the concluding section of the essay, it can be said that both the views of Christianity
namely Pentecostalism and evangelism belong to the similar series of thoughts and ideologies.
The interpreters have argued time and again that true spirit of Christianity without the advent of
modernity has been reflected in these two thoughts. The fivefold gospel has been very evident in
making people understand the true worth of the Biblical messages in this scenario. Therefore,
people must follow the evangelism process before they understand the meaning and preaching
process of Pentecostalism. The role of Jesus Christ in Christianity has been depicted in the
Biblical messages and the gospel as well. The ideologies of Paul the Apostle are quite important
to note in this regard. The good will of the human beings will lead them to get rid of their sins.
The advent of Pentecostalism has purity like evangelism and it preaches human beings on the
basis of the advices of the Holy Scripture. The purity of mind and soul can derive from the
ideologies of Pentecostals i.e. a major development from the views of evangelism.

10MINISTERIAL THEOLOGY
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