Asian Pentecostalism: a religion whose only limit is the sky

Abstract

The study surveys the current growth of Pentecostal Christianity, as defined broadly, in Asia, particularly in comparison with Latin America and Africa, predicting that the future growth is expected to be exponential. In a brief historical survey, the continent is divided into four categories depending on the beginning and development of Pentecostal Christianity: Pre‐Azusa Revivals; Azusa Missionaries; New Pentecostal churches; and ‘None of the above.’ The study concludes with the discussion of four unique characteristics of Asian Pentecostalism: the movement in the context of suffering; the charismatic nature of the church as demonstrated by some Asian churches; explosive church growth among Pentecostal churches; and the emergence of strong Pentecostal scholarship in Asia. The author presents the bright future for Asian Pentecostal Christianity, but also raises a warning signal for the healthy development of its spirituality and theology.

Notes

A working definition of the class of ‘Asian Pentecostal Issues’ of Doctor of Ministry in Pentecostal/Charismatic Ministry programme (Asia Pacific Theological Seminary, Baguio City, Philippines, November 2002). The instructors were Russell P. Spittler and Wonsuk Ma.