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Ecclesial Identification beyond Late Modern Individualism?
Why do some late modern churches grow, counter to the trend in Western Europe? Why do people identify with such churches – and does identification lead to morally transforming commitments beyond late modern consumerism? This case study investigates these questions based on ‘real life’ or empirical research, which include both the level of individual life strategies and organisational practice in two growing European churches. This innovative and interdisciplinary study draws on recent findings in theology, moral philosophy, sociology and organisational psychology. Its findings may prove useful not only for scholars in these disciplines, it may also enrich the reflection of practitioners who seek to perform the difficult art of transformational leadership in a late modern context.
A Phenomenology of Pentecostal Leadership
While books on famous and infamous Pentecostal leaders abound, the corpus of research on Pentecostal leadership is sparse. This is unfortunate, as strong and innovative leadership has been instrumental for the exceptional growth of the movement—and for countless examples of abusive behaviors in Pentecostal congregations. To promote effective leadership while avoiding the destructive effects of autocratic leaders, it is necessary to better understand the dynamics of leadership within Pentecostalism. This is the purpose of the book, and Truls Åkerlund fills a gap in the present knowledge on Pentecostal leadership—first by discussing the extant literature on the topic and then by exploring the meaning of such leadership through a phenomenological analysis of the experiences of pastors in Pentecostal congregations. The author describes a general structure of Pentecostal leadership with essential characteristics of the phenomenon, locates Pentecostal leadership within the broader streams of organizational and religious leadership research, and points out crucial discussions and implications to be addressed in Pentecostal organizations.
The Spirit Driven Church
Must the church be either charismatic or sacramental? In this book, Terje Hegertun argues that she has the privilege of being both. The Day of Pentecost formed her identity and shaped her conviction of being lifted on the arms of grace and pushed forward by the power from on high. In the midst of her vulnerability and failure, the worldwide faith community is a composition of the Spirit. One of the greatest gifts the church may offer the world is simply to be church: a charismatic-sacramental fellowship, a dwelling place of God's Spirit. A church nurtured by graceful charismatic and sacramental gifts fosters a mature congregational spirituality distinguished by hospitable relations. Thus, the Spirit of God plays the main role of being the comprehensive principle of Christian unity across denominational lines.
Gardens in the Wasteland
Gardens in the Wasteland is an ethnographic study of Christian formation within three Swedish church plants working against a backdrop of advanced secularisation. The thesis analyses the formative practices employed by these church plants with the intention of forming persons towards a lived Christian identity. Employing a situated learning theory framework, it traces the formative trajectories and negotiations that emerge from these shared practices, and also examines the articulations of callings and intentions within these church plants. The findings reveal that the establishment of a church plant of-ten stems from a sense of place-oriented calling that encompasses a vision of vibrant Chr...
Megachurches and Social Engagement
This book is the first detailed academic study of megachurches in the UK. In particular, it explores the nature and significance of social engagement by megachurches in the context of London. The research contains empirical case studies of two Anglican and three African diaspora Pentecostal churches. As well as exploring the range of social engagement activities provided by these churches, the study offers explanations in term of theological motivations and the influence of globalisation. Subsequently, the book outlines the importance of the findings for the relationship between church and society in the contemporary context, addressing the implications for social policy and practice. The book advances discussions in public theology, megachurch studies, Pentecostal and Charismatic studies and ecclesiology.
Faith at Work
Estimates show that about seventy percent of children who grow up in active Christian families opt out of church and church life in adulthood. Research indicates that one of the reasons is a lack of connection between faith, work and community involvement. How do we build communities in our congregations that foster a faith that endures through all the phases of life, yet which is an innovative faith that gives courage and initiative to take the lead in creating a good society — for all? This book challenges the reader to think more holistically about the Church’s mission to be ‘salt and light’ in the twenty–first century, and is intended as inspiration to break out of the isolation and retreat that can easily result in the face of our highly secular, modern societies.
Global Renewal Christianity
This final volume is an authoritative collection from more than two dozen leaders and scholars of the Spirit-empowered movement.
The Church in a Secular Age
How can the church navigate the challenges of our secular age? In The Church in a Secular Age, Norwegian and Pentecostal scholar Silje Kvamme Bjørndal takes on three dynamic thinkers, each in their own way, in search for insights to this question. Philosopher Charles Taylor offers the backdrop for the conversation, as Bjørndal carefully sifts out some of his most central tenets for understanding our secular age. Bjørndal then turns to the theologian and ethicist Stanley Hauerwas and critically engages his notion of the church as a community set apart from our secular age. By bringing several of Hauerwas’s interlocutors into the conversation, Bjørndal manages to bring out both the acute...
What Really Matters
This volume is about ecclesiology and ethnography and what really matters in such academic work. How does material from field studies matter in a theological conversation? How does theology, in various forms, matter in analysis and interpretation of field work material? How does method matter? The authors draw on their research experiences and engage in conversations concerning reflexivity, normativity, and representation in qualitative theological work. The role and responsibility of the researcher is addressed from various perspectives in the first part of the book. In the next section the authors discuss ways in which empirical studies are able to disrupt the implicit and explicit normati...
40 Questions About Pentecostalism
At just over a century old, the Pentecostal Movement accounts for over 500 million believers worldwide and continues to grow. Still, confusion abounds over what Pentecostals believe and teach about the Holy Spirit, worship, salvation, healing, and much more. In 40 Questions About Pentecostalism, Jonathan Black provides an accessible overview of the historical, theological, biblical, and experiential factors that make Pentecostalism a vibrant and worldwide Christian movement. He answers questions such as these: - How did Pentecostalism begin in the United States? - What do Pentecostals believe concerning the Trinity? - Do Pentecostals affirm the prosperity gospel? - What do Pentecostals believe about healing? - What is speaking in tongues? As with all the 40 Questions books, the question-and answer format offers readers targeted guidance on the questions that matter most to them, and controversial issues are addressed with robust scholarship and in a spirit of grace.
