Toward a Pentecostal Theology of Worship

Walter Hollenweger, a recognized expert on the worldwide Pentecostal movement, has argued that Pentecostalism's greatest contribution to the larger Christian tradition has been in the area of worship. It is in the context of worship that people are saved, sanctified, baptized in the Spirit, healed, and filled with the hope of Christ's coming. Despite the importance of worship to the Pentecostal tradition, theologians in the movement have not yet developed a full-fledged theology of worship. In this multi-authored work, leading Pentecostal scholars come together to construct a contemporary biblical theological approach to worship. Seeking to go beyond discussions that focus on style and trends, these writers offer a distinctive theological vision for Pentecostal worship that appreciates the history, diversity, ethos, and global contexts of Pentecostalism. Written for pastors, students, and scholars, this work provides ample resources for those interested in examining the Pentecostal theology of worship. Contributors to this work include biblical scholars, systematicians, and practical theologians. The diversity of voices insures creativity of approaches and freshness of ideas. This second edition includes two new chapters and a longer introduction to Pentecostal worship. Although not a complete theology of worship, this study provides a starting point for exploring important themes from a variety of perspectives.