Pentecostalism and Mission

Abstract

This essay suggests that Pentecostals are most clearly understood when seen through a lens of mission. Their history is really a vigorous participation in a story of eschatolotical significance supported by Holy Spirit empowerment. A survey of the 20th century by decade sees the emergence of Pentecostal mission thinking deeply impacted by Roland Allen in its earliest years and maturing to speak for itself and engage the missiological themes of the later 20th century. The success of Pentecostal growth worldwide signals the necessity of serious missiologial reflection on that success, realizing that Pentecostals from the majority world will have significant impact on global Christianity in the 21st century.