1. Copyright 2004 by Larry G. Hess A New Agenda for Evangelical Theology Adapted from a manuscript by: Larry G. Hess

2. Copyright 2004 by Larry G. Hess INTRODUCTION Evangelical theology today must have passion and fidelity. It must move beyond a debate between the forward-looking “Reformists” and the backward-looking “traditionalists.”

3. Copyright 2004 by Larry G. Hess INTRODUCTION Evangelical faith is rooted in the faith of the early church which was Trinitarian, Christological, and Spirit-filled—according to “the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3).

4. Copyright 2004 by Larry G. Hess INTRODUCTION Evangelical theology is in a crisis in many countries.

5. Copyright 2004 by Larry G. Hess I. THE RISE OF PENTECOSTAL SPIRITUALITY The Pentecostal movement is marked by the two themes of Spirit-baptism and spiritual gifts.

6. Copyright 2004 by Larry G. Hess I. THE RISE OF PENTECOSTAL SPIRITUALITY Pentecostalism emphasizes a direct relationship to God with corresponding expectations of divine revelation and supernatural acts of ministry.

7. Copyright 2004 by Larry G. Hess I. THE RISE OF PENTECOSTAL SPIRITUALITY Early Pentecostalism demonstrated a genuine reverence for the work of the Spirit.

8. Copyright 2004 by Larry G. Hess I. THE RISE OF PENTECOSTAL SPIRITUALITY Perhaps today Pentecostals need a re- visioning of their heritage.

9. Copyright 2004 by Larry G. Hess I. THE RISE OF PENTECOSTAL SPIRITUALITY This loss of eschatological focus among Pentecostals has led to a loss of lamentation, and has also facilitated the seduction of the church by modernism.

10. Copyright 2004 by Larry G. Hess I. THE RISE OF PENTECOSTAL SPIRITUALITY It may be correct to say that Pentecostalism is a sub-division of evangelicalism. If so, how should Pentecostalism impact or change evangelical Christianity?

11. Copyright 2004 by Larry G. Hess II. HOW PENTECOSTALISM HAS IMPACTED EVANGELICALISM Pentecostalism challenges evangelicalism to be faithful to the spiritual reality of the evangelical revivals, and their own basic Biblical convictions.

12. Copyright 2004 by Larry G. Hess II. HOW PENTECOSTALISM HAS IMPACTED EVANGELICALISM Evangelicalism has been a great proponent of essential Biblical truths, while at the same time undermining present-day manifestations of supernatural power by a spirit of critical rationalism.

13. Copyright 2004 by Larry G. Hess II. HOW PENTECOSTALISM HAS IMPACTED EVANGELICALISM The Pentecostal movement and the charismatic renewal both represent God- given opportunities to escape from confining ideological “boxes” and understand more clearly God’s divine purposes and power.

14. Copyright 2004 by Larry G. Hess II. HOW PENTECOSTALISM HAS IMPACTED EVANGELICALISM Pentecostalism has had a positive and powerful impact on evangelicalism around the world, and has been described as the fastest-growing religious phenomenon of the century.

15. Copyright 2004 by Larry G. Hess II. HOW PENTECOSTALISM HAS IMPACTED EVANGELICALISM Harvey Cox’s book, Fire from Heaven, addresses the rise of Pentecostal spirituality and the reshaping of religion in the twenty-first century.

16. Copyright 2004 by Larry G. Hess II. HOW PENTECOSTALISM HAS IMPACTED EVANGELICALISM Pentecostals have, in the past, been described as evangelical-fundamentalists who are anti-intellectual and anti- ecumenical. To the contrary, Pentecostals now lead the way in many educational activities and ecumenical organizations.

17. Copyright 2004 by Larry G. Hess III. HOW PENTACOSTALISM CAN IMPACT EVANGELICALISM INTO THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY Pentecostalism should lead the way for all evangelicals to regain a sense of the times, and of the return of Christ. The Spirit has been quenched through cultural, moral, institutional, and theological accommodation.

18. Copyright 2004 by Larry G. Hess III. HOW PENTACOSTALISM CAN IMPACT EVANGELICALISM INTO THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY The twentieth century evangelical movement in America grew out of a sincere and urgent desire to identify with the faithful tradition of the church and the faith “once for all handed down to the saints” (Jude 3).

19. Copyright 2004 by Larry G. Hess III. HOW PENTACOSTALISM CAN IMPACT EVANGELICALISM INTO THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY Evangelicals must begin to close the gap between what is and what ought to be!

20. Copyright 2004 by Larry G. Hess III. HOW PENTACOSTALISM CAN IMPACT EVANGELICALISM INTO THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY How should Pentecostals as evangelicals respond to this crisis? reaffirm their commitment to the authority of Scripture return to prayer, holiness of life, and the practice of spiritual discipline call for repentance and lamentation to be a witness to the church and the world in the last days

21. Copyright 2004 by Larry G. Hess III. HOW PENTACOSTALISM CAN IMPACT EVANGELICALISM INTO THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY How should Pentecostals as evangelicals respond to this crisis? maintain their commitment to speaking in tongues as the initial evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. be characterized by equity and justice model a new commitment to practical ministerial training focus on local church ministry and the development of lay leaders face the spiritual and moral leadership crisis and train a new generation of pastors

22. Copyright 2004 by Larry G. Hess III. HOW PENTACOSTALISM CAN IMPACT EVANGELICALISM INTO THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY In order for Pentecostals to impact evangelicalism we must always ask ourselves the tough questions, such as: Do we love our traditions more than we love the Gospel itself? Are we really open to the move of the Holy Spirit? Have we become irrelevant? Are we keeping pace with change? Are we trying to minister to a generation that no longer exists?

23. Copyright 2004 by Larry G. Hess III. HOW PENTACOSTALISM CAN IMPACT EVANGELICALISM INTO THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY In order for Pentecostals to impact evangelicalism we must always ask ourselves the tough questions, such as: Is our preaching Biblical and relevant to our world? Do we have real character and integrity as leaders? Have we lost our passion for the Kingdom? Are we willing to confess our sins?

24. Copyright 2004 by Larry G. Hess CONCLUSION We have said that for Pentecostalism to impact all of evangelicalism, we must close the gap between what is and what ought to be.

25. Copyright 2004 by Larry G. Hess CONCLUSION It is time for Pentecostals to rise to the opportunities to fulfill a prophetic and apostolic role in impacting this world for Christ.