73%
Confidence
Belief overview
Missionary urgency and evangelization
The experience of the Spirit is linked to mission, witness, and the expansion of the gospel.
3
Supportive
0
Contrary
0
Neutral
What it is: This is the conviction that the Spirit empowers the Church to evangelize, plant communities, witness publicly, and cross cultural boundaries.
How the tradition understands it: Pentecostalism has historically associated spiritual power with active mission. Preaching, campaigns, music, radio, television, street work, and cross-cultural missions were of enormous importance in its expansion.
Textual basis and context: Acts 1:8, Matthew 28, and the book of Acts are central readings.
Historical context: Much of Pentecostal global growth came from flexible, lay, and intensely evangelistic missionary networks.
Common objections: There are criticisms when missionary zeal combines with doctrinal simplification, aggressive religious competition, or little pastoral preparation.
Internal variations: Some churches prioritize cross-cultural mission; others focus on local evangelization and religious media.
Documentary evidence
Supportive
Acts 1:8
Promise of the Spirit's power for witness.
Reference: Acts 1:8.
Content: Jesus promises that the disciples will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them and that they will be his witnesses.
Use in debate: It is one of the most important texts for linking baptism in the Spirit, empowerment, and mission.
Azusa Street historical testimonies
Historical accounts of the Azusa Street revival.
Reference: Testimonies and historical records connected to the Azusa Street revival.
Content: The accounts describe intense prayer, glossolalia, interracial worship, prophecy, and missionary zeal in the revival led by William J. Seymour.
Use in debate: They are historical sources often used to narrate the foundational self-understanding of modern Pentecostalism.
Matthew 28:19-20
Great Commission.
Reference: Matthew 28:19-20.
Content: Jesus commands his followers to make disciples of all nations.
Use in debate: It is an important basis for the strong Pentecostal missionary impulse.