The words “Proudly Pentecostal” evoke a sense of identity, heritage, and mission. For those of us raised within the Pentecostal tradition, the vibrant tapestry of Spirit-led worship, supernatural encounters, and heartfelt passion for Jesus has left an indelible mark on our spiritual DNA. However, with such profound spiritual experiences also comes a deep responsibility: to be a people of the Word and the Spirit—balanced, grounded, and discerning.

As a Millennial raised in the classical Pentecostal tradition, I’ve had the privilege of seeing God move powerfully, often in ways that defy natural explanation. At the same time, I’ve also encountered the pitfalls of emotionalism, biblical illiteracy, and an overemphasis on personal experience at the expense of sound doctrine. In this article, I want to explore how a scholar’s approach—marked by humility, critical thinking, and deep reverence for Scripture—can strengthen and refine our Pentecostal heritage.

A Heritage Worth Honoring
The Pentecostal movement has been a profound gift to the global Church. Born out of the Azusa Street Revival in the early 20th century, Pentecostalism reignited the belief that the Holy Spirit actively empowers believers with gifts like prophecy, healing, and speaking in tongues. This movement emphasized the reality of Acts 2: the promise of the Holy Spirit is for all generations.

This legacy, however, is more than just signs and wonders. It is also a call to intimacy with God, intercession, and evangelism. Pentecostalism has been a driving force behind global missions, with Spirit-filled believers taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth. To this day, the zeal and fervor of Pentecostal worship reflect a desire to see the kingdom of God come “on earth as it is in heaven.”

The Scholar’s Challenge to Pentecostalism
While Pentecostalism is a gift, it is not immune to critique. One of the challenges we face as a movement is biblical illiteracy. Too often, Pentecostals rely on prophetic words, impressions, or emotions without grounding their faith in the Word of God. As a result, discernment can be lacking, leading to an openness to error or manipulation.

A scholar’s approach invites us to ask difficult questions:

  • Is this truly of God, or is it an emotional or cultural phenomenon?
  • Does this prophetic word align with Scripture?
  • Are we pursuing gifts of the Spirit while neglecting the fruit of the Spirit?

The Apostle Paul’s exhortation in 1 Corinthians 14:40—“Let all things be done decently and in order”—is not an invitation to quench the Spirit, but a call to steward His presence wisely.

Recovering Biblical Discernment
To ensure that Pentecostalism remains a vibrant and credible force within the Body of Christ, we must marry the fire of the Spirit with the foundation of the Word. This means:

  1. Prioritizing Biblical Literacy: Pentecostals must be committed to studying Scripture deeply. A scholarly approach doesn’t mean losing our Spirit-filled edge; it means sharpening it. The Holy Spirit, after all, is the author of the Word.
  2. Embracing Accountability: In a culture that often celebrates individual prophetic voices, we must ensure that prophecy and teaching are subject to testing and evaluation (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21).
  3. Pursuing Holistic Christianity: Our Pentecostal theology must address the whole person—spirit, soul, and body. The Holy Spirit doesn’t just empower us for ministry; He transforms us into the image of Christ.
  4. Valuing Scholarship Without Arrogance: While academia can sometimes lead to pride, a humble pursuit of knowledge honors God. Scholarship helps us articulate our faith in a way that engages skeptics, atheists, and adherents of other religions.

The Scholar and the Supernatural
Some fear that a scholarly approach will quench the Pentecostal flame, but this is a false dichotomy. True scholarship does not diminish the supernatural; it illuminates it. Consider the work of early Pentecostal pioneers like Charles Parham and William Seymour, who were not only revivalists but students of the Word. Their theological depth laid the foundation for a movement that has grown to over 600 million believers worldwide.

Even the Apostle Paul, perhaps the greatest scholar in church history, operated in profound supernatural power. His letters reflect a mind shaped by Scripture and a life surrendered to the Spirit. He demonstrates that intellect and inspiration are not enemies but partners in advancing the kingdom of God.

Proudly Pentecostal, Humbly Scholarly
To be “Proudly Pentecostal” is not to claim perfection. It is to celebrate the Spirit’s work while remaining committed to constant reformation. A scholar’s approach challenges us to think critically, discern wisely, and live biblically, all while pursuing the fullness of the Spirit.

As a Pentecostal scholar, my hope is that we will continue to honor our heritage while refining it for the future. Let us be a people who embody the words of Jesus in John 4:23—true worshipers who worship the Father in spirit and in truth.

In the end, the scholarly Pentecostal does not seek to extinguish the fire of revival but to ensure that it burns brightly, guided by the light of God’s Word and the power of His Spirit. This is a Pentecostalism worth being proud of.

Pastor Jacob Biswell