In The Practice of Prophecy, Dennis Lum follows the path forged by Samuel W. Muindi in Pentecostal-Charismatic Prophecy. Lum has produced a thoroughly researched practical theological look at the phenomenon of charismatic prophecy. Where Muindi studied the phenomenon in Kenya, Lum researched Singapore.

This book is the result of Lum’s doctoral studies and it shows. His methodology is meticulously laid out, using the empirical-theological method of van der Ven, with some modifications. There are two parts to Lum’s study, a qualitative section where he interviews pastors from Assemblies of God churches in Singapore, followed by a broader quantitative survey analysis. I was surprised by the vast similarities in the way Charismatic Prophecy is practiced in Singapore and in the Canadian context. It would be interesting to research whether this is something inherent in the nature of the phenomenon or if it is tied to Canada through North American missionaries.

In addition to the study proper, Lum has two full chapters of literature review—the first on New Testament prophecy (86–123), the second on the academic literature of prophecy among Classical Pentecostals (124–57). Both are treasure troves of information for anyone interested in this topic.

The Practice of Prophecy has a lot to offer anyone interested in taking a serious academic look at one of Pentecostalism’s defining practices.

Lum, Dennis. The Practice of Prophecy: An Empirical-Theological Study of Pentecostals in Singapore. Wipf & Stock, 2018.