Stephen Barkley
It’s a common-yet-true refrain: as culture shifts toward Post Christendom, churches built on Christendom models will find themselves increasingly irrelevant. This latest study by Bradley Truman Noel addresses these concerns by looking specifically at the Pentecostal Assemblies of Newfoundland and Labrador (PAONL).
This study is intended “to be a primer for Pentecostal pastors and leaders who like the men of Issachar seek to understand their times and adjust ministry approaches and methods accordingly” (223). Noel first lays a historical foundation by examining Pentecostalism, Canadian secularism, and the history of the PAONL. His work on the PAONL is rooted in qualitative research Noel conducted through discipleship surveys.
On the basis of this historical and empirical perspective, Noel proposes eight themes that should be considered for churches grappling with the shift to a Post Christendom society:
- Generational Issues
- Creativity and Risk
- Being Missional
- Influencing Culture
- Reclaiming our Supernatural Heritage
- Embracing Post-Christendom
- Essence over Distinctives
- Beliefs vs. Values
While all eight of these themes are significant, I especially appreciated the nuanced way he handled the discussion of essence over distinctives. Spirit-baptism (a distinctive) has become an end in itself, disconnected from the broader biblical narrative—especially eschatological hope. Noel argues that we should emphasize our essentials over that which makes us distinct. Our essence, for Noel, is “the invitation to participate in a full orbed life in the Spirit” (210). Amen!
Pentecostalism, Secularism, and Post Christendom is equal parts diagnosis and prescription. The themes of this study, based on the PAONL, deserve a far wider audience.
Noel, Bradley Truman. Pentecostalism, Secularism, and Post Christendom. Wipf and Stock, 2015.
