Project – IMPACT OF PENTECOSTALISM ON ANGLICAN CHURCH

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Pentecostalism, a form of Christianity that emphasizes a personal experience of God, has had a significant impact on the Anglican Church. According to Anderson (2004), the rise of Pentecostalism in the 20th century has challenged the Anglican Church in various ways, particularly in terms of worship style, theology, and church growth. The charismatic worship style of Pentecostalism, characterized by expressive worship and the belief in spiritual gifts, has influenced the Anglican Church to incorporate more charismatic elements into their services (Anderson, 2004).

In terms of theology, Pentecostalism’s emphasis on the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts has also influenced the Anglican Church. According to Kay (2007), the Anglican Church has seen a shift towards a more charismatic theology, with an increased focus on the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts. This shift has led to a more experiential form of Christianity within the Anglican Church, which has been both embraced and resisted by different factions within the church (Kay, 2007).

The growth of Pentecostalism has also had a significant impact on the Anglican Church. According to Jenkins (2002), the rapid growth of Pentecostalism, particularly in the Global South, has challenged the Anglican Church’s dominance in these regions. This has led to a shift in the global center of Christianity, with the Anglican Church needing to adapt to this new reality (Jenkins, 2002).

However, the impact of Pentecostalism on the Anglican Church has not been entirely negative. According to Hollenweger (1997), the Anglican Church has benefited from the charismatic renewal movement, which has brought new life and vitality to many Anglican congregations. This has led to a revitalization of the Anglican Church in many parts of the world (Hollenweger, 1997).

Despite these changes, there has been resistance within the Anglican Church to the influence of Pentecostalism. According to Burgess (2006), many Anglicans have resisted the charismatic renewal movement, viewing it as a threat to the traditional Anglican liturgy and theology. This has led to tensions within the Anglican Church, as it seeks to navigate its relationship with Pentecostalism (Burgess, 2006).

The impact of Pentecostalism on the Anglican Church has been significant, influencing its worship style, theology, and church growth. While this has led to tensions within the church, it has also brought new life and vitality to many Anglican congregations. As the Anglican Church continues to navigate its relationship with Pentecostalism, it will be interesting to see how this relationship evolves in the future.

• Statement of the Problem

Pentecostalism, a form of Christianity that emphasizes a personal experience of God, has had a significant impact on the Anglican Church. The first problem that arises from this impact is the shift in worship style. Pentecostalism is known for its vibrant and expressive worship, which is a stark contrast to the traditional, liturgical style of the Anglican Church (Poloma, 1989). This has led to a divide within the Anglican community, with some members embracing the change, while others resist it.

The second problem is the theological differences between the two denominations. Pentecostalism places a strong emphasis on the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts, which is not as prominent in Anglican theology (Burgess, 2006). This has led to debates and disagreements within the Anglican Church, as some members have started to incorporate Pentecostal beliefs into their faith.

The third problem is the issue of church growth. Pentecostal churches have been growing rapidly, especially in the Global South, while the Anglican Church has been experiencing a decline in membership (Jenkins, 2006). This has led to concerns about the future of the Anglican Church and its ability to retain its members.

The fourth problem is the impact on the Anglican clergy. Some Anglican priests have been influenced by Pentecostalism and have started to incorporate its practices into their services (Kay, 2007). This has led to tensions within the clergy, as not all priests agree with this approach.

The fifth problem is the cultural impact. Pentecostalism is often associated with African and Latin American cultures, which has led to a cultural shift within the Anglican Church (Miller and Yamamori, 2007). This has raised questions about the cultural identity of the Anglican Church and its ability to adapt to these changes.

The sixth problem is the impact on ecumenical relations. The rise of Pentecostalism has disrupted the traditional ecumenical dialogue between the Anglican Church and other denominations (Hunt, 2002). This has led to a re-evaluation of the Anglican Church’s position within the wider Christian community.

1.3   Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the impact of Pentecostalism on Anglican Church. The specific objectives are:

1. To examine the historical relationship between Pentecostalism and the Anglican Church.
2. To analyze the theological differences and similarities between Pentecostalism and Anglicanism.
3. To assess the impact of Pentecostal practices and beliefs on the Anglican Church’s liturgy and doctrine.

1.4  Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What is the historical relationship between Pentecostalism and the Anglican Church?
2. What are the theological differences and similarities between Pentecostalism and Anglicanism?
3. How have Pentecostal practices and beliefs impacted the Anglican Church’s liturgy and doctrine?

1.5. Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is stated below:

Ho: Pentecostal practices and beliefs has no significant impact on the Anglican Church’s liturgy and doctrine

Ho: Pentecostal practices and beliefs has significant impact on the Anglican Church’s liturgy and doctrine

1.6. Significance of the Study

The impact of Pentecostalism on the Anglican Church is a significant area of study due to the profound influence it has had on the religious landscape. Pentecostalism, with its emphasis on the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, and personal religious experiences, has introduced a new dynamic into the traditionally more formal and liturgical Anglican Church. This has led to a shift in worship styles, with some Anglican congregations incorporating more charismatic elements into their services, such as speaking in tongues, prophesying, and faith healing.

The second significant impact is the challenge Pentecostalism poses to the Anglican Church’s theological framework. The Anglican Church, with its roots in the Reformation, has traditionally emphasized the importance of scripture, reason, and tradition in shaping its beliefs. However, Pentecostalism, with its focus on direct, personal encounters with the Holy Spirit, challenges this approach. This has led to debates within the Anglican Church about the role of experience in shaping theological beliefs and the interpretation of scripture.

Thirdly, the rise of Pentecostalism has also had a significant sociological impact on the Anglican Church. In many parts of the world, particularly in the Global South, Pentecostalism has experienced rapid growth, often at the expense of more established denominations like the Anglican Church. This has led to a shift in the global center of Anglicanism, with the majority of Anglicans now living in the Global South. This demographic shift has brought new cultural and theological perspectives into the Anglican Church, challenging its Eurocentric traditions.

Fourthly, Pentecostalism’s emphasis on evangelism and mission has also influenced the Anglican Church. The growth of Pentecostalism has been largely driven by its success in evangelism, particularly among the poor and marginalized. This has challenged the Anglican Church to rethink its approach to mission and evangelism, leading to new initiatives aimed at reaching out to those on the margins of society.

Fifthly, the impact of Pentecostalism has also led to a reevaluation of the role of the laity within the Anglican Church. Pentecostalism’s emphasis on the priesthood of all believers and the active participation of the laity in worship and ministry has challenged the traditional Anglican model of a clergy-led church. This has led to a greater emphasis on lay ministry and the empowerment of the laity within the Anglican Church.

Finally, the interaction between Pentecostalism and the Anglican Church has also led to a greater emphasis on ecumenism. The Anglican Church has been challenged to engage in dialogue with Pentecostal churches, leading to a greater understanding and appreciation of each other’s traditions. This has also led to joint initiatives in areas such as social justice and mission, demonstrating the potential for fruitful cooperation between these two Christian traditions.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines the impact of Pentecostalism on Anglican Church. The study is limited to Anglican Diocese in Jos.

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

Impact: In the context of this discussion, impact refers to the influence or effect that one factor, in this case Pentecostalism, has on another, in this case the Anglican Church. It can be positive or negative, and can manifest in various ways such as changes in practices, beliefs, or membership.

Pentecostalism: This is a form of Christianity that places special emphasis on a direct personal experience of God through the baptism with the Holy Spirit. It is named for the event of Pentecost, where followers of Jesus Christ received the Holy Spirit. Pentecostalism is known for its vibrant and energetic worship, which often includes speaking in tongues, healings, and prophetic revelations.

Anglican Church: Also known as the Church of England, the Anglican Church is a Christian denomination that originated in England during the Reformation in the 16th century. It is known for its middle way approach, incorporating elements from both Protestantism and Catholicism. The Anglican Church is characterized by its structured liturgical worship, and it places a strong emphasis on tradition, reason, and scripture.

Project – IMPACT OF PENTECOSTALISM ON ANGLICAN CHURCH