2016 Society for Pentecostal Studies: A Personal Reflection and General Report

The 2016 Society for Pentecostal Studies meeting was by far one of the best ever! That was my experience, and it agrees with the input I heard from several colleagues. SPS began in 1970 as an organization of scholars dedicated to providing a discussion forum for all academic disciplines as a spiritual service to the Kingdom of God. It has since become a leading venue for Pentecostal engagement with a wide range of interests. For example, it has special interest groups devoted to discussing the latest developments in Bible, Christian Ethics, Ecumenical Studies, History, Missions, Philosophy, Practical Theology/Christian Formation, Religion and Culture, and Theology. This year’s SPS conference theme, “Worship, the Arts, and the Spirit,” certainly opened the way for innovative conversations (and dramatizations too!).

Some Official Assessment

The wonderful folks of Life Pacific College (International Church of the Foursquare Gospel), located in beautiful San Dimas, California, were exceptionally gracious hosts. It was a special pleasure to be greeted in the first plenary by Jim Adams, LPC president, and the famous Jack Hayford (King’s University). LPC facilities were perfect for the needs of the Society, with ample space in a compact setting. And what a gorgeous campus! Aside from aesthetics, the statistics are impressive as well. Kim Roebuck, Assistant to the Executive Director, reports that there were 331 in attendance. Zach Tackett, SPS Secretary/Treasurer, informed the membership at its annual business meeting that the SPS 2015 figures represent the best membership roll in 5 years and that the Society is financially solvent. Certainly these appear to be signs that SPS continues to flourish as a vital venue for Pentecostal scholarship.

SPS could not happen without the diligent work of a great team of Interest Group Leaders: Scott Ellington, Daniela Augustine, Christopher Stephenson, Leah Payne, Sarita Gallagher, Doug Olena, James Bowers, Clifton Clarke, and Sammy Alfaro. As well, the work of Diversity Committee leader Meghan Musy, Librarians and Archivist chair, Derrick Rosenior, and other session leaders such as Dale M. Coulter and Daniel Tobin (Roman Catholic-Pentecostal dialogue) provided spiritual refreshing.

The plenary sessions with Linda Ambrose, John Goldingay, Teresa Berger, the Latino/a Pentecostalism session with Daniel Ramirez, Urias Mendoza, and Sammy Alfaro, and the great presidential address by Michael Wilkinson, were invigorating. Further, the artistic expressions by Carlynn Reed and Carlos Zapata, Jennifer Miskov and team, and Steven Felix-Jager were a refreshing innovation that ministered to all.

Outgoing Executive Director Lois Olena (Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Springfield, MO) noted in her closing remarks at the SPS banquet that of its current membership of 557, SPS enjoys representation from 18 nations, 30 U.S. states, and 41 Christian denominations/traditions.

To me, in spite of its challenges, SPS has been to me “little taste of heaven,” because it has served in my life as a place where brothers and sisters in Christ, of diverse ethnicities and denominations, can experience “the other” in rich fellowship, mentorship, learning, collegiality, and laughter, as well as engage in times of challenging one another, searching and discovering, sharing ideas, celebrating one another’s accomplishments, and supporting friends through their struggles—not only once a year but all throughout the year as we continue to interact. SPS has been a place of vocational nurture, as our late president, Brother Jeff Gros, said in his 2012 presidential address: “The Pentecostal scholar in whatever church has a calling to be of service to the whole people of God and to the churches in their task of preaching, handing on the faith and nurturing the faithful. This Society has been a place where this ecclesial vocation has been and can be nurtured” [Pneuma 34, no. 2 (2012): 167.]

Impressive International Presence

Regarding that diversity, Shane Clifton (Alphacrucis College/Australia) noted that the Aussies were out in force this year at SPS (almost 20 made the journey). All agreed that the fourteen-hour flight was worth it. They felt the conference was especially beneficial for emerging scholars, who made seminal friendships and were given the opportunity to reflect upon what it is to be a Pentecostal scholar. The conference theme made for especially worthy cross-disciplinary engagement, and the contribution of artists to the conference was a highlight. Clifton noted that there is, for obvious reasons, a very North American focus to the majority of papers presented. In this light, the Australians offer an open invitation to take the conference “down under” at some time in the future. Now doesn’t that sound like a good idea?

David Hilborn (St John’s/Nottingham) said, “My lengthy journey to California from the UK for this year’s SPS was well worth it. The focus on the arts and aesthetics was fresh and stimulating, and provided welcome new perspectives on Pentecostal worship, spirituality and theology.” A longtime ecumenist, David added, “As a member of the Ecumenical Studies Interest Group I was particularly encouraged by the vibrancy of Pentecostal ecumenical engagement around the world, and by the quality of current Pentecostal ecumenical scholarship.” I personally found that, whether enjoying a conversation over lunch or listening to his insightful presentation, David’s distinctive Anglican/Pentecostal identity contributed a great deal to the depth of the very scholarship he mentions.

Jean-Daniel Plüss, originally from Zurich, Switzerland but now based out of Vitznau (SW) said, “I very much enjoyed SPS.”  He felt like the program was not overloaded. The participants had time to network. There was a great choice of presentations to choose from. However, sometimes one had to compromise as one could not visit parallel sessions. Plüss also noted: “Personally, I noticed that (once more) many scholars are still focusing on their own territory (the Americas) neglecting the fact that Pentecostals in Europe, Africa, and Asia have also made important contributions.” He added that closing the conference with an Anglican Communion Service (led by Mark Cartledge, presently at Regent but originally from the UK) was very meaningful to him. Indeed, I must say that this Tennessean found it to be quite a sacred moment as well.

Cesia Keren Mortera, an alumnus of Lee University and Pentecostal Theological Seminary presently teaching at SEBIME (Seminario Biblico Mexicano), gives a stirring testimony about her experience at SPS: “There are no words to truly describe how awesome my first SPS Meeting was. Who knew that an academic biblical/theological setting would be a place where God would speak to me in ways that I couldn’t have expected. [It was such] a refreshing experience to be surrounded by people who do what you love to do; people who truly inspire and challenge you. I’m forever grateful for mentors who push me and encourage me to continue on this journey. I specially want to thank Dr. Cheryl Johns, Dr. Lee Roy Martin, and Dr. Jackie David Johns. [Y]our words were much needed. Just know that God used you to speak to my heart this weekend.” Now that is what this is all about!

Diverse Testimonies

Over the years (my first meeting was Guadalajara/1993) I’ve found that SPS has a way of developing deep and lasting bonds. D. William Faupel—former President (1992) and Executive Director (1997-2004)—is a case in point. Of SPS 2016 he observes, “This is the first time I remember a focus on the arts. It was great to experience Pentecostals and Charismatics worshiping God through mediums used by other Christian traditions, but not highly visible in Pentecostalism.” Faupel added, “I loved the pace of the conference, the setting—both the LIFE campus and the conference hotel. Our hosts at both places went far beyond the call of duty to make us feel welcome and accommodate our wants and needs.” Of course, Faupel adds, “Papers and speakers were as good as always.” Summing up, “As a longtime member of the Society, I take great pleasure as I see it develop and mature over the years. The Leadership offered a well-run, value-laden operation.” Faupel’s leadership, scholarship, and friendship means so much, to so many. Like many others, I’m glad he continues to be vital part of SPS. Such pioneers not only paved the way for present and future generations but set a high standard that we’re always challenged to follow.

Jonathan Alvarado is one SPS member whose calling and gifts appear boundless. As Senior Pastor/Founder at Grace Church International and CEO and Founder at Grace House Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia he is a pastor, administrator, and educator (and, yes, he can sing too!). Jonathan describes SPS 2016 as particularly meaningful for him in at least two ways: “First, the delegates to the conference are my friends, and I’m always grateful to be in their presence. These men and women of scholarship and good will are kind, intelligent, affirming of one another, and collegial in every sense of the word. Second, the environment stimulates and empowers one to produce better scholarship. The critical feedback, the encouragement, the resources, and the primary human sources always catalyze my work for the next year.” I think pastor/scholars such as Daniel Tomberlin and I (and others) can certainly identify with Jonathan’s description.

Gerald Shenk (Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary) has been to several SPS meetings and is a longtime participant in the Church of God (Cleveland, TN)-Mennonite Church USA dialogue. Shenk noted that “The strength and vigor of Pentecostal witness was evident at this annual gathering of the SPS. The warm California fellowship and the academic exchanges were delightful.” He particularly adds, “As Mennonite guests and friends, we affirm the ways this gathering can contribute to healthy cross-pollination among many branches of our shared Christian heritage. May Spirit fruit and Spirit guidance be abundant in the journey ahead.”

Miguel Alvarez, originally from La Joyada, Choluteca, Honduras but now based out of Virginia Beach, Virginia, has a unique perspective. “As a Latino scholar, I go to the SPS symposium with the idea in mind of looking for other Latino colleagues, so we can meet up and have some time together. My desire is to have fellowship with them and to check on how they are doing at their places. This time, I saw some friends and also met new ones.” Alvarez felt that it was especially important for him personally to meet a couple of young Honduran scholars, in the Diaspora. After a time of fellowship some ideas came to mind about potential works that could be done with them, having Honduras and its current situation in the background. “This was a very motivating idea!” Alvarez exclaimed. Furthermore, he was glad to see some generational transition taking place in SPS leadership. “It gives me peace,” Alvarez said, “to see young scholars assuming their roles of leadership with dignity. I believe, if the Lord tarries, as we say, SPS will always be in good hands.” Shall we all say, Amen?

Missing from our Midst

Of course, there are those who, though usually present year after year, were unable to attend this year’s meeting due to work and travel schedules or, in a few cases, health issues. Friends like Allan Anderson, Robert Graves, Harold Hunter, William Kay, David Roebuck, and other dear friends like SPS co-founder Vinson Synan were sorely missed. My wife, Sue, who almost always attends SPS with me, although she is not an educator, was unable to do so this year as well. For me, and apparently for several others who mentioned it to me, her absence was keenly felt. We hope these and others who were absent in 2016 will be present in 2017.

SPS 2016 was the first after the 2015 passing into the Lord’s presence of R. Hollis Gause (President, 1972). Tributes at the Saturday evening banquet by Jackie David Johns, his student, colleague, and pastor, and Kimberly Ervin Alexander, another student and colleague, were exceptionally moving. At the close, when along with other students and/or colleagues of Gause I was asked to stand, to look around the banquet hall at how many of us have been impacted by this great man, was an amazing experience. He taught us much. Perhaps one lesson that has impacted me most is that theologians should do theology doxologically. Theologians are worshipers! This luminary will be sorely missed. Yet he “being dead, yet speaketh” into all our lives.

A Few Highlights from a Personal Perspective

Any one person’s experiences at SPS will be incomplete but to an extent representative. For the sake of space and time, I’ll simply select a few sessions out of many possibilities. In the last few years Thursday discussions have become less of what was previously called “pre-conference” but more of an integrated part of the full Thursday-Saturday conference. I enjoyed chairing the Roundtable Discussion of Alan Kreider’s (Professor Emeritus of Church History and Mission at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary) book, The Patient Ferment of the Early Church: The Improbable Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire. It was great to hear Kenneth J. Archer discuss it from a systematic theologian’s point of view vis-à-vis Dale Coulter as a historical theologian. Of course, it was great to have the author himself respond and interact with the entire group.

The Ecumenical Studies Panel Discussion, “Divine Affections and Aesthetics: Edwards, Pentecostals, and the Spirit of Worship,” certainly demonstrated why the theology of Jonathan Edwards continues to hold an attraction nearly 300 years after his lifetime. Chaired by Steve Studebaker (McMaster Divinity College) with panelists Bill Olivero (SUM/Marquette University) and Christopher “Crip” Stephenson (Lee University), this was an in depth conversation. After hearing Oliver Crisp’s (Fuller Theological Seminary) response, I went to the exhibit table and purchased his book, Jonathan Edwards among the Theologians!

The Diversity Committee session on “Global Hermeneutics,” chaired by Meghan Musy (McMaster Divinity College) with presentations by Amos Yong (Fuller Theological Seminary) and Craig Keener (Asbury Theological Seminary) was packed in more ways than one. For one thing, it was packed with attendees. Not only was there standing room only but some (including me) sat in the floor on the steps of the entrance. It was also packed with information in the stimulating presentations by these two great scholars who continue to set high standards for their respective disciplines (Yong, Systematic Theology; Keener, New Testament). Their personal and professional interaction was dynamic indeed. Later conversation over dinner with Bill Faupel, Hal Knight, and Israel Kamudzandu (both of Saint Paul School of Theology) about this session was invigorating for me as well.

The Practical Theology/Christian Formation discussion, chaired by Marcia Clarke (University of Birmingham) was a standout session. Mark Cartledge (Regent University) and Frank Macchia (Vanguard University) had a provocative time comparing and contrasting the respective roles of C. S. Lewis and Karl Barth as public theologians. I came away thinking about how different these two great thinkers were and yet how their presence continues to influence so many even today.

Of course, it was an honor for me to present in Ecumenical Studies on “Discussing a Discerning Theology of Christian Evangelism for a Multi-faith World” alongside of Peter Althouse on “Pentecostal Responses to Mass Incarceration” and chaired by Daniel Tobin. Another Ecumenical Studies session that was really a standout conversation was Cheryl Bridges Johns’ (Pentecostal Theological Seminary) presentation on “Pentecostal Ecumenism and the Challenge of the ‘Other’: A Proposal for the Future.” The response by Wesley Granberg-Michaelson (Reformed Church of America) was both stimulating and challenging in its suggestion for increasing openness regarding Pentecostal ecumenical involvement.

Several presentations illustrated for me the surprisingly vast range of Pentecostal ecclesiology. Daniel Tomberlin’s (Vidalia Church of God) “Believers’ Baptism in the Pentecostal Tradition: A Response to Baptism, Eucharist, and Ministry” indicates the breadth and depth of contemporary Pentecostal sacramental theology. In this vein, it was a genuine pleasure to hear Alex Mayfield (Boston College), winner of the “Young Scholar’s Award,” present on “Seal of the Spirit: The Sacrament of Confirmation and Pentecostal ‘Spirit Baptism’.” In like manner, Monte Lee Rice’s (Independent Scholar) “Before His Face through Times of Refreshing: Towards a Pentecostal Aesthetic of Sacred Time,” along with Ed Rybarczyk’s (Vanguard) penetrating response, suggests the as yet largely untapped fecundity of Pentecostal liturgical theology.

My Biggest Regret

Of course, other conference participants would offer different highlights. One of the common complaints often heard at SPS, and I heard it this year especially, is that it’s difficult to choose between parallel sessions. There are so many good presentations, but no one can attend them all as many of them occur simultaneously. I suppose that’s a good problem to have. However, I admit that more than once I felt a twinge of regret when someone would mention how greatly they enjoyed a session I didn’t get to attend. Perhaps these few reviews will offer an idea of the 2016 SPS experience. One can also purchase the 2016 conference papers at SPS-USA.org.

Undoubtedly, my biggest regret from 2016 SPS conference is that I missed the dance performance of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” by David Reed’s wife Carlynn Reed and her dance mentor, Carlos Zapata. From everything I’ve heard it was phenomenal. The Sheraton Fairplex Hotel restaurant, otherwise so efficient during our stay, had an unexpected problem in the kitchen that unavoidably delayed everyone in my dinner group, all of whom planned to attend the dance but didn’t get to do so. Instead we came in to the performance hall just in time to catch the Teresa Berger (Yale) lecture on “From Brooding over Waters to Moving through Cyberspace: Cartographies of the Spirit.”

Interesting Business Meetings

Business meetings may seem like a sort of “necessary evil” to a lot of us. However, in the case of SPS, I’ve found that the emphasis in that well-worn phrase is on the word necessary. I was able to attend two Interest Group Business meetings: Theology and Ecumenical Studies. Ecumenical Studies intentionally schedules its business meeting at a different time than the other Interest Groups. In the true spirit of ecumenism, they intend to make it possible for members with diverse interests to participate. Sammy Alfaro (Theology) and “Crip” Stephenson (Ecumenical Studies) effectively led the way for their respective groups to prepare for next year. By the way, I’m sure they, and other IGLs, would appreciate my mentioning that the Call for Papers proposal form for SPS 2017 opens April 1 at SPS-USA.org.

Of course, the general SPS business meeting was a time of elections and reports. Fortunately, the elections went smoother than the national experience has been thus far during the 2016 presidential election cycle in the USA (which was nevertheless a frequent conversation topic around table fellowship during the conference!). As noted below, the nomination of Margaret (“Peg”) English de Alminana (Southeastern University) for Executive Director was confirmed. Also, Mark Cartledge (Regent) was elected as 2^nd Vice President. Dale Coulter now moves to 1^st Vice President, and Jacqui Grey becomes SPS President. Michael Wilkinson is Immediate Past President. SPS members also voted on a small bylaws change to reflect the Executive Director-elect process.

Rich Fellowship and Food

At any SPS gathering the best parts are often the fellowship with friends across a break time snack or in the hallway or on the sidewalk as we go back and forth to and from the various meetings. Indeed, many of us plan “meetings within the meetings” at SPS. For example, I was able to be part of one group like that which is working on expanding Mennonite Church USA and Pentecostal relationship. Of course, I saw others doing the same. After all, many of us only see each other once or twice a year, and there’s much to say and do. It is always a challenge to get the time in that we need between parallel and plenary sessions, but it is simply too good of an opportunity to pass up. Many of us will likely carry away delightful memories of an Executive Committee member coming into the break/exhibit area to “shoo” us back on schedule (read helpfully direct us).

The exhibit area also provided a positive feature of SPS. As always, SPS serves as a great opportunity to check out the very latest in Pentecostal scholarship, with books galore. The exhibit area is likely to be the place where one might run into other friends too. I happened to be walking with Mel Robeck when Chris Thomas (CPT) caught up to him with a couple of volumes in which he’d apparently earlier expressed interest. After thanking Chris and watching him walk away, Mel joked that he was trying to think of a way to tell Patsy how much he’d spent this year on books. It was at the John Goldingay plenary (quite interesting, especially after Scott Ellington explained some pertinent background to me over lunch at the airport) that Chris’ partner-in-crime, Lee Roy Martin, caught up to me with a (small) royalty check for my Toward a Pentecostal Theology of Religions. By the way, anyone who spent time at the Brill table discovered, if they didn’t know it full well already, what a pleasant person Mirjam Elbers (Netherlands) is to be around.

Of course, when it comes to food and fellowship there were two caucus breakfasts around specific themes. This year Cheryl Johns and Arden Lockwood led the “Women’s Caucus Breakfast.” Lockwood also chaired the “Student Caucus Breakfast” with Amos Yong as guest speaker. Yet the traditional Saturday evening SPS banquet was climactic. What a special joy to sit with old friends and/or meet new ones in more of a formal dinner setting. At the banquet Michael Wilkinson presented Murray Dempster, Byron Klaus, and Doug Petersen with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Lois Olena interviewed the trio on the topic of “Pentecostalism: Past, Present, and Future.” It was all quite entertaining and pleasant.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

In her closing remarks at the banquet outgoing Executive Director Lois Olena expressed, “I have been so blessed to work with a remarkable Executive Committee the past five years! This year, Kenneth J. Archer, Michael Wilkinson, Jacqui Grey, Dale M. Coulter, Zachary Tackett, Peter Althouse, and Robby Waddell, as well as my assistant Kim Roebuck were such an encouragement to me as I wrapped up this term.” Olena also expressed appreciation for incoming Executive Director, Margaret (“Peg) English de Alminana. Olena noted of de Alminana, “She has worked so hard to prepare for this new role. May God bless her and all of SPS as you move into the future!”

We’re all indebted to Lois for her hard work and dedication to SPS. When I asked Doug Olena what is ahead next for his wife Lois in the immediate future, he, true to form, had a quick quip: “Well, for one thing, we’ll probably have time to watch more television!” Thanks, Lois. All of us at SPS do so appreciate all you’ve done. We wish you the best as you seek to follow out God’s direction for your next steps. By the way, Doug, we’re also glad that you’ve got that odd right brain-left brain arrangement that enables a philosopher type like you to set up complex SPS computer programming too!

Incoming Executive Director de Alminana is gratefully looking forward to serving in this important post. In an open letter composed for the present report, she says:

Dear friends,
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your recent vote affirming me as the new Executive Director of SPS. Your vote of confidence is one of the most profound privileges I could imagine, and I am humbled and truly grateful. Being a member of SPS has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life, and I have loved getting to meet and know this tremendous family of fine scholars, exemplars, and world changers. You have my most sincere commitment to come in behind Lois Olena and to work hard to maintain her standard of excellence in all ways. I look forward to serving the Executive Committee, the numerous unsung heroes of this team, and, most of all, the membership of SPS. I will do my very best to make myself fully available to all of you. Please pray that I might experience an extra measure of God’s grace as I transition into this role. May God’s richest and most gracious blessings be upon this Society and every member in it.

Warmly,

Peg de Alminana
Executive Director, SPS

Thank you, Peg, for your willingness to serve. We know you will do a great job. We will be praying for you, and we pledge our cooperation and support as you begin this work of faith and labor of love in Christ’s vineyard at SPS.

Anticipation for SPS Next Year

These are just a few reflections, mostly arising out of my own encounters and conversations. One of the great things about SPS 2016 is that there could very well be 331 different reports written. Each individual, while experiencing the same conference, nevertheless participated in a variety of sessions, had a unique range of experiences, and met many different people. There are still many great stories to be told! I’m thankful to John Lathrop (Gordon-Conwell) and the folks at The Pneuma Review for inviting me to share my version.

Now let’s start getting ready for next year’s location and program. SPS 2017 (March 9-11) will be at Urshan College/Urshan Graduate School of Theology in Florissant (St. Louis), Missouri. The theme “Pentecostalism and Culture” promises rich conversations on relevant issues for churches, schools, and society. Let’s make plans to attend. Start thinking now about those presentation proposals for the IGLs. Let’s…well, so on and so on.

See y’all in St. Louis!