On the Rapids: Exploring Pentecostal Orthodoxy

The development of our theological belief is like navigating a long, winding river. At each turn, we discover something new about ourselves, and more importantly, something new about our God. As a theologian, a minister, a church historian, and a pastor, I navigate these waters consistently. There are others present with us in this boat called faith. They challenge us through discussion and help us form practical solutions to spiritual problems.

Every turn on the river introduces us to a theological question, and often a historical figure who aided in the development of our doctrines. We may encounter Augustine as we grapple with worldly excess and pleasure. In the next turn, we may encounter Luther, the great reformer, who emphasized that followers of Jesus live by faith. I loved the turn where I encountered Saint Columba and his priests. I learned a great deal about trusting in our God from them. The Desert Fathers teach us to answer questions concerning the mystic nature of our God and the practice of our faith. It is a lifetime of learning and traveling down this very long river.

When the water is smooth and flowing freely, it is easy to navigate and almost relaxing to learn from the past saints of the church. As is so often the case on a natural river, this spiritual river has rapids. These are moments when we grapple with theological questions that remain unanswered in our lives. As C.S. Lewis writes in “The Great Divorce,” concerning grass, one person’s rapids may be another person’s smooth water. In other words, I may grapple with what you have already settled in your mind.

About six years ago, I hit the rapids of some Pentecostal beliefs. I do not call these doctrines, as they are not connected to the fundamentals of faith. It is an interesting and sometimes confusing ride. I grew up in a fully Pentecostal church where it was common to see all the expressions of spiritual gifts as outlined in 1 Corinthians 12-14. We also, on rare occasions, saw someone run, people falling out (slain) in the Spirit was frequent, and at times, some dancing in the Spirit. These are part of my faith tradition, much like Quakers Quaking or Shakers Shaking.

In my lifetime, we have experienced a marked decline in some of these expressions. That does not bother me, as I do not think these are the most important indicators of whether God is at work among us. Before we are too hard on these expressions, think of the man at the beautiful gate who leaped and ran when he was healed. I think there is a natural response when God does something supernatural among us.

My concern is deeper than these expressions of joy. It is the belief system of some Pentecostals that has kept me on the rapids for some years. Without going into too much detail, I would rather not point fingers here; I will share the experience that led me into the rapids. For a time, I had two opposite opinions with strong voices around me. One was all in with any and every expression of the Pentecostal experience and encouraged me to lean in…or God would not move. At the same time, I had a trusted voice in my ear warning me that we needed to remain more reserved. I don’t want to overstate, but I also do not want to understate the significance and frequency of these two sides.

After a season of wrestling with these questions, I realized yet again that I am an Orthodox Pentecostal. That does not mean I am part of the Orthodox Church, but rather that I adhere to the foundational beliefs the church has always held. And, even in my Pentecostal belief and practice, I hold to the standard that Scripture must be the basis, not the other way around. One of the great dangers of being a Pentecostal is that we may easily move to experience defining our theology. I see and hear this often.

So, what do I not believe and what do I believe…you are free to disagree with me.

I do not believe a generational curse, as taught by many, is a biblical doctrine. I do not believe that a believer can be demon-possessed. I do not believe you must speak in tongues to be saved. I do not believe that only Pentecostals will be in heaven. I do not believe it is appropriate to test God by using snakes in worship (yes, sadly, this happens, though limited). I do not believe there is a magic formula to move the hand of God, be it flags, banners, shofars, or words. Those things become incantations rather than acts of faith. I do not believe that every spiritual gift, though outlined in Scripture, is appropriate for every moment in a service. I do not believe wildfire is better than no fire…why does it have to be one of these options… can’t a contained fire also be an option?

I believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. I believe tongues are a gift for the believer to bring us a greater connection to God and greater boldness to witness. I believe all of the spiritual gifts are for today and should be evident in our church and lives as the Spirit directs. I believe in the five-fold ministry. I believe that healing was appropriated at the cross. I believe in God’s power to deliver from sin, addictions, and demonic possession/oppression. I believe that spiritual gifts must be practiced in an orderly manner. I believe it is okay to take medicine for sickness of the body or the mind. I believe speaking in tongues is both personal (prayer) and corporate (gift of tongues with interpretation). I believe it is appropriate to pray in the Spirit out loud in a service, as occurred on the Day of Pentecost…no interpretation is recorded here.  

I believe in the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

I believe the same Spirit who empowers us can protect us.

I am an Orthodox Pentecostal!