THE PENTECOSTAL AWAKENING (1886-1905)
Why did early believers reject denominational structures?
- They believed denominations created division
- They rejected man-made creeds and traditions
What major shift occurred in the Church of God during this period?
Movement from survival into stability and global expansion
What role did doctrine play in this season?
It helped stabilize and unify the movement
What is the most important lesson from this era?
God’s promise expands beyond human and geographic limits
Who became General Overseer after the death of F. J. Lee in 1928?
R. L. Latimer (F. J. Lee served until 1928)
What role did speaking in tongues play in defining early Pentecostal theology?
Answer: It was seen as the initial physical evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit, confirming the Acts 2 experience.
Why was the move toward global missions significant?
It aligned the church with God’s call to reach all nations
What major global event impacted the Church during the early part of “The Deepening Years”?
World War II
The Church of God became more globally connected during this era.
(True or False & Why)
TRUE: The church expanded into many nations with stronger international coordination and partnership.
What year did F. J. Lee die in office, marking a major leadership transition?
1928
How did early Pentecostal worship differ from established denominational worship?
Answer: It was more spontaneous, emotionally expressive, and led by the Holy Spirit rather than structured liturgy.
What challenge did the church overcome in “Crossing the Barriers”?
Cultural, language, and geographic limitations* COGNEHR=1948
What was a key reason for developing Bible training programs?
To train leaders and ensure doctrinal stability
Leadership development was not important because the church was already fully established. (True or False & Why)
FALSE: Leadership development became even more important to sustain global growth and train leaders in many nations.
What did Nora Chambers say at the beginning of her first Class?
The Presence of God was so real in the room. She said we have an unseen guest in the midst of us today as we begin class.
Why was the Holiness doctrine important to the foundation of Pentecostalism?
Answer: It provided the theological foundation for sanctification and prepared believers for deeper spiritual experiences, such as Spirit baptism.
DAILY DOUBLE: The Church of God remained primarily a regional movement during this era. (True or false and why?)
False: This statement is false because the Church of God expanded beyond its regional roots and became a global movement during this time. Missions’ efforts increased, and the church actively reached other nations.
What challenge forced the church to depend more on God during this era?
Economic hardship and global instability
DAILY DOUBLE!!!
What does “The Promise Unbound” mean in this historical context?
Answer: It means the Pentecostal promise is no longer limited to one region or people group. The Holy Spirit is expanding the church globally, across nations and generations, without restriction.
DAILY DOUBLE!!!
In our modern times, which Administrative Bishop & Which General Overseer presided over their positions the longest?
- Administrative Bishop Tony Garcia (14 years)
- General Overseer Tim Hill (10 years), because of COVID.
DAILY DOUBLE!!!
The Holiness movement primarily emphasized:
Entire sanctification and holy living
Structure and the Holy Spirit worked together to strengthen the church. (True or False & Why)
True: The church learned that structure does not oppose the Holy Spirit. Instead, the organization helped sustain growth and protect what God was doing.
DAILY DOUBLE!!!
Who became General Overseer in 1935, marking a stabilizing leadership period?
J. H. Walker
Why was unity and love important in a global church during this time?
Because the church was spread across many cultures and nations, unity and love were necessary to maintain doctrine, relationships, and mission focus without division.
What year did the Church of God officially establish the Biblical statements known as the Declaration of Faith?
1948