Histories of Penetecostalism

[Mausstlyred]

I'd like to solicit some recommendations of books on the history of Pentecostalism from people who are substantial better informed about it than my humble self. Ideally, I'd like to find three sorts of books. Firstly, a kind of overview of Pentecostalism's development theologically and, if you'll excuse the term, ideologically. Secondly, a simple description of the spread of Pentecostalism in the first decades of the Twentieth Century in the wake of Azuza Street. And finally, I'd like to find an overview of the diverse manifestations of Pentecostal spirituality in the world today, with a particular focus on Africa. Thanks, in advance, for your time. God bless you all.

 

[Big Drew]

I'd like to solicit some recommendations of books on the history of Pentecostalism from people who are substantial better informed about it than my humble self. Ideally, I'd like to find three sorts of books. Firstly, a kind of overview of Pentecostalism's development theologically and, if you'll excuse the term, ideologically. Secondly, a simple description of the spread of Pentecostalism in the first decades of the Twentieth Century in the wake of Azuza Street. And finally, I'd like to find an overview of the diverse manifestations of Pentecostal spirituality in the world today, with a particular focus on Africa. Thanks, in advance, for your time. God bless you all.

Two books I recommend...

2000 Years of Charismatic Christianity by Eddie L. Hyatt...it's required reading to become licensed in my denomination, and is actually a good read...shows Pentecostal/Charismatic beliefs since the beginning of the Church Age...

The other is simply called Pentecostalism by John Thomas Nichol...this is an older book, from the 60s or 70s, but is good for the history of the Pentecostal Movement in America, as well as giving a survey of Pentecostalism in other countries.

Neither of these books are exhaustive, but they'll give you a good start.

 

[stormdancer0]

The best history of the Church of God is called, "Like a Mighty Army," by Charles Conn. The CoG came from a small group called the Christian Union, which received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit a year or two before Azuza street. It is a very good book, not boring or dry at all.