In 2006, the contemporary American Pentecostal movement celebrated its 100th birthday. Over that time, its African American sector has been markedly influential, not only vis-à-vis other branches of Pentecostalism but also throughout the Christian church. Black Christians have been integrally involved in every aspect of the Pentecostal movement since its inception and have made significant contributions to its founding as well as the evolution of Pentecostal/charismatic styles of worship, preaching, music, engagement of social issues, and theology. Yet despite its being one of the fastest growing segments of the Black Church, Afro-Pentecostalism has not received the kind of critical attention it deserves.

Afro-Pentecostalism brings together fourteen interdisciplinary scholars to examine different facets of the movement, including its early history, issues of gender, relations with other black denominations, intersections with popular culture, and missionary activities, as well as the movement’s distinctive theology. Bolstered by editorial introductions to each section, the chapters reflect on the state of the movement, chart its trajectories, discuss pertinent issues, and anticipate future developments.

Contributors: Estrelda Y. Alexander, Valerie C. Cooper, David D. Daniels III, Louis B. Gallien, Jr., Clarence E. Hardy III, Dale T. Irvin, Ogbu U. Kalu, Leonard Lovett, Cecil M. Robeck, Jr., Cheryl J. Sanders, Craig Scandrett-Leatherman, William C. Turner, Jr., Frederick L. Ware, and Amos Yong

Amos Yong is J. Rodman Williams Professor of Theology at Regent University School of Divinity in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He is most recently the author Hospitality and the Other: Pentecost, Christian Practices, and the Neighbor.

Estrelda Y. Alexander is a professor of theology at Regent University School of Divinity in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Executive Director of the Seymour Pan-African Pentecostal Project. She is co-editor (with Amos Yong) of Philip’s Daughters: Women in Pentecostal-Charismatic Leadership, among other works.

“A groundbreaking collection by several generations of scholars of African American religious history, theology, and ethics. A must read for anyone serious about the study of the larger Pentecostal and Charismatic movements in particular and the American Christian church and its missions in general.”

“An important, pioneering and multidisciplinary collection from some of the best scholars in this field. The contribution of Afro-Pentecostalism in shaping the religious history of Christianity in the twentieth century is expertly discussed and false presuppositions exposed. No student of Pentecostalism will want to be without this book.”