Chapter 13 The Pentecostal Movement in the South Pacific Islands
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Christianity has only been in the South Pacific Islands for around 200 years, yet most of its inhabitants, representing thousands of tribes and linguistic groups, identify themselves as Christian. Although one of the newest movements, Pentecostalism has firmly established itself within the social framework of the region. While it is difficult to obtain accurate statistics, most commentators agree that Pentecostalism in the South Pacific Islands exceeds church growth rates anywhere else in the world. In fact, it has become known as a “kind of second reformation of Christendom.” This “Christendom” reaches into the Melanesian island nations of Fiji, New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. It also covers Polynesia, including the Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Niue, (Western) Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga and Tuvula. Micronesian Pentecostalism has also spread into the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, the Mariana Islands, and Palau. This chapter argues that the emergence, spread and integration of Pentecostalism across Melanesia, Polynesia and Micronesia is owing to: the efforts of Australian pioneer missionary endeavours; American missionary contributions; training national leaders; successful church planting drives; emerging denominational diversity; cross-cultural and intercultural integration; and a focus on serving the wider community.