This volume on Asia Pacific Pentecostalism was first envisioned over a decade ago, by Shane Clifton and myself, when I was serving as Chair of the Board of Asia Pacific Theological Association (apta) and Shane was Chair of its Theological Commission. It arose as a logical extension of the activities of the Theological Commission to encourage academic research among Pentecostal scholars of the region while producing a much needed history of the development of the Pentecostal movement in the region. Over the ensuing years, the Theological Commission pursued its mandate by organising symposia in a number of countries in the region to encourage research and theologising on Pentecostal issues, and provide a venue for Asia Pacific scholars to present and discuss their work.

One of the goals was to produce a book that chronicled the emergence and development of Pentecostalism throughout the nations of Southeast Asia, East Asia and the Pacific, which, in large measure, encompass the areas served by apta. Indeed, the Pentecostal movement, with its emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit expressed in such endeavours as evangelism, church planting and the establishment of ministry training schools (initially as three-year Bible institutes and, then, four-year colleges and seminaries), has spread to every corner of this part of the world over the past century.

The chapters of this work have been written by national writers, missionaries and scholars, many of whom enjoy the benefit of being able to provide an ‘insider’ analysis of the development of Pentecostal churches and ministries in their nations. As such, they provide a valuable insight into the people, both missionaries and national leaders, who pioneered the churches, schools and ministries that continue to flourish to our day. I am pleased to note that several of these authors were my students during my years of service to Asia Pacific Theological Seminary in the Philippines as Academic Dean and President. The editors themselves enjoy a rich background of academic ministry and scholarship in the Asia Pacific region and, thus, ensure the quality and relevance of the writing from a broader perspective.

Since apta is an association of Pentecostal theological schools, it is especially interesting to read in several narratives how these schools were established. Indeed, some have now developed from their embryonic beginnings with limited resources and faculty to the thriving institutions we see in many Asia Pacific nations today, where, increasingly, theological education is being offered at every level of academic achievement. Given its broad mandate, apta serves as a significant influence on the development of Pentecostal theological education throughout the region and continues to enjoy participation among member schools at its various symposia and meetings. The Theological Commission and its work is one expression of that influence.

I am honoured to provide this foreword and highly recommend this volume as a rich source of information and inspiration on how the work of the Holy Spirit energised the growth of the Pentecostal movement in this dynamic part of the world. Indeed, given the growth of Pentecostalism and the emergence of many mega-Pentecostal churches increasingly seen throughout the Asia Pacific region, one can rightly argue that the centre of Pentecostal expansion is more often seen in this region than in the West. At least, as we read these vibrant histories, there is every reason to believe that the Pentecostal revival that has swept through Asia Pacific for more than a century will continue to expand and grow throughout the 21st century.

John F. Carter, Ph.D.

President Emeritus, Asia Pacific Theological Seminary