How European Is Pentecostalism?

Abstract

Acknowledging that in Europe, Pentecostalism is relatively weak, this article explores the degree to which Pentecostalism may nevertheless be European. It does so in three respects. First, it explores Pentecostalism’s prehistory and history, finding distinct European motifs there. Then, it considers the place of African Pentecostalism in today’s Europe, considering the limited success of so-called reverse mission. Lastly, it considers the possible future openness of Europe to the Pentecostal message, noting an observed change in mind-set in a continent moving toward some form of “postsecularism.”