Kenneth J. Archer

Bio: Kenneth J. Archer is an academic researcher from Southeastern University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Hermeneutics & History of religions. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 12 publications receiving 162 citations.

Pentecostal Story: The Hermeneutical Filter for the Making of Meaning

Abstract: presented at the 30th Annual Meeting of the Society for Pentecostal Studies, March 8-10, 2001. 2 Aimee Semple McPherson, This Is That (Los Angeles, CA: Echo Park Evangelistic Association, Inc., 1923), 787. 3 For some of the more recent articles on Pentecostal hermeneutics, see The Spirit and the Church 2, no. 1 (2000), and Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen, “Pentecostal Hermeneutics in the Making: On the Way From Fundamentalism to Postmodernism,” in The Journal of the European Pentecostal Association 18 (1998): 76-115. 4 See Kenneth J. Archer, “Pentecostal Hermeneutics: Retrospect and Prospect,” in Journal of Pentecostal Theology 8 (April 1996): 63-81. 5 For example, Baptist theologian Stanley Grenz, in his Theology for the Community of God (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans, and Regent College Publishing, 2000), specifically challenges the Pentecostal view of Spirit baptism (the only community he directly takes on in this theological work) on grounds that Pentecostals have misunderstood the genre of Acts, misread the Luke-Act accounts, and cannot anchor their doctrine in the Pauline epistles. His charge is a restatement of the typical evangelical position. He offers three reasons for his rejection of the Pentecostal understanding of Spirit baptism as experience subsequent to regeneration. They are: (1) Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2 was a one-time non-repeatable event; thus, one is Spirit-baptized at the moment of regeneration (419, 422); (2) Acts is primarily a historical document. “Historical narrative alone is not necessary a sure foundation for doctrine” unless it can be “confirmed by the Epistles” (421); Finally, Grenz appeals to Pentecostal Story: The Hermeneutical Filter for the Making of Meaning

Early Pentecostal Biblical Interpretation

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to analyze the interpretive methods used by the first generation of Pentecostals. This analysis will demonstrate that the interpretive methods used by the first generation of Pentecostals were similar to those of the Holiness movements (Wesleyan and Keswickian) and like them, the Pentecostals used a premodern ’Bible Reading Method’. The analysis of the Pentecostal interpretive methods will begin by reviewing and challenging what some contemporary scholars have said about the interpretative strategy of the early Pentecostals. Then this article will present a thorough examination of the interpretive methods of the first generation of Pentecostals.

A Pentecostal Way of Doing Theology: Method and Manner

Abstract: Pentecostalism as a Christian religious movement has been given much attention by historians, sociologists and even biblical scholars yet little attention has been given to the development of a Pentecostal theology. This article emphasizes the necessity of doing Pentecostal theology by means of an integrative methodology and in a narrative manner that flows out of Pentecostal identity. Pentecostal theology must move beyond the impasse created by subsuming its identity under the rubric of ‘Evangelical’ in order for it to articulate a vibrant fully orbed mature Pentecostal theology. This can be accomplished only when ‘Pentecostal’ is taken seriously as an authentic Christian tradition with its own view of reality. I argue that one very important way of articulating a Pentecostal theology in keeping with its identity is to ground it pneumatologically and organize it around the Five-fold Gospel.

Nourishment for our Journey: The Pentecostal via Salutis and Sacramental Ordinances

Abstract: Sacramental ordinances are community acts of commitment ordained by Christ as means of grace with particular symbolic significance for our Pentecostal identity (story) and faith journey ( via salutis ). By locating the sacramental ordinances in the Pentecostal story, the sacramental ordinances take on a spiritual-metaphorical-narrative nature. The metaphorical and narrative nature of the sacraments gives the Holy Spirit opportunity to work redemptively in our lives by strengthening the community in her journey ( via salutis ) thus (re) shaping Pentecostal identity as the eschatological people of God.

An introduction to Pentecostalism : global charismatic Christianity

Abstract: (2004). An Introduction to Pentecostalism: Global Charismatic Christianity. Ars Disputandi: Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 206-209.

The Trinitarian Culture and Corporate Worship Practices of Canadian Pentecostals: A Contribution from the Theology of Colin Gunton

Abstract: The Trinitarian Culture and Corporate Worship Practices of Canadian Pentecostals: A Contribution from the Theology of Colin Gunton Michael A. Tapper Thesis advisor: Catherine E. Clifford This thesis represents a unique analysis of the trinitarian impulses of an important corporate worship practice among the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC), the largest Evangelical denomination in Canada. It considers whether an inconsistency exists between the PAOC’s trinitarian statement of faith and formative expressions of this denomination’s belief conveyed in 82 of the most commonly used contemporary worship songs from April 2007 to March 2013. Lyrical music, it is defended, represents a forming, measurable, and confirming indicator among the PAOC of contemporary religious understanding. In order to assess the trinitarian dispositions of the PAOC music lyrics, Colin Gunton’s theology is utilized as a framework for this evaluation. Gunton was a leading figure in the advancement of trinitarian theology before his untimely death in 2003. His balanced integration of the notions of relationality, particularity, and perichoresis provides the rationale for eight qualitative content analyses that are original to this project and intended to verify the trinitarian views in the PAOC lyrics. This analysis is oriented around three major areas of trinitarian assessment: the doctrine of God, human personhood, and cosmology. The data from these content analyses are compiled, presented, and carefully analysed. Then, returning to the trinitarian work of Gunton, implications and considerations for the PAOC are offered. This study shows that Gunton’s trinitarian theology provides a resource to identify and correct the trinitarian deficit and individualistic and cosmologically dualistic orientation of PAOC commonly used songs. Ultimately, this thesis proposes that Gunton, in accordance with several key Pentecostal and worship studies interlocutors, can serve as a helpful theological source for the dynamic practice of a trinitarian faith among the PAOC. DECLARATION OF AUTHORSHIP I hereby declare that I am the sole author of this thesis. This is a true copy of the thesis, including any required final revisions, as accepted by my examiners.

The influence of music on the development of the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee)

Abstract: This thesis examines the \(influence\) of music on the development of the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee). The dissertation is historically driven, but relies upon an interdisciplinary approach to draw on the insights of ecclesiology, theology, liturgiology, church development, and music. This thesis utilizes a chronological and systematic approach to the relationship between music and the Church of God in the United States during the first 125 years of the denomination’s history, from 1886 – 2011. The study focuses upon eight major themes: historical roots, education, publishing, evangelism, transition, nurturing, liturgiology, and worship, to show that music had a widespread influence on the development of the denomination. The musical underpinnings for these broad themes include: Spirited-singing and exuberant worship; traveling music groups for the purpose of promotion; the shaped-note tradition; technological advancements; the amalgamation of both music and the youth of the Church of God; the establishment of a leadership structure for music; the music styles used in the Church of God; and finally highlighting worship as a lifestyle. For over a century music has been an often-neglected dialogue partner at the table of academic discussion and literature, and this thesis argues for recognition and a proper place in Pentecostal history.

Pneumatic interpretation in the renewal tradition: the first 50 years

Abstract: This thesis is a consideration of the Spirit’s role in the interpretation of scripture (pneumatic interpretation) through a conversation surrounding this topic that has been taking place between scholars who are in, or who identify with, the renewal tradition (also known as the Pentecostal and charismatic movement[s]) since 1970 when renewed emphasis on and experience of the Spirit spurred hermeneutical conversations. Its purpose is twofold: 1) to build understanding of pneumatic interpretation through the voices of those involved in the conversation; 2) to foster appreciation and understanding between scholars across or identifying with the renewal tradition. A significant proportion of contributions to this conversation have been from those involved in Pentecostal hermeneutics but the thesis uses renewal terminology to reflect inclusivity of all scholars across or identifying with the renewal tradition who emphasise the Spirit and accentuate the Spirit’s role in hermeneutical considerations. The thesis stresses that central to pneumatic interpretation in the renewal tradition is priority placed on personal experience of and intimate relationship with the triune God through pneumatic encounter. Three integral, and dynamically interrelating components of this relationship are given attention: affect, ethics, and cognition. It also stresses that considering the Spirit’s role in scriptural interpretation requires contemplation of the relational nature of God from a pneumatic starting point. The thesis therefore asserts that pneumatic interpretation is holistic and cannot be restricted to interpretation of the scriptural text, because the Spirit always works through and beyond the written words interpreting and appropriating scriptural truth in our lives in ways that align with scripture and transform and draw us holistically into knowledge of God as Father, Son, and Spirit. In terms of structure, the thesis addresses the conversation chronologically to show historical and thematic progress.

The therapeutic relationship in Pentecostal pastoral counselling: A qualitative, interdisciplinary exploration.

Abstract: This investigation has emerged from the experience gained from my work with local church pastors and their day-to-day ministry The relationships involved in such pastoral work inevitably reflect the tension between the evangelical commitment inherent in their calling, and the need for objectivity and self-transcendence in their relationship to the suffering other in all the varieties of the human struggle with grief, loss and incapacity Such vocational and professional tensions are frequently detrimental to physical, mental and relational well-being of the pastors themselves Accordingly, this project is shaped by the conviction is that the pastoral ministry in such circumstances would greatly benefit from the kind of research here undertaken in order to make methodically explicit the theological and psychological principles implicit, but too easily overlooked, in pastoral practice When the awareness of the pastors involved is raised, it can be expected that fewer casualties will result, and that the practice or of pastoral counselling will benefit from a more integrated intentionality and professional transparency To focus on the therapeutic relationship implicit in the pastoral ministry and explicitly present in the activity of counselling, the interdisciplinary dimensions of our project emerge The integration of theology, psychology professional practice and pastoral ministry is a continuing challenge This project, therefore, has sought to identify in the therapeutic relationship factors, issues and questions common to theological and psychological perspectives and allied disciplines As a result, this thesis has contributed to the development of a interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary language, thus enabling forms of meaningful interdisciplinary dialogue The basic vocabulary of this language includes terms such as “relationality”, “personhood” and “therapeutic change” as would be expected But there is a larger vocabulary drawn from newly emerging interest in spirituality and its influence on vocational identity and the therapeutic style—and goal—of ministry As a result, this larger vocabulary has helped in the development of what can be termed “a praxis model” of the therapeutic relationship with a capacity to integrate perspective and epistemologies of theology and psychology, the lived-experiences of the participants and the deep spiritual awareness of participating in the life of the Trinity itself At such a spiritual depth, the therapeutic relationship becomes not just a vehicle for healing, but the impetus and invitation to true transformational change