A Phenomenology of Pentecostal Leadership

While books on famous and infamous Pentecostal leaders abound, the corpus of research on Pentecostal leadership is sparse. This is unfortunate, as strong and innovative leadership has been instrumental for the exceptional growth of the movement–and for countless examples of abusive behaviors in Pentecostal congregations. To promote effective leadership while avoiding the destructive effects of autocratic leaders, it is necessary to better understand the dynamics of leadership within Pentecostalism. This is the purpose of the book, and Truls Akerlund fills a gap in the present knowledge on Pentecostal leadership–first by discussing the extant literature on the topic and then by exploring the meaning of such leadership through a phenomenological analysis of the experiences of pastors in Pentecostal congregations. The author describes a general structure of Pentecostal leadership with essential characteristics of the phenomenon, locates Pentecostal leadership within the broader streams of organizational and religious leadership research, and points out crucial discussions and implications to be addressed in Pentecostal organizations. ""Truls Akerlund offers a much-needed study of the leadership dynamics implicit in global Pentecostalism. The growth of this worldwide movement has long needed research, beyond the popular level, that utilizes the burgeoning field of leadership studies as the framework within which to investigate the DNA of Pentecostal leadership. Akerlund has provided a comprehensive and pioneering work that will set the baseline for future research into leadership that serves Pentecostalism's growth globally during the twenty-first century."" –Byron D. Klaus, Assemblies of God Theological Seminary ""Akerlund has provided a fascinating phenomenological study of Pentecostal leadership. He understands leadership theory, but he moves beyond it through interviews to show how Pentecostal leadership is spiritual, contextual, and developing, and he demonstrates that it is important to questions of identity and to mission."" –Cecil M. Robeck, Jr., Fuller Theological Seminary ""A Phenomenology of Pentecostal Leadership is the first robust research text on Norwegian Pentecostal leadership. The text not only demonstrates Akerlund's keen ability to employ contemporary methods of phenomenological research to explore the phenomena of Pentecostal leadership, but also contains a faithful, biblical, and theological description of how Pentecostal leaders lead. This book will benefit anyone who is interested in the study of organizational leadership, and especially those who find themselves in sacred contexts."" –Corne J. Bekker, Regent University School of Divinity Truls Akerlund is Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Leadership at the Norwegian School of Leadership and Theology. He serves as a church planter and church consultant, and has written three popular books in addition to numerous academic articles.