Empowering Spirit, Empowering Structures: The Contributions of Noel Perkin to Assemblies of God World Missions
Ebook
Noel Perkin, a banker-turned-missionary, led Assemblies of God World Missions (AGWM) for more than thirty years (1927-59). His life exemplifies the missionary zeal historians have noted within the early Pentecostal movement. Perkin's experience of the Holy Spirit and his experiences as a missionary in Argentina led him to create systems intended to empower others to fulfill Christ's commission to make disciples of all nations.
Perkin's empowering leadership played a significant part in AGWM's remarkable growth into a leading Pentecostal mission-sending agency which currently sends over 2,000 missionaries to 140 countries. As one of the principal architects of AGWM's missiology and operation, Perkin transformed a two-person office relying on envelope boxes for its accounting system into a well-structured, strategic mission agency and laid a foundation for AGWM's continued growth. Empowering Spirit, Empowering Structures uses the foundation of a biographical study to examine the concept of empowerment through Perkin's life and the impact that Perkin and his missiology had and continues to have upon AGWM.
“Empowering Spirits, Empowering Structures presents a historical account of missionary stateman Noel Perkin, who shaped the missiological foundations of what became the largest mission agency in the Pentecostal world. Stephen McKnight’s volume fills a historical gap and ensures that the legacy of Perkin, as a pioneer in Pentecostal mission, will not be lost to history.”
—Doug Petersen, professor of world missions and intercultural studies, Vanguard University
“While there have several significant works on the history of Pentecostal missions, especially related to the Assemblies of God (USA), the key figure of Noel Perkin has dwelled in relative obscurity. Empowering Spirit, Empowering Structures pulls back the veil to bring to light this pivotal man and his work in setting the foundations for what is now called Assemblies of God World Missions (USA).”
—Paul W. Lewis, associate dean, Assemblies of God Theological Seminary
“Empowering Spirit, Empowering Structures offers a meticulously crafted and inspiring biography of the missionary statesperson Noel Perkins and his impact on Assemblies of God World Missions. If ministerial life pulls us in the direction of leadership plateauing or discouragement, McKnight’s stirring view gives us a firm compulsion towards a riveted hope and divine affirmation. This book makes me call upon the Lord Jesus to take my stand as a follower of the Way.”
—Robert L. Gallagher, professor of intercultural studies emeritus, Wheaton College
“Stephen McKnight skillfully brings to light missiological insights from the life and ministry of Noel Perkin, a critical crafter of Assemblies of God philosophy of missions. Perkin’s leadership channeled Pentecostal missionary zeal in missional structures and activities grounded in Scripture, tested in the field, and empowered by the Spirit that yielded much fruit in the worldwide missionary endeavor. These insights provide a prophetic challenge to the church and the missionary enterprise today.”
—DeLonn Rance, professor of intercultural studies, Assemblies of God Theological Seminary
- Title: Empowering Spirit, Empowering Structures: The Contributions of Noel Perkin to Assemblies of God World Missions
- Author: Stephen Charles McKnight
- Publisher: Pickwick Publications
- Print Publication Date: 2023
- Logos Release Date: 2023
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781666768930, 9781666768923, 1666768928, 9781666768916, 166676891X, 1666768936
- Resource ID: LLS:9781666768930
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2023-08-23T10:10:47Z
Stephen Charles McKnight is an Assemblies of God missionary with more than twenty years of experience. He holds a PhD in intercultural studies from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary and has taught intercultural studies at Evangel University as missionary-in-residence. Currently, Stephen and his family serve in the Philippines, partnering with local churches to minister to impoverished communities.