The Day of the Lord in Malaysia

CONTENTS

Acknowledgements xi
List of Abbreviations xii

1. Contextual Malaysian Pentecostal Spirituality 1

2. Key Theological Themes of Pentecostalism: Joel 2 and Acts 2 15

3. Stage 1 – The Situation and Its Complexities 27

4. Stage 2 – Contextual Analysis 43

5. Stage 3 – Theological Reflections on the AGM’s Theological Development as a Malaysian Pentecostal Movement 57

6. Stage 4 – The Way Forward 75

7. Summary and Conclusion 87

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Eva Wong (Ph.D., Oxford Centre for Mission Studies in partnership with Middlesex University) is a full-time faculty of the Bible College of Malaysia, an Assemblies of God minister, and the Director of Malaysia Pentecostal Research Centre. She currently serves in the Assemblies of God Theological Commission, the Executive Committee of the Asia Pentecostal Society, and the Lausanne Global Analysis Editorial Advisory Board.

QUESTIONS TO THE AUTHOR ABOUT THE BOOK:

1. Why did you decide to write your book?
This Pentecostal study is prompted by my keen interest in the significance of Joel’s prophecy 2:28-32 (and Acts 2:16-21) on the outpouring of the Spirit in Pentecostalism, i.e. Baptism in the Holy Spirit and its related practices, the tangible presence of God, the Person of the Holy Spirit, and God’s revelation through the ‘Voice of the Spirit’ in prophecies, dreams and visions. And so, I decide to examine the significance of this spiritual phenomena in the contextualisation of the Assemblies of God Malaysia’s beliefs and practices.

2. What is distinctive about content of your book?
The analyses and interpretations of primary data produces the themes through conceptual and theoretical framework which formed the historical-theological elements in the chronology on how the Assemblies of God Malaysia has developed and transitioned from a classical Pentecostal movement to a ‘Contemporary Pentecostal Church Movement’ since its inception to present with historical milestones, with its situation and complexities. A very unique, dynamic, and significant contribution of this study is a holistic and comprehensive pneumatology arising from a conviction that the Voice of the Spirit mediated by prophecies, dreams, and visions is an essential spiritual element of the theological, missiological, ecclesiological and ministerial aspects of the Pentecostal movement.

3. Why is this subject important?
This subject fills the knowledge gap on the contextual analysis and theological interpretation of paradigm shifts. The theological interpretation reveals the underlying theology of the major changes in emphasis and practice of Pentecostal distinctives in the midst of the shifts and diversifications taking place in the movement. This theological reflection is timely to advocate the contemporary Pentecostal spirituality of the movement in this century.

4. What difference would this book make for the ministry?
The book presents the need of a contemporary Pentecostal spirituality for the twenty-first century. The study proposes a more intentional spiritual discipleship in the preservation of the Pentecostal distinctive, namely Baptism in the Holy Spirit, glossolalia, and missions. It is vital for Pentecostals to continue to be the prophetic voice in the movement, in the nation, and beyond. This study suggests some strategies for theological development, transformative practices, and proposes the way forward for the next generation to rethinking missions with the centrality of the gospel in the holistic and integral missions.

Eva Wong’s research on the Malaysian Assemblies of God breaks ground in two ways: as the first academic study of the denomination’s history and by employing Joel's passage as the interpretive tool. This creative study may serve as a model for constructing Pentecostal histories, particularly from the global South.
Wonsuk Ma, PhD, Dean, Distinguished Professor of Global Christianity, College of Theology and Ministry at Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, OK, USA

I am delighted with this book which traces the history of the Pentecostal movement in Malaysia and imparts phenomenological incidence of dramatic revival meetings, which is a thrill to me. It is accurate to say that Pentecostal revivalism involves ongoing spiritual regeneration in order to rekindle the desire to carry out missions and engage in evangelism. An enriching part is the analysis of the Pentecostal theological component. The importance of modern Pentecostal spirituality in today's Pentecostalism in Malaysia and around the world cannot be overstated in terms of preserving Pentecostal individuality. It excites and challenges the entire world's religious community, not just the Pentecostal Church.
Julie Ma, PhD, Professor of Intercultural Studies and
Mission at Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, OK, USA

Eva Wong’s study of the shift of the Assemblies of God of Malaysia from being a classical Pentecostal movement to a contemporary Pentecostal church movement highlights a phenomenon which is replicated in many other places. Wong’s affirmative yet critical assessment should serve as a serious warning to those who are too eager to join the charismatic bandwagon of the Third Wave. At the same time, her judicious recommendations suggest that the future is hopeful.
Revd Dr Simon Chan was formerly Earnest Lau Professor of Systematic Theology at Trinity Theological College, Singapore, and currently editor of Asia Journal of Theology

Here is an insightful book which takes readers on a theological as well as a practical journey of the Pentecostal movement in the context of Malaysia. Dr Wong has written a must‐read textbook for Pentecostal studies, which analytically explains how the classical understanding of Pentecostalism has been contextualised in a South Asian country where Islam is the dominant religion. Theological considerations and practical suggestions for re‐orienting Pentecostalism in Malaysia based on the extensive research results are also invaluable contributions that this book brings to readers in the region as well as to Pentecostal audiences worldwide.
Revd Dr Guichun Jun, Yoido Pentecostal Research Tutor, Oxford Centre for Mission Studies Admission Tutor, and Book Review Editor of Transformation