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Ian G Clark, Pentecost at the Ends of the Earth: The History of the Assemblies of God in New Zealand (19272003).

Blenheim, New Zealand: Christian Road Ministries 2007.

Book Review
Clark, Ian G. Pentecost at the Ends of the Earth: the History of the Assemblies of God in New Zealand, 1927-2003. Blenheim: Christian Road Ministries, 2007. Author : Clement Sudhakar Swarnappa Email : clement.sudhakar@gmail.com

[Excerpts of this document can be used or cited for non-profit purposes only. A written permission of the author is required in all other situations]

As a Pentecostal denomination in New Zealand, and a member of the World Assemblies of God fellowship, the Assemblies of God in New Zealand is one of the largest Pentecostal denominations of the world. With hundreds of congregations and thousands of members or adherents, the organisation has grown over the period of time since the early 1900s. The book Pentecost at the Ends of the Earth is authored by Ian G Clark, who was one of the primary pastors of the denomination. Having served in various capacities within the church since he was ordained as a minister in 1974, he has also served as the principal of the Advance Ministry Training centre. His experience in teaching the word of God, both as in the scripture and to intellectual students reflects in his writing style of this book. The well organised book has 256 pages covering the church history for 76 years in a chronological order in 50 chapters. The book has a well organised index and footnotes organised chapter wise for easy referencing. Events, dates and names are organised in an easy to read and interesting fashion. While mentioning about Smith Wigglesworths visit and services, he mentions that Smith W came to address the convention of any size. 1 However Gods faithfulness showed up in his meetings converting thousands for Christ. The

1 Page 19, Clark, Ian G. Pentecost at the Ends of the Earth: the History of the Assemblies of God in New Zealand, 1927-2003. Blenheim: Christian Road Ministries, 2007. As you are writing about this book there is no need for footnotes unless you are directly quoting from the book. The page number can be put in brackets in the text (again FYI)

Page 1 of 3 Copyright Clement Sudhakar Swarnappa (2013)

Ian G Clark, Pentecost at the Ends of the Earth: The History of the Assemblies of God in New Zealand (19272003). Blenheim, New Zealand: Christian Road Ministries 2007.

book records that many were healed and many Christians were filled? with the Spirit even in these foremost meetings of the Pentecostal church. The impact of Wigglesworth and other Pentecostalists gave way for the formation of the Wellington City Mission which later was reorganised in 1924 as the Pentecostal Church of New Zealand2. Initial problems within the movement split the movement into many divisions. Clark clearly mentions from Valdez recommendations that divisions occurred mainly because there was no clear definition of how it should be structured 3. According to Ian, a more mature fellowship of churches was required to keep it united and the structure intact. He writes how churches had to set examples to be followed from former successful movements like the Assemblies of God in United States. The history of the church has tracked with our nation through various times, including wars like the 2nd World War, the youth reorientations of the 60s and 70s4 , the charismatic renewal , incoming ethnic diversities and the change in the governmental structure and economy of New Zealand. Clark in his book does not forget to emphasise the importance of missions in the work of the Pentecostal Church. He rightly emphasises that during the years of reformation and the depression years, the movement sent missionaries to various African nations like the Congo and nearby neighbours like Tonga5. History proclaims what we are expected to do today in our churches. There is a reassurance of what was tried before and what proven. Clarks approach of writing this book not only reiterates history of the church, but also critiques the various ministries and activities of the early movement. Clark mentions that there was greater struggle for the Assembly of God in New Zealand in its early years of formation. There was lack of membership growth, which I probably think that it was a situation of understanding the movement. But Clark mentions there was greater change in the movement after the world wars when a larger number of pastors moved into New Zealand. This brought in integrity, passion and formed fresh ideas. This could have been a time of rethinking or a reformation for the movement as they learnt through the struggles. The incoming non-Caucasians made a greater impact in the growth
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Page 23 , Clark, Ian G. Pentecost at the Ends of the Earth Pages 25-26, Clark, Ian G. Pentecost at the Ends of the Earth Pages 147, 159, 169, Clark, Ian G. Pentecost at the Ends of the Earth Pages 49-51, Clark, Ian G. Pentecost at the Ends of the Earth

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Page 2 of 3 Copyright Clement Sudhakar Swarnappa (2013)

Ian G Clark, Pentecost at the Ends of the Earth: The History of the Assemblies of God in New Zealand (19272003). Blenheim, New Zealand: Christian Road Ministries 2007.

of the church in the 1960s. Clark mentions there were new charismatic renewals which lead to the formation of new Samoan churches6. Where there is success, there are also failures and challenges. Many of those churches have left the main line leadership and have their own group of churches. Apart from a detailed chronological arrangement of the formation and growth of the church, Clark has not forgotten to summarise the defects and controversies within the movement at all times. Controversies existed in many forms Theological, and otherwise. This was mainly due to the cultural and ethnic backgrounds of the newer churches formed. Various issues like divorce and remarriage, charismatic behaviour in worship and church polity were some of those issues highlighted by Clark in his discussion. Though there were many controversies discussed in the book, Clark does not forget to reemphasise often the success of this movement since 1920s by stating that by 2000, the movement had almost 16000 adherents to her favour. History does have a life in it. Reading the book gave a better understanding of the church I go to in New Zealand. I emotionally feel that the book has greatly contributed to where we are today. The words of Clark are touching to understand how the movement went through its own stages, and challenges as it grew, and faced them. However, I believe that it is the power of the Holy Spirit that has led this movement from a mere 600 members in its early stages to 16000 or more members in 2000. The book reassures us of what has been tried and proven. It stops us from making the same mistakes or recreating the wheel that falls off. It protects us from making proven mistakes as we take this movement further in reaching out to our fellow believers. However, I believe that we are called to embrace our future boldly and build on the foundation that Christ has for us according to Psalm 127:1. Having served the church as a Pastor, educator and the national church leader, Clark has to be commended for this great work of compiling and interpreting the information to the right sense and presenting it to the next generation. It not only narrates the history of the church, but also commends to the success of the charismatic movement in a multicultural society like New Zealand. I recommend this book to be read by every elder and believer in the church, to get a clear understanding of church growth and the near future.

Pages 96-98, Clark, Ian G. Pentecost at the Ends of the Earth

Page 3 of 3 Copyright Clement Sudhakar Swarnappa (2013)

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