The Anointing Or Theological Training? A Pentecostal Dilemma Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 11, Issue 03, Mar 2011, p. 47 - 65

Abstract

The aim of this article is to propose a solution to a dilemma that was characteristic of the Pentecostal movement from its inception, one that is still current, not only in some sections of the movement, but even in modern Evangelicalism. This dilemma is, should prospective ministers seek the empowerment of the Spirit for service in preference to theological education, or, should they pursue theological training as a principal means towards effective service? The article investigates the classical Pentecostal attitude to theological education, before examining later modifications to the original Pentecostal view. The classical position is then evaluated before a conclusion is drawn, namely, the anointing and theological training should not be regarded as contradictory, but rather, as complementary imperatives.