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(CRC) in Australia: a History, Case Study and Vision Pentecostal Ministry Formation within Christian Revival Churches (CRC) in Australia: a History, Case Study and Vision Robert John Nyhuis B.Sc., Grad.Dip.Ed., M.A. A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy University of Divinity 2017 Abstract A qualitative study of the formation of ministers is undertaken within the Christian Revival Churches (CRC) movement, a classical Pentecostal denomination founded organisationally in Australia in 1945. Its distinctive emphases are subsumed within the experience of Spirit baptism accompanied by evidential tongues, being historically important in empowering Pentecostal ministry. This research examines the views of ministers as practitioners of CRC mission and aims to determine the nature of CRC ministry formation in Australia, how it has changed over time, how it addresses a call to ministry in a Pentecostal context, and whether the current use of competency-based formation processes is optimally effective. Semi-structured interviews are coded and categorised and then member-checked through focus groups. These confirm, and then elaborate upon, the findings in the literature to reveal eight key formation dimensions, including: the need for leadership intentionality and local effectiveness to identify the call to ministry; the role of strategic discipleship and experiential learning in supervisory coaching; the interplay of integrated training and formative assessment in determining ministry competence; and the importance of focused connection and shared values for formation within community. Associated recommendations for practice accompany a vision for effective formation presented within the CRC case study context. 2 Declarations 1. I declare that the word length of this thesis is 98,878 words. This does not exceed the maximum length specified in the regulations. In each case the word length includes footnotes, tables, appendices and illustrations, but excludes bibliography. 2. I declare that the referencing format is consistent, and conforms to the requirements of the latest Turabian Style. 3. I hereby certify that this thesis contains no material which has been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma in any university or other institution, and affirm that to the best of my knowledge, the thesis contains no material previously published or written by another person, except where due reference is made in the text of the thesis. R. J. Nyhuis 3 Acknowledgements I am indebted to the many ministers of the CRC Churches International movement whose insights and reflections have helped to produce this thesis. Their participation has offered a definitive voice to the formulation of the vision and conclusions presented herein. May their legacy continue to shape the ministries that continue to impact the future of this nation. My children, a treasured heritage of God (Psalm 127:3), represent the generation that will espouse the significance of these findings. I thank God in advance for the fulfilment that this vision offers and for each gift of human potential yet to be fully realised. I would like to express my deep and sincere gratitude to my supervisor, Dr. Alan Niven, of Stirling College, Melbourne. His broad knowledge and logical thinking have been of inestimable value. His understanding and encouragement has greatly aided in the development of this thesis. So too, the support of Stirling College Principal, Dr. Andrew Menzies, was of significant help in finalising this research. I am also grateful to Dr. Barry Chant for his inspiration and feedback. The precision and thoughtfulness of his advice have been most helpful in the latter stages of the development of this work. Finally, I wish to acknowledge the incalculable encouragement and support of my wife, Anna. Without her understanding and patience this work would not have been possible. 4 Table of Contents Chapter 1 Introduction Page 1.1 Personal Journey ........................................................................................................... 12 1.1.1 Calling and Equipping – Early Memories ..................................................... 12 1.1.2 The Christian Revival Churches International ............................................... 13 1.1.3 Contemporary CRC National Training .......................................................... 16 1.1.4 Personal Reflections and Research Motivations ............................................ 20 1.2 A Crisis in Pentecostalism? .......................................................................................... 22 1.2.1 Pentecostalism in the Contemporary Church ................................................. 22 1.2.2 Trends in Australian Pentecostalism .............................................................. 24 1.2.3 Classical Pentecostal Distinctives .................................................................. 27 1.2.4 CRC Mission and Ministry Effectiveness ...................................................... 29 1.3 The Nature of CRC Ministry Formation ....................................................................... 32 1.3.1 A Framework for Formation .......................................................................... 32 1.3.2 Formation for Ministry and Mission in the CRC ........................................... 34 1.4 Framing the Research ................................................................................................... 35 1.4.1 Nature and Objectives of the Study ............................................................... 35 1.4.2 Anticipated Outcomes .................................................................................... 36 1.5 Methodology ................................................................................................................. 37 1.5.1 Qualitative Research in Practical Theology ................................................... 37 1.5.2 Strategies Used ............................................................................................... 39 1.5.2.1 Rationale ......................................................................................... 39 1.5.2.2 Grounded Theory ............................................................................ 40 1.5.2.3 Action Research .............................................................................. 42 1.5.2.4 The Case Study ................................................................................ 44 1.5.3 Data Generation Strategies ............................................................................. 46 1.5.3.1 Approaches Used ............................................................................. 46 1.5.3.2 Survey .............................................................................................. 46 1.5.3.3 Semi-Structured Interview .............................................................. 47 1.5.3.4 Focus Group .................................................................................... 48 1.5.4 Limitations of this Research ........................................................................... 49 1.5.5 Ethical Considerations ................................................................................... 49 1.6 Theological Reflection .................................................................................................. 50 1.7 Chapter Outline ............................................................................................................. 51 5 Chapter 2 An Australian Pentecostal Framework for Ministry 2.1 Classifying Pentecostalism ........................................................................................... 53 2.1.1 Introduction to the Framework........................................................................ 53 2.1.2 Locating Pentecostalism Historically ............................................................. 53 2.1.3 Lukan Theology and the Nature of Mission .................................................. 57 a) Salvation .................................................................................................. 62 b) The Return of Christ ............................................................................... 62 c) Healing .................................................................................................... 63 d) Spirit Baptism ......................................................................................... 64 2.1.4 Empowerment for Mission: Sine Qua Non? .................................................. 65 2.1.5 Classical Pentecostalism and Praxis ............................................................... 69 2.2 Classical Pentecostalism: The Australian Context ....................................................... 75 2.3 Classical Pentecostalism and Mission in the CRC ....................................................... 81 2.3.1 Emergence of the Movement and its Mission ................................................ 81 2.3.2 Pentecostal Distinctives of Mission in the CRC ............................................ 85 Chapter 3 Formation for Pentecostal Ministry 3.1 The Priority of Formation ............................................................................................. 92 3.1.1 Introduction: Formation and Practical Theology ........................................... 92 3.1.2 The Nature of Pentecostal Formation ............................................................ 92 3.1.2.1 Formation Studies in Pentecostalism .............................................. 92 3.1.2.2
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