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Moalvarez Thesis.Pdf Middlesex University Research Repository An open access repository of Middlesex University research http://eprints.mdx.ac.uk Alvarez, Miguel Orlando (2014) Integral mission in contemporary perspective: exploring an appropriate model of mission for Pentecostal churches with special reference to Honduras. PhD thesis, Middlesex University. [Thesis] Final accepted version (with author’s formatting) This version is available at: https://eprints.mdx.ac.uk/13662/ Copyright: Middlesex University Research Repository makes the University’s research available electronically. Copyright and moral rights to this work are retained by the author and/or other copyright owners unless otherwise stated. The work is supplied on the understanding that any use for commercial gain is strictly forbidden. A copy may be downloaded for personal, non-commercial, research or study without prior permission and without charge. 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See also repository copyright: re-use policy: http://eprints.mdx.ac.uk/policies.html#copy Middlesex University Research Repository: an open access repository of Middlesex University research http://eprints.mdx.ac.uk Alvarez, Miguel Orlando, 2014. Integral mission in contemporary perspective: exploring an appropriate model of mission for the Pentecostal churches with special reference to Honduras. Available from Middlesex University’s Research Repository. Copyright: Middlesex University Research Repository makes the University’s research available electronically. Copyright and moral rights to this thesis/research project are retained by the author and/or other copyright owners. The work is supplied on the understanding that any use for commercial gain is strictly forbidden. A copy may be downloaded for personal, non- commercial, research or study without prior permission and without charge. Any use of the thesis/research project for private study or research must be properly acknowledged with reference to the work’s full bibliographic details. This thesis/research project may not be reproduced in any format or medium, or extensive quotations taken from it, or its content changed in any way, without first obtaining permission in writing from the copyright holder(s). If you believe that any material held in the repository infringes copyright law, please contact the Repository Team at Middlesex University via the following email address: [email protected] The item will be removed from the repository while any claim is being investigated. Integral Mission in Contemporary Perspective: Exploring an Appropriate Model of Mission for the Pentecostal Churches with Special Reference to Honduras Miguel Orlando Alvarez OCMS, MPhil/PhD October 2012 ABSTRACT The issue that I explore in this peace of research is the understanding and praxis of integral mission by the Pentecostal churches in Honduras. The main question, which I seek to answer, is what Pentecostals in Honduras understand by integral mission. The study explores mission as carried out by Pentecostal churches in the local communities. The research process makes use of the interview and case study for the collection of data. It explores social, economic and political conditions of Honduras. It also examines the spiritual strength of the Pentecostal churches while serving people. Human transformation is dependent on the solution proposed by Pentecostals to solve the problems of poverty and marginalisation. For some, these social ills are endemic and for that reason they seem to be irreversible. But for those who believe in the transforming power of the gospel and serve in the strength and purpose of the Holy Spirit, such conditions are seen as opportunities for an integral and redemptive mission. The structure of this study is designed from the general to the specific. It also draws information from the historical Evangelical movement, the Roman Catholic Church and Pentecostal scenarios in Latin America and Honduras in particular. It opens up a debate in the Pentecostal theology of integral mission. It promotes a constructive reflection and a mature dialogue between Pentecostals and other Christian organisations that are involved in mission. This research shows that it is possible for Pentecostals to reach mutual understanding and co-operation for mission work with other bodies in true bonds of cooperation. This study could benefit Pentecostals as they explore new opportunities for social service, economic development, political participation and human transformation. Integral Mission in Contemporary Perspective: Exploring an Appropriate Model of Mission for Pentecostal Churches with Special Reference to Honduras by Miguel Orlando Alvarez BA Seminario Latino Internacional M.Div. Church of God Theological Seminary D.Min. Ashland Theological Seminary A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Middlesex University August 2013 Oxford Centre for Mission Studies iv DEDICATION This thesis is dedicated to my wife Mireya Alvarez. She has been a source of encouragement in this research process. I also dedicate this work to my missionary children, Daniel, Michelle, Enoc, Miguel José and Mariadela Belle. They have been faithful companions in my journey in Christian service. I also remember my parents, Miguel Antonio Alvarez and María Aminta Silva. Their lives and ministry were always a source of inspiration to me. My father passed away during the time I was working on the final stage of the thesis. I could always count on his support, prayers and solidarity. Roland E. Vaughan has been a spiritual father to me. He has been alongside of me during my journey as a minister of the gospel. He taught me about spiritual and moral integrity. He has been and example of humility and obedience to me. I dedicate this work to him as well. v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I acknowledge the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies for its contribution to my personal enrichment as a mission scholar. The administration, faculty and staff have shown tremendous support to me during these years of academic work. I am particularly thankful to my academic supervisors Andrew Kirk and John Crabtree. Their advice was indispensable for the purpose of this research study. I am also thankful to my OCMS mentors David Singh, who introduced me to the field of academic research. Later on Julie Ma guided my study especially in the last stages of the process. I am also thankful to Wonsuk Ma for his support during this time. He has gone the extra mile in order to assist me in the research process, in every way possible. Tom Harvey’s critical and analytical observations helped me to improve the text. Damon So assisted me with technical support and creative theological advice. Andy Harthropp also assisted me at the early stage of pre-viva and final stage viva. Ben Knighton made sure I complied with the academic procedures and requirements of both OCMS and the University of Middlesex. Ralph Bates proofread the final manuscript. I also appreciate the assistance of Andrew Hudson, who proofread the early drafts of the manuscript. My daughter Belle Alvarez also proofread the manuscript. I also appreciate Karen Winters’ assistance. From her post at Just in Time (JIT), she provided the technical support that was need in the final presentation of the thesis. I thank the Holy Spirit for enabling me to carry out this work. My occupations as missionary pastor and seminary professor have kept me busy most of the time. So He gave me the strength and the motivation to remain focused and positive about the study. His divine guidance was needed at every step of the way. So it is with deep gratitude that I acknowledge the work of the Triune God in the completion of this thesis. vi LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AG Asambleas de Dios Assemblies of God BAC Brigadas de Amor Cristiano Brigades of Christian Love CCD Comisión Cristiana de Desarrollo Christian Development Commission CCI Centro Cristiano Internacional International Christian Centre CEDEN Comité Evangélico de Emergencia Nacional Evangelical National Emergency Committee CODEH Comité para la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos Committee for the Defence of Human Rights COG Iglesia de Dios Church of God CWME Congress on World Mission and Evangelism EAME Ecumenical Affirmation on Mission and Evangelism ERC Iglesia Evangélica Reformada Evangelical Reformed Church vii IEC Iglesia Evangélica Cuadrangular Fourth Square Church IBMR International Bulletin of Missionary Research LCWE Lausanne Committee for World Evangelisation RCC Roman Catholic Church UNAH Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras National Autonomous University of Honduras
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