Die geskieoenis van die apostoliese geloof sending van Suid-Afrika (1908 - 1958)

[摘要] The A.F.M. of S.A. is part of the classical Pentecostal Movementwhich originated early in the 20th century. It is the oldest PentecostalChurch in South Africa, and among the oldest in the world.The Pentecostal movement considers itself a continuation of theChurch of Acts, in spirit, doctrine and practice. Since the time of thatchurch there has never been a exact equivalent to the modern PentecostalMovement, although occasionally Pentecostal phenomena have occurred amongbelievers.Pentecost ascribes its origin and extension to God. It has infact been, since its inception, the fastest growing section of theChristian Church. It was preceded and influenced at its origin byvarious movements and persons - Pietism, Methodism, The Holiness Movementand Zionism (Dewey). Preparatory factors in South Africa were the revivalof 1860, Andrew Murray and the poor-white situation. The origin of the movement can be traced to a Bible College inTopeka, Kansas, on 1st January, 1901, although it gained its impetuslater at Azusa Street, Los Angeles, in April 1906. The Americans, inparticular John G. Lake and Thomas Hezmalhalch, were instrumental in theestablishment of the A.F.M. of S.A. in May 1908.Upoa a foundation laid by Zionism in particular, the A.F.M. grewrapidly from the start. As in America, services were originally multiracial.This phenomenal growth, and the development from a revival movementto an established church, is discussed. The novelty and disparatecharacter of Pentecost in a largely Calvinist Church situation in S. A.,with its resultant reciprocal influences, is also considered.The entire spectrum of ecclesial development is examinedchurch polity, liturgy and doctrine, and various activities such as missions,welfare, training, youth and Sunday School.The history of the· A.F.M. clearly demonstrates that the PentecostalMovement has not only come to stay, but that it is increasinglyextending its influence as a church in South Africa.

[发布机构] University of Pretoria