Abstract

Pentecostalism’s historic restorationist impulse embraces a recovery of apostolic unity and impels its development in contexts of contemporary denominational realities. Thus, it provides a theological basis for the involvement of contemporary Pentecostals in ecumenical endeavors. First, moving toward a Pentecostal ecumenical theology takes a pneumatological turn accenting the unity of the Spirit and koinonia among believers. Second, an explicit Pentecostal direction for a Pentecostal ecumenical theology draws on Babel-Pentecost reversal themes, and consequent healing of division, and the unity-in-diversity of the day of Pentecost setting and its ongoing trajectories. Finally, a theological strategy for ecumenical dialogue reaches to pastoral and congregational contexts for maximum impact in shared community. In short, Pentecostal ecumenical theology emphasizes unity with God in Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit as the grounds for authentic unity between Christians and the churches.