The History of the Pentecostal Movement in North India - Unfolding Its Social And Theological Contexts

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The Pentecostal Movement is making wider spiritual and social impacts among the ordinary people of North India for the last few decades rescuing many from their dismal situations. However, its history and the extent of growth have not been documented or systematically analysed. Here, an effort is made to dig out some of the exciting stories of people and events exploring in particular its social and theological impact which have been unknown and forgotten until now. It is anticipated that this effort will enable the North Indian Pentecostal Movement to delve deep into its history and theology and cherish the future generations with a balanced interpretation of the movement.

Dr. Shaibu Abraham holds a PhD in Theology from the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom and now is on the faculty of the India Bible College & Seminary, Kerala. He is also the author of the book, Pentecostal Theology of Liberation: Holy Spirit & Holiness in Society and has contributed numerous articles in various books and journals. He is married to Sheena and now lives in Kumbanad, Kerala.

The Pentecostal movement is one of the major Christian denominations that is growing fast in India today. The movement attracts people from all castes, classes, languages, people groups and geographical locations. The visible signs of its growth can be seen in urban centers as well as even in interior villages. Some of the largest Christian congregations of India are Pentecostal churches. Anyone who travels in cities and villages of India can see ample evidences of the growth of Pentecostalism among common masses. In South India, the Pentecostal churches are well established and have considerable influence among all the sections of the society. The history, growth and extent of the movement in South India is documented. Theologians, sociologists and religious observers have begun to consider the beliefs and practices of the movement and critically appreciate its social and theological relevance.

In North India, however, the situation is rather different. Pentecostal growth has taken place primarily in rural areas; among the poor, Tribal people, Dalits and lower castes. The Northern Indian States like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi (incl. NCR). & Uttarakhand (ie., Uttaranchal) have experienced remarkable growth in Pentecostalism like the other adjoining Indian States Gujarat, Maharashtra, Orissa, and Bihar. The Pentecostalism is attracting people from Dalits, Tribal-groups and lower castes because its spirituality provides them with a sense of dignity and hope that is non-existent in other sections of Indian society. Most of the people who joined the movement in the beginning were either underprivileged members of the society or people with physical or spiritual troubles. The majority who join Indian Pentecostal churches belong to the younger generation.