Resolving the Pentecostal PR Problem (you might change denominations) with Maja Whitaker

In this episode, Graeme and Joey interview Dr. Maja Whitaker about Pentecostalism—the good, great, and not so great. We look at what make Pentecostal churches tick, like their unique take on mission, their need to be culturally relevant, and their obsession with pragmatism and why they have a PR problem.

Dr. Maja Whitaker is the Academic Dean at Laidlaw College; she oversees all programme development and delivery and contributes to the development and outworking of College strategy, with a focus on integrated programmes and a strong partner ecosystem. Maja is a lecturer in the School of Theology, and has served as Practical Theology Lead and with the School of Theology Leadership team. She teaches into courses on spiritual formation, reflective practice, leadership, and pastoral ministry.

00:00 Intro
01:28 What is Pentecostalism/Charismatic?
08:40 Experiencing God
11:50 Always looking to where the Spirit's at work — sacramentalism
16:07 Why does Pentecostalism have a PR problem?
21:38 How Maja dealt with the tension moments
26:00 Pentecostal churches in NZ are different
32:33 Maja's shifting relationship with God
36:20 Maja's ideal Sunday morning
41:55 What Graeme would add to church
45:25 Why Pentecostal churches are growing
47:40 Joey's theory about the Pentecostal movement
51:38 Maja's no longer Pentecostal

The music is by Josiah David Swim. You can find him on Spotify.

Lunch on The Way is a podcast that deeply discusses Christianity, Church, Culture, and Jesus.
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