In May 2022 the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC) voted to approve of a refreshed Statement of Essential Truths (SOET). Wow!
As I noted three previous posts, the new SOET adds Pentecostal flavour, including in the eschatology section and the Spirit baptism section.
The Process
As the “whereas” section of the preamble to the resolution noted, the PAOC’s “Theological Study Commission [TSC] conducted a seven-year project that included
- research into both our early tradition and current Pentecostal scholarship,
- a General Conference presentation of drafts of the Spirit Baptism and Eschatology sections,
- and a consultation process that included every district and live-streamed Town Halls on every section of the proposed Statement of Essential Truths…
- and…each district consultation contributed to changes that appear in the proposed Statement of Essential Truths.”
The Discussion
Before the floor was open for discussion, the TSC co-chair, Dr. Van Johnson, shared remarks in his typical humous style. He noted how we had healthy discussions during the process of refreshing the statement. He spoke about how we formed a statement that emphasizes a message of hope, bringing emphasis to the Spirit’s empowerment to preach salvation in Christ as we await “our great hope,” namely, the return of Christ.
Many were curious about how the discussion would go before the vote. Following parliamentary order, discussion went back and forth between those who spoke against the motion and in favour of the motion. To the surprise of many, there actually wasn’t much discussion.
There were only three people who spoke against the motion. The first two expressed a concern that was not based on anything within the SOET itself, but a concern about the removal of the sections on marriage and tithing to a distinct “position and practices” section. The third person who spoke against the motion (via an email submission) mentioned a few concerns, but I don’t remember the details.
Jim Cantelon, who spoke of his family’s long history in the PAOC, was the first to speak in favour of the motion. Dr. Randy Holm, a former professor of mine, also spoke in favour of the motion. I’m sure many more would have spoken in favour, but it wasn’t necessary.
The Vote
After the third person spoke against the motion, there was a “call for the question.” To me, there was a clear sense that those who were in the room felt they had already invested years in the process, they were on board with the result, and were ready to get to the vote!
The resolution to adopt the refreshed SOET passed with 84% in favour.
Appreciation
Van Johnson had remarked on how the PAOC General Superintendent, David Wells, was courageous to allow this process to happen. Like so many, I also appreciate Wells’ leadership and his engagement throughout the process.
After the vote, David Wells expressed appreciation for the many hours of work that were put in by members of the Theological Study Commission. This resulted in a standing ovation.
Imagine. A Pentecostal family giving a standing ovation to those who spearheaded a theological project.
While I’m sure the expression of appreciation was sincere, I got the feeling it was probably also an expression of joy for the new statement that we had just affirmed.
You can watch a recording of the event here (from the 5:36 mark).
You can read the refreshed Statement of Essential Truths here.
Question: If you heard the discussion, what did you think of it? What do you think of the new SOET? Leave a comment below by clicking here.
You might also be interested in these posts:
- What about Tongues? Spirit baptism in the PAOC’s Proposed Statement of Faith
- 7 Ways the PAOC’s Proposed Statement of Faith Adds Pentecostal Spice
- Pentecostal(?) Eschatology in the PAOC’s Proposed New Statement of Faith
Andrew K. Gabriel, Ph.D., is the author of Simply Spirit-Filled: Experiencing God in the Presence and Power of the Holy Spirit as well as three academic books, including The Lord is the Spirit. He is a theology professor at Horizon College and Seminary and serves on the Theological Study Commission for the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. You can follow him on Facebook or on Twitter.
I watched the proceedings from the comfort of my church office. As I listened to each speaker, I thought when was the last time a potentially divisive issue was dealt with so much grace and respect. The result of the vote is testimony to the careful, diligent and prayerful work of the committee. There was constant communication and ample opportunity for people to participate in the discussion. The result was, it seemed good to theHoly Spirit and to us.
Indeed! I agree with your perception, Ralph.
It is great to have a refreshed look and feel to our SOET but as one speaker so animatedly pointed out – the real work is living it out. Preaching it and teaching it in our local context. I feel the new SOET will help me with this. Huge thanks to all who facilitated this in our academic community. 👏🏻👏🏻
Yes, may God help us in this task!
Well done.
I am feeling hopeful. I agree that it is a hopeful statement, one that inspires. I appreciate the narrative framework of the SOET over the systematic framework of the SOFET. I also feel hopeful about being part of a denomination that gave space and time to its theologians to carry out this work, and then to endorse and appreciate it. That excites me as a young scholar-in-training.
That’s great! I find it encouraging too.