a contextual missiology of the spirit - eTheses Repository ...

theology in terms of ecumenicity, Frank Macchia says that the ‘holistic spirituality
that proceeds from an integration of body and soul, nature and spirit, or society
and person, …may explain the potential ecumenical significance of the
movement.’ 161 Therefore, a contextual Pentecostal missiology is ecumenical in
nature.
The current research on Pentecostalism in Rajasthan indicates that there are at
least three phases of ecumenicity taking place at the moment. The first one is the
partnership between various local Pentecostal churches. As mentioned in chapter
three, there is an increasing awareness of the need for more partnership, and there
are efforts going on in this direction. According to Oborji, ‘in this age of
globalization and interculturality it is necessary to encourage an exchange of
opinions and information between local churches on theological and pastoral
levels.’ 162 Despite the proliferation of denominations, there is a growing
understanding between various churches at the grass roots level, at least in certain
places. Macchia emphasises the need for ‘intra-Pentecostal discussion’ on various
conflicting issues. 163 Therefore, a contemporary missiology should take into
consideration the need for local partnership. The Pentecostal experience is the
unifying factor in this regard.
However, there needs to be cooperation between Pentecostals and neo-
Pentecostals in Rajasthan. As seen in chapter three, the division between classical
161 Frank D. Macchia, ‘The Struggle for Global Witness: Shifting Paradigms in Pentecostal
Theology,’ in Globalization of Pentecostalism, 25.
162 Oborji, Concepts of Mission, 26.
163 Macchia, ‘Struggle for Global Witness,’ 25.
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