There is wisdom of Solomon in his old age that ‘For everything there is a new season, a time for every activity under heaven’ (Ec 3:1 NLT). There is nothing quite like the magic of a new beginning. For over a century, Pentecostalism has made some significant strides within the Protestant faith. As a global inevitability, its impact is felt everywhere. Pentecostalism appears in literature as an anti-intellectual, anti-institutional, and anti-liturgical movement. For Africans, now is the time to prove otherwise by accepting that Pentecostalism is a force to reckon with, hence the necessity of this African Journal of Pentecostal Studies (AJOPS). African Online Scientific Information Systems (AOSIS), in partnership with Southern African Society of Pentecostal Studies (SASPS), saw it fit to launch a journal that contributes towards Pentecostal and Charismatic understanding. African Journal of Pentecostal Studies is a new opportunity and a platform to objectively conceptualise and situate Pentecostal-Charismatic faith within academia and the church.
As a journal, these are the new beginnings of times of possibilities – times that are filled with limitless potentials and hope. These times are beyond one’s imagination, bringing forth something more than one can possibly envision or hope for. Doubtlessly, AJOPS comes as a new beginning in a form of relationships with scholars, researchers, church formations and cultural encounters. The encounters bring the Pentecostal movement closer to religious and cultural identities. It is a journal of Pentecostal-Charismatic reflections, rooted in Christian confession, set in the context of Africa. In conversation with other Christian and cultural traditions, AJOPS is in touch with current Pentecostal theological discussions, expressed in accessible language, aimed at forming and informing Pentecostal-Charismatic ministry and spiritual life, and serving communities of faith. It is through this journal that a creative platform is introduced for dialogue among aspiring community leaders who confess the Trinitarian God as the Lord God who eternally exists as a unit to bring redemption to the fallen creation and salvation to humans who humbly come to him for the forgiveness of their sins. It is an opportunity for those who are willing to reflect biblically in order to communicate the Pentecostal message within African cultures. On this note, I welcome you as an author, reviewer and a scholar!
The launching of AJOPS is a wake-up call for researchers to see a new Africa rising from the horizon, an era where miracles are a possibility to expand ecumenical cooperation whereby scholars from all walks of theological convictions converge, dialogue and resolve controversial issues concerning their faith. African Journal of Pentecostal Studies is here to wade into unchartered waters where everything has an opposite, but where opposites become vital in mental enhancement to gain some deeper perspective on our own Pentecostal or Charismatic convictions.
Because the journal is on open access to avail its publications to any researcher, teacher, scholar or learner, it has to ensure that the corporate logistics are in place. Greatest of this logistics is the Editorial Board (EB), which is now instituted. This Editorial Board is made up of people from all theological fields, with consideration of balance such as cultural background, theological field, gender inclusivity, and age diversities in order to enhance the journal’s credibility, integrity and objectivity to sensitive issues. In the international standards of publication of journals, the Editorial Board function is a sounding board in order to maintain the sustainability and the focus of the journal. The Editorial Board is, therefore, a conscience of the journal, doing this out of passion for academic excellence in the specific field as per Journal’s standards and requirements.
It is also important to highlight that the journal adheres to the peer review process. This is an evaluation process to ensure the quality of the publications to be made.
African Journal of Pentecostal Studies is interdisciplinary, intradisciplinary and transdisciplinary in content. This approach is necessitated by historical constructive analysis in theologising these days. The eclectic nature of doing theology of any persuasion opens broader and higher possibilities in research hypothesis. Many of our current Pentecostal writings are socio-historical, emphasising the history, missionality, and observable features (practices) within Pentecostalism. There is a limited research on Pentecostal theology. African Journal of Pentecostal Studies, although embracing this socio-historical research, also embarks on making the public understand Pentecostal doctrines such as healing, atonement, priesthood of all believers, glossolalia, baptism, among others.
I, therefore, appeal to researchers and scholars to embrace AJOPS by creating in their hearts the desire to impart wisdom through contribution of their manuscripts for publication. I have no doubt that through AOSIS deliberations and logistics, AJOPS will bring you love, grace, beauty, joy, and abundance, because your participation is worthy of Christian experience guided and governed by all these wonderful things.
|
Hide
Show all
Email this article (Login required)
