THE NORWEGIAN PENTECOSTAL PASTOR IN A SECULAR AGE

Abstract

Abstract: This thesis discusses the role of the pastor amidst our secular age in the Norwegian Pentecostal Movement. Using Richard Osmer’s fourfold task of the practical theologian as a framework, this study conducts a qualitative approach to a content analysis of carefully selected sources representing the perception of the pastoral role in the Norwegian Pentecostal Movement. Suggesting that this current perception heavily favors a language from leadership theory, perspectives from Andrew Root are introduced to challenge the Norwegian Pentecostal Movement to pursue a more theologically inspired vision of the pastoral role. After arguing the particular need for retrieving a language for divine action in our secular age, a desired perception of the pastoral role is suggested through the bulk of this thesis – ultimately leading to some suggested measures proposed for the Norwegian Pentecostal Movement in order to pursue such a perception of the pastoral role.

Key words: Norwegian Pentecostal movement, pastor, ministry, leadership, secular age, divine action, language of transcendence.