318 K.J. ARCHER
tions are overturned and further refi ned. Some interpretations are sinful,
masking power for the privileged. Thus we should ask, “By what stories do
we make sense of the world?” 17 Pentecostals hermeneutics will fi nd narra-
tive an ally in self-understanding and in reading/hearing the Scripture as
a grand narrative.
I placed narrative at the heart of Pentecostal hermeneutics, both in
understanding early North American Pentecostalism and for the theo-
logical interpretation of Scripture, especially when we are trying to dis-
cern what the Spirit is saying in and through Scripture. I argued that the
Pentecostals’ primary story was a certain understanding of the Gospel and
church history. 18 The doxological narrative convictions associated with the
redemptive work of God through Christ known as the Fivefold or Full
Gospel stands at the very core of the Pentecostal community. I defi ned
early Pentecostalism as.
diverse groups of restoration-revivalistic movements held together by a
common doctrinal commitment to the Five/Four-Fold Gospel and marked
by experiential-charismatic worship services. Pentecostalism emerged
as a Christian missionary movement in the early twentieth century. As a
Christian restoration-revivalistic movement, Pentecostalism emphasizes the
continuing work of Jesus Christ through the personal agency of the Holy
Spirit. The community continues the ministry of Jesus through proclaim-
ing Jesus as Savior, Sanctifi er, Spirit Baptizer, Healer and Soon Coming
King. Pentecostals envision themselves as a restoration of New Testament
Christianity living in the last days of the Latter Rain and in opposition to
the World. 19