Abstract

This thesis develops an ecclesiology of participation in Pentecostalism by utilizing the concept of the prophethood of all believers as a theological and hermeneutical device to articulate how the laity can fully take part in the ritual life of the church. Pentecostalism as a liturgically diverse tradition composed of hierarchical and democratic types of churches that reflect both episcopal and non-episcopal ecclesiological models has created ambiguity in how the doctrine of the prophethood of all believers and the egalitarian nature of the church should be understood. Based on a perspective informed by pneumatology and Pentecost, this project provides a means to theologically convey how greater participation can take place in Pentecostal communities of worship through every believer’s empowerment with the Holy Spirit. The idea of the prophethood of all believers is projected onto the dominant rituals of the Pentecostal liturgy through an altar hermeneutic that allows for all members of the worshipping community to have a transformative encounter with God in dynamic fellowship with others. What results is a truly egalitarian view of church that directs entire communities of faith towards participation in Pentecost through the Spirit. Through critical analysis of and constructive theological engagement with the Pentecostal liturgy, the chapters of this thesis contribute to a better understanding of what is meant by “the altar” in the rites of Pentecostal worship.