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One of the most significant developments
in recent Christianity is the appearance of many Pentecostal denominations
throughout the world during the past century. Beginning in the United
States and spreading rapidly to most nations of the world, they
now comprise a major "third force" in Christendom whose
phenomenal growth has commanded the attention of the world.
One of the first groups to designate
itself officially as a member of the Pentecostal movement was the
Pentecostal Holiness Church. With roots in the Midwestern and Southeastern
United States, the Pentecostal Holiness Church has played a significant
role within the movement from the beginning.
The character of the church is to
be seen in its name, which places it astride two major revival movements:
the holiness revival of the late nineteenth century, and the Pentecostal
revival of the twentieth century. As its distinctive contribution
to contemporary Christianity, this church has attempted to preserve
the Wesleyan tradition, while perpetuating the Pentecostal tradition.
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