Integral mission in contemporary perspective: exploring an appropriate model of mission for ...

375 Pages·2014·2.76 MB·English

Middlesex University Research Repository
An open access repository of
Middlesex University research
http://eprints.mdx.ac.uk
Alvarez, Miguel Orlando (2014) Integral mission in contemporary perspective: exploring an
appropriate model of mission for Pentecostal churches with special reference to Honduras.
PhD thesis, Middlesex University. [Thesis]
Final accepted version (with author’s formatting)
This version is available at: https://eprints.mdx.ac.uk/13662/
Copyright:
MiddlesexUniversityResearchRepositorymakestheUniversity’sresearchavailableelectronically.
Copyright and moral rights to this work are retained by the author and/or other copyright owners
unlessotherwisestated. Theworkissuppliedontheunderstandingthatanyuseforcommercialgain
is strictly forbidden. A copy may be downloaded for personal, non-commercial, research or study
without prior permission and without charge.
Works, including theses and research projects, may not be reproduced in any format or medium, or
extensive quotations taken from them, or their content changed in any way, without first obtaining
permissioninwritingfromthecopyrightholder(s). Theymaynotbesoldorexploitedcommerciallyin
any format or medium without the prior written permission of the copyright holder(s).
Full bibliographic details must be given when referring to, or quoting from full items including the
author’s name, the title of the work, publication details where relevant (place, publisher, date), pag-
ination, and for theses or dissertations the awarding institution, the degree type awarded, and the
date of the award.
If you believe that any material held in the repository infringes copyright law, please contact the
Repository Team at Middlesex University via the following email address:
[email protected]
The item will be removed from the repository while any claim is being investigated.
See also repository copyright: re-use policy: http://eprints.mdx.ac.uk/policies.html#copy
Middlesex University Research Repository:
an open access repository of
Middlesex University research
http://eprints.mdx.ac.uk

Alvarez, Miguel Orlando, 2014. Integral mission in contemporary
perspective: exploring an appropriate model of mission for the
Pentecostal churches with special reference to Honduras. Available from
Middlesex University’s Research Repository.

Copyright:
Middlesex University Research Repository makes the University’s research available electronically.

Copyright and moral rights to this thesis/research project are retained by the author and/or
other copyright owners. The work is supplied on the understanding that any use for
commercial gain is strictly forbidden. A copy may be downloaded for personal, non-
commercial, research or study without prior permission and without charge. Any use of the
thesis/research project for private study or research must be properly acknowledged with
reference to the work’s full bibliographic details.
This thesis/research project may not be reproduced in any format or medium, or extensive
quotations taken from it, or its content changed in any way, without first obtaining permission
in writing from the copyright holder(s).
If you believe that any material held in the repository infringes copyright law, please contact
the Repository Team at Middlesex University via the following email address:
[email protected]
The item will be removed from the repository while any claim is being investigated.
Integral Mission in Contemporary Perspective: Exploring an
Appropriate Model of Mission for the Pentecostal Churches with
Special Reference to Honduras

Miguel Orlando Alvarez
OCMS, MPhil/PhD
October 2012

ABSTRACT

The issue that I explore in this peace of research is the understanding and praxis of
integral mission by the Pentecostal churches in Honduras. The main question, which I
seek to answer, is what Pentecostals in Honduras understand by integral mission. The
study explores mission as carried out by Pentecostal churches in the local communities.
The research process makes use of the interview and case study for the collection
of data. It explores social, economic and political conditions of Honduras. It also
examines the spiritual strength of the Pentecostal churches while serving people.
Human transformation is dependent on the solution proposed by Pentecostals to
solve the problems of poverty and marginalisation. For some, these social ills are
endemic and for that reason they seem to be irreversible. But for those who believe in
the transforming power of the gospel and serve in the strength and purpose of the Holy
Spirit, such conditions are seen as opportunities for an integral and redemptive mission.
The structure of this study is designed from the general to the specific. It also
draws information from the historical Evangelical movement, the Roman Catholic
Church and Pentecostal scenarios in Latin America and Honduras in particular. It opens
up a debate in the Pentecostal theology of integral mission. It promotes a constructive
reflection and a mature dialogue between Pentecostals and other Christian organisations
that are involved in mission. This research shows that it is possible for Pentecostals to
reach mutual understanding and co-operation for mission work with other bodies in true
bonds of cooperation.
This study could benefit Pentecostals as they explore new opportunities for social
service, economic development, political participation and human transformation.

Integral Mission in Contemporary Perspective:

Exploring an Appropriate Model of Mission for Pentecostal
Churches with Special Reference to Honduras

by
Miguel Orlando Alvarez
BA Seminario Latino Internacional
M.Div. Church of God Theological Seminary
D.Min. Ashland Theological Seminary

A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
in the Middlesex University

August 2013
Oxford Centre for Mission Studies

iv

DEDICATION

This thesis is dedicated to my wife Mireya Alvarez. She has been a source of
encouragement in this research process. I also dedicate this work to my missionary
children, Daniel, Michelle, Enoc, Miguel José and Mariadela Belle. They have been
faithful companions in my journey in Christian service.

I also remember my parents, Miguel Antonio Alvarez and María Aminta Silva. Their
lives and ministry were always a source of inspiration to me.
My father passed away during the time I was working on the final stage of the thesis.
I could always count on his support, prayers and solidarity.

Roland E. Vaughan has been a spiritual father to me. He has been alongside of me
during my journey as a minister of the gospel. He taught me about spiritual and moral
integrity. He has been and example of humility and obedience to me. I dedicate this
work to him as well.
v
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I acknowledge the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies for its contribution to my
personal enrichment as a mission scholar. The administration, faculty and staff have
shown tremendous support to me during these years of academic work.

I am particularly thankful to my academic supervisors Andrew Kirk and John
Crabtree. Their advice was indispensable for the purpose of this research study.

I am also thankful to my OCMS mentors David Singh, who introduced me to the
field of academic research. Later on Julie Ma guided my study especially in the last
stages of the process. I am also thankful to Wonsuk Ma for his support during this time.
He has gone the extra mile in order to assist me in the research process, in every way
possible.

Tom Harvey’s critical and analytical observations helped me to improve the text.
Damon So assisted me with technical support and creative theological advice. Andy
Harthropp also assisted me at the early stage of pre-viva and final stage viva. Ben
Knighton made sure I complied with the academic procedures and requirements of both
OCMS and the University of Middlesex. Ralph Bates proofread the final manuscript. I
also appreciate the assistance of Andrew Hudson, who proofread the early drafts of the
manuscript. My daughter Belle Alvarez also proofread the manuscript.

I also appreciate Karen Winters’ assistance. From her post at Just in Time (JIT),
she provided the technical support that was need in the final presentation of the thesis.

I thank the Holy Spirit for enabling me to carry out this work. My occupations as
missionary pastor and seminary professor have kept me busy most of the time. So He
gave me the strength and the motivation to remain focused and positive about the study.
His divine guidance was needed at every step of the way. So it is with deep gratitude
that I acknowledge the work of the Triune God in the completion of this thesis.

vi