FAITH NEWS SERVICE – Samuel Lee, a theologian and public voice in the Netherlands, calls for renewal within global Pentecostalism
Amsterdam, April 9, 2026 — Samuel Lee, a theologian and public voice in the Netherlands, has published a new theological statement titled “A Call to Pentecostals: A Confession of Renewed Pentecostalism,” marking 120 years since the Azusa Street Revival.
The text is a personal and ecclesial confession, written not as a rejection of Pentecostalism, but as a call to renewal from within. It invites Pentecostal and Charismatic communities worldwide to return to what Lee describes as the heart of the movement: a faith that is Christ-centered, Spirit-led, and grounded in love, humility, and justice.
A Call from Within
In his confession, Lee reflects critically on developments within parts of contemporary Pentecostalism, including:
• performance-driven expressions of faith
• prosperity-centered teaching
• the neglect of the vulnerable and marginalized
• the tendency to spiritualize real human suffering
Rather than addressing these issues from a distance, the text speaks as a voice from within the movement—rooted in commitment, not detachment.
“Pentecost without justice becomes performance, and spirituality without love becomes noise,” Lee writes.
Returning to the Spirit of Azusa
The confession draws inspiration from the early Pentecostal movement, particularly the Azusa Street Revival, which was marked by radical inclusivity across racial, social, and gender boundaries.
Lee argues that this original vision calls for renewed attention today—not through nostalgia, but through honest reflection and lived practice. He emphasizes a form of faith that reconnects spiritual experience with everyday life, social responsibility, and the dignity of all people.
Relevance in a Changing Society
The publication also speaks into broader societal questions. In contexts such as the Netherlands and wider Europe—where migration, diversity, and social inequality shape public life—faith communities are increasingly challenged to engage meaningfully with these realities.
Lee’s work reflects a wider theological concern: that faith should not remain abstract or inward-looking, but embodied in concrete acts of presence, justice, and solidarity.
An Invitation to Dialogue
The confession is intended as a starting point for conversation rather than a final statement. Lee explicitly invites pastors, theologians, and believers to engage with the text within their own communities.
“This is not about responding to me,” he notes, “but about speaking honestly with one another.”
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Read the full text:
https://www.samlee.org/single-post/the-confession-of-a-renewed-pentecostalism
