Evangelical and African Pentecostal Unity

“Hugh Osgood has done as much as anyone in the UK to build bridges between British evangelicalism and African Pentecostalism. A real friend-maker and bridge-builder, he has lived the story that is told on these pages. I’m so grateful for this historical account of many of the challenges that continue to inform and impact us today. We must learn from the past as we seek to make Jesus known together in the years ahead.”


—Gavin Calver, CEO, Evangelical Alliance





“Hugh Osgood’s meticulously researched study of relations between British evangelicalism and African diaspora churches around the turn of the millennium is an invaluable resource for all interested in social and cultural interaction. His passion has long been furthering cooperation and collaboration to enhance both church and society. This study provides a concrete example of such coming together and is also an object lesson in the methodology of participant observation.”


—Paul Gifford, professor emeritus of religion, SOAS, University of London





“This book, by elucidating the challenges which emerged as a result of the interactions between evangelicals and African Pentecostals in the UK, presents a robust and inclusive unity process, which I believe will facilitate God’s agenda for his church. The depth of the relationships that Hugh Osgood began forming before the millennium, and still deepens today, validates this research and points to a way forward that is neither overly judgmental nor overly sentimental.”


—Noel McLean, bishop, YCF Network of Churches





“This is my ‘burden’ and story. Since arriving in Britain from Ghana, unity has been a major theme for me, a key posture for accomplishing Christ’s mandate for cities. Hugh Osgood has, over the years, served as a genuine bridge-builder. He therefore qualifies and is right to highlight the balancing of principles and practicalities that unity requires. I believe this excellent scholarly work serves as a source of understanding, shaping thinking for engagement and oneness.”


—Celia Apeagyei-Collins, founder, The Rehoboth Foundation International





“Although mainly developed from within a British context, Hugh Osgood’s work provides evangelicalism in general and African Pentecostalism in particular, with a fascinating historical framework too often left untouched by scholars in both camps. This work speaks of precisely the types of amalgamating inter-ecclesial relationships which will continue to produce global ecclesial expressions that give witness to an ecumenism of the Spirit at work within the church and the academy today. This work will serve the church and the academy for years to come.”


—Emilio Alvarez, associate provost for lifelong learning, Asbury Theological Seminary





“Problems that affect the unity of the body of Christ are of vital importance if we are to take seriously the command of Christ concerning his church. Hugh Osgood has tackled this complex problem in his study of Evangelical and African Pentecostal Unity. It is most interesting and will stimulate both your heart and mind.”


—Jim Cymbala, senior pastor, The Brooklyn Tabernacle