2
Pragmatism as "the principle that demands results from biblically sound strategies; when no
results are recorded, the strategy is changed to another one that is equally sound theologically."
3
Unfortunately, the definition of "sound theology" remains obscure. McGavran's successor, C.
Peter Wagner, exemplifies the case in point. As a formative leader of the Church Growth
Movement, Wagners theology and practice has influenced thousands of evangelical ministers,
including this writer.
In his introduction to The Third Wave of the Holy Spirit, C. Peter Wagner states, "The
closing years of the twentieth century are seeing a major change in outlook sweeping across
traditional Christianity. An increasing number of observers are calling it the ,,Third Wave."
4
Wagner identifies the Third Wave "as distinct from, but at the same time very similar to the first
and second waves. They have to be similar because it is the same Spirit of God who is doing the
work."
5
In North America the Third Wave began in the 1980s. If anything, the Third Wave
increases emphasis on the dramatic manifestations of the two previous movements though many
of its participants, such as Wagner, reject Pentecostal or Charismatic titles.
6
Wagners desire for
evangelical acceptance of Third Wave pentecostalized theology is being realized as Laurence
3
Elmer L. Towns, Evangelism and Church Growth: A Practical Encyclopedia (Ventura:
Regal Books, 1995), 325.
4
C. Peter Wagner, Third Wave of the Holy Spirit (Ann Arbor: Vine Books, 1988), 13.
5
Ibid. 18.
6
Ibid. 15-18. It is the contention of this researcher that in spite of Wagner's semantics he is
a Pentecostal. The three "waves of the Holy Spirit" are essentially the same in theology. They
have differed in minor aspects, mainly in the area of emphasis. The two subsequent movements
have tried to improve their image and acceptance in the Christian religion by shedding earlier
labels. Perhaps, Wagner rejects the Pentecostal label for fear that it would limit his academic
viability.