Public Practical Theology in a Secularized Country: The Situation of Dutch Pentecostalism

In this contribution, Pentecostal involvement with society is explored in the context of the present sociological make-up of Dutch society in which religious communities are increasingly marginalized. On top of that, Pentecostalism, which has always been a rather marginal movement in the Netherlands, has the disadvantage that its theology—though promoting evangelization in all kinds of forms—has not traditionally regarded (diaconal) ecclesiastical presence in society and neighborhoods as a church activity, like the mainline Christian denominations do. Hence, Pentecostal churches have never been involved much in society, nor have they explicitly partaken in public debates. An exception to this situation, however, is the Dutch Assemblies of God (Broederschap van Pinkstergemeenten—since 2002 Verenigde Pinkster- en Evangeliegemeenten [VPE]), which for many decades has been involved in several broad ecumenical and societal initiatives. In recent years this involvement has decreased, due to external and internal causes. In this chapter the involvement of local congregations participating in local social initiatives, like food banks, will be explored briefly. Also, a case study will be offered of activities initiated by one of the migrant churches that are part of the VPE. In closing, some thoughts regarding the future will be offered.