12/20/2005

Foundation for Pentecostal Scholarship Formed To: National Desk

 ATLANTA, Ga., Dec. 20 /Christian Wire Service/ -- Anticipating next year's 100th anniversary celebration of modern Pentecostalism's birth, a new organization has been formed to promote research and publishing on Pentecostal topics, according to author and educator Robert W. Graves, co-founder and president of The Foundation for Pentecostal Scholarship, Inc.

Recently approved as a tax-exempt corporation, TFFPS's focus is advancing biblical scholarship within the Pentecostal community. "We have two immediate goals: to fund worthwhile research projects and to recognize outstanding works of Pentecostal scholarship," said Mr. Graves. "In so doing, we hope to advance today's move of the Holy Spirit throughout the world."

The organization will raise and distribute funds for doctoral- and post-doctoral-level research projects. "As far as we know, we're the first independent organization in the world to provide this kind of assistance to Pentecostal scholars," said Mr. Graves. "Through research grants and our annual Declaration of Excellence Awards, TFFPS hopes to foster academic works that advance the Pentecostal faith. We believe that Pentecostal scholarship of this kind will help strengthen education within undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs around the world. Ultimately, it will influence the wider academic community and, hopefully, the mind of the world."

TFFPS's eleven-member Board of Advisors, comprised of leading Pentecostal scholars like Paul Elbert, William Menzies, James Shelton, and Roger Stronstad, will monitor and recommend Pentecostal articles and books for special recognition and project proposals for sponsorship.

Mr. Graves cited the global spread of the modern Pentecostalism that began almost a century ago with the Azusa Street Revival (see www.azusastreet100.net) in Los Angeles, CA. "That city will be the site of a centennial celebration April 25-29, 2006. We are pleased that our kick-off coincides with the movement's centenary," he said. "Both public and academic interest in all things Pentecostal has been growing through the years, and TFFPS is uniquely poised as we begin our second century to amplify support for Pentecostal studies in the years to come."

TFFPS is not part of any religious denomination or associated with any educational institution. "We are totally dependent upon the contributions of friends of Pentecostal scholarship for the support of our projects," said Mr. Graves. "The aggressiveness of our research agenda will be determined by the financial commitment of our supporters." He also pointed out that both the Board of Directors and the Board of Advisors are non-salaried volunteers.

More information about the foundation is available at its Web site: www.tffps.org.