A recent article in The Economist entitled Risen and Rising: Why Christianity is taking an Asian turn highlighted the growth of Christianity in the region. While noting its minority status, the article also offered scholarly observations that even the data showing steady growth in the region may not be giving Christianity its due. This secular analysis corroborates what agencies like the Center for the Study of World Christianity have reported for years. Asia is a region with vibrant growth in Christian faith in the very religiously pluralistic region.

Asia is a region of vast economic differences, social dynamics, complex histories, and religious traditions that predate Christianity. It is against this complex backdrop that Pentecostals are blessed by the Holy Spirit’s move on spiritually hungry people. To strengthen this growing Pentecostal movement with solid theological foundations is the motivating reason for the GPV initiative. Bringing together noted Pentecostal scholars from around the world and creating space for substantive theological conversations is critical to stewarding God’s gracious blessing on Asia.