The Azusa Street Mission And Revival: The Birth of the Global Pentecostal Movement

by Cecil M. Robeck Jr.

Nearly twenty-five percent of the world's Christians count themselves among the Charismatic and Pentecostal family of Christian Movements, yet few know how Pentecostalism began. The Azusa Street Mission and Revival tells the story of the small racially-inclusive group that gathered in Los Angeles in 1906 and changed the world of Christianity. With little more than a printing press, a trolley stop and a powerful message, the revival that began at Apostolic Faith Mission on Azusa Street, rapidly crossed more than race lines-into Mexico, Western Europe, Scandinavia and West Africa-and began to change the landscape of Christianity. The complete story of the Mission has finally been recorded, with photographs, articles and testimonies.

Genres: History, Church History, Religion, Theology, Nonfiction, Christianity, Christian

342 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[BJ Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the beginning of the 20'th century, a man named William Seymour moved to Los Angeles to become the pastor of a new small church. After preaching a couple of messages, at least one of which was apparently too controversial, pastor Seymour showed up at the church one day to find the doors locked on him and he was no longer welcome there. So he started holding prayer meetings at a nearby house. The Holy Spirit showed up at those meetings and things started getting wild. Soon, so many people were coming to these prayer meetings that they had to rent an old building and start holding a "real" church. Thus began what is today known as The Azusa Street revival. Millions of people worldwide, myself included, look back to this revival as the first in a chain of events that led to their own conversion and spiritual formation. Dozens of denominations, combined numbering more than any other branch of Christianity, were formed from what was born at Azusa Street.

With such a huge spiritual impact, one would expect a spiritually dynamic book. They are out there. I remember reading books on Azusa St, the foundation of the AG, etc. that make me constantly want to simply put the book down and pray that God would do it again in our day. This is not that book. I did not think it was possible for someone to take such a powerful moment in history and turn it into such a dry account. Cecil Robeck has proven me wrong.

[Robert D. Cornwall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book as one to read during my sabbatical because it spoke to one of the areas of my own spiritual journey -- my Pentecostal side. I knew something about the Azusa Street Revival, but not that much. I chose to read this book in part also because I was intrigued about the fact that in its origins this central moment in Pentecostal history there was racial integration. An African American man, William Seymour, the child of former slaves, was able to take the revival from Charles Parham and lead a ministry that at least for a moment caught the attention of the nation and even world, and did so in a way that empowered people of color and women to take part in an integrated work.

Another reason to choose the book is that the author was one of my seminary professors!

It is very detailed, but it is also a good read!

[Nicholas A. Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written assessment of the Azusa Street Revival, what preceded it, and how it dwindled out. Robeck provides an interesting perspective on acknowledgement of practicality of how the Revival was lead.
I learned that the Azusa Street revival at that time was best classified as being a Wesleyan Holiness Revival (prior to Pentecostal being “made the official” term for those baptized with the Holy Ghost) and they taught, preached and exemplified the Baptism of the Spirit as a second work of grace (sometimes debated a third work after sanctification) after one is saved.
Also, I learned that throughout the Azusa Street Mission and the connected mission works, there were a few individuals baptizing in Jesus Name, prior to the Arroyo Seco Camp meeting of 1913. As well, that William J. Seymour himself was at that historic camp meeting but would reject Baptism in Jesus name rather to adhere to the traditional Trinitarian Formula.

Overall, this was a very practical and historical analysis of the Azusa Street Revival.

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Thorough to a fault. I could have done without a lot of the minute details. But at the same time, I’m thankful for this well-researched account of the Azusa Street Revival. Mel Robeck doesn’t shy away from the messy parts of this history. If you don’t have time to read this entire book, the Afterword is worth reading even if it’s on its own.

[Nelson Banuchi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent read that gives a much closer glimpse to the events that began the Pentecostal faith. Robeck, Jr. does not show us a perfect picture and examines, along with the positive growth and expansion of the movement, the unity and diversity of the believers, and the gracious character and overcoming faith of it's leaders, especially of William J. Seymour, but also the controversies, failures, pettiness, and weaknesses of it's leaders, which may have eroded and finally ended the revival. Chapters 7 and 8 are truly heart-breaking to read. They follow Seymour's last years in his struggle against betrayal and the church's dwindling congregation in the hopes of bringing back the initial Pentecostal revival of 1906-1908.

It is amazing to read how this little group of African American believers, in the midst of severe racism where lynching was rampart, turned into a multicultural church that has miraculously expanded into the largest and fastest growing Christian denomination where an "estimated 35,000 people join the Pentecostal church each day. Of the world's two billion Christians a quarter are now Pentecostal—up from 6 percent in 1980."

If one wants to know something about the beginnings of Pentecostalism, this is a must read.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Robeck’s account of the Azusa Street revival. He offers an honest look at its successes well as its decline, and gives some good insights along the way into the nature of spiritual revival in a church community. I found parts to be a little long and less engaging, but still informative. Really, it can double as a reference resource for people studying the events and characters of the Azusa Street Mission. That makes it information packed, but sometimes a little dry. But generally a good and useful book to read.

[Starla Gooch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robeck provides an excellent exposition of the impact that Azusa street had within American churches and around the globe. He provides hundreds of first hand accounts and quotes to help us understand the times and what people genuinely experienced. Robeck also delves into the life and leadership of William Seymour and how he helped spur on the revival. This is a great read for anyone associated with the Pentecostal movement who would like to learn more about the roots of the tradition.

[Valerie "Bo" · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was the best historical account of the Azusa Street Revival I've ever read.
It was a long book and through the middle of it, it started to lose me. However, it picked up again at the end. The book gives great details of the Azusa Street Mission Revival - the good, the bad and the ugly. Recommend.

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best account of the revival that I know of.
Excellent research, yet not overly academic in its tone.
I learned so much 🙏

[G.J. Hocking · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic work from Cecil M. Robeck, a senior professor of church history and is well-placed to write such a complex history of a movement, which is the fastest-growing phenomena in the contemporary world. This book paints a vivid picture of the various phases of Pentecostalism from its inception to the present. Robeck has done his homework, delving into church history to reveal many previously unknown aspects of this movement.
Although this book could be considered pro-Pentecostal, however, the author doesn't gloss over some the mishaps of the movement, especially the controversies, which arose particularly during the early days.
Although long on detail, this book is certainly not short on content. It promises to be a clear and compelling read. In short, Robeck has accomplished what he set out to do that is he has provided us with an intricate history written to give the reader a jam-packed narrative that is sure to stay a classic in its genre.

[Dennis Henn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoy books on revival but I prefer the ones written by one of the central characters. Edwards, Finney, Cymbala, and a rather excellent one I read recently in the Jesus People Movement.
This book was written by reading through primary sources. However the pastor central to the movement, Wm. J. Seymour, left behind few sermons or tracts. As a man of prayer, he often let others preach and teach as the Spirit directed, while he sat at the front of the mission praying and guiding the expression of gifts.
Chapter 4, which dealt with worship at the mission, was interesting. The other chapters focused too much on organization, expansion, and the business of being church. Chapter 5 showed how, especially in a revival, especially in a "spirit led" revival, schisms can quickly develop and authority comes down to whoever makes a greater claim on being spirit filled.

[Bruce Dinsman]

I am Pentecostal. I learned more about the Pentecostal movement from this Audio Book. It is truly shameful that it took a black preacher to step out in faith and open a congregation that didn't care about societal norms. The author makes a good example of balanced reporting by showing just how bad Azusa Street was treated by the press and established religion when they felt threatened by empty churches. But the final chapter really got my attention. Revival is intended to wake us up, rescue us, put us on the right track. It is not intended as a panacea for all, nor is it intended for long term application. (you don't need smelling salts after they wake you up right?)

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thoroughly researched and thoughtful book. It's a great read for people who want to really understand the time and the multi-layered facets of a revival like Azusa. The author also gives all the characters a fair shake here, applying grace while having to present some very human limitations & facts in the midst of a very supernatural event.

[Dave Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a very good historical account of the Azusa Street Mission and revival. My main gripe with this book is the pacing. Even though it's a history book, it's still very dry and plods along with many arbitrary details. It seems like this book could have been condensed more and it would have been an improvement. Still, though, I enjoyed this book.

[Cm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting history, but the book is much more academic and dry than I expected. I found myself setting it down for extended periods, and when I picked it up again, I had forgotten all the names which made the story hard to follow. This is written by a historian for historians.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very detailed and well organized account of the people and events surrounding the Azusa Street Revival. Reads like a history textbook.

[Kasahun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Wow,how when we look at His work the need to deny self is evident in human greed to be better than.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makes the argument that the modern Pentecostal movement began for all intents and purposes at the Azusa Street Mission in Los Angeles, and examines the context of the revival and the events surrounding the three-year revival from 1906-1909. Places a lot of emphasis on key personalities, particularly the pastor, William Seymour. Probably the most interesting chapter and the one most applicable to today was an examination of Seymour's leadership style as a Christian leader at the head of a work that was unique at the time, very new, and at times quite volatile. The last third of the book focuses on evangelists and missionaries who went out from Azusa Street to spread the Gospel and the Pentecostal message. Here the book bogs down a bit in a sea of dates and facts, yet the information is important to the thesis that it was the missionary spirit of the Azusa Street believers and their missional focus to go out into the world, driven by the belief in the soon return of Jesus, that set Azusa Street apart from any previous tongue-speaking revivals. A very interesting look, whether you are a Pentecostal or not, into the roots of what many call the Third Force for Christendom.

[Todd Hudnall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cecil Robeck provides a thorough and well-documented study of the Azusa Street Revival. He looks at the factors and history leading up to the revival, the years of revival, how the revival spread and the way it ended. He also examines what became of the Azusa Street Mission and Pastor Seymour. I found Robeck's concluding comments on revival particularly helpful and insightful. It's a wonder, non-romanticized account of this great spiritual event that launched a world-impacting movement.

[Matt Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book that takes one through the beginnings of Revival in California, how it was worked, reworked, and was manipulated through the hands of others who thought that a black man could not be used by God to bring the Word of God to the people. It also shows how the split carried over into the revival, and yet God still had his way while using racist people who wanted to control and separate.

[Elizabeth Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author seamlessly pieced different evidences together to build his narrative and personal arguments where there were no consensus in certain areas. Enjoyed his nuggets of reflections too.

[Eben · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to the life of the pentecostal movement!

[Happy Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terribly written, repetitive, not objective. This is a history of the Pentecostal church.

I sense that there was a great story to tell but it did not happen in this book.

[Colin Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has go to be a must read...comments to follow

[Tony Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Landmark

A must read for Pentecostals, particularly. Church historians will appreciate the depth and detail Robeck exacts in this landmark work.

[Christopher-James Neethling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this historical account of the Azusa revival. At times the book was a bit long, but overall and interesting and enjoyable book.

[Allen Posey · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have a heart for revival please read this book. Discusses the positive and negative things that came out of the Azusa St Revival

[Susy1017 Calderon · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting!

[Daniel Mount]

So much of what has been written about Pentecostalism is either a completely uncritical insider account or a completely critical outsider account (e.g. John MacArthur's Strange Fire). Neither approach is optimal.

But this book is well-balanced. It openly acknowledges weaknesses, human frailties, and outright sins among some of the early leaders, while also acknowledging the movement's positive characteristics.

An aside for those who like audiobooks: Christian Audio's version has a number of quality control issues. Several words were mispronounced. Most prominent and startling is a word that appears in the title: Azusa. The narrator pronounces it correctly for the first few chapters. But then he slips, quite oddly, into dropping the s, saying uh-ZOO-uh instead of uh-ZOO-sa. This goes on for several hours of audio before he switches back to uh-ZOO-sa again.