To Vicky, my wonderful wife, with love and deep appreciation for the unending encouragement and support through the ups and downs, for the unwavering belief that this is what I was meant to do and for helping me to see God’s work in this.
My deep gratitude goes to my doctoral research supervisors: initially Professor Alister McGrath and Professor Pete Ward, but in particular, The Very Revd. Prof Martyn Percy who at the time was Dean of Christ Church Oxford and so kindly took on the supervision of my PhD at a pivotal mid-point in the process and helped me develop the research and bring it to a richer and fuller conclusion. Without his support this book would not exist; beyond his profound academic and theological insight and wisdom, Martyn brought amazing hope, encouragement and belief in me, he is a truly good man. Thanks go to Dr Keith Warrington Director of Doctoral studies at Regent’s Theological College who unlocked the doors of a doctoral level theological based study. Warm thanks also go to the eminent Pentecostal / AoG Historians whose continued help and kind advice from the outset have been invaluable; Dr Richard Massey, Des Cartwright (who I was privileged to meet during the early phase of PhD study but was promoted to glory shortly afterwards), and Professor William K. Kay who was a staunch encourager, supporter and informal cheerleader throughout the process. These enthusiastic Pentecostal scholars were also trustees of the Donald Gee archive and their support in giving access to the electronic resources (at a time when the physical hard copy archive was ‘in storage’ due to building works and inaccessible to students) made the data gathering a really positive experience. Thanks also go to Dr Anne Dyer who looked after the practicalities of making the Donald Gee Archive electronic resources available. In a similar respect, thanks go to Dr David Petts who generously shared his personal archive with me containing AoG documents from 1964–2006 that were not available through other sources.
My thanks also go to the local church leaders – the often unsung heroes – who agreed to be part of this study, along with heartfelt appreciation for the members of the AoG National Leadership Team at the time who created availability in their busy schedules, gave their invaluable input and shared their hearts; John Partington; Grayson Jones; Phil Pye; Garry Rucci; Ian Williams; Ian Watson; and finally my fellow academic Dr John Andrews whose enthusiasm for the PhD from the outset was a great encouragement.
Until one begins the process of producing a monograph from a PhD, it is extremely hard to anticipate exactly how much work, additional writing and
You will keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you
because he trusts in you
Isaiah 26:3
king james 2000 Bible