The Assemblies of God
Theological Seminary
March 2011 Press ReleaseFor Immediate Release

Professor Elected New Executive Director of Society for Pentecostal Studies

 

loisSpringfield, Mo--March 22, 2011--Dr. Lois Olena, professor at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS), was elected March 12 as executive director of the Society for Pentecostal Studies (SPS) at the group's 40th Annual Meeting in Memphis, Tenn.

 

SPS is the world's largest international community of scholars working within the Pentecostal and Charismatic traditions and publishes Pneuma: The Journal of the Society for Pentecostal Studies. Over 300 scholars and students gathered at this year's annual meeting.

Dr. Olena serves AGTS as the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) project coordinator, editor of Encounter: Journal for Pentecostal Ministry and visiting professor of practical theology and Jewish studies. She earned her D.Min. from AGTS in 2006. She has contributed to the books We've Come This Far: Reflections on the Pentecostal Tradition and also Forgiveness, Reconciliation, and Restoration: Multidisciplinary Studies from a Pentecostal Perspective. Olena authored the official biography of Stanley M. Horton entitled Stanley M. Horton: Shaper of Pentecostal Theology. She also teaches courses in Jewish studies and theology at Evangel University and AGTS.

"We are grateful to have Dr. Olena in this influential role with SPS," said AGTS President Byron D. Klaus, " and so proud that she is a member of the AGTS community."

Dr. Olena is the first woman elected to serve as executive director, a five-year term. She will now manage the Society's day-to-day business from her office in Springfield, Mo. Olena succeeds Dr. David Roebuck, the director of the Dixon Pentecostal Research Center (Cleveland, TN), who served for 8 years.

Also at this meeting of the SPS, the late Dr. Gary B. McGee, AGTS distinguished professor emeritus of church history and Pentecostal studies, received the Pneuma Book Award for his book, Miracles, Missions and American Pentecostalism, published after his death. His wife, Alice, and daughter, Catherine, received the award on his behalf.  

   

AGTS is one of the world's leading Pentecostal seminaries. Degrees offered include a Ph.D. in Bible and Theology, Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies, Doctor of Ministry, Doctor of Missiology, M.Div. and four M.A.s.  Classes are offered in Springfield, Mo.; Sacramento and Scotts Valley, Calif.; Kirkland, Wash.; and Orlando, Fla. In addition to traditional classes, a variety of alternative class formats include online classes, week-long modules and weekend classes. For more information visit www.agts.edu or call 1-800-467-AGTS.

 




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