Pentecostalism and the Eucharist in a digital age: A theological reflection on Bill Johnson’s praxis

Abstract

ABSTRACT During the Covid-19 pandemic most, if not all, Christian denominations moved their worship services online. While this may have been satisfactory in some respects, it caused problems for many liturgical traditions because of the centrality of the Eucharist as an act of worship. They struggled to decide whether it was legitimate to celebrate the sacrament online. However, Pentecostals and independent charismatic churches simply moved their eucharistic services online without too many obvious problems. Individuals sat at home with bread and fruit juice in front of their computer screens. Since the pandemic has passed, many people continue to sit in front of their computer screens or smartphones in order to participate in the Eucharist. But these practices raise some important and interesting theological questions from a Pentecostal perspective. This paper explores Pentecostal eucharistic theology using the example of Bill Johnson’s teaching praxis, as posted on the social medial platform YouTube. It offers a theological reflection on Pentecostal scholarship and makes suggestions as to how the discussion of Pentecostal eucharistic praxis may be developed.