Resourcing the Church. Remembering Our Roots. Empowering the Future.
vision
The Center for Global Pentecostal Studies and Practice (CGPSP) exists to resource and enrich the global Church through our shared Pentecostal history, theology, and identity—fueling Spirit-empowered ministry today and for generations to come.
mission
To equip God’s people with resources for a lived theology—empowered by the Holy Spirit, grounded in Pentecostal identity, and focused on global, incarnational, and developmental engagement.
our story
Born from a vision on a plane ride home from the Society for Pentecostal Studies, the CGPSP began as a dream in the heart of Dr. Andrew K. Opie. That dream became reality through conversations with President Angie Richey and Provost Daniel Ruarte, leading to the formation of a task force on July 24, 2023.
In September 2023, Life Pacific University held a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony, launching the CGPSP with a newly renovated prayer chapel and learning space at its heart. What started as an idea has now become a vibrant center for Spirit-empowered thought and practice.
CGPSP
Why Here? Why Now?
Los Angeles, the birthplace of the Azusa Street Revival and home to Sister Aimee Semple McPherson, is a fitting location for a center dedicated to Pentecostal study and renewal.
Just as Sister Aimee once etched “Dedicated to interdenominational and worldwide evangelism” into the cornerstone of Angeles Temple, we now dedicate this center to studying and living out that same Spirit-filled legacy in new and meaningful ways for today’s church.
Life Pacific University—with its rich Pentecostal heritage, interdenominational spirit, and commitment to innovation—is the ideal home for this center.
WHAT WE DO
The CGPSP fulfills its mission through:
Biannual webinars that speak to the heart of Pentecostal theology and contemporary church practice
Curated resources on Pentecostal history, theology, and global Spirit-empowered movements
A dedicated prayer chapel as a space for Spirit-led reflection, integration, and formation
We aim to bridge the gap between theology and practice, helping the church live more fully into her identity as a Spirit-empowered people.
OUR FOCUS
Theology + Practice
Theological Emphasis: Issues related to the Holy Spirit, Christ, and the lived experience of faith
Practical Integration: Worship, prayer, discipleship, and global church expressions
Global Perspective: Highlighting simultaneous Spirit movements around the world—from Korea to Chile, Scandinavia to India
Leadership
Director:
Dr. Andrew K. Opie, Ph.D.
Visiting Professor of Mission and Bible at Life Pacific University
Email: aopie@lifepacific.edu
Read his recent article: “Beauty from Brokenness”
Dr. Opie also hosts the upcoming podcast Blind Faith: Exploring Thoughts About God and This World, launching June 2025.
Advisory Board
The CGPSP is guided by a diverse and dynamic advisory board of scholars, pastors, and church leaders. Representing various traditions and cultural backgrounds, this board embodies the rich interdenominational and multicultural fabric of the global Pentecostal movement.
(Bios and photos coming soon—stay tuned!)
Looking Ahead
This is only the beginning.
We are currently laying the groundwork for:
Strategic partnerships
Scholarly symposiums
Research grants and study sabbaticals
Expanded digital archives and educational resources