Philippians 3:10–11
Is suffering something to be avoided, overcome or understood as part of our spiritual formation?
Much of the way Christians understand suffering is shaped by how we view the suffering of Christ. Our perspectives are formed not only by Scripture, but also by personal experience, family, culture and the communities in which we live and worship.
The Center for Global Pentecostal Studies and Practice (CGPSP) invites you to a virtual seminar exploring Suffering in Light of Pentecostal Theology Rooted in the Cross. Dr. Mary Wanjiku Kihuha will lead a discussion examining suffering, lament and participation in Christ’s suffering from a Pentecostal perspective, including the tension between enduring suffering and overcoming it through faith.
Respondents representing a variety of theological, cultural and ministry contexts will interact with Dr. Kihuha’s presentation and consider how our own contexts shape the ways we understand and respond to suffering. The conversation will explore themes including lament, prayer, spiritual formation, bearing the cross and the ways suffering can form the character of Christ within individuals and communities.
The 75-minute seminar will include Dr. Kihuha’s presentation, responses from each scholar, moderated discussion and questions submitted by participants.
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Mary Wanjiku Kihuha
Dr. Kihuha is a researcher and scholar specializing in Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity in Africa. She serves as Lecturer of World Christianity and Missiology at Pan Africa Christian University in Nairobi and as Secretary of the Africa Society of Evangelical Theology. She earned her Ph.D. in World Christianity and Mission Studies from Yonsei University and has served as a visiting scholar at Calvin University through the Nagel Institute of World Christianity.
Respondents
Dr. Marcia Clarke
Dr. Clarke is adjunct faculty at Vanguard University of Southern California and a visiting lecturer at London School of Theology. A practical theologian and ordained minister in the Church of God (Cleveland, TN), her research interests include Pentecostal studies, women in ministry, Christian spirituality and formation. She also serves as Pastor for Spiritual Formation and Discipleship at New Beginnings Church in Simi Valley, California.
Dr. Bill Oliverio
Dr. Oliverio is Graduate Scholar Advisor at Life Pacific University, where he supports prospective and current graduate students exploring LPU Seminary’s master’s and doctoral programs. He has more than two decades of experience in theological education, has written or edited five books and serves as Editor-in-Chief of Pneuma: The Journal of the Society for Pentecostal Studies.
Dr. Sanna P. Urvas
Dr. Urvas is Professor of Systematic Theology at the Theological School of Finland. She earned her doctorate from the University of Helsinki with a concentration in Ecumenical Theology. She serves with the Pentecostal World Fellowship’s Christian Unity Commission and Creation Care Task Force and writes on theology, environmental issues and women’s rights.
Moderator
Rev. Dr. Andrew K. Opie
Dr. Opie is Visiting Professor of Bible & Mission and Director of the Center for Global Pentecostal Studies and Practice at Life Pacific University. He earned his Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School with research focused on the theology of disability. An ordained Foursquare minister, he continues to write and teach on disability, theology and the mission of the Church.
Thursday, September 17, 2026
9:00–10:15 a.m. Pacific Time
Virtual Seminar