There are many stigmas both within Christian and non-Christian circles surrounding the word Pentecostal. Although Norris’ essay on “Pentecostal” ends on a somewhat positive note, the overall picture is a negative one. This essay leaves an overall undesirable image because of the strong stereotypical evidence against Pentecostal, and the lack of supporting positive evidence.
The Christians that unite under such a word as Pentecostal have had some marks of disgrace. Norris states that “Mainstream Christians often dismiss Pentecostals as looney tunes; anti-intellectual in their theology, overemotional in their worship.” (Norriss pg. 344) This only affirms the stain on Pentecostals reputation. There can be no other outcome when only strong evidence that speaks mostly of downfalls is given. Accomplishments like this writing only adds to the arsenal of misconception that many already have. There is however no description of the posture of those who first experienced Pentecost in North America that would provide a more healthy view of the Pentecostal.
There is much to say in favor of the word Pentecostal and for North America it occurred with the Azusa Street mission. The events and happenings surrounding this modern day Pentecost had a tremendous impact in its time as well as impact that would prove to be long lasting. There came to be many new church congregations founded across the country that stemmed from the significance of seeking baptism of the Spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues. Now there is said to be thousands upon thousands who attribute their lives with the word Pentecostal. When Norris explains that “Unfortunately, the marvellous understanding celebrated at the original Pentecost has faded into the background” (Norriss pg. 344) she is for sure missing the bigger picture of those who adhere to such understandings today.
The people who are involved with Pentecostal churches worldwide are only increasing more and more. To say that they are just people who produce red flags in those who are better educated is just wrong. The bulk of Pentecostals around the world reach out to both the poor and working class. The people groups outside of these churches are not invited to give in to emotional manipulation by Pentecostals who are simply not intellectual. Instead they are invited to join the excitement of life that comes from experiencing a powerfully present God who brings great joy and purpose to his people.
Participants in Pentecostal services have s strong expectation for God to reveal himself. This leads to services that follow a God who is present and involved, sometimes in surprising ways. Certain events surrounding this have caused some reflags to be noted among people such as Norris. However the strong evidence that gives a back bone to these cases is the accountability among leadership. Within Pentecostal churches there is a great system put in place that ensures both personal and corporate accountability. With this in place the ultimate goal of such services can in fact be met and noted in the world as something different but not farfetched. Those that gather under the name Pentecostal ought to have a result of visible change in their life. Because of the experience they have they often display great joy that without proper explanation can lead to being viewed as negative.
When the word Pentecostal is defined there is often disconnect between the first appearance of it in the book of Acts and modern day dishonours of it. Instead there should be a balanced explanation of the events that occurred throughout history that have lead for such stigmas to exist today. When this is done there is great evidence that leaves such stigmas aside. The word Pentecostal should be defined by its fruit, not stereotypes such as the looney tunes. There should be emphasis on a group of people who separate themselves from the culture of the world to seek God and as a result of meeting him change and then reach others.

Out Line
Thesis:
This essay leaves an overall undesirable image because of the strong stereotypical evidence against Pentecostal, and the lack of supporting positive evidence.
1st ---Explain details on the negative support
2nd – Explain details to set the foundation of positive support
3rd ---statistics and other current evidence of positive support
Conclusion:
--State the main issue that her essay brings up but fails to accurately explain
Bibliography
Dayton, Donald W. "Theological Roots of Pentecostalism". Pneuma: The Journal of the Society for Pentecostal Studies 2, Pg 3-21
“Pentecostalism”, Evangelical Dictionary of Theology
History of the Pentecostal Church textbook