Jesse L. Heath, M.A.T.S. (Liberty University), M.Div. (Liberty University)
Thesis Title: ‘The Influence of the Radical Holiness Movement on the Theology of Entire Sanctification in the Early Pentecostal Holiness Church’ (NTC)
This study will entail a historical analysis of the formation of the doctrine, discipline, and practice of entire sanctification in the early founders of the Fire-Baptized Holiness Church (FBHC), Benjamin H. Irwin and Joseph H. King, and the Pentecostal Holiness Church of North Carolina (PHCNC), Ambrose B. Crumpler and Gaston B. Cashwell (1890s-1910s). The early Pentecostal Holiness Church (PHC) adapted a modified version of John Wesley’s doctrine of entire sanctification due to inspirations from nineteenth-century Methodists and leaders within the Radical Holiness Movement. These influences arose within Methodism in the Southeastern United States during the Postbellum Era, Gilded Age, and Progressive Era (c. 1865-1920). The research will follow a developmental-narrative model of historical theology, while also integrating insights from social network theory into crucial relationships to explain the impetus of the early PHC’s theological creed and praxis of sanctification and its subsequent modifications.
Biographical Information:
Jesse has been involved in higher education as an instructional designer, LMS admin, and faculty teaching history, Bible, and theology since 2014. He works at Oklahoma City University, a United Methodist Church affiliated institution, as an Instructional Designer and Technologist in the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. Before transitioning to OCU, Jesse served on the faculty Southwestern Christian University, an International Pentecostal Holiness Church affiliated institution, in Bethany, Oklahoma. He is an Adjunct Instructor of Bible and Theology for Southeastern University (SEU), an Assemblies of God affiliated institution, in Lakeland, Florida. Jesse was a credentialed minister with the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC) for 18 years and worked in the IPHC Archives & Research Center from 2013-2018. He has also served as the Secretary-Treasurer for the Society for Pentecostal Studies since 2019. Jesse is a confirmed member of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma.
Co-Supervisors: Geordan Hammond and David Bundy
Papers and Publications
“Trauma and Habitual Sins: Can Trama Hinder Deliverance?” Paper presentation, 53rd annual meeting of the Society for Pentecostal Studies, Candler School of Theology, Atlanta, March 14-16, 2024.
“Sin Properly and Improperly So Called: A Wesleyan (Re)Evaluation of Habitual Sin.” Sacrum Testamentum 2 (July 2021). https://sacratestamentum.wixsite.com/sacrum-testamentum/volume-2
“Sanctification Is Not A Bad Word.” Encourage 3, no. 5 (May 2016): 6-7.