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The scholarly review by Russell P. Spittler introduces *Pentecost, Mission, and Ecumenism: Essays on Intercultural Theology*, a *Festschrift* compiled in honor of Professor Walter J. Hollenweger, edited by Jan A.B. Jongeneel et al. This collection, comprising 26 essays from Hollenweger’s students and colleagues, serves to broaden the conventional understanding of the Swiss scholar. While widely known in North America for his historical work on global Pentecostalism and his theological explorations, the volume reveals Hollenweger’s multifaceted identity as an ecumenist, churchman, poet, playwright, liturgist, noted polyglot fluent in 20 languages, media scriptwriter, interpreter for prominent evangelists, and a practicing glossolalist. His personal aspiration, as quoted, was to be remembered as “a theologically trained artist,” an ambition profoundly reflected in the breadth of his contributions. The *Festschrift* itself is lauded as an exemplary model of its genre, demonstrating high editorial standards. It features essays of consistent competence, a nearly exhaustive 50-page bibliography of Hollenweger’s vast published output, an annotated list of contributors, and a comprehensive roster of his many mentored doctoral and master’s students, complete with their dissertation topics. Additional supplementary materials include an inserted *tabula gratulatoria* and a useful index of persons mentioned throughout the essays. However, the reviewer notes minor production shortcomings, such as inconsistent syllabification in typesetting and a less-than-thorough adoption of Anglo-American editorial conventions for an English-language publication, including unconventional abbreviations. The essays are thematically organized into biographical, historical, and missiological sections, predominantly in English with some translations or adaptations from other languages. Biographical contributions delve into Hollenweger’s formative experiences, tracing his journey from childhood poverty through early work in Swiss finance, his ordination as a Swiss Pentecostal minister, and his influential tenure at the World Council of Churches, where he championed global Pentecostal engagement. This period culminated in his ordination as a Swiss Reformed minister and the completion of his monumental multi-volume Th.D. dissertation on the Pentecostal movement, providing a unique background for his subsequent professorship in Mission at the University of Birmingham. His career is contextualized within the burgeoning growth of Pentecostal and charismatic movements, which by then outnumbered global Protestantism. Subsequent essays explore Hollenweger’s various roles as a theologian, ecumenist, professor, and even poet. The historical section offers diverse perspectives on Pentecostalism, ranging from its Black roots and key figures like William Durham to early social concerns, specific regional movements in Mexico, Norway, the Netherlands, South Africa, Korea, and Indonesia, and analyses of global Pentecostal statistics and evangelization strategies. Missiological topics engage with themes such as inculturation, power encounter, the Spirit’s role in mission, the paradigm of play in Pentecostal liturgy, and the intricate relationship between ecumenical theology and Pentecostalism, including the significant impact of the charismatic renewal on both Protestant and Roman Catholic traditions. Amidst these rich discussions, specific insights emerge, such as the observation that a substantial portion of global Pentecostals and charismatics reside in slums, or that major evangelistic plans often overlook the world’s least evangelized populations. A particularly poignant insight into Hollenweger’s own persona is offered through “The Frog’s Prayer,” a subtle autobiographical poem lamenting the “double existence” of navigating both secular and spiritual realms, and the challenges of being simultaneously understood and marginalized within Christian and non-believing contexts. In conclusion, the *Festschrift* stands as a highly commendable and appropriate tribute to Walter J. Hollenweger, recognizing his profound impact and diverse contributions. The collection effectively honors his legacy as a pioneering figure and the acknowledged “patriarch of university academic Pentecostals,” celebrating a career that significantly shaped the academic study of Pentecostalism and intercultural theology.
