4.4 A leader takes the initiative

elected trustees can never appoint a man to a spiritual calling. This is something which belongs to God. He kept this power in reserve for Himself in matters pertaining to His Church.

‛27

In October 1972 he remarked, ‚my calling goes far beyond the Pentecostal Movement. I have always entertained the view that this revival was never intended for itself, on the contrary it is a revival for all Christians. I had an extremely strong feeling for my calling. This conviction has carried me through the personal initiative I have taken when I have not received support from the majority. I have had to struggle with most questions for a very long time before the masses have begun to accept what I have said.‛ He furthermore makes it clear that his ‚personal calling‛ refers to ‚the Swedish people‛ . ‚It is Sweden that has been my mission field and it is there I have unto this day carried a conscious responsibility for my actions.‛28

4.4 A leader takes the initiative

At the Wednesday meeting during the Nyhem conference in 1961 Pethrus remarked, ‚The Kingdom of God is not founded on civil servants who have been appointed by men but by those who receive their position from God.‛29 Five years later: ‚We do not elect our leaders. As a matter of fact the strongest men gain the power.‛ 30 This statement can be compared with one in an interview in 1968: ‚I believe in the personal initiative in God’s Church. I myself have had a strong feeling that I have really been called to be God' s servant and I was never in doubt as to my calling. My ideas have often been accepted in the Revival. The members are so loyal to the Bible that it is enough to quote a few words from the scriptures in order to rouse their interest for a certain idea.‛31 Concerning successors, he remarked: ‚I hope that the Pentecostal Movement in the future will have a leader who has the spiritual capacity of initiative, who is on fire for his calling. If a leader should be elected collectively, yes, then

_________________ 27 Den Kristne nr 3 1948, p. 65, 66, Pethrus, 1955, p. 285, 286. – Compare Lewi Pethrus,

‛Församlingens styrelsesätt‛ . 28 Lewi Pethrus, interview 27.10.72. – Compare Pethrus 1969, p. 100. 29 Expressen 15.6.61. – Compare Pethrus 1969, p. 37-39. 30 Expressen 20.6.66. 31 Beijbom & Gustafson 1968, p. 112.