P. C. Nelson’s First Sermon

This Week in AG History — July 15, 1939

By Darrin Rodgers
Originally published on AG-News, Mon, 15 Jul 2013 – 6:57 PM CST

Peter Christopher Nelson (1868-1942), the legendary Assemblies of God educator and theologian, had a rocky beginning in the ministry. His first sermon, delivered in 1889 as a budding Baptist preacher, was heard by a small crowd of 35 people. He was not sure if his message deserved the title “sermon.” He instead called it “my feeble effort.” He recalled, “Although nobody expected very much of me, all were disappointed.” Only two people returned to hear the young P. C. Nelson’s second sermon. Despite feeling crushed and questioning his call to the ministry, Nelson persevered in pursuing his vocation.

This experience of failure caused Nelson to place great value on education and sermon preparation. Nelson wrote about the lessons he learned from his first sermon in the July 15, 1939, issue of the Pentecostal Evangel. 

Read the entire article by P. C. Nelson, “My Jubilee Sermon,” on page 1 of the July 15, 1939, issue of the Pentecostal Evangel.

Also featured in this issue:

* “The Prayers of the Prodigal,” by John Wright Follette

* “What Wonders God Hath Wrought,” by H. A. Baker

And many more!

Click here to read this issue now.

Pentecostal Evangel archived editions courtesy of the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center. For current editions of the Evangel, click here.

Do you have Pentecostal historical materials that should be preserved? Please consider depositing these materials at the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center (FPHC). The FPHC, located in the Assemblies of God national offices, is the largest Pentecostal archive in the world. We would like to preserve and make your treasures accessible to those who write the history books.

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