SPRINGFIELD, Missouri — Rev. Joseph Lear, Ph.D., director of theology and global church ministries in Evangel University’s College of Online Learning, has released a new book titled Resurrecting Worship: A Pentecostal Liturgy for Slow Burn Revival.
The book offers a pastoral and theological framework for revitalizing declining congregations through worship practices rooted in Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and community life. Drawing from his first-hand experience of how God brought renewal to a near-dead church in Iowa City, Iowa, Lear illustrates how intentional, Spirit-led worship can bring sustainable transformation to local churches.
In Resurrecting Worship, Lear describes how renewed emphasis on preaching, sacramental practices, hospitality, and intergenerational community life helped a struggling congregation become a vibrant home for families, immigrants, scholars, and neighbors experiencing homelessness. He calls this approach “slow-burn revival,” emphasizing long-term spiritual formation over quick-fix models.
“Joseph’s commitment to scholarship and Pentecostal worship redefined is clear in his writing,” said Evangel University President Mike Rakes. “By emphasizing the centrality of Scripture, the significance of prophetic preaching, and the role of communal worship, he offers a perspective that strengthens the local church.”
Assemblies of God (AG) General Superintendent Doug Clay and AG Theological Counsel Dr. Allen Tennison also endorsed the book, affirming its deep theological reflection and practical value for ministry leaders.
Lear is an Evangel alum (’07) and holds an MAR in Christian Ethics from Yale University and a Ph.D. in New Testament and Early Christianity from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. In addition to his role at EU, he is a church revitalizer and serves as pastor of preaching and theology at Resurrection Assembly of God in Iowa City, IA.
Resurrecting Worship is Lear’s second book. His first, What Shall We Do?: Eschatology and Ethics in Luke-Acts, was published in 2018.
Purchase Information: Resurrecting Worship: A Pentecostal Liturgy for Slow Burn Revival is available through major booksellers. Purchase links and additional information can be found at https://bio.site/josephmlear.
Lear’s book adds to Evangel University’s growing body of faculty scholarship contributing to Pentecostal thought and practice around the world.
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Evangel University, with the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS), is a comprehensive, Spirit-led Christian university in Springfield, Missouri. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. Under the leadership of Dr. Mike Rakes, Evangel educates and equips students to serve the Church and society globally. Evangel offers more than 70 degree programs, including cutting-edge majors, pre-professional pathways, and flexible online options.
Recent recognition includes:
- Top 15% of Christian Colleges in America — Niche (2026)
- Top Performer in Social Mobility — U.S. News & World Report (2026)
- Best Christian University — Colleges of Distinction (2026)
Evangel also holds program accreditations in business, counseling, music, social work, and theology, and is certified as an Excellence in Giving university. Learn more at evangel.edu.