Agnes Sanford and Her Companions: The Assault on Cessationism and the Coming of the Charismatic Renewal

Agnes Sanford was arguably the most original and spiritually fruitful theologians of the twentieth century. Among her achievements were the discovery and development of the inner healing ministry the development of a theology of the light of God (missing in Western theology) and the first ever theology of nature prayers--as in stilling storms. She and her husband developed a school to teach ministers and lay leaders healing and deliverance prayer and the gifts of the Spirit a decade before the charismatic renewal made such things acceptable in mainline churches. In spite of these achievements she is largely ignored and unrecognized today. This work examines her career and shows why her theology though deeply biblical was unacceptable to orthodox critics. Sanford was part of a group who worked from the 1900s through the 1960s to make healing and deliverance prayer as normal in church. They had to confront the erroneous established theology of cessationism which affirmed that the healing ministry of the church was past. The important role played by Agnes Sanford in the history of healing ministry is one that needs telling and De Arteaga is well placed to tell it. . . . Anyone interested in the history of Sanford or who wants to understand how to encourage healing ministry in the life of the church will find this book a very rewarding read. --Justyn Terry Dean President and Professor of Systematic Theology Trinity School for Ministry Ambridge PA This inspiring book shows how one dedicated person can by persistence change the mindset of an entire group of people. From healing prayer being the activity of a small group it has now become ordinary especially in family members praying for one another. --Francis and Judith MacNutt Founders of Christian Healing Ministries Inc. De Arteagas perspective on the move of God in healing for the denominations is never overshadowed by the rise of Pentecostalism in non-denominational churches alongside the Charismatic Movement. . . . De Arteaga brings honor to a great lady in Sanford. --The Rev. Dr. Jack Sheffield co-founder of Deep River Ministries Director of the North American branch of the Order of St. Luke Agnes Sanford--a name still recognized as a twentieth century pioneer & practitioner--evoked and still evokes much controversy. . . . I welcome this book as one which both promotes and encourages reflection and ministry. --Sean E. Larkin Archbishop The United Anglican Church Province II De Arteaga is a remarkable scholar. . . . [O]ne need not agree with every aspect of his historical theological approach to explain the importance of Agnes Sanford but his big picture view makes this book a must-read. --Dr. Gottfried Sommer church historian pastor guest lecturer for historical theology and apologetics Germany Rev. William De Arteaga is both an Anglican priest and historian. His articles blog posts and books especially Quenching the Spirit (1996) and Forgotten Power (2002) have long attracted attention among Pentecostal and charismatic audiences. He pastored two Hispanic congregations and has been the chaplain the Order of St. Luke in Georgia for over a decade. He and his wife Carolyn have ministered healing inner healing and deliverance together for over three decades.