J. Roswell Flower: A Brief Biography

J. Roswell Flower was adrift in his late teens. When he surrendered himself to Jesus Christ at age nineteen his heart found a home in the Pentecostal Movement. Soon his mind was exhilarated by studying the Bible church history and theology. Slowly he began to realize he was called to full time ministry. Attracted by the announcement of a convention to encourage greater cooperation among Pentecostal groups he went to what proved to be the founding meeting of the General Council of the Assemblies of God. Flower was elected as secretary of the new organization. He loved the Councils guiding principles of unity voluntary cooperation and fellowship which at the same time protected the autonomy of local congregations. They guided his ministry for the next forty-six years as a local pastor as a district superintendent and as general secretary. Flower never wavered in his commitment to the classical Pentecostal doctrine of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. He spent much time in the last two decades of his public ministry teaching the principles and the denominations position on Spirit-baptism to the new generations of Assemblies of God youth both in the United States and abroad. As the last living child of Reverend J. Roswell Flower I wish to express my respect for my father. His life included raising six children all of whom entered the ministry. His example and leadership inspired us and hundreds more. I am grateful for this biography. David has captured my fathers heart of service. I trust that those who read it will gain a deeper appreciation of his life and contribution to the Christian faith around the world. --David W. Flower Reverend Ringer advances the cause of early Pentecostal history by making the story of J. R. Flower accessible both to a generation for whom Flower is legendary and to one as yet unacquainted with this familys rich contribution. --Lois E. Olena D.Min. Project Coordinator Assemblies of God Theological Seminary David Ringer has written a compelling biography of J. Roswell Flower. Flower perhaps more than any other shaped the long-term direction of the Assemblies of God. . . . I highly recommend every minister and layperson in the Assemblies of God read this book. --George O. Wood General Superintendent General Council of the Assemblies of God David Ringers biography of J. Roswell Flower is a remarkable achievement. Ringer brings to life this luminary of the formative phase of the Assemblies of God through a sympathetic exposition of Flowers writings and accomplishments as an educator ecumenist denominational leader and minister of the Word. --Eric N. Newberg Professor of Theological and Historical Studies Oral Roberts University Here is the biography of J. Roswell Flower whose very name has come to be synonymous with the Assemblies of God. . . . This is a must-read for all students of early twentieth century Christian history. --Stanley M. Burgess Author; Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies Missouri State University David K. Ringer retired from College of the Ozarks in 2014. Previously Ringer taught at Oral Roberts University. He holds degrees from the University of Chicago and the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary.