Meticulous reconstruction of long-forgotten histories allowed the compilation of statistics,
such as the number of churches pioneered by female ministers (e.g., 29% of the state's
Assemblies of God churches and outstations started prior to 1941 were pioneered by women).
Rodgers also addresses issues in Pentecostal historiography, including Pentecostal
origins in Scandinavian pietism, early Pentecostals' community and political involvement,
and Pentecostal proclivities among ethnic groups (Anglos, Swedes, Norwegians, Germans,
Native Americans, African Americans, and Slavs). The study identifies two dozen Pentecostal
denominations or groups in the state and traces the development of each. Northern Harvest
is well-documented (containing 1,732 footnotes), its indices tally 497
cities and 2,843 personal names, and
nineteen pages of tables and charts contain extensive statistical data regarding Pentecostalism's
development across North Dakota.
In an endorsement of Northern Harvest, AGTS Professor Dr.
Gary B. McGee wrote:
"Historians have long known that the origins of early twentieth-century Pentecostalism
were far more complex than the revivals in Topeka, Kansas and Los Angeles, California
have suggested. In an impressively thorough study of North Dakota Pentecostalism,
Rodgers maps the people, spiritual and cultural dynamics, churches, and denominations
that made it happen. He also breaks new ground in showing the influence of Scandinavian
pietism on the early believers, a reminder that the roots of the movement go deep
into the heritage of evangelical revivalism. Northern Harvest provides students and
scholars with a new insightful study of one corner of American Pentecostalism. For
people in the pew, he shows them how they got to where they are on the pilgrimage
of faith."
North Dakota District Superintendent Rev. Leon Freitag wrote:
"Heritage is a gift from one generation to another. Northern Harvest reveals
God's working in the hearts of people in the towns and across the prairies of North
Dakota. Darrin Rodgers, through his love of history and his years of research, has
created a legacy that will be enjoyed by future generations. This book will evoke
memories for those who lived the history and belongs in the library of every pastor,
church, and member who has an interest in their Pentecostal heritage."
Darrin
J. Rodgers, a fourth-generation North Dakotan Pentecostal, is the son of John and Patricia
Rodgers. With his family, as a youth he attended two Grand Forks churches: Calvary Temple
Church of God and Valley Christian Center Assembly of God. He earned his B.A. in History
and Religion (Hillsdale College), M.A. In Theological Studies (Assemblies of God Theological
Seminary), and J.D. (University of North Dakota School of Law). In addition to authoring
Northern Harvest, he wrote articles published in Assemblies of God Heritage and the
New International Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements. Rodgers resides
in Bismarck, where he works for the State of North Dakota and attends Evangel Temple
Assembly of God.
Northern Harvest may be ordered from the North Dakota District Council of the Assemblies
of God for $14 for the first copy and $12 for each additional copy shipped to the same
address (prices include postage and handling to U.S. addresses). If shipping to a foreign
address, please include an additional $5 per book for postage. Send payment to: North
Dakota District Council of the Assemblies of God, P.O. Box 896, Bismarck, ND 58502.
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