“Sister” Aimie Semple McPherson: `Will You Go?` with Dr. W. Robert Godfrey

Rev. Chris Gordon and Dr. W. Robert Godfrey delve into the fascinating and complex life of Aimee Semple McPherson, a pivotal figure in the development of both evangelicalism and Pentecostalism. They explore her groundbreaking role as a female preacher, her innovative methods of ministry, and the controversies that surrounded her, including alleged faith healings and a mysterious disappearance. This discussion sheds light on the historical context of her ministry, the theological underpinnings of early Pentecostalism, and the enduring questions surrounding her legacy.

Chapters:
00:00:00 - Introducing "Sister" Aimee Semple McPherson
00:02:45 - Aimee's Unique Historical Context
00:03:50 - A "Woman" Preacher in Her Time
00:05:00 - Meeting Robert Semple and Early Ministry
00:07:20 - Widowhood and Return to America
00:08:30 - Salvation Army and Marriage Stipulations
00:09:00 - Entering the Public Spotlight
00:10:20 - Marriage to Harold McPherson and Call to Preach
00:11:40 - The Reformed Perspective on Aimee's Claims
00:13:00 - Early Pentecostal Theology and Miraculous Gifts
00:14:00 - Strong Personalities and Pentecostal Movements
00:16:15 - Aimee's Innovative Ministry Methods
00:17:00 - The Influence of Revivalism: From Finney to Billy Sunday
00:18:55 - "New Measures" and Pentecostalism
00:19:20 - The Significance of "Sister" Aimee
00:21:10 - Ministering to the Disenfranchised
00:23:10 - Embracing New Media for the Gospel
00:24:18 - Faith Healing and Angelus Temple
00:26:18 - Examining the Claims of Healing
00:27:00 - Questions of Authenticity
00:27:40 - Eyewitness Accounts and Doubts
00:27:45 - The Nature of Healing: Divine Gift or Psychological Phenomenon?
00:29:45 - Shifting Focus from Healing to Preaching
00:31:20 - Aimee: Revivalist vs. Pentecostal
00:33:30 - Angelus Temple and Los Angeles in the 1920s
00:36:40 - The Foursquare Gospel
00:37:00 - The Pressure to Produce Content
00:38:20 - Celebrity and the Press
00:39:30 - The Impact of Celebrity Culture
00:40:20 - Mother Kennedy's Role
00:43:00 - The Financial Demands of Ministry
00:43:40 - Personal Struggles and Family Conflicts
00:45:10 - The Burden of a Pastor's Children
00:45:45 - Breakdown and a "Long Trip"
00:46:50 - The Mysterious Disappearance
00:52:20 - Grand Jury Inquiries and Vindication Tour
00:53:00 - Rumors and Unpersuasive Evidence
00:56:00 - Declining Popularity
00:56:45 - Later Years and Death
00:59:20 - Final Thoughts on Aimee Semple McPherson

Tags: aimeesemplemcpherson, pentecostalism, evangelicalism, faithhealing, revivalism, womensermon, churchhistory, angelustemple, foursquaregospel, robertgodfrey, chrisgordon, theology, celebrity, controversy