Abstract

This paper considers two Pentecostal assemblies in Eastern France - the Église Évangélique de Pentecôte of Besançon (Franche-Comté) and the Porte Ouverte Chrétienne of Mulhouse (Alsace), focusing on their pastors. The exemplary nature of the pastors' life stories, the central role that pastors have in the relationship with the Holy Spirit during the religious rituals, and the charismatic inspiration of their biblical preaching legitimize the pastors as indispensable intermediaries between the believer and God. The pastor is the supreme guide, through whom divine power descends daily onto the congregation, filling the chosen therein assembled with its grace. Claiming privileged access to divine inspiration, the pastors handle the institutionalization of charismatic gifts and hold the right to decide the general orientation of the congregation.