Shifting horizons: A testimony of hermeneutical transformation and reading scripture

This article is a personal testimony of how biblical and theological formal education has shaped hermeneutical-theological thinking and ministerial praxis. The article is divided into four parts. The first part presents the personal testimony of the early faith journey and outlines theological formation - the first theological horizon. The second part outlines the hermeneutical learning curve that unfolded during my biblical studies. The hermeneutical development of reading Scripture has entailed not only methodological changes in how to read but also a more confident Pentecostal identity and a constructively critical reading of classical Pentecostal traditions. The third part tackles a struggle between the church and academia. Finally, some suggestions to improve biblical scholarship's positive influence in the European Pentecostal forum are offered. The article is a witness to how devoted faithfulness to Christ and biblical scholarship are not mutually exclusive. Both are needed in the European context and can serve the same purpose, namely, to advance the gospel in Europe.