Growing up Pentecostal is the true confession of an ultimate insider among Pentecostal ministers. This is a tale of his childhood antics and his spiritual odyssey. He gives a disarmingly honest account of his struggle to come to terms with his own calling as he traveled throughout America as a teenage preacher.

Growing Up Pentecostal

J. Stephen Conn
Xulon Press (2006)
ISBN 1600340857
Reviewed by Tammy Petty Conrad for Reader Views (4/06)


In this charming book, the author reminisces about growing up in a large, religious family. J. Stephen Conn reminds us of the simpler times during the mid-twentieth century. It made me long for those days when children could roam their neighborhoods all day and no parents worried. In addition, as a Pentecostal preacher's kid, Stephen shares an insider’s view of growing up within a religion often ridiculed by members of other faiths.

“It has never been cool to be Pentecostal. Even as a very young child I was well aware that we were different from other people.” Not only will you learn about a religion you may not be familiar with, but you will also be exposed to the antics involved in a family with twelve children. After reading about some of the misadventures, I had to wonder if they all lived to adulthood! As an explanation, the author offers “It is said the angels watch over children and fools.” You must read it to find out about the Blind People’s Club. And yes, more than once one of the kids was left behind and not noticed for hours.

Early on, Stephen began preaching to his friends anytime he found an opportunity. One scene finds him still in elementary school preaching to his brothers, sisters and the neighborhood kids beneath the weeping willow in the backyard. Serious about his religion and witnessing to others, Conn notes “As far as I was concerned, it was now or never – do or die – turn or burn – Heaven or Hell.” Whether or not you appreciate the Pentecostal faith, you can’t help but admire the author’s passion for his faith.

In a refreshing presentation, he shares the moment he was born again and how he felt as the Holy Spirit took over at one camp meeting. He even admitted to bullying his friend about going to Hell because of his behavior. As a youngster, he hadn’t yet learned when to back off before the tears welled up. Stephen grew up to be a preacher like his father and served in ministry for forty years, visiting every state, and traveling on five continents.

This easygoing read had me chuckling from time to time and there was even an Aha moment when he introduced his family’s version of the Frisbee before its actual invention. I enjoyed reading about the prices in “the old days” and how hard kids worked to make their own pocket money, even college tuition.

The author’s goal was for the book to “… serve as a record of the Classical Pentecostal church as I once knew it….” I recommend this read for everyone who enjoys memoirs, as well as anyone curious about large families or other faiths. There’s something here for everyone!