Pentecostal Neo-Primitivism: The Theological Framework

Dony K. Donev, D.Min., is a Pentecostal theologian, historian, and minister associated with institutions like the Pentecostal Theological Seminary and Lee University, where he has taught classes such as Intro to Digital Discipleship. His work focuses on Pentecostal history, leadership, primitivism, and practical theology, often drawing from Bulgarian Protestant contexts and global Pentecostalism. Below, I outline the key theological frameworks and terms he has coined or developed, based on his publications, articles, and teachings. These emphasize spiritual renewal, community, and missional application within Pentecostal traditions.1. U.S.H.E.R. Model of Communion

• Description: This is a theological framework for understanding the dynamics of Communion (the Lord’s Supper) as foundational to disciple growth in Christian catechism. It identifies five key elements: Unity (fostering communal bonds), Sanctification (personal holiness through the Spirit), Hope (eschatological assurance), Ecclesial communion (church fellowship), and Redemptive mission (outward evangelistic calling). The model positions Communion not as an isolated ritual but as a catalyst for ongoing spiritual formation and mission.
• Coined: During the Covid-19 pandemic (circa 2020–2021) as part of his “Intro to Digital Discipleship” class at Lee University.
• Key Ideas and Evidence: It builds on biblical Communion texts (e.g., 1 Corinthians 11:23–26) and Pentecostal emphases on experiential faith, adapting traditional catechism for digital and crisis contexts. No specific case studies are detailed in public sources, but it addresses post-pandemic disciple-making challenges.
• Contributions: Emphasizes Communion’s role in digital discipleship, linking ritual to practical growth.

2. Pentecostal Paradigm for Leadership

• Description: A leadership model redefining ministry in Pentecostal contexts through three core factors: (1) Leadership of the Spirit (divine calling and vision via the Holy Spirit), (2) Holiness Lifestyle (integrity and sanctification as ethical foundations), and (3) Emphasis on Community (team-based, accountable servant-leadership). It contrasts with secular or hierarchical models, promoting a “servant-church” ethos.
• Coined: In his paper “Pentecostal Paradigm for Leadership” (published on Cup & Cross Ministries).
• Key Ideas and Evidence: Draws from biblical servant leadership (e.g., Christ as the “suffering servant” in Isaiah 53 and Philippians 2), historical Pentecostal examples (e.g., early church community in Acts and Bulgarian Pentecostals under Communist persecution), and contextual analysis (e.g., Bulgaria’s post-1989 crises with ethnic diversity in churches like Samokov and Razlog). Proof includes axioms: leadership solves problems in people-groups, proven by church growth data (e.g., 20.3% Roma-Gypsy members in Bulgarian Church of God).
• Contributions: Addresses leadership crises in postmodern and cross-cultural settings, integrating “Theology of the Persecuted Church” (a related concept he references, though not explicitly coined by him).

3. Pentecostal Primitivism

• Description: A theological approach advocating the preservation and reclamation of early Pentecostal experiences—expressed through power (miracles), prayer (spiritual intimacy), and praxis (practical ministry)—to resolve identity crises in modern Pentecostalism. It calls for returning to “primitive” (original) roots while adapting to contemporary challenges.
• Coined: In his book Pentecostal Primitivism Preserved (2012).
• Key Ideas and Evidence: Rooted in historical primitivism (e.g., Azusa Street Revival) and biblical precedents (e.g., Acts 2’s outpouring). Evidence includes critiques of institutional drift in Pentecostalism, with examples from Bulgarian Protestant history (e.g., persecution fostering authentic faith). The framework posits primitivism as a solution to existential questions like identity and purpose.
• Contributions: Offers a renewal strategy for global Pentecostalism, emphasizing experiential faith over formalism.

4. 50/20 Principle

• Description: A biblical principle derived from Genesis 50:20 (“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good”), framing God’s faithfulness in transforming harm into redemptive good. It serves as a framework for understanding divine vision fulfillment amid adversity.
• Coined: In his article “The 50/20 Principle Reexamined” (2025, on Cup & Cross Ministries).
• Key Ideas and Evidence: Illustrates God’s sovereignty in trials, with Joseph’s story as the primary example. Proof involves reevaluating the verse’s application to personal and communal crises, emphasizing completion of divine promises.
• Contributions: Applies to leadership and discipleship, encouraging resilience in persecuted or challenged contexts.

Donev’s work often intersects Pentecostal history (e.g., Bulgarian revivals, figures like Ivan Voronaev) with practical theology, as seen in his reviews of Bibles (e.g., Fire Bible, Spirit Filled Life Bible) and articles on Pneuma Review. He cofounded the Institute of Bulgarian Protestant History and contributes to global Pentecostal discourse, but no additional coined terms were identified beyond these. His frameworks frequently draw from Eastern European pietism and emphasize Spirit-led community in digital and persecuted settings.

The Pentecostal Triangle of Primitive Faith: A Framework of Experience and Restoration

Introduction

Pentecostal theology has long emphasized the experiential dimension of faith—where divine encounter, spiritual gifts, and communal expression converge. Among the contemporary voices shaping this discourse, Dony K. Donev offers a compelling framework known as the Pentecostal Triangle of Primitive Faith, which seeks to restore the apostolic essence of early Christianity. This essay explores the theological contours of Donev’s model and compares it with other influential Pentecostal and charismatic paradigms.

The Triangle: Prayer, Power, Praxis

At the heart of Donev’s framework lies a triadic structure:

• Prayer: The foundation of spiritual intimacy and divine communication. Donev views prayer not merely as a discipline but as the gateway to supernatural encounter.
• Power: Manifested through the gifts of the Spirit—healing, prophecy, tongues, and miracles. This element reflects the Pentecostal emphasis on dunamis, the Greek term for divine power.
• Praxis: The lived expression of faith within the community. Praxis includes evangelism, social justice, and communal worship, embodying the Spirit’s transformative work in daily life.

This triangle is not hierarchical but interdependent. Prayer leads to power, power fuels praxis, and praxis deepens prayer. Donev’s model thus reflects a restorationist impulse, aiming to recover the vibrancy of the early church as seen in Acts.

Comparison with Wesleyan Quadrilateral

The Wesleyan Quadrilateral—Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience—has historically shaped Methodist and Holiness theology. Pentecostals have often adopted this model, emphasizing experience as a key source of theological reflection.

However, Donev critiques this framework as insufficient for Pentecostal identity. He argues that Pentecostalism is not merely an extension of Wesleyanism but a distinct restoration movement. While Wesley’s model is epistemological, Donev’s triangle is ontological and missional, rooted in being and doing rather than knowing.

Comparison with Classical Pentecostal Theology

Classical Pentecostalism, as shaped by early 20th-century leaders like Charles Parham and William Seymour, emphasized:

• Initial evidence doctrine: Speaking in tongues as proof of Spirit baptism.
• Dispensational eschatology: A belief in imminent rapture and end-times urgency.
• Holiness ethics: A call to moral purity and separation from the world.

Donev’s framework diverges by focusing less on doctrinal distinctives and more on spiritual vitality and historical continuity. His emphasis on praxis aligns with newer Pentecostal movements that prioritize social engagement and global mission.

Comparison with Charismatic Theology

Charismatic theology, especially within mainline and evangelical churches, often emphasizes:

• Renewal within existing traditions
• Broad acceptance of spiritual gifts
• Less emphasis on tongues as initial evidence

Donev’s triangle shares the Charismatic focus on spiritual gifts but retains a Pentecostal distinctiveness through its restorationist lens. He seeks not just renewal but recovery of primitive faith, making his model more radical in its ecclesiological implications.

Eastern European Context and Trinitarian Theology

Donev’s work is also shaped by his Bulgarian heritage. He highlights how early Bulgarian Pentecostals embraced a Trinitarian theology informed by Eastern Orthodox pneumatology. This contrasts with Western Pentecostalism’s often fragmented view of the Spirit.

His emphasis on free will theology—influenced by Arminianism and Orthodox thought—also sets his framework apart from Calvinist-leaning Charismatic circles.

Conclusion

Dony K. Donev’s Pentecostal Triangle of Primitive Faith offers a rich, experiential, and historically grounded model for understanding Pentecostal spirituality. By centering prayer, power, and praxis, Donev reclaims the apostolic fervor of the early church while challenging existing theological paradigms. His framework stands as a bridge between classical Pentecostalism, Charismatic renewal, and Eastern Christian traditions—inviting believers into a deeper, more dynamic walk with the Spirit.