How did Pentacostalism become the fastest-growing movement within Christendom in the 20th century? Faupel contends that Pentecostalism was propelled onto the world stage when early adherents felt comissioned by God to announce that Christ would soon return to establish his kingdom on earth. The gift of tongues would equip them supernaturally to proclaim this message to the nations in the language of the people. Although this expectation was soon disproved, the eschatological hope nevertheless remained the motivating force for Pentacostalism's rapid growth.