“When the Fire Fell” Historical and Narrative Perspectives on the Charismatic Leadership of T. B. Barratt

The study examines the leadership of Thomas Ball Barratt, described as the apostle of the Pentecostal movement in Europe, through the lenses of narrative and charismatic leadership theories. Two theses provide the backbone of the study: (1) Barratt’s experience and narration of the baptism in the Holy Spirit was foundational and formative for his and his followers’ perception of him as a leader; and (2) that Barratt’s leadership can be best described as charismatic. Methodologically, historical sources and contemporary leadership theories are consulted in order to point out elements that constituted the leadership of Barratt.