Background

In the early 1900s, the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Argentina labored to plant churches, train workers, and keep gospel ministry steady amid cultural distance, limited resources, and the normal pressures of pioneer mission life. Irish missionary James Stewart became known as an earnest evangelist who longed for deeper devotion and greater spiritual power in witness. Along with several close associates, he embraced practices increasingly identified with Pentecostalism, especially focused prayer for healing and the public exercise of tongues.

The Expulsion (9 December 1911)

On December 9, 1911, Alliance leaders in Argentina formally expelled Stewart and the others. Their new practices had stirred growing controversy—some rejoiced at what they believed was fresh spiritual vitality, while others feared confusion, doctrinal drift, and disorder in worship. The decision exposed a recurring tension in church history: sincere believers seeking fuller experience, and shepherds striving to guard the flock through tested teaching and careful oversight. Scripture calls the church to both spiritual openness and sober evaluation: “but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and “But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner.” (1 Corinthians 14:40)

Aftermath and Witness

For Stewart and his companions, the cost was public loss, separation from an established mission structure, and uncertainty about support and future fields of labor. Yet their response was marked by perseverance. They continued gospel work with courage, prayerful dependence, and a readiness to suffer misunderstanding for conscience’ sake. Whatever one concludes about their particular emphases, their willingness to keep preaching Christ rather than retreat into bitterness stands as a form of quiet heroism.

Lessons for the Church

This episode encourages believers to pursue holiness without chasing novelty, to seek the Spirit’s help without abandoning the mind, and to submit every experience to the written Word. It also warns leaders and congregations alike: when convictions divide, truth must be spoken, but love must not be discarded. In seasons of controversy, the church’s credibility is measured not only by doctrinal precision, but by humility, patience, and steadfast devotion to Christ.