Abstract: In this paper I intend to show the constitution of the Pentecostal pastor. Understanding conversion as a continuous process in which the faithful build a specific narrative of themselves, the constitution of the Pentecostal pastor can be considered a hyperconversion, insofar as the masters of this narrative are those recognized as called for the pastoral career. I will also show how the dimensions of language, materiality and experience, organized normatively by the Pentecostal semiotic ideology, are intertwined in this process of hyperconversion. To achieve this objective, I base my analysis on field research with participant observation at the School of Leaders of the Victory in Christ Association (ESLAVEC), held in the city of Águas de Lindoia, in São Paulo. ESLAVEC is led by pastor Silas Malafaia, leader of the Association promoting the event and pastor president of the Assembly of God Victory in Christ (ADVEC). I also followed young ordained pastors and candidates for pastorate who had participated in the School of Leaders, members of ADVEC, as well as young people from other Pentecostal churches in order to extend my generalizations about the transformation of themselves put into practice by Pentecostals and especially by those who decide to pursue a pastoral career over the Pentecostal field in general.
Keywords:
conversion; hyperconversion; linguistic ideology; semiotic ideology; Pentecostal pastor.