The members of the Society consider themselves responsible for recording the history and developing the theology of these grassroots movements that have influenced Christianity worldwide.
The original requirement for membership was adherence to the statement of faith of the Pentecostal Fellowship of North America.
However, because nontrinitarians and others were unable to sign the statement for doctrinal reasons, this requirement was eventually eliminated.
The organization, which began as a scholarly branch of classical Pentecostalism, is now ecumenical, with over 500 members from all major Christian denominations.
For many years, the Society has hosted the meetings of the Roman Catholic/Pentecostal dialogue (see Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity).