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Christianity has had a long and often turbulent history in Mongolia. When socialism crumbled finally, in 1990, there were no more than 20 Christians in the whole nation. Today, there are up to 100,000 adherents, 90 per cent of whom are Protestant evangelical. Prominent Mongolian Christian leader, Purevdorj Jamsran, suggests that there are three distinct periods in this development: formation (1991–1995); growth and transition (1996–2005); and identity (2006–present). Through analysing primary and secondary materials, conducting three field trips to gather oral interviews and using a Pentecostal case study, I explore these three periods. I argue that Protestant evangelicalism exploded onto the scene assisted by political upheaval, international allure, youthful enthusiasm and the use of mass media. Growth and transition progressed via contextualisation, ecumenical unity and community engagement. Finally, a sense of identity was established through accelerated maturation processes.

Abstract
Pentecostal missionaries arrived in Mongolia as early as 1910 but the socialist government expelled all missionaries in 1924. By the time socialism collapsed in 1990, there were no more than 20 Christians in the whole nation. However, estimates suggest that there are now around 100,000 adherents, most of whom are Pentecostal. While some scholars have analysed the history of Christianity in Mongolia, little research has explored this significant subset. Mongolia Assemblies of God (MAOG—Монголын Бурханы Чуулган) was one of the first and fastest growing Christian denominations. It currently comprises around 2000 adherents, as well as over 200 graduates from its ministry training college. Using MAOG as a case study, this research argues that the rise of Pentecostalism in Mongolia is owing to its 'ends of the earth' mission; cultural protest movement; lure of modernity; imagined community; empowerment through transnational mobility; theology of divine 'calling'; and contribution toward civil society.