Pentecostalism is a Protestant Christian movement emphasizing the direct, personal experience of God through the Holy Spirit and the continued activity of spiritual gifts, such as speaking in tongues (glossolalia), prophecy, and divine healing. The movement, tracing its origins to the Azusa Street Revival in 1906, is known for its vibrant, expressive worship, a strong missionary drive, and belief in Christ's imminent return.
Key Beliefs and Practices
- The Holy Spirit:Pentecostals believe the Holy Spirit empowers believers with gifts for ministry, similar to the early Church at the Day of Pentecost.
- Spiritual Gifts:A core tenet is the belief in the active presence and use of spiritual gifts, which can include speaking in tongues, healing, prophecy, and interpretations.
- Divine Healing:Many Pentecostals believe Christ's atonement includes the provision for physical and emotional healing, received through faith and prayer.
- Vibrant Worship:Services are often spontaneous and participatory, featuring expressive praise, singing, dancing, and a strong emphasis on experiencing God's presence.
- Biblical Authority:Like other evangelicals, Pentecostals uphold the Bible as the authoritative Word of God.
- Missionary Focus:There is a strong emphasis on evangelism, with a goal to share the gospel and prepare for Christ's return.
Origin and Growth
- The modern Pentecostal movement began with a revival in 1906 in Los Angeles, characterized by Spirit-led worship and the manifestation of spiritual gifts.
- From its beginnings in the American South, Pentecostalism has grown into a global phenomenon, with large populations of adherents in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
Notable Denominations Assemblies of God, Church of God in Christ, International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, and United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI).
Pentecostal, Charismatic, Third Wave
Pentecostalism, Charismatic Christianity, and New Wave Christianity are the "three waves" of the Pentecostal movement, representing its evolution and expansion within Christianity. Pentecostalism (the first wave) began in the early 20th century, emphasizing a "baptism in the Holy Spirit" evidenced by spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues. The Charismatic movement (the second wave) emerged in the 1960s, as individuals within established mainline denominations embraced these Pentecostal spiritual experiences while remaining in their denominations. The New Wave (or Neo-charismatic/Third Wave) arose later, characterized by independent evangelical churches and organizations that continued to emphasize spiritual gifts and signs and wonders, often forming their own distinct communities and movements.
The Three Waves Explained
- First Wave: Pentecostalism (Early 20th Century)
- Origin: The movement began with events like the Azusa Street Revival in 1906.
- Key Characteristics: It emphasizes the "baptism of the Holy Spirit" as a distinct post-conversion experience, often evidenced by speaking in tongues.
- Result: Led to the formation of distinct Pentecostal denominations.
- Origin: The movement began with events like the Azusa Street Revival in 1906.
- Second Wave: The Charismatic Movement (1960s-1970s)
- Origin: Started when individuals in established denominations, such as Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran churches, began to experience and share Pentecostal spiritual gifts.
- Key Characteristics: Members of these denominations continued to worship within their traditional churches while adopting the beliefs and practices of Pentecostalism, such as the gifts of the Spirit.
- Result: Influenced a wide range of denominations and was sometimes viewed with suspicion by older Pentecostals but also brought a renewed spiritual vibrancy to mainstream Christianity.
- Origin: Started when individuals in established denominations, such as Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran churches, began to experience and share Pentecostal spiritual gifts.
- Third Wave: Neo-charismatic or New Wave (1980s-Present)
- Origin: Developed within evangelical circles, expanding on the Charismatic movement.
- Key Characteristics: Marked by a growing number of independent churches and organizations that stress the continued availability of all spiritual gifts, including healing, prophecy, and signs and wonders.
- Result: Led to the formation of new, denomination-like organizations and the growth of movements like the New Apostolic Reformation.
- Origin: Developed within evangelical circles, expanding on the Charismatic movement.
Scriptures concerning the Pentecostal experience
Acts 2:4, 1Corinthians 12:1-13 (NKJV) - 1 Corinthians 14:40
