Charismatic
Definition
Pentecostalism is a Spirit-emphasizing movement that is characterized by several unique doctrines and practices, including baptism in the Spirit for Christians after conversion, speaking in tongues as evidence of that Spirit-baptism, and the exercise of all the spiritual gifts. These charismata include the “sign” or “miraculous” gifts of word of knowledge, word of wisdom, prophecy, miracles, healings, speaking in tongues, and interpretation of tongues.
Summary
This article addresses Pentecostalism and the theology associated with it, noting its origins and mentioning two movements—the charismatic movement and third-wave evangelicalism—that flow from it. Passing over the many commonalities that Pentecostalism shares with other Christian traditions, the article focuses on its theological, experiential, and missional distinctives. While many of these distinctives are well grounded and appreciated by most other traditions, some Pentecostal elements raise concerns.
Podcasts
Articles
Is Spirit Baptism the Privilege of Every Christian?
Spirit baptism happens at conversion for all believers—not at a later time for some.
Why Charismatics and Calvinists Need Each Other
What if the charismatic’s passion for the power of God and the Calvinist’s passion for the Word of God merged to accomplish the work of God?
How Not to Walk by the Spirit
'I feel the Lord is leading me to do this.' If the Bible disagrees, then no he isn’t.
The Holy Spirit Isn’t Just for Charismatics
The Holy Spirit is at work in the ordinary, not just the extraordinary.
A Friendly Critic on the Best New Resource for Charismatics
If the supernatural gifts are operative for today, it seems reasonable to expect them to reflect what we see in the New Testament. But do they?
How I Learned to Separate Meat from Bone in the Charismatic Tradition
God called me to be a pastor while sitting under the ministry of Creflo Dollar.
What a New Book Showed Me About the Charismatic Movement
Without building liturgies and libraries and seminaries and institutions of our own, charismatics risk becoming derivative, disengaged, even irrelevant.
Private: Where Did All These Pentecostals and Charismatics Come From?
In the explosive growth of Pentecostal and charismatic groups, we are witnessing one of the most stunning episodes of Christian expansion ever.
