The Charismatic movement refers to a stream within evangelical Christianity that places special emphasis on the direct personal experience of the Holy Spirit and the use of spiritual gifts. The term “charismatic” comes from the Greek word charismata, which means “gifts of grace.”
History of the Charismatic Movement
The modern Charismatic movement has its roots in the Holiness movement of the late 19th century, which emphasized a deeper Christian life and personal holiness. In the early 1900s, some Christians within mainline denominations began to seek a greater presence and power of the Holy Spirit. This led to experiences such as speaking in tongues, miraculous physical healings, and prophecy.
In 1960, an Episcopal priest named Dennis Bennett announced to his congregation in Van Nuys, California that he had received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and spoken in tongues. This event is considered the spark that ignited the Charismatic movement within mainline Protestant denominations.
The movement exploded in the 1960s and 1970s. It spread rapidly in the United States and made inroads within liturgical Protestant denominations like the Episcopal, Lutheran, and Presbyterian churches. Catholic Charismatic Renewal also began during this time. Global Charismatic Christianity grew dramatically in the developing world. By the early 21st century, an estimated 500 million Christians worldwide were part of the broadly defined Charismatic movement.
Spirit Baptism and Spiritual Gifts
At the heart of the Charismatic movement is an emphasis on having a “baptism in the Holy Spirit” as a second experience after conversion. This is based on passages such as Acts 1:5, which refers to being baptized with the Holy Spirit. Charismatics believe this impartation of the Spirit gives access to the spiritual power and gifts that the New Testament associates with the Holy Spirit’s work.
Speaking in tongues is considered the initial evidence of having received this “baptism in the Spirit.” Charismatics believe speaking in tongues enables a deeper prayer life and greater intimacy with God. But glossolalia, or praying in the Spirit, is seen as just the beginning. The ultimate goal is to stir up and use all the gifts of the Spirit mentioned in the Bible – prophecy, healing, miracles, discerning of spirits, words of wisdom and knowledge (1 Corinthians 12:8-10).
Worship and Ministry Style
Charismatic worship tends to be expressive, spontaneous, and informal. Worshippers may raise hands, dance, shout, sing loudly, or kneel and bow during energetic worship times aimed at inviting the Spirit’s presence. Services typically include time for personal sharing, testimony, and exercising spiritual gifts.
There is an expectation of God actively speaking to people and guiding things supernaturally. So worship gatherings can be spontaneous, going wherever the Spirit seems to lead. Ministry within Charismatic churches is also seen as empowered by spiritual gifts rather than just formal training. Lay people are encouraged to step out in faith, pray for others, prophecy, and function in ministry gifts.
Theology and Practices
Charismatics hold to core evangelical beliefs – in the authority of Scripture, the atoning death of Jesus, new birth through faith in Christ, and the mandate to make disciples. But they differ from cessationists who believe certain miraculous gifts like tongues and prophecy ceased with the apostles. Charismatics believe all the New Testament gifts should be practiced today.
In terms of practices, speaking in tongues, prophetic messages, and prayer for miraculous healing are common. Some engage in spiritual warfare against demonic spirits impacting people or places. Strategies for claiming divine health and financial prosperity are also taught in some Charismatic circles.
Variations and Sub-Groups
There is diversity within the Charismatic movement on secondary issues. Some are continuationists who believe miraculous gifts never ceased. Others are restorationists who believe the supernatural gifts needed to be restored or reactivated after a period of dormancy.
There are also differences in worship styles. Classical Pentecostals like Assemblies of God tend toward a more orderly type of spontaneous worship. Neocharismatic churches feature “free worship” with fewer restraints. The neocharismatic networks of New Apostolic Reformation churches take restorationist theology further by emphasizing modern-day prophets and apostles.
The largest subgroup is made up of independent, nondenominational charismatic churches and networks. The fastest growth has been through Charismatic evangelicals in Africa, Asia, and Latin America who infuse indigenous styles of enthusiastic worship and mystical experiences.
Renewal Movements Within Established Churches
In addition to creating new independent churches and denominations, the Charismatic movement has impacted established denominations as a renewal movement. These renewals aim to bring greater vitality, deeper spirituality, and the miraculous gifts of the Spirit back to traditional churches. Examples include:
– Catholic Charismatic Renewal within the Catholic Church
– Charismatic Episcopal Church as a renewal movement among Episcopalians
– Association of Vineyard Churches within the Anabaptist tradition
– Confessing Pentecostal movement of Lutheran renewal
– Sovereign Grace Ministries of charismatic Calvinist churches
– Reformed neocharismatic networks like Newfrontiers
– Brethren revival movements such as the Church of God (Anderson)
These networks function as movements seeking spiritual renewal and restoration of the miraculous gifts within older church institutions. They demonstrate the pervasive influence the Charismatic movement has had across denominational barriers.
Praise and Worship Music
One of the most defining contributions of the Charismatic movement has been its lively praise and worship music. The spontaneous, Spirit-led singing of newly written worship songs has impacted the global church. This informal, expressive musical style helps create an atmosphere for encountering God’s presence.
Key centers of the contemporary Charismatic praise and worship movement have been Vineyard Christian Fellowship, Hillsong Church in Australia, and the International House of Prayer in Kansas City. Contemporary worship music from these churches and others has transformed corporate worship across all church traditions. Millions of believers worldwide now sing songs originating from Charismatic musicians and songwriters.
Prosperity Teaching
One controversial aspect of the Charismatic movement has been the prosperity gospel, popularized in Charismatic media ministries during the 20th century. This teaching basically claims that God’s will is for believers to enjoy financial prosperity and perfect health. While not limited to Charismatics, this “Word of Faith” teaching has been widely disseminated through Charismatic channels.
Prosperity teaching has been repudiated by many Christians as a distortion of Scripture. They argue it reduces faith down to a force whereby making positive confessions obligates God to grant health and wealth. Critics say this turns Christianity into a self-serving means to personal gain rather than obedience to God and laying down one’s life to serve others.
Excessive Experientialism
Another frequent criticism leveled against aspects of the Charismatic movement is shallowness and overemphasis on extraordinary experiences. Detractors argue it focuses too much on spiritual highs, miracles, and subjective feelings of the Spirit’s presence. There are concerns that all this experientialism comes at the cost of serious study, discernment, and depth of discipleship.
Additionally, in the pursuit of supernatural experiences, discerning between legitimate spiritual manifestations and psychological or even demonic counterfeits can be a challenge. Some argue there have been excessive abuses and extremes taken too far in parts of the Charismatic movement.
Arguments Against Cessationism
Charismatics reject the cessationist stance that certain miraculous spiritual gifts ceased with the original apostles. They make the case that cessationism is an argument from silence – just because the later New Testament letters don’t focus on miraculous gifts does not mean they had ceased. The Holy Spirit is not limited by eras of history.
They also note biblical examples of prophetic and healing ministries continuing beyond the New Testament apostolic era, such as Phillip’s daughters (Acts 21:9) and in writings of the church father Irenaeus. And they point to evidence of tongues and other spiritual gifts throughout church history before the modern Pentecostal movement.
Finally, Charismatics say expecting supernatural manifestations of the Spirit to follow the proclamation of the gospel is theologically sound. Miracles validate the message of salvation and the truth claims of Christianity. Limiting God by saying He no longer heals or works in supernatural ways goes against His nature and the example of Scripture.
Arguments for Continuationism
Here are key biblical arguments made in support of the Charismatic emphasis on the miraculous gifts continuing:
– Jesus said miraculous works would follow believers (Mark 16:17-18) and promised Holy Spirit empowerment after his ascension (Acts 1:8). There is no indication this would end after the apostolic era.
– Peter said the gift of the Spirit promised at Pentecost was “for you and for your children and for all who are far off” (Acts 2:39). This indicates future generations of believers.
– Paul tells the Corinthian church “earnestly desire the spiritual gifts” (1 Corinthians 14:1) and says he wants all to speak in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:5). There are no limits stated.
– Paul speaks of prophecy as edifying for the whole church (1 Corinthians 14:4) and tells the Thessalonians not to despise prophecies (1 Thessalonians 5:20). This implies ongoing prophetic gifts.
– The “perfect” that makes some gifts cease is seen as Christ’s return, not the completing of the biblical canon (1 Corinthians 13:10).
Cultural Impact and Influence
While controversial in some respects, the Charismatic movement has undoubtedly had massive influence in shaping global Christianity. Here are some of the key cultural impacts:
– Revitalized worship through contemporary praise and worship music, arts, dance, and celebrating God’s presence. This has spread through the global church.
– Renewed focus on living by the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit rather than rote religious tradition. There is expectation for the Spirit to actively guide and empower.
– Validation of women, lay people, and youth in leadership rather than limiting ministry to professional clergy. The Holy Spirit is seen as empowering all believers.
– Growth in two-thirds world Pentecostalism has significantly shaped Christianity to become more globally diverse. Vibrant faith rooted in spiritual experience characterizes emerging regions.
– Heightened social concern and activism, especially on justice issues related to poverty and marginalized peoples. This engagement aims to be guided by the Spirit’s promptings.
Common Misconceptions
There are various misconceptions people can have about the Charismatic movement. Here are a few key realities often overlooked:
– Not all Charismatics believe in prosperity teaching. There is much diversity on secondary issues like prosperity and healing methodology.
– Not all Pentecostals are Charismatics. Classical Pentecostals see speaking in tongues as usually initial evidence of baptism in the Spirit. Charismatics are more flexible on this point.
– Charismatics are not just rolling on the floor and erupting in animal noises. Excessive behavior can happen but is not mainstream. Most Spirit-led worship aims for passionate yet orderly and edifying practice of gifts.
– The Holy Spirit is not just an emotional force. His presence and power are recognized through inward transformation to be more Christ-like as well as outward miracles.
– Charismatics are not all anti-intellectual and opposed to education. Institutions like Regent University demonstrate valuing solid academics along with supernatural empowerment.
Key Theological Distinctives
Below are several of the notable theological distinctives emphasized within Charismatic Christianity:
– Baptism in the Holy Spirit as a second experience after conversion that brings power, gifts, and deeper communion with God.
– Belief that all spiritual gifts mentioned in the New Testament are still distributed and functioning today, not just in the early church. God has not changed.
– Tongues, prophecy, healing, and other supernatural manifestations are valid for today and should be eagerly sought while also tested and judged biblically.
– The kingdom of God is not just future but also breaks into the here-and-now through demonstrations of God’s miraculous power over sickness, demons, and death.
– Worship should be expressive and free, inviting Spirit-led spontaneity. There is freedom to follow the Spirit’s leading in services within biblical parameters for orderly practice.
– All Christians are empowered by the Spirit’s gifts for ministry. The clergy/laity divide is minimized in favor of releasing every believer into their calling.
– Prayer should be Spirit-led, persistent, expectant, and authoritative. Strategic spiritual warfare prayer is employed to demolish demonic strongholds.
Prominent Leaders and Key Figures
The Charismatic movement has been influenced and shaped by numerous influential leaders and pioneering ministers here are some of the most impactful:
William Seymour – Leader of the Azusa Street Revival in 1906, the spark of modern Pentecostalism
Dennis Bennett – Episcopal priest whose 1960 announcement of speaking in tongues marked the Charismatic movement’s beginnings
David du Plessis – Early leader called “Mr. Pentecost” for bringing together classical and charismatic Pentecostals
Kathryn Kuhlman – Prominent healing evangelist and miracle worker during the early Charismatic Movement
Oral Roberts – A major American healing evangelist who spread Charismatic renewal nationwide through tent crusades and television
Pat Robertson – His popular 700 Club show promoted Word of Faith and Charismatic teaching to mainstream audiences
John Wimber – Founder of the Vineyard Movement, emphasized signs and wonders done through spiritual intimacy with Christ
Reinhard Bonnke – German evangelist known for enormous crusades across Africa seeing millions converted and healed
Eddie Long – Led growth of charismatic megachurches among African American community in United States
Mike Bickle – Founder of the International House of Prayer, the influential 24/7 prayer and worship center in Kansas City
Yonggi Cho – Pastored the world’s largest church in Seoul and exported Charismatic concepts like praying in tongues and visions
Bill Johnson – Leader at Bethel Church, advocates contemporary miracles and prophets along with theological training
Heidi Baker – Founder of Iris Global known for extravagant compassion ministry empowered by signs and wonders among the poor
Conclusion
The Charismatic movement has made an enormous global impact shaping modern Christianity. It has renewed emphasis on living in the Spirit’s supernatural power for ministry, worship, and prayer. This enthusiasm has spread from Pentecostal denominations into established churches as a transformative force for expanded spiritual experience. All types of churches have been influenced by its worship music and expectation for God’s miraculous works today.
While excesses should be avoided, the core Charismatic hunger for deeper intimacy with Christ through the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit is something believers worldwide are embracing. This pursuit of God’s manifest presence, miraculous gifts, and missional engagement holds potential for Spirit-led transformation of the church and society in the 21st century.
