I. Introduction.

   A. "Charismatic Movement" is a label applied to a particular phenomena of religious activity in the
         20th century.
   B. The word "charismatic" is derived from the Greek word charismata, which comes from charis,
         meaning grace. Charismata are grace gifts.
   C. Charismata used in reference to spiritual gifts in New Testament.
        1. Rom. 12:6 - "we have gifts that differ according to grace given"
        2. I Cor. 12:4 - "varieties of gifts" (cf. 12:9,28,30)
        3. I Cor. 12:31 - "earnestly desire the greater gifts"
   D. Another label used for "charismatic movement" is "neo-Pentecostalism"

II. History of modern Pentecostal and Charismatic phenomenalism.

   A. British background.
       1. Edward Irving (Scottish Presbyterian) - 1828. Promoted use of tongues. Emphasized
            eschatology. Dismissed by Church of Scotland. Started Catholic Apostolic Church (1832).
       2. Mary Campbell - 1830. Irvingite. Spoke in tongues.
       3. Margaret MacDonald - 1831 - Spoke in tongues. Vision of secret rapture.
   B. Pentecostalism in the United States.
       1. Revivalism throughout U.S. in late 19th century. Much of this had Wesleyan emphasis on
            holiness, combined with emotional response, and emphasis on 2nd work of grace.
       2. Richard Spurling (Baptist). Tennessee. Pentecostal Church of God - 1886.
       3. A.J. Gordon - 1870-1895. Emphasis on physical healing.
       4. A.B. Simpson - Missionary Alliance Church. 1887. Healing.
       5. Charles Parham. Holiness preacher. Topeka, KS. Bethel Bible School. 1901. Often called
           "father of Pentecostalism."
       6. William J. Seymour. Black holiness preacher. Azusa St. Mission, Los Angeles, CA. 1906.
       7. Assemblies of God Church, Springfield, Missouri, 1914.
       8. Aimee Semple McPherson (A.G.). Angeles Temple, Los Angeles, CA. 1923. International
            Church of the Foursquare Gospel.
   C. Charismatic Movement.
       1. Dennis Bennett. (Episcopalian). Van Nuys, CA. 1960. Seattle,WA 1968. Often called "father
            of Charismatic Movement."
       2. Oral Roberts (Pentecostal Holiness). Healing crusades - 1947. Oral Roberts Univ. 1965.
            Joined Methodist Church - 1968.
       3. Demos Shakarian (Armenian) and Oral Roberts start Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship
            Int. in Los Angeles. 1951.
       4. Melodyland Christian Center, Anaheim, CA 1960. Ralph Wilkerson (A.G.)
       5. Blessed Trinity Society - 1961. Jean Stone.
       6. David du Plessis (South Africa) A.G. Called "Mr. Pentecost."
       7. Chuck Smith. Calvary Chapel, Costa Mesa, CA. 1963.
       8. Jesus Movement - 1967-1972.
       9. Roman Catholic Renewal Movement. 1967.
      10. Christian Growth Ministries (FL) - Don Basham, Derek Prince, Bob Mumford.
      11. Kathryn Kuhlman (Baptist)
      12. Merlin Carothers, Charles and Francis Hunter
      13. David Wilkerson - Cross and the Switchblade.
      14. Celebrities: Pat Boone, Maria von Trapp
      15. Televangelism: Jim Bakker, Jimmy Swaggart, Pat Robertson
      16. Vineyard Christian Fellowship. John Wimber. 1977. Anaheim, CA Signs and Wonders
             Movement. Kansas City Prophets.
      17. Word of Faith Movement.
            a. E.W. Kenyon, Hobart Freeman, T.L. Osborn, A.A. Allen
            b. Kenneth Hagin (Baptist, AG), Rhema Bible Training Center, Tulsa, OK
            c. Kenneth and Gloria Copeland
            d. Fred Price. Los Angeles
            e. Robert Tilton, Charles Capps
            f. Benny Hinn - Orlando Christian Center

III. Characteristics observed in the movement.

    A. Spiritual gifts. Speaking in tongues, healings, prophecy.
    B. Emphasis on Holy Spirit. Freedom of the Spirit. Reaction to rigid proceduralism. Some
         over-emphasize Holy Spirit. Trinitarian deficiency. Some say must speak in tongues to
         evidence having Holy Spirit.
    C. Extra-Biblical revelation. "Word of God" for you. Prophecy.
    D. Emotionalism, subjectivism. Reaction to staid formalism.
    E. Relational. Communal togetherness. Involvement, fellowship, loving.
    F. Emphasis on experience over orthodoxy. Reaction to rationalism, liberalism,
         over-intellectualism. Theologically weak.
    G. Supernaturalism. Dynamic of divine activity. Reaction to humanism, naturalism. Spectacular.
         Power-theology. "Slain in Spirit." (Matt. 12:39).
    H. Spontaneous expression. Enthusiasm, excitement. Reaction to ritualism. Worship experience -
         raising hands, clapping, swaying, shouting ("Holy Rollers"). (I Cor. 14:40).
    I. Contemporaity. Relevance to culture. Worldliness? Immorality?
    J. Gnostic tendencies - Spiritual pride, elitist, arrogant, judgmental.
    K. Spiritual warfare. Recognition of Satanic activity. Demonology. Exorcism. Reaction to
         liberalism, denial of the devil.
    L. Emphasis on evangelism. Recruitment of others. Power-evangelism. Greatest impetus of
         Christian expansion in history?
    M. Second work of grace. "Baptism in the Spirit" subsequent to regeneration.
    N. Christian unity. Breaking down denominational barriers. Anti- institutionalism. Disruptive,
         Divisive.
    O. Positive Confession. "Name it and Claim it." Man as God.
    P. Prosperity doctrine. "Health and Wealth" teaching. Faith in faith.

IV. Response to Charismatic Movement.

    A. Avoid judgmentalism. (Matt. 7:1).
    B. If God is in it, can't stop it. (Acts 5:39).
    C. Love as Christian brethren. (I Cor. 13; Eph. 4:2)
    D. Tolerate differences? ...extremes?
    E. Pray for theological balance. Christocentric theology.

V. Illustration.

Home

Articles

Outlines index