Pentecostal Church, part of the Holiness movement, focuses on experiencing the Holy Spirit in everyday life, with a literal approach to biblical stories. Charismatic practices include speaking in tongues and serpent charms. The movement began in Los Angeles in 1915 and has over 250 million followers worldwide.
The Pentecostal Church was founded in the early 20th century as part of the conservative “Holiness” movement in the Methodist Church. Also known as the Apostolic Church, Pentecostal theology focuses on experiencing the actual “Holy Spirit” of Jesus Christ in this life, in everyday experiences. Many who follow a Pentecostal theology are particularly centered on the theme of grace and living a life free from sin. Widely regarded as among the most conservative of the mainline Protestant divisions, the church’s most distinguishing characteristics are its charismatic approach, which includes the practice of Glossolalia, or speaking in tongues, and even more boisterous displays of faith-charged emotions.
More than 250,000,000 people worldwide consider themselves Pentecostal at the turn of the 21st century. The church’s literal approach to biblical stories, and often its dogma and practices, closely mirror another movement called Charismatic Christianity. When those who consider themselves Charismatic Christians are added to the global total for Pentecostals, 500,000,000 Christians can be said to adhere to Pentecostal theology.
In addition to speaking in tongues, charismatic Pentecostals have been known to engage in much darker practices such as serpent charms. These believers also have other strong roots in the Methodist Holiness movement, which advocates living as sin-free a life as possible, according to strict ancient biblical laws. Miracles, the existence of heaven and hell, and creationism are common themes, as are the search for grace, a personal relationship with the spirit of Jesus, and ritual baptism to form a closer bond with the divine.
Many point to 1915, a single Los Angeles church at 312 Azusa Street, as the first place where Pentecostal theology was applied to service. Founded by William Seymour, an African-American preacher and son of slaves, the Apostolic Faith Mission was widely criticized in the press and other major congregations of the time for its trembling prayers chanted by congregants speaking in tongues. As of 2011, Seymour’s focus on feeling and expressing the Holy Spirit is the trademark of Pentecostal theology.
According to the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) mission statement, Pentacostal theology began in a Bible study group in Topeka, Kansas. This was just before Seymour began his ministry in Los Angeles. According to the UPCI, church devotees believed in a unity of God, an apostolic “outpouring” of prayer, doctrinal authority, and the pursuit of grace and holiness.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
