[AMA Series] Charismatic churches
Happy Friday! Come on in for the next episode of /r/Christianity Denominational AMAs!
Today's Topic
Charismatic churches
Panelists
u/AkselJ
u/wvpspdude
AN INTRODUCTION
from u/wvpspdude
According to Wikipedia, "Charismatic Christianity (also known as Spirit-filled Christianity) is a form of Christianity that emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, and modern-day miracles. Practitioners are often called Charismatic Christians or renewalists. Although there is considerable overlap, Charismatic Christianity is often categorized into three separate groups: Pentecostalism, the Charismatic Movement, and neocharismatic movements. In 2011, Pentecostals and Charismatic Christians numbered over 500 million, a quarter of the world's 2 billion Christians."
The Charismatic Movement began as a branch of Pentecostalism but separated itself from that denomination due to differences in beliefs. Many beliefs between Charismatic and Pentecostalism are the same or similar, but the main difference is that many Pentecostal churches have made the manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues, a requirement for salvation. For example, historically the belief in Pentecostal circles has been that someone who has not spoken in tongues has not received salvation. However, Charismatic Christians believe it is a privilege for believers to speak in tongues and manifest other spiritual gifts, but it is not required for salvation.
A little about me: I'm a 17 year old Christian who attends a Charismatic church called Haven of Hope Worship Center. God called me to the ministry a little over a year ago, so I'm studying to become a preacher/pastor. For Haven of Hope, the typical church service begins with announcements and then a collection of tithes and offerings. After that, if anyone wants to share a word of knowledge or a testimony they are free to do so. We also pray for members of the congregation at this time by anointing them with oil. Afterward, we have a worship service that lasts around a half hour. Our worship services are done by a worship team who usually sing contemporary worship songs, but an old hymn is thrown in with a twist every once and a while. Our pastor preaches for about forty minutes after the worship service.
Thanks for the opportunity to do this AMA!
from u/AkselJ
My name's Aksel, I'm from Norway. I have been a Christian my whole life, accepted salvation at the age of 9 years old. I was raised Lutheran but converted at 13 years old. I turn 19 this year, but hope that despite my youth, I will be able to provide some insight on my church and our beliefs.
My church is a charismatic one. Now, it's important to emphasis that charismatic Christianity is a very broad term, but tends to define two directions of Christianity: non-Pentecostal churches who embrace the Pentecostal idea of a second work of grace, and distinct churches who practice theology and liturgy akin to that of Pentecostal churches, but usually with a few key differences, and frequently (to my experience) more radical. My church is one of the latter.
Thanks to the panelists for volunteering their time and knowledge!
As a reminder, the nature of these AMAs is to learn and discuss. While debates are inevitable, please keep the nature of your questions civil and polite.
Join us on Monday when u/onecommentpastor and u/banksnld take your questions on the United Church of Christ!
Posted Feb 21, 2014, 2:26 PM UTC