Christian Traditions

What Is Pentecostalism?

Pentecostalism is one of the fastest-growing Christian movements in the world, with hundreds of millions of believers across every continent. It takes its name from Pentecost, the day the Holy Spirit came upon the first disciples (Acts 2). Pentecostals treasure a living, personal experience of the Holy Spirit, believe the spiritual gifts described in the New Testament, such as prophecy, healing, and speaking in tongues, are for today, and worship God with heartfelt freedom and joy.

What they believe and treasure

Pentecostals treasure the immediacy of God. They believe the same Holy Spirit poured out at Pentecost is poured out still, and they seek what they often call the baptism in the Holy Spirit, an empowering encounter for a life of witness and holiness. They expect God to be actively at work, healing the sick, guiding through prophecy, and transforming lives.

Their worship is expressive and participatory: raised hands, prayer aloud, and joyful song. Many Pentecostals practise speaking in tongues as a form of prayer, and some regard it as a sign of the Spirit’s baptism. Above all they prize a real, felt relationship with the living God and a passion to share the gospel with others.

What they share with all Christians

Pentecostals confess the faith of the whole Church. They worship the one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and rest everything on Jesus Christ, crucified and risen.

These are the words of the one faith the Nicene Creed puts on the lips of every Christian: one God, one Lord Jesus Christ, crucified and risen. On this the whole family stands together.

What is distinctive

What is distinctive is the emphasis on the ongoing gifts and power of the Holy Spirit. Pentecostals believe the miraculous gifts of the New Testament remain fully active, and they make room for them in worship. Some teach that speaking in tongues is the initial evidence of Spirit baptism, though not all Pentecostals or charismatics agree on that point.

Here Christians honestly differ: some traditions understand certain gifts as belonging chiefly to the apostolic age, while others, including Pentecostals and the wider charismatic movement, believe they continue. These are held as differences of understanding within one shared faith in Christ.

What to expect if you visit

A Pentecostal service is usually lively and warm. Expect extended, heartfelt worship with a band, singing, and freedom to stand, clap, or raise hands; passionate preaching; and times of prayer, sometimes with prayer for healing or an invitation to come forward. You may hear people pray in tongues. Dress is typically casual, the welcome is enthusiastic, and no one expects you to do anything you are not ready for. You are free simply to watch and take part as you wish.