Charismatic Christianity on the Rise in America

The fastest growing segment of the Church worldwide identifies itself as primarily Charismatic or Pentecostal -- and it is growing fastest in the southern and eastern parts of the globe. But there has been some stagnation in the Charismatic Movement here in the United States since the fiery days of the 1960s and 70s.

Back then the phenomenon of speaking in tongues, prophesying, laying hands on the sick, and moving in miracles -- which had been relegated to the uneducated and the working class -- suddenly started to be demonstrated in every denomination. Beginning in the early 1960s, the Charismatic Movement, with the accompanying gifts of the Holy Spirit, suddenly became commonplace in Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopal, and even Roman Catholic churches (which is where my parents and I received the baptism of the Holy Spirit).

But beginning in the 1980s there seemed to be a slowing of the growth of the Charismatic Movement here in the United States. At the same time the Charismatic and Pentecostal experience began to explode overseas.

Now it appears the winds of the Spirit may be blowing fresh on America!

Two new surveys from The Barna Group indicate that things are changing dramatically in the religious landscape in America. Those surveys - one among a national sample of adults and the other among a national sample of Protestant pastors - show that the number of churches and adherents to Pentecostal perspectives and practices has actually grown significantly in the past two decades.

Survey Says…

In the 1990s, three out of ten adults claimed to be Charismatic or Pentecostal Christians. According to the latest polling results, today, 36% of Americans accept that designation. That corresponds to approximately 80 million adults.

The Barna survey results included people who said they were a Charismatic or Pentecostal Christian, that they had been "filled with the Holy Spirit," and that they believe that "the charismatic gifts, such as tongues and healing, are still valid and active today."

• In 21st Century America, a slight majority of all born again Christians (51%) is Charismatic.
• Nearly half of all adults who attend a Protestant church (46%) are Charismatic.
• Although just 8% of the population is evangelical, half of these evangelical adults (49%) fit the Charismatic definition.

Today, ne out of every four Protestant churches in the United States (23%) is a Charismatic congregation. While some of the most common Charismatic denominations are well-known -- such as the Assemblies of God, Foursquare or Churches of God in Christ -- non-denominational churches emerged as one of the most common Charismatic "denominations." Four out of every ten non-denominational churches are Charismatic.

George Barna's Take on the Findings

According to author George Barna, who directed the research projects, the movement toward Charismatic Christianity coincides with several cultural shifts in America. "The Charismatic orientation is most popular among the non-white population - which is, of course, the sector of the population that is growing most rapidly. Also, the freedom of emotional and spiritual expression typical of Charismatic assemblies parallels the cultural trend toward personal expression, accepting diverse emotions and allowing people to interpret their experiences in ways that make sense to them," Barna explained. "It is not surprising that the Pentecostal community in America has been growing - nor do we expect it to stop making headway."

Barna sees more unity among Charismatics and fundamentalists in the future.

"We are moving toward a future in which the Charismatic-fundamentalist split will be an historical footnote rather than a dividing line within the body of believers. Young Christians, in particular, have little energy for the arguments that have traditionally separated Charismatics and non-Charismatics. Increasing numbers of people are recognizing that there are more significant arenas in which to invest their resources."

To read the full report go to the Barna Web site.

More from The Barna Group.