Pentecostalism is a 20th-century movement that arose from the Holiness movement. Taking its name from the work of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2, Pentecostals believe that the baptism of the Holy Spirit, accompanied by the gift of tongues, should be a part of the church today.
Like the Holiness movement, Pentecostals emphasize the second work of grace, known as entire sanctification. This means that people are first saved, justified, and born again. After this period, a Christian should experience a period of growth, in which time he becomes increasingly holier in the way that he lives his life. Ultimately, this leads to the second work of grace, in which the Holy Spirit cleanses his heart of original sin, and then dwells within, empowering the individual to live a perfect Christian life.
This is the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and when a Christian has prepared himself, becoming holy, the baptism of the Holy Spirit may come instantaneously. Seeking and receiving the gift of tongues is viewed as a sign of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and is a requirement for membership in some Pentecostal churches. For most Pentecostals, however, the baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues are encouraged, but not required.
Other spiritual gifts, such as healing, joy, love, prophecy, and answers to prayer, also play a role in the religious experience of Pentecostals.
Like many other Christians, Pentecostals believe in physical healing through prayer. Not everyone receives healing when they pray, however, as God either grants or withholds it. They do not generally teach that all illness is caused by personal sin. God may have other reasons for withholding healing.
Pentecostals are Protestant and largely evangelical, although there may also be influences from the Fundamentalist movement.
Pentecostals usually hold to a belief in original sin, passed on from the time of Adam's sin, as well as in salvation through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, the virgin birth and deity of Christ, and the inspiration and infallibility of the Bible. Most Pentecostal denominations take a pre-millennial outlook, believing that Christ will return to earth, beginning a thousand-year reign on earth.
Most Pentecostal churches practice baptism of believers, usually by immersion, and in the Lord's Supper, although they tend to regard them as ordinances rather than as sacraments. Some Pentecostal groups also practice foot washing.
Pentecostals are usually Trinitarian, although they place a greater emphasis on the direct action of the Holy Spirit, manifest in a baptism in the Spirit and the accompanying gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Spontaneity is a characteristic element of Pentecostal worship. This was particularly true in the early years of the movement. Although most Pentecostal church services have become more organized and formal, the concept of spontaneity continues to be significant to Pentecostalism.
The Pentecostal movement was originally strongest in the rural regions of the US South and Midwest, but the movement found a home among the urban poor in the 1920s and 1930s. Pentecostalism is now represented in all fifty states and among most segments of American society.
Many Pentecostal churches have no particular educational requirements for clergy. Evidence of the Holy Spirit in the lives and ministries of the preacher is more significant than a seminary education. Many denominations have associations that serve as accrediting bodies for freelance pastors and evangelists and are likely to have more clergy than churches.
After World War II, the Pentecostal movement spread from the United States to Africa and Latin America, and later to Asia, Australia, and Europe. As most Pentecostal denominations have a loose structure, churches can be formed quickly when there is an enthusiastic leadership.
In the late 1960s and 1970s, Pentecostal traits, such as speaking in tongues, began to penetrate some mainline Christian denominations, including Catholicism. These worship practices are sometimes referred to as Neo-Pentecostalism but are more commonly known as charismatic.
For the purpose of categorization, charismatic Catholic, Episcopal, or other church bodies will be listed within the category representing the parent denomination.
The focus of this category, or any subcategories, will be on the denominations and other church bodies that are identified as being primarily Pentecostal in their formation and nature.
Denominational sites and those representing affiliated associations, national or international ministries, fellowships, publishing companies, or organizations are appropriate for this category. Those representing local congregations and ministries should be submitted to the Local & Global category representing their geographical location.
Categories
Recommended Resources
Assemblies of God International Fellowship
AGIF is an association of full-gospel ministers and congregations that serves as a clergy registration bureau for local ministries, requiring applicants to be sponsored by a local church before credentials are issued. An introduction to the fellowship is set forth, including its history, principles, policies, and leadership. Applications, publications, a church and ministry directory, and connections are included.
http://www.agifellowship.org/
Charismatic & Pentecostal Directory
Sponsored by Tom Brown Ministries, the site represents a directory of Pentecostal churches, Trinitarian and charismatic in doctrine and practice. Listed churches may be found on an interactive world map or through a search by location. Church names, contact persons, addresses, telephone numbers, directions and, when available, web addresses are provided. Basic listings are free, while there is a cost for web address listings and enhanced listings.
http://www.charismatic.org/
Christian Congregation in North America
Formed in 1907 by groups of Italian evangelicals in Chicago, Illinois, the denomination spread to other parts of the United States and Canada, Argentina, Brazil, and Italy, holding its first official convention in 1927. Its history, articles of faith, ministries, and missions are highlighted, and member church addresses and service schedules are posted to the site, along with a directory of international fellowships.
https://www.ccnamerica.org/
Pentecostal and charismatic, Elim Fellowship began in 1924 as the Elim Ministerial Fellowship, an informal group of graduates of Elim Bible Institute, becoming the Elim Missionary Assemblies in 1947, adopting its current name in 1972. Its history is told, and heritage videos are available, along with a list of past presidents, and membership, credentialing, and affiliation data, along with a calendar of events and administrative contacts.
https://www.elimfellowship.org/
International Assemblies of God Fellowship
The IAOG Fellowship is an independent association of ministers, congregations, and ministries. Headquartered in Martinsburg, West Virginia, the denominational website offers a brief history and profile of the Pentecostal body, its core values, beliefs, leadership, and membership and credentialing services. Administrative contacts are posted to the site, and a private area for members is included.
http://www.iaog.org/
Pentecostal Assemblies of God of America
PAGA is a Pentecostal fellowship founded in 1982 concentrated in the West Coast, with congregations in Canada, India, Germany, Nepal, and South Korea. The official denominational site introduces its leadership staff, board of presbyters, administrative support team, and international ministries, along with its credentialing, credential renewal deadlines, a statement of faith, and sermon resources.
http://www.paga.org/
Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church
With roots in the Free Will Baptist and the Holiness movements, the PFWBC separated from the International Pentecostal Holiness Church in 1959. Concentrated in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Virginia, its headquarters are in Dunn, North Carolina. The official denominational site cites the history of the organization, offers a statement of beliefs, faith, and practices, and gives staff contacts and a calendar of events.
https://www.pfwb.org/
Pentecostal-Charismatic Theological Inquiry International
The PCTII is a global database designed for research specialists, graduate students, professors and independent research scholars with accredited terminal degrees. Those who are in the database may access the complete database online. An electronic journal is available for the general public, as well as a directory of academic societies, seminaries, churches, and research centers.
http://www.pctii.org/
Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches of North America
The PCCNA is an interdenominational association of Pentecostal and charismatic congregations and denominations in the United States and Canada and a successor to the Pentecostal Fellowship of North America. Its membership policies, current membership, and conference schedules are published to the site, along with its commissions, guidelines, and administrative contacts. Videos and other resources are available.
http://www.pccna.org/
Society for Pentecostal Studies
Formed in 1970, the SPS is an organization of Pentecostal scholars who provide a forum for the discussion of academic disciplines, the purpose being to stimulate, encourage, recognize, and publicize the work of Pentecostal and charismatic scholars, study the implications of Pentecostal theology, and to seek a Pentecostal worldview. Its membership policies and levels, an online membership form, and a members-only access area are included.
http://sps-usa.org/
Also known as the Full Gospel Fellowship of Churches and Ministers, International, the denomination was formed during the Voice of Healing movement that began in 1948. Representing the denomination, based in Irving, Texas, the site offers membership information, a directory of member churches and organizations, as well as resourcing, networking, and mentoring information for pastors, evangelists, and missionaries, and a schedule of conferences.
https://thefellowshipnetwork.net/
