Reflection on Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity
Christianity in North America co-edited with Drs. Todd Johnson, Kenneth Ross and myself is now published. I am so grateful to each contributor of this important volume which “focuses on Christianity in North America, covering every country and offering both reliable demographic information and original interpretative essays by locally based scholars and practitioners.” Below is Dr. Daniel Isgrigg’s reflection on writing his chapter “Pentecostals/Charismatics” for this volume.
Reflection on Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity
by Daniel Isgrigg
Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity is truly global in nature. Of the estimated 644 million Spirit-empowered believers recognized by the World Christian Encyclopedia, the North American population is only 14.5 million. Because of this, much of the attention to this movement focuses on the Global South. Yet in the latest volume featuring North America the Edinburgh Companions to Global Christianity, I was able to profile Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity in North America. I admit, it felt a bit odd to take on this task as much of the scholarship on Pentecostalism has been attempting to de-center North America from the narrative. Yet, here I was asked with trying to identify what was unique about the NA context in this global movement. It was an intimidating task, indeed.
Yet in this tension I was delighted to be able to put together what I felt were some of the major themes that differentiated North American P/C communities from other regions of the world. First, I noted that P/C churches are experiencing both growth and decline simultaneously. While the global communities are being noted for expanding rapidly, North American Pentecostal denominations are mostly stagnate or in decline. The major exception to this is the ethnic and immigrant populations within these communities that are fueling overall growth.
Second, I note that P/C churches have been successful in normalizing Pentecostal aesthetics in mainstream evangelicalism. Characteristics such as vibrant worship, congregational participation, and experiences of prayer for felt have always been hallmarks, but have mostly been to Pentecostal Churches. But in the past few decades, these distinct hallmarks have spread rapidly and have been replicated across the NA evangelical landscape.
Third, I was able to note how the P/C Movement’s inclusive and egalitarian ecclesiology challenges the status quo of social roles, particularly the role of women in the church. These churches recognize the Holy Spirit’s ability to call anyone to serve as pastors, evangelists, missionaries, rescue home workers, and educators.
Finally, I was able to explore the complicated nature of ethnic and cultural diversity among Pentecostal and Charismatic churches. Compared with many other Protestant traditions, ethnic minorities represent a significant segment of the constituents in Spirit-filled Christianity in North America. However, Pentecostal and Charismatic churches have varied responses to addressing social issues such as racism within its ranks. While White Pentecostal denominations were mostly silent on Civil Rights Movement, Black Pentecostal denominations were often at the forefront.
Each of these issues highlight the unique characteristics and issues that face the North American Pentecostal and Charismatic Community. Following the trends of the Global South, the future for Spirit-empowered Christianity in North America can be found in its racial diversity, opportunities for empowerment and leadership for the marginalized, and its ability to innovate its methods and message to the changing society.
I am grateful to Kenneth Ross, Grace Ji-Sun Kim, and Todd Johnson for not only allowing me to participate, but to include the Pentecostal/Charismatic Movement in this beautiful and informative volume. I consider this Edinburgh Series and this North American volume as essential for those who want up-to-date insights into the landscape of Global Christianity in its regional contextual settings. I was blessed to join this esteemed company of diverse contributors and editors who pinned the regional essays, profiles of major theological communities, and treatments of key themes in this context.
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Special Events:
1. I look forward to speaking at Asbury Theological Seminary, Sept. 13 on my co-written book, Healing Our Broken Humanity.
2.I will be at Homebrewed Christianity’s Theology Beer Camp. Please join me and use discount code “madanggodpod” to get 25.00 off registration.
3.Join GreenFaith & partners for multifaith participation in the March to End Fossil Fuels on Sunday, September 17, in New York City. To learn more, visit endfossilfuels.us or email aly@greenfaith.org.