strange fires
Pentecostals And Charismatics: What's The Difference?
Compiled by Rafael D Martinez with great inspiration from Dr. Gerald Daffe, Lee University
Points Of Distinction Pentecostal Charismatic
Faith Tradition Roots |
19th Century Protestant "Holiness" Movements from Baptist-Methodist backgrounds |
20th Century transdenominational movement w. Catholic, Protestant, Eastern Orthodox |
Church Polity |
Traditional denominational forms created with various forms of government |
Mainly derived from former members of mainline & evangelical denominations |
Holiness & Sanctification |
Strong, clearly defined doctrinal positions (some led to austerity & legalism) |
Few strong doctrinal holiness emphases (led to carnality & abuse of Christian liberty) |
Doctrinal Distinctive Focus (several - one cited here) |
Doctrine of spiritual gifts operated by the Spirit for edification of the Body |
Doctrine of spiritual gifts given to believers to use as they see fit / personal gain |
Holy Ghost Baptism Focus |
Holy Ghost Baptism with speaking of tongues as "initial evidence", preceded by Sanctification |
Holy Ghost Baptism evidenced by various signs, little to no emphasis on the necessity for Sanctification |
Socioeconomic Makeup |
Initially only black and white lower class with limited education (now changing) |
Encompasses all socioeconomic sectors of human society globally |
Church Order Motif |
Strong emphases on worship, Biblical preaching, "Body ministry" and evangelism |
Strong emphases on experiential worship, Biblical teaching, spiritual warfare and edification |
For more information and perspectives on this, click on the following links:
A Survey Of The History And Distinctives Of Pentecostalism (PDF file)
A Study Of The Charismatic Renewal: The Name
Pentecostals, Charismatics, and the Third Wave
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