Charismatic movement
The Charismatic movement in Christianity is a movement within established or mainstream denominations to adopt beliefs and practices of Charismatic Christianity, with an emphasis on baptism with the Holy Spirit, and the use of spiritual gifts (charismata). It has affected most denominations in the United States, and has spread widely across the world.
The movement is deemed to have begun in 1960 in Anglicanism (through the Episcopal Church USA) and spread to other mainstream Protestant denominations, including other American Protestants by both Lutherans and Presbyterians by 1962, and to Roman Catholicism by 1967. Methodists became involved in the charismatic movement in the 1970s.
The movement was not initially influential in evangelical churches. Although this changed in the 1980s in the so-called Third Wave, the movement was often expressed in the formation of separate evangelical churches such as the Vineyard Movement—neo-charismatic organisations that mirrored the establishment of Pentecostal churches. Many traditional evangelical churches remain opposed to the movement and teach a cessationist theology.
“Southern Charismatics” refers to individuals and churches in the American South that combine traditional Southern Protestant beliefs with the practices of the Charismatic movement. This can involve a focus on contemporary worship styles, spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues, and emotional expressions of faith, but often within existing denominations rather than entirely new ones. A prominent example is the Charismatic Southern Baptist who may exhibit charismatic traits within the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), though tensions can exist regarding official policies on certain practices like speaking in tongues. There is also the term “Bapticostal,” which specifically describes churches in the National Baptist Convention that integrate charismatic elements into their services.
Key characteristics and developments
Charismatic movement: This is a broader Christian movement that emphasizes direct, personal experience with God, often through the gifts of the Holy Spirit as described in the New Testament.
Blending of traditions: Southern Charismatics typically hold to core tenets of their traditional denominations, such as the authority of the Bible, but incorporate charismatic elements into their worship and spiritual life.
Impact on worship: The influence of charismatic practices has led to the adoption of more contemporary music and worship styles in many Southern churches, including those in the SBC.
Spiritual gifts: A central element is the belief in and practice of spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues, prophecy, and healing.
Potential for conflict: In some cases, charismatic practices have created internal tensions within denominations like the SBC, particularly concerning official policies on issues such as speaking in tongues.
Examples:
Charismatic Southern Baptists: A notable group within the SBC that embraces charismatic worship and spirituality, sometimes facing pressure from the more traditional elements of the denomination.
Bapticostal: A term for the intersection of Baptist and Pentecostal traditions, most notably within the National Baptist Convention.