God IS Pouring Out His Spirit Upon ALL Flesh--Not Just Oneness Flesh
 

Is American Christianity Turning Charismatic?

January 7, 2008


(Ventura, CA) - Pentecostal or charismatic Christianity is viewed by some Americans as an emotional, theologically suspect form of the Christian faith. It is widely thought to be a very vocal and visible, but numerically small slice of the grand religious pie in the United States. Two new surveys from The Barna Group, however, indicate that things are changing dramatically in the religious landscape. 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 grown significantly in the past two decades.

Growing Numbers of People

A decade ago, three out of ten adults claimed to be charismatic or Pentecostal Christians. Today, 36% of Americans accept that designation. That corresponds to approximately 80 million adults. (For the Barna survey, this included people who said they were a charismatic or Pentecostal Christian, that they had been "filled with the Holy Spirit" and who said they believe that "the charismatic gifts, such as tongues and healing, are still valid and active today.")

Charismatics are found throughout the fabric of American Christianity. Although just 8% of the population is evangelical, half of evangelical adults (49%) fit the charismatic definition. A slight majority of all born again Christians (51%) is charismatic. Nearly half of all adults who attend a Protestant church (46%) are charismatic.

Charismatic Churches

One 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.

The profile of the typical charismatic congregation is nearly identical to that of evangelical, fundamentalist and mainline Protestant churches. Four out of five (80%) have a full-time, paid pastor in charge of the ministry. The senior pastor is, on average, 52 years old - the same as in other Protestant churches. And the weekly adult attendance is equivalent to that of other Protestant bodies (82 adults at Pentecostal gatherings compared to 85 adults among all Protestant churches).

Myths Exposed

The Barna study found that several widespread assumptions about charismatic churches are inaccurate.


Many people believe that charismatic Christianity is almost exclusively a Protestant phenomenon. However, the research showed that one-third of all U.S. Catholics (36%) fit the charismatic classification. Framed differently, almost one-quarter of all charismatics in the U.S. (22%) are Catholic.

Charismatic churches are generally thought to belong to a rather strictly defined group of denominations. The growth of Pentecostalism, however, has crossed denominational boundaries in recent years. For instance, 7% of Southern Baptist churches and 6% of mainline churches are charismatic, according to their Senior Pastors.

One widespread view is that charismatic Christianity is found mostly in small, relatively unsophisticated congregations. The research suggests something different. Charismatic congregations are about the same size as those of non-charismatic Protestant churches. Most surprisingly, charismatic ministries are more likely than other Protestant churches to use five of the seven technological applications evaluated. Those included the use of large-screen projection systems, showing movie clips in worship services or congregational events, using blogs, and web-based social networking by the church.

In the past, many have observed that the female pastors were more likely to be welcomed into the Pentecostal community. However, 9% of both charismatic and non-charismatic Protestant churches are currently led by a female Senior Pastor.

It is assumed faith trends in America are dictated by white churches, which represent about 77% of the nation's Protestant congregations. However, only 16% of the country's white Protestant congregations are Pentecostal, compared to 65% of the Protestant churches dominated by African-Americans.
Differences Discovered

The surveys did reveal several significant differences between charismatic and non-charismatic congregations. While the average congregational attendance at each type of church is similar, the non-charismatic churches tend to have larger annual operating budgets: $149,000 compared to slightly more than $136,000 budgeted by the Pentecostal ministries.

In like manner, the compensation of each group's Senior Pastors differs. Those who lead non-charismatic churches receive an average total compensation package of about $47,000 annually. In contrast, charismatic pastors receive a package worth about $42,000.

Pastoral education is another major distinction. A large majority of the Senior Pastors of non-charismatic churches (70%) have graduated from a seminary. Not quite half of the charismatic pastors (49%) have a seminary degree.

Reflections on the Research

The movement toward charismatic Christianity coincides with several cultural shifts, according to author George Barna, who directed the research projects.

"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."

"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."

About the Research

This report is based upon a nationwide telephone survey conducted by The Barna Group in December 2007 among a random sample of 1005 adults, age 18 and older. The maximum margin of sampling error associated with the aggregate sample is ±3.2 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. Statistical weighting was used to calibrate the sample to known population percentages in relation to demographic variables. The report also contains information from a nationwide telephone survey conducted among a random sample 1220 Senior Pastors of Protestant churches. The maximum margin of sampling error associated with the aggregate sample of pastors is ±2.9 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.

Being classified as a charismatic or Pentecostal was based on survey respondents saying that they "consider yourself to be a Pentecostal or charismatic Christian, meaning you have been filled by the Holy Spirit and believe that the charismatic gifts, such as tongues and healing, are valid and active today."

"Mainline Protestant" churches were those associated with the American Baptist, United Church of Christ, Episcopal, United Methodist, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and Presbyterian Church in the USA denominations.

"Evangelicals" are people who meet the born again criteria (described below) plus seven other conditions. Those include saying their faith is very important in their life today; believing they have a personal responsibility to share their religious beliefs about Christ with non-Christians; believing that Satan exists; believing that eternal salvation is possible only through grace, not works; believing that Jesus Christ lived a sinless life on earth; asserting that the Bible is accurate in all that it teaches; and describing God as the all-knowing, all-powerful, perfect deity who created the universe and still rules it today. Being classified as an evangelical is not dependent upon church attendance or the denominational affiliation of the church attended. Respondents were not asked to describe themselves as "evangelical."

"Born again Christians" are defined as people who said they have made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is still important in their life today and who also indicated they believe that when they die they will go to Heaven because they had confessed their sins and had accepted Jesus Christ as their savior. Respondents are not asked to describe themselves as "born again."

The Barna Group, Ltd. (which includes its research division, The Barna Research Group) conducts primary research, produces media resources pertaining to spiritual development, and facilitates the healthy spiritual growth of leaders, children, families and Christian ministries. Located in Ventura, California, Barna has been conducting and analyzing primary research to understand cultural trends related to values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviors since 1984. If you would like to receive free e-mail notification of the release of each new, bi-monthly update on the latest research findings from The Barna Group, you may subscribe to this free service at the Barna website www.barna.org.

Of the 36% of Americans who "accept that designation", I wonder how many are really filled with the Spirit and speak in tongues. Real tongues, that is.

Right...'real tongues'.

You know what is funny? While in UPCI they say that you get the "real Holy Ghost" in this kind of a church because we preach the truth.

And then, I noticed that many got the Holy Ghost outside of a oneness church. Then I got to thinking about the UPCI doctrine of Jesus name baptism and how they think THAT ACT forgives their sins. I was told that you can't get the Holy Ghost unless your temple is clean from sin so that I or others should get baptized in Jesus name.

But you know what? These people are getting baptized with the Holy Ghost and they are not baptized with a preacher saying 'In Jesus name".

Now, I think it is funny for all the UPCers to say, "this isn't the real tongues". HAHAHA. It's only real tongues when you get it at their altar!

God filled me with the Holy Ghost and fire in my Honda Accord- don't worry I was pulled over. :)

They tried and tried to pray me through for over 3 months but God wanted to do it for me alone to let me know He is the baptizer!

Better check again...Timmy is NOT a UPCer let alone a Pentecostal....

Second you just misrepresented ALL UPCers...for they do NOT all say that about non Oneness speaking in tongues...though I would venture to say there probably are some that do not speak in real tongues (I have seen it, some have been taught) as well as even Oneness folks that do not speak in real tongues

Ok let me state it differently:

I have heard this arguement about real tongues quite frequently within the UPCI Oregon District and other districts around the country on UPCI Mens Forum.

I think it's a joke to questions tongues just because they didn't get it at your altar.

I agree there are some even among the oneness that speak in real tongues but that is probably because they say you are going to hell without it and they are so scared something comes out and they go with it.

I don't question it just because they did not get it at MY alter

Was not directing it at you but it was a general statement.

But would you agree with this statement?

that they fake it because they are told they are going to hell without it? No....not if they are faking it...why would you fake it if you thought you were going to hell without it? I can see faking it to be accepted though

Well, maybe they even are convinced they are speaking in tongues but really though it came out of stress on the individual and it's not the realy HG baptism.

What other excuses can you come up with? :reaction

Excuss? I personally sought the HG baptism for 3, almost 4 months sincerely.
And there can be a tremendous amount of stress put on an individual while praying for the Holy Ghost. This is far from an excuss. I never faked it but God filled with in my car and now that car is bless forever. :)

I am guilty for putting stress upon a person to the point where they start doing abnormal things.

I was told to say hallelujah REALLY fast multiples times! Do you understand that even that will twist your tongue and sure enough that might just cause you to speak in tongues! lol

Keep saying hallelujah, halleljuah.......more, more, more, more.
BOOOMMMMMMMM tongues!

Okay..., God has poured out his spirit on non-Oneness flesh for years. This is nothing new. We all know that. I've never heard anyone say if you're not oneness you cant get the Holy Ghost.

Fact is though, Oneness is still truth. And Jesus name baptism is still truth.

Jesus said the Holy Ghost "will lead you into all truth" (John 16:13). Being in a church that preaches full truth is not in itself a prerequisite for receiving the Holy Ghost. Repentance and faith are the prerequisites. Now these people they are now in a position where hopefully they will allow themselves to be led by the Holy Spirit into full truth... rather than hold on to man-made traditions (which, unfortunately, is what happens much of the time).

If they receive the Holy Ghost but still continue praying to Mary, baptizing in titles, etc.. they remain in error, and have not allowed the Holy Ghost to lead them into truth.

All churches have man made traditions and all churches have false in them.

Interesting point.

Many people who go to "pentecostal" or charismatic churches are not Spirit-filled. For example, a survey of Asemblies of God "new converts" over a 10 year period showed that only 25% of them got baptized and only 20% received the Holy Ghost.

The AG's own Superintendent has said "If we continue this trend, in 10 years, we will have a very small percentage of Pentecostals in the Assemblies of God."

Theres a link to the survey... HERE.

The percentage of true "Spirit filled" people in Charismatic and Trinitarian Pentecostal churches is much lower than in Apostolic churches.


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Even with those numbers they have how many more times people getting filled than oneness churches? lol

Good grief.

Tell me what common "man made traditions" you know of in the Apostolic movement that are on par with the ones I mentioned (baptizing in the titles instead of the name... and praying to Mary)


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Hello. The issue here is not just quantity, its quality.

If 80% of their members are not being filled with the Holy Ghost, there is something fundamentally wrong there.

But you seem to have some kind of anti-Apostolic bias, so I guess you overlook that very basic fact.



...

1.) Saying "praying through". The Holy Ghost was never prayed through to an individual. This is man made.

2.) Pastoral authoritarian: a pastor in oneness churches will usually set rules for which you can not be on a platform and they all vary from church to church. These are ALL man made traditions. If they were of God, they would all be the same.

3.) Pastoral: Some oneness pastors say the gifts of the Spirit are for the ministry to supervise. This is a man made tradition lie from hell. The gifts were given to the body of Christ, the church of the Living God.

4.) Afraid of praying to the Father: You must only pray to Jesus and in Jesus name. Biblically, Jesus taught the disciples to pray, "Our Father". Not taught in everyone oneness church I know but many.

5.) Holy Ghost laughter: this is a man made tradition.

6.) Having church on Sunday. Sunday was the day where people worshiped the God of the Sun. This is a man made tradition.

I could go on and on and probably if I really spent some time thinking about the different traditions you would be amazed at how many there really is.

This is just off the top of my head.

They're indeed off the top of your head. I must say I believe you, because your responses don't seem like a well thought-out response to my question. You seem to have just thrown those out there just to have a rebuttal of some kind.

Holy Ghost laughter is more of a charismatic practice than apostolic. I've never heard any apostolic church or pastor teach or advocate this. Even in the charismatic movement, "holy laughter" is not that widespread, but it widely frowned upon.

Afraid of praying to the father? Dont know where you heard that. Again, this is not common Apostolic teaching.

Pastoral authority/ authority over the operation of gifts of the spirit... even if pastoral abuse or misuse of authority takes place, that is common is a lot of churches, and is not exclusive to Apostolic churches. And do you consider that to be on par with praying to Mary, which is borderline IDOLATRY?? Spare us.

Going to church on Sunday? The bible never specifies any particular day for going to church. Sunday is as good as any other day. Even for Apostolic churches that have services on Sunday.. you're missing something here... Worship on Sunday is not in disobedience to any scriptural command.Baptism in titles IS. I'm assuming you know that baptism is to be done in/into the NAME (not titles) ... as Jesus instructed, and which the Apostles and first century churches practiced. Churches that refuse to baptize in Jesus' name are in disobedience to the Word of God. Going to church on Sunday is not.


And you think encouraging someone to "pray through" to receive the Holy Ghost (which often leads to them receiving it) is on par with bowing down to a statue of Mary and other saints and praying to them?? If you seriously really believe that, then you really can't be considered credible in this discussion.

Seems like you might have some unresolved "issues" with some Apostolic churches you've encountered in the past. If that's so, I do hope and pray that the Lord helps you get over them.
Like I said, your anti-Apostolic bias seems to be seriously clouding your judgment here.


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I received the Holy Spirit in my apartment, but I suppose there may be pressure if someone is yelling in your ears or telling you to say words fast! Do you think your experience is the norm?

I know many people probably have had similar experiences and I have heard from a few that it is really distracting and then always try to tell you to do certain things and most often they feel uncomfortable.

I will say that I got the HG in all comfort and very fast. I leaned my car seat back and then said one sentence and starting speaking in another language. You know what was funny? I wasn't even trying to get it! It kind of shocked me and it wasn't really as powerful experience as confessing sin or being bapitzed. But I have heard from others the opposit. I did notice though- more power in prayer after receiving it. I prayed for someone and even prophesied a few times very early on.

It's just when I read the word of God in the examples that are given the Holy Ghost was freely given and not coached into. It seems more immediate. When God poured it, BOOM 120 or so got it. Muliple times we see that everyone got it at the same time. Not they prayed one person through and then prayed another person through. You know what I mean?

What is the percentage in the UPC? Can you give me a link to a survey in your organization?

What percentage of new converts in the UPC are baptized and filled?

Well, I'd say the the short answer would simply be "100%", just logically speaking.

The reason is simple.

Keep in mind one thing: The AG and the UPC tabulate their numbers of members and new converts very differently, based on their doctrinal differences to begin with. So the numbers would be like comparing apples to oranges in a sense.

The AG teaches that one is saved by simply repenting and "receiving Jesus". The UPC teaches that such repentance is just the first step. So a person isn't regarded as a new convert in the UPC until they've repented, gotten baptized, and got filled with the Holy Ghost speaking in tongues.

There may be some exceptions somewhere, but as far as I know, local UPC churches don't add the person to their membership numbers unless they're saved according to Acts 2:38. (i.e. baptized and filled)

Therefore, the present UPCI estimate of 4,036,945 worldwide members would consists of people who have repented, and gotten baptized & Holy Ghost filled.

Hope that helps, somewhat.

Check this link if u like: http://www.upci.org/about.asp


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How about the requirement that men have to remove a hat inorder to pray...

I haven't read the thread but from the title, I have a question...

Can it truly be the REAL Holy Ghost since according to Acts 5:32, God gives the Holy Ghost to them that OBEY Him. If obedience is considered to be immersion in water in the name of Jesus, can it be said that the Trinitarians cannot possibly receive the Holy Ghost? Or, could it possibly be that we might ought to redifine our traditional interpretation to Acts 2:38?

Just a question.

Those who say they are of God is going to deceive the world with their miracles.Rev.13:[11] And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
[12] And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
[13] And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
[14] And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

Math.7:13: Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
15: Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16: Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17: Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18: A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19: Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20: Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22: Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23: And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity

The AoG churches only have baptismal services once and year
and set times during the course of the year when a person can recieve the holy ghost mostly in a weekly "how to' class. It's not encouraged openly in many of their churches

Good grief. Is that the best you can come up with? Please.
You're really scraping the bottom of the barrel here aren't you?

First of all, I don't know about "requiring men to remove their hat in order to pray". Never seen that specifically required "to pray". But I do know in apostolic churches men are expected not to have their hats on in the sanctuary or during church services. Big difference there. And that's a tradition, but A) its not doctrinal in nature a are the 2 practices I mentioned previously and B) its not in disobedience to any scripture!!. Besides, its a common "church tradition", not just apostolic churches.

But lets get serious here. You think asking men to take off their hats in church is on par with praying to Mary? Get real.

I'd have to assume its the "REAL" Holy Ghost. Baptism in Jesus name is not a requirement to be fulfilled before receiving the the Holy Ghost. Repentance and faith are the requirements to receive the HG.

When a person cries out to God at an altar of repentance in an Apostolic church often they know little or nothing about baptism doctrine, Godhead doctrine, etc. If they're in an AoG church and cry out in repentance to God, they're in a similar situation. At this point of repentance, they could receive the [same] Holy Ghost in either church. The doctrinal details come afterward, but God still honors a person's repentance.

Besides, think of how many Trinitarian Pentecostal preachers have come to the knowledge of Jesus name baptism and Oneness doctrine years after receiving the HG. They simply submit to the proper doctrine and grow in God from that point on. God doesn't have to fill them with the "real" Holy Ghost afterward, if they already got it years back. The Holy Ghost they had before is the same one they continue to have after they come to the fullness of truth.


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Witches "speak in tongues". Glossolalia isn't unique to Christianity. It's a designation of possession among the cults. Many Voodoo practitioners also "speak in tongues." Tongues is a sign that is used in the realm of the spiritual to indicate spiritual possession or one's submission to a spirit. The doctrine and spiritual teaching of the "spirit" or "deity" involved will dictate which "spirit" or "deity" is behind the manifestation. When the truth is preached, the Holy Ghost is taking control. If false doctrine is being preached or witchcraft is being taught the tongues are of the devil and that spirit is taking control, a sort of "mimicking" the Holy Ghost's manifestation.

There are many universal principles and manifestations when dealing with the spirit-world. The unknowledgeable can be easily fooled if they do not understand the nature of the spiritual or spiritual activity and manifestation.

If your assumption is true jusxtaposed to Acts 5:32, NOT obeying the command of Peter in Acts 2:38 is NOT disobedience?

Houston, we have a problem!

If you are assuming or implying that Trinitarians who profess to have been baptized with the Holy Ghost have instead received a demonic counterfeit... then you're fee to do so. I don't wish to join you in that assumption.

I'd be very careful about uttering such a statement, for reasons that should be obvious.


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You are jumping to conclusions. You should not assume things that are not stated. For a fact, my wife received the true baptism of the Holy Ghost in Central Assembly of God church.

??? Once a year baptismal services????

Have you ever been to an AOG church? I have and they had more than one baptismal service in a month.

Then Peter should have said:

Repent and you can get the Holy Ghost or if you don't, get baptized in Jesus name and then get the Holy Ghost.

I guess there wasn't an order do it? Apparently God can fill you with the Holy Ghost without your sins remitted?

WOW!

LOL.... :lol

The point I was leading up to is that we need a little deeper understanding of the scriptures, Acts 2:38 in particular.

So true!

If in fact you can get the Holy Ghost without being baptized in Jesus name everyone who believes this has to admit that Jesus forgives your sins/remits them before baptism since they say the Holy Ghost will not enter an unclean temple.

But even further than that- if a person fails to recognize in the Spirit that God forgives through confession they really are not very mature or sensitive to the Lord.

Even beyond that, post-baptism, if ones sins, we have scriptures that talk about if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. You see it's not in the water, but in the blood of Jesus Christ and how it's a miracle he can apply it to us 2,000 years after the Lamb of God sacrifice.

What do you think Apprehended?

In the Greek, the Word "forgive" is also interpreted as "remission." It is one and the same thing.

If someone ask God to forgive them, God is not going to give them the BAD NEWS, "Nope! I'm not going to forgive (remit) your sins, you low down rascal, I am going to continue to hold them against you and furthermore, I'm NOT going to cast them into the sea of forgetfullness." That is BAD news, usually propagated by inference by those whom have less than a full view of the Cross of Jesus which has been made alive effecatious by the resurrection.

Really, it is too bad that the Cross and the blood is not preached too much anymore. Where there is a dim revelation of its power to save, to heal and to empower for service, it is often neglected. That is the reason that I have often chided my own bretheren and fellowship for measuring the plumb line off the Acts and the Epistles rather than the Gospels...the Chief Cornerstone.

When there is a proper perspective of the Gospels, then a fuller, more rounded understanding of Jn 3:5/Acts 2:38 comes into focus after we become believers, following Jesus in the light a step at a time.

Instead of following Jesus as he leads us individually, one step at a time, we bcome cookie-cutter robots having a form of godliness only as robot soldiers whose spring has been fairly wound up and set loose upon the world. Hence, we become so THEOLOGICAL with very little of the life of the cross left in it.

Fine. If I'm jumping to conclusions, its only based on reading what you said. So make yourself clear then. It seemed clear that you were "going somewhere with your previous post, although you wouldn't say where you were going with that thought. I can only infer from what you yourself said.

Looking at the thread, the issue at hand, was whether or not Trinitarians had the "real" holy Ghost if they're not baptized in Jesus name. Someone previously was surmising that by not being in obedience to Acts 2:38, they are "in disobedience"...so could we really say they have the Holy Ghost since God gives it to those who obey him? My response to that post is already posted.

You then leave a somewhat cryptic-sounding post, as if to insist that they are in disobedience of Acts 2:38 and you referred to Acts 5:32 again (which says we receive the HG by being in obedience). What else would you be implying by stating "Houston, we have a problem" if we don't see/believe that?

The natural thought then, would be that you were implying that maybe they dont have the "real" Holy Ghost. If that's not what you were saying, fine... I reached the wrong conclusion.

You are correct by the way. I shouldn't assume things that are not clearly stated. I guess if you don't want to be misunderstood, you might want to state your point clearly, instead of just hinting at it.

So tell us clearly then... What did you mean in that post quoted above?