Reflections on the Charismatic Movement

Recently, I completed a 7 part series on Hyper-Charismaticism on my Tower of Adam newsletter.

It’s a difficult concept to define, but it refers to heterodox spiritual practices and theologies which appear in some Charismatic churches.  These include the New Apostolic Reformation, which says that apostles and prophets are to be in charge of the Church and not bishops and priests.  It also includes unaccountable prophetic ministries, New Age spiritual practices and takes the Bible out of context to make unsound and unbiblical claims.

Some people may have felt I was being too critical of the Charismatic Church.  So I thought I’d give my reflections on the positive contributions the charismatics make to the Global Church community.

Joy, Joy, Joy

One key characteristic of the charismatics is joy.  In their church services, it is common to hear expressive shouts of joyous praise to God.  Smiles abound across the congregation. They can be ecstatic in their response to God, seemingly with little care for traditional conventions.

They are passionate in their faith and their love for God.  It is common for them to attend extended prayer and song vigils, desiring to please God above all things and they long to hear His voice.

Their attitude is infectious and goes a long way to explain the significant growth in this part of the Church.

Music Used In Worship

Many of the songs sung in Protestant churches have been written by Charismatics and Pentecostals. The Vineyard Movement grew in popularity due to its music, as did the Hill Song churches.

A popular group of Christian musicians, the Rend Collective, came out of the Elim Pentecostal movement. Their songs are very popular in the Protestant churches who use contemporary worship music.

Freedom from Religiosity

Charismatics tend to be suspicious of traditional religious practices. They are concerned about how sometimes tradition feels like it is ‘just about going through the motions’.

They are focussed on fresh experiences. And they see tradition could hold them back from experiencing God more. However, abandoning all tradition, throwing the baby out with the bath water, can lead to heretical theology.

Theological Suspicion

Charismatics tend to view theologians with suspicion. I suspect this may be due to the negative responses theologians gave the early Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements.

I would say that it is certainly true that some theologians have presented some heterodox ideas, but not all theologians are unorthodox.

Because of their suspicions, Charismatics are less likely to be influenced by theologians who take a more secular and liberal view of Scripture.

Zeal Without Knowledge

My hope is that the up and coming generation of Charismatic leaders would agree with this poignant quote:

Zeal without knowledge is the sister of folly

The Charismatics have extraordinary passion for Christ. But without good theological grounding, the movement will likely end up preaching a gospel of folly.

Just as the rest of the Church could share in the passion of the Charismatics, they in turn need to draw on the teachings, theology and traditions of the rest of the global Christian community.

Conclusion

The Charismatic Church, with all its unorthodox practices, wildness and untamedness, it is still very much part of the Global Christian Community. It has its issues, like all denominations, but it also makes a positive contribution to the Church.