The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Azusa Street, Los Angeles, in 1906, saw the beginning of Pentecostalism. This was followed in the 1960s by the Charismatic Renewal in the mainline Christian denominations, alongside the birth of the Independent Charismatic House Churches. This Pentecostal/Charismatic Movement has grown from a handful of individuals in 1906 to a global force of more than 600 million people today. Such a remarkable number means that Christians who have been baptised in the Holy Spirit today represent about one third of global Christianity, and are the fastest growing part of the world-wide church. Whilst there are signs of a slow-down in Western Europe and North America, the rate of growth continues unabated in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. History tells us that renewal movements usually rise and fall, but are we experiencing something different? The time seems to be right for a new look at this amazing Pentecostal/Charismatic Movement.

A new look at the amazing Pentecostal/Charismatic Movement

I was therefore delighted to receive an invitation from a group of Pentecostal leaders and scholars, asking me to join them in a reflection on this important question - how do we see the future for the Pentecostal/Charismatic Movement? A series of meetings will be held to discuss the way ahead, and to consider how best to introduce life in the power of the Holy Spirit to future generations. These reflections are an initiative of the new Board of Trustees of the Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, under the title of “The Commission on Holy Spirit Empowerment”. Rev. Billy Wilson, the Vice Chairman of the Oral Roberts University Trustees, explains the vision for the Commission in these words: “Our hope is that through the work of the Commission, new generations will experience the power of the Holy Spirit. Although the Commission is a broad Kingdom initiative, Oral Roberts University is a fitting place to facilitate the process and we are excited about what the Holy Spirit will do during the coming months.” I am excited too, and we recently held our first meeting where we looked at the history of the Pentecostal/Charismatic Movement, at the present reality, and at the challenges facing us in different parts of the world today. Further meetings will be held in Asia, Europe, and the USA over the coming twelve months, culminating in a Congress in April 2010. This will be followed by a number of publications to document the work done, and address some of the key issues identified during the process.
Our Participation in the Work of Ecumenism.

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) has an important role to play in these discussions. Relations between the CCR, the Classical Pentecostals, and the new Independent Charismatic churches and fellowships continue to improve, even though there remain real difficulties in a number of countries. Following our “irrevocable commitment” to the ecumenical journey (Vat. II) official dialogues have long been established between the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and the Pentecostals, and more recently I have been taking part in Rome in the first informal conversations between the Council and some leaders from the Independent Charismatic churches and ministries. The Holy Spirit is a Spirit of unity, and these and similar initiatives are a sign that he is at work today throughout the body of Christ. The CCR has a very important part to play in responding to this, because our shared experience of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit puts us in a unique position to build bridges of understanding with the Pentecostals and the other charismatics. To be Catholic today is to be ecumenical, as Pope John Paul II reminded us in these words: “This sacred Synod exhorts all the Catholic faithful to recognise the signs of the times and to participate actively in the work of ecumenism” (Ut Unum Sint, paragraph 8).

This is why The Commission on Holy Spirit Empowerment in this new century is to be welcomed by all of us as another important step on this exciting, but often difficult, journey. So what are we hoping for?

A - To raise questions and propose answers for the future development of this mighty move of the Holy Spirit;
B - for ever improving relationships between Pentecostals and Charismatics, leading to greater co-operation in the body of Christ;
C - for greater effectiveness in reaching and engaging new generations in the Spirit-filled life.

I am convinced we need to support The Commission on Holy Spirit Empowerment in every way that we, in good conscience, can. Please pray for the Commission members, that we may hear the Lord and be guided by his Spirit. © Charles Whitehead

Charles Whitehead, is the founder of the Celebrate conference and an international speaker and leader.