Pentecostal

Grew from

Methodist / Wesleyan

From

1906 AD

Origin

Los Angeles

Emerged from the holiness movement and the Azusa Street revival, teaching a baptism in the Holy Spirit evidenced by the gifts. Now among the fastest-growing forms of Christianity worldwide.

In the record

1. 1906 AD–1909 AD Revival

   The Azusa Street revival

   A racially mixed revival in a disused mission, from which Pentecostalism spread worldwide within a generation.

What it holds

Each position in the terms this tradition itself uses, with its confessional source.

Baptism Church-dividing

An ordinance for believers who have professed faith, ordinarily by immersion, and distinguished from baptism in the Holy Spirit. Statement of Fundamental Truths (1916)

Church authority Church-dividing

Authority is scriptural and local, exercised through recognised ministry gifts rather than sacramental hierarchy. Statement of Fundamental Truths (1916)

Justification Church-dividing

Justification is by grace through faith in Christ alone, and issues in a transformed life. Statement of Fundamental Truths (1916)

Mary Church-dividing

Honoured as the mother of Jesus; prayer is directed to God through Christ alone. Statement of Fundamental Truths (1916)

Scripture and tradition Church-dividing

The scriptures are the inspired and all-sufficient rule of faith and conduct. Statement of Fundamental Truths (1916)

The Lord's Supper Church-dividing

An ordinance commemorating Christ's suffering and death, observed in remembrance until he comes. Statement of Fundamental Truths (1916)

The saints and intercession Church-dividing

Prayer is offered directly to God through Christ; the saints are not invoked. Statement of Fundamental Truths (1916)

The state after death Church-dividing

The believer is with Christ at death; purgatory is not taught. Statement of Fundamental Truths (1916)

How many sacraments Genuine disagreement

Two ordinances, baptism and the Lord's Supper; foot-washing is practised in some bodies. Statement of Fundamental Truths (1916)

Icons and images Genuine disagreement

Worship is directed to God alone; images are not venerated. Statement of Fundamental Truths (1916)

Ordination of women Genuine disagreement

Women have been ordained and have led from the movement's beginnings, though practice varies by body. Contemporary practice, summarised

Perseverance of the saints Genuine disagreement

Continuance in salvation depends on continuing faith; a believer may turn away. Statement of Fundamental Truths (1916)

Predestination and free will Genuine disagreement

Salvation is offered to all who will receive it; the human will genuinely responds to grace. Statement of Fundamental Truths (1916)

How the cross saves Difference of emphasis

Emphasises the atonement as the ground of forgiveness, healing and deliverance. Held across the confessional standards; no tradition makes one theory a test of communion.

Spiritual gifts Difference of emphasis

The gifts continue in full; baptism in the Holy Spirit is evidenced by speaking in tongues. Statement of Fundamental Truths (1916)

The millennium Difference of emphasis

Premillennial readings predominate, often with an expectation of Christ's imminent return. Augsburg Confession, XVII (1530) for the Lutheran position; otherwise contemporary practice, summarised.

Inspiration of scripture Broad agreement

Held in common with all the traditions listed here; not a point of division. Held across all confessional standards

Salvation originates in grace Broad agreement

Held in common with all the traditions listed here; not a point of division. Second Council of Orange (529)

The Incarnation Broad agreement

Held in common with all the traditions listed here; not a point of division. Nicene Creed (381); Chalcedon (451)

The Resurrection Broad agreement

Held in common with all the traditions listed here; not a point of division. Nicene Creed (381); Chalcedon (451)

The Trinity Broad agreement

Held in common with all the traditions listed here; not a point of division. Nicene Creed (381); Chalcedon (451)